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The Ultimate Big Island Itinerary: 5 Days of Volcanoes, Black Sand, and Adventure

January 25, 2026 No Comments

If you’ve been following my travel blog for a while now, you know that my husband and I aren’t really the “sit by the pool with a Mai Tai” kind of couple. We love being outdoors, we love a good hike, we love National Parks and we’re usually trying to pack as much as humanly possible into every single day!

For our anniversary last year, we decided to skip the winter chill and headed to the Big Island in Hawaii in April. Our actual anniversary was in January, but we waited until April for that perfect weather window—and let me tell you, it was so worth the wait. Also, it is our annual ritual that we take an island trip every year on our anniversary because we both love islands so much!

The Big Island is unlike any other Hawaiian island. It’s huge, it’s raw, and it feels like you’re visiting four different planets in one week. Whether you want to walk through a literal lava tube or watch the sunset from a black sand beach, this place has it.

Before we jump into the actual 5-day itinerary for Big Island, I wanted to share a few important tips to help you plan your own “delayed” celebration or adventure trip!

How many days are enough for the Big Island?

Honestly? You could spend two weeks here and still not see it all. It’s called the “Big” Island for a reason! We did 5 days of heavy exploring, and while we saw a ton, I’d recommend at least 7 to 10 days if you want to actually slow down and breathe. But if you’re like us and don’t mind a bit of a “hustle” itinerary or don’t have that much time to spare, 5 days will give you a great highlight reel.

Best time to visit?

We went in April and it was perfect. January through March can be a bit rainier (especially on the Hilo side), so April offered that sweet spot of lush greenery without the constant downpours. We did get some light showers here and there, but nothing as major to disrupt our plans. Plus, you beat the massive summer crowds and save money!

What to pack?

Proper Hike Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. The volcanic rock is sharp and slippery. Don’t try to hike Pololu Valley in flip-flops!
Rain Jacket & Sweaters: Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the US, and the Volcano National Park gets cold at night. The weather on islands is usually unpredictable so be prepared for rain or cold and pack accordingly. Also, some spots on the island can get very windy through the day so carrying a light jacket will help.
Sunscreen & Sun Hats: There is very little shade on the lava fields.
Snorkeling Gear: If you have your own, bring it! The water is crystal clear.
Umbrellas: Because it can rain anytime, even if its a light shower, it will be good to carry an umbrella and if you’ll be renting a car and driving around, you can just store it in your car.

Where to stay?

We explored the West, East and South parts of the island so we moved around a bit. We started our trip with the Western part so we stayed in the Royal Kona Resort for the first half of our trip. Its a beautiful oceanfront property and we had a great experience overall. It is very reasonably priced so if you’re looking for a waterfront experience without making a dent in your pocket, check this resort out.

For the second half of our trip, we stayed on the east side of the island and rented an airbnb. However, you could also choose to stay in the Volcano Village which will give you a rustic village experience in the middle of a lush rainforest. It’s so tranquil and feels worlds away from the touristy resorts.

**How to get around (and do you really need a car?)**

Short answer: Yes, 100%. If you remember from my Banff post, I mentioned that having a car is the only way to get true flexibility, and that is even more true here. The Big Island is twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined! You’ll be driving through lava fields, rainforests, and mountain strips—often all in the same day.

Renting a Car: We went with a traditional rental company through Expedia and pre-booked our car before the trip, but Turo is also a huge thing here just like in Canada. We have had a great experience with Turo every time we’ve tried it so I would recommend that as well. If you want a specific “island vibe” Jeep or a 4WD (which you’ll need if you plan on going to the very top of Mauna Kea), Turo is a great option.
Do you need 4WD? For this specific itinerary, a standard SUV or even a sedan is fine. We rented a standard SUV and that worked just fine for us because most of the main spots we hit like Volcano National Park and the Hilo waterfalls are on well-paved roads. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to do some off-roading or head to certain remote beaches, 4WD is a lifesaver.
Public Transport: There is the Hele-On Bus, and it’s actually free right now! But, it’s mostly designed for locals commuting between Hilo and Kona. For a “packed” itinerary like ours where you’re hitting five different spots a day, the bus just won’t work. It would take you hours to get where a car takes you in 30 minutes.
Pro Tip on Gas: Gas is expensive on the island, and stations can be few and far between once you leave the main towns. Never let your tank get below a quarter, especially when you’re heading toward the South Point or the Chain of Craters Road—there are zero gas stations inside the National Park!

And now, let’s dive into the fun part – the itinerary!

DAY 1 – LANDING IN KONA

We landed around 7:00 PM at the Kona International Airport and kept it super simple. Since we knew we had a packed day the next day, we just stayed at a spot close to the airport to avoid driving too much.

Pro-tip: Pick up your rental car and grab some basic snacks/water tonight so you can hit the road early in the morning!

DAY 2 – KONA WEST & NORTH COAST ADVENTURE

This day was all about those dramatic Northern views of the island and some local vibes. You will need proper hike shoes for this day because it includes hikes and trails so make sure you prepare accordingly. Also, make sure to carry a light jacket as some viewpoints can get very windy. A hair scrunchy/rubber band would also be handy if you don’t want your hair getting messed up from the wind.

Here is a google map link that you can follow for this day.

Stop 1 – Lapakahi State Historical Park

This place was incredibly peaceful and offers some amazing views of the ocean but it was very windy. Its a partially restored coastal village that dates back over 600 years. It was so cool to walk among the ancient stone ruins and see exactly how the early Hawaiians lived and fished—it really gives you a deep respect for the land before you continue your drive.

Stop 2 – Pololu Valley Lookout

Next stop was the Polulu Valley Lookout. The views are stunning and its one of those places where the photos just don’t do it justice—the contrast between the deep green cliffs and the crashing blue surf is absolutely wild. Standing at the top gives you that “edge of the world” feeling, and it’s the perfect spot to just take a breath before you start the trek down to the black sand floor.

Below are some pictures from this lookout.

Stop 3 – Pololu Trail Hike

It’s a rocky 0.9-mile trail that takes less than 30 minutes. It leads to a spectacular black sand beach. It gets steep and slippery.

Stop 4 – Historic Hawi Town

After the hike, we explored Hawi for a bit for that old-school Hawaii charm. Its a colorful, quirky town that was once the heart of the sugar industry but now feels like a hub for local artists and cute boutiques. We loved walking past the bright storefronts, and honestly, the laid-back, ‘old Hawaii’ vibe here is exactly the kind of off-beat experience we look for on these trips.

We stopped and grabbed lunch at the Bamboo Restaurant and the food was delicious.

Stop 5 – Kuki’o Beach

On our way back to the resort, we made a stop at the Kuki’o Beach. It is basically tucked away behind a gated resort area but you can still go in. It’s a stunning stretch of white sand and lava rocks where we saw some of the biggest sea turtles just chilling on the shore. It’s much quieter than the main tourist beaches, making it the perfect ‘secret’ spot to just soak in the views for an hour. You can also hang out here if you want to catch a beautiful sunset. It was very windy here as well so be prepared.

Stop 6 – Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach)

This was our last stop of the day and was truly “jaw-dropping” moment. Try to reach before 7:00 PM for the sunset. Bring a hat/umbrella because there is zero shade here!

We ended the night at Foster’s Kitchen. Highly recommend their Coconut Grove location!

DAY 3 – THE DEEP SOUTH & VOLCANO BOUND

We headed south today to see the most southern point of the entire US!

Pro tip: Make sure to pack lunch before heading out if you’re going to be following this itinerary as is. There are not many spots on the way so if you don’t want the stress of finding something last minute, go prepared.

Here is the link to the google map that we followed for this day.

Stop 1- Greenwell Farms

You can’t come to Kona and skip a coffee tour. We did the 10:00 AM tour and here’s the link we used to prebook our tour online. If you plan to do this one, plan to arrive 10 minutes early. I highly recommend this tour because it was a very insightful tour, specially for a coffee lover like me. Our tour guide walked us through the whole process of growing coffee beans and we also saw the plantations and got to walk around their massive property. They also had free coffee samples for us to taste, and we got back some coffee beans too.

Stop 2 – Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

This is a culturally significant place for the Hawaiian people and you can learn more about the ancient practices and rituals of the native Hawaiians here. Its often called the ‘Place of Refuge and its right on the water with these dramatic black lava flats and towering palm trees (as shown below in the pictures) which makes a beautiful scenery.

Stop 3 – Kalae (South Point)

This is where Polynesians first landed and this historical area is the southernmost point of the Hawaiian Islands and the second southernmost point in the United States.. The views of the Ka Lae cliffs are expansive and wild. We even saw ruins of an ancient temple.

Stop 4 – Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Keep an eye out for sea turtles (see the third picture below)! The sand was jet black and so unreal.

Stop 5 – Volcano Village

Volcano Village is a rustic village in the middle of a lush rainforest and is famous for its beauty and tranquility. We drove through this village, grabbed dinner here and then checked into the airbnb on the eastern side of the island, close to the village.

DAY 4 – HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

This was the most awaited day for me from our entire trip because I was excited to see the Lava rocks and the craters.

Pack a sweater for today! The elevation makes it much cooler than the coast. Here is the google map link for this day.

Stop 1 – Kilauea Iki Crater

We did the short hike down into the crater. Its a 4 miles round trip with medium difficulty level and it truly feels like walking on another planet. If you only plan to do one hike through the entire trip, then this would be the one I’d recommend.

Tip to avoid crowds: Park at Devastation and do the 6-mile loop from Byron Ledge. The scenery includes panoramic views of Kīlauea caldera, Mauna Loa (on clear days), and native forest with tall tree ferns.. Also, start the hike as early as you can to beat the crowd.

Stop 2 – Thurston Lava Tube

A quick, 20-minute walk through a tree-fern forest leads you into an illuminated lava cave. It is an easily accessible and very interesting lava tube close to the Kīlauea Iki parking lot. You can park at the Kīlauea Iki Overlook which is connected to the lava tubes by a very scenic half-mile hike. This was our first time visiting a lava tube and it was insane!

Stop 3 – Mauna Loa Strip Road – Scenic drive to the Mauna Loa Lookout

The Mauna Loa Strip Road is an 11.2 mile (one way) road which takes you to the Mauna Loa lookout point at an elevation of 6,662 feet (2031 meters). So we took this scenic route and it rewarded us with these expansive, panoramic views of the Kīlauea caldera and the coast far below. The views of the landscape were gorgeous from the top so I highly recommend this drive but keep in mind that this is going to be a bit of a climb for your rental car so plan accordingly.

Stop 4 – Chain of Craters Road Scenic Drive

If you have the energy, drive all the way to the ocean where the road literally disappears under a sheet of lava.

Stop 5 – Night Viewing

We went to the Jaggar Museum parking lot (the museum is closed but the lot is open) and walked to the fence to see the glow of the lava lake. It’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” sight so I highly recommend doing it in the night.

DAY 5 – HILO TOWN AND RAINBOW FALLS

This day was all about exploring the town of Hilo on the eastern side of the island.

Stop 1: Breakfast at Ken’s Pancake House

A total island staple. This is a very famous spot for breakfast and their pancakes are to die for!

Stop 2 – Hilo Downtown

We spent the morning walking around the shops and enjoying the downtown vibe. If you’re up for a history lesson, try visiting the Tsunami museum. Or you could also visit the Hulihe’e Palace which is the summer home of the Hawaiian ali’i like King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. Or you could try some more Kona coffee at the Kona Coffee And Tea Company or some chilled beer at the Kona Brewing Company. There’s plenty of places to eat and drink at in the downtown so you could spend a couple hours here and grab lunch before heading to the next stop.

Stop 3 – Rainbow Falls

A short hike to the top of the falls. If you go in the morning, you might actually see the rainbows in the mist! It is a massive 80-foot waterfall within Hilo town itself.

Stop 4 – Onomea Bay and Liliuokalani Park

One of my absolute favorite scenic detours was the Onomea Bay drive. We took the ‘4-mile scenic route’ off the main highway, and it honestly felt like driving through a tropical tunnel—everything was so incredibly green and lush. We got a bit of light rain on our way which made the greenery look even more beautiful. We also stopped to walk a bit on the Onomea Trail, which leads you down toward the bay, and the view of the turquoise water crashing against the jagged cliffs is just stunning. It’s the perfect spot to pull over, stretch your feet, and just stare at the ocean for a bit—definitely a ‘must-do’ if you’re exploring the Hilo side!

We ended the day with a beautiful Japanese-style garden right by the ocean called the Liliuokalani Park. Admission is free to I would highly recommend checking this place out.

DAY 6 – THE HAMAKUA COAST

This was our last day on the island so we decided to take the scenic route back to the airport through the East part of the island.

Here is the link to our google map for this day.

Stop 1 – Akaka Falls

An easy 0.4-mile loop trail through a lush rainforest leads you to a massive 442-foot waterfall, which is the most famous waterfall in the state of Hawaii. There is a parking cost of $10 and an entrance cost of $5 per person for non-resident visitors. The hike itself is beautiful because it takes you through the rainforest, the view of the falls is stunning and we also had some coconut water on our way back which was really refreshing.

Stop 2 – Hamakau Scenic Drive

The Hamakua Coast drive along Highway 19 is honestly one of the most beautiful stretches of road I’ve ever seen. It’s known as the ‘Heritage Corridor,’ and it takes you along the northeastern slopes of Mauna Kea, where you’re constantly surrounded by deep green gulches, towering sea cliffs, and waterfalls tucked away in every corner. We loved that it wasn’t just a straight highway—there are so many one-lane bridges and little pull-offs where you can see the ocean crashing against the rocky coast below. It feels worlds away from the dry, volcanic landscape of Kona, and it was the perfect way to spend our last morning soaking in the lush, tropical side of the island. Again, most look out points on this scenic drive were very windy so be prepared.

Stop 3 – Historic town of Honoka’a

We stopped in this historic town for lunch before the final leg of the drive. This town was once a bustling sugar plantation hub, and today the main street is lined with these charming, colorful wooden storefronts that house everything from antique shops to local boutiques. It has a much more rugged, authentic ‘cowboy’ (Paniolo) feel than the resort areas in Kona. If you have time, you could pop into the Honoka’a People’s Theater—it’s been around since 1930 and is such a cool piece of island history!

Stop 4 – Waipio Valley Lookout

Known as the “Valley of Kings”, its one of the most culturally significant spots for the native Hawaiians and a hotspot for the traditional cultivation of the locally prized “kalo” or taro crops. This lookout point offers some really stunning views of the valley.

Stop 5- Waikoloa Village

One last stop for a coffee before heading back to the Kona airport for our flight.

The Big Island really is a “choose your own adventure” kind of place. Whether you’re standing on the edge of a volcanic crater or driving through the lush tunnels of the Hamakua Coast, it’s impossible not to feel the raw energy of this island. It was the perfect way for us to celebrate our anniversary—even if it was a few months late! If you’re someone who loves being on the move and discovering those off-the-beaten-path gems, I hope this itinerary helps you plan a trip that’s just as memorable as ours was. Just remember to pack your hiking shoes, keep your gas tank full, and leave a little room for the unexpected magic that always seems to happen in Hawaii!

For itineraries on other islands in Hawaii such as Oahu, follow this link.

Travel, United States

5 days in Alaska: An ultimate travel itinerary

October 16, 2023 No Comments

To me, Alaska was a place on the map that I studied about in my geography class when in school. I remember learning about how Alaska is close to the Arctic circle, has these magnificent glaciers and breathtaking Northern Lights. So you can tell that it was more of a distant dream for me to visit Alaska. And that dream came true in 2022 when my husband and I planned a trip here with our friends. We planned for 5 days in Alaska during the fall season and those 5 days in Alaska were the most unforgettable ones for me!

Because Alaska has a vast landscape, it will take at least a week to explore everything. But we could only plan 5 days in Alaska over the week before the Labor day weekend and that was also enough for us to cover most of the key spots. There is a lot to do if you’re visiting as a tourist such as Glacier landing, hiking, helicopter rides, wildlife watching, cruise and scenic drives. But if you plan well, you can do all of this in 5 days in Alaska. So in this blog, I will be sharing our itinerary for spending the best 5 days in Alaska that will help you plan a smooth trip.

But before I jump into the itinerary, here are some important travel tips to keep in mind if it’s your first time here.

How long do you need to visit Alaska?

In terms of the length of time needed to visit Alaska, as I mentioned, plan for at least a week if you can. If not, then with perfect planning you can do a lot in less than a week as well. Everyone travels differently so the things that we wanted to do may not necessarily be on your list. So depending on what you want out of this trip, you can always adjust the length of time.

What is the best time to 5 days in Alaska?

The best time to visit really depends on what you want to do here. Alaska has four seasons and each season has a lot to offer. If you visit in the summer, you will get warm and nice weather to do more outdoor activities. In Autumn, you get to see the beautiful fall colors and the tundra turning red and yellow. While in the shoulder season i.e. anytime after the first week of September, you will be able to see the Northern Lights. In the winter season, you will also be able to enjoy all the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing etc. We visited in the last week of August and we were lucky enough to get the best of both i.e. fall colors and Northern Lights. The weather was cold but not cold enough to stop us from doing things.

What to pack?

Because Alaska weather is very unpredictable and changes rapidly, I suggest packing layers no matter what weather you go in. Pack all your warm clothes such as trench coats, parka jackets, puffer jackets, snow boots, caps, gloves, socks, thermals etc. Also ensure to pack hiking boots, poles if you need, comfortable pairs of active wear, a backpack and rain gear like umbrellas and rain jackets. Keep bug spray and bear spray as well.

How much does it cost for 5 days in Alaska?

In terms of the cost, since we visited after the pandemic we had to pay more for everything from flights to hotels as the costs have gone up significantly. However, we took connecting flights and our flights from Atlanta to Fairbanks with one layover cost us $500 per person. As for the stay, because we were a group of four we decided to do Airbnbs everywhere because that was more comfortable and economical. Here’s the link to our beautiful airbnb in Anchorage and here’s the link for the one in Fairbanks. We had a great experience in both and it was affordable.

How to get around?

We took a car rental for the entire length of our trip to go around because that gave us much more flexibility and comfort. There’s public transport available as well but I’d recommend a car rental, even though it can be expensive. We had Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks on our list so having a car was important. Driving around Alaska is fairly easy as the traffic is not that bad, even in the peak seasons.

What advance bookings do you need to make?

This will depend on what season you go in. Regardless, you will want to book your flights, hotels and car rentals a couple of months ahead to get cheaper deals, especially if you plan to go in the peak season. If Denali National Park is on your list, then you should also book the bus tour a couple of months in advance because this is a very popular tourist activity. We took the Tundra wilderness tour but there are a couple of other options as well to suit your needs. The Seward cruise, Matanuska Glacier Hike, Glacier Landing and the Anchorage Trolley Tour were a few other things we booked in advance. And if Northern Lights is also on your list and you prefer doing a tour rather than going on your own, then you may want to book this in advance as well.

And now, let me jump straight into our 5 days in Alaska itinerary. This itinerary covers a bunch of interesting activities such as hikes, glacier landing, helicopter tour, scenic drive, cruise, wildlife watching and Northern Lights. But you can always tweak it to your liking.

DAY 1 – EXPLORE ANCHORAGE

Breakfast at Black Cup Coffee

We started our Day 1 with a delicious coffee and breakfast at the Black Cup Coffee. I absolutely loved their ambience and the coffee was so good.

Flattop Mountain Trail

Our first stop was the Flattop Mountain Trail and this trail opens up to stunning panoramic views of the mountains. It’s a difficult trail and has some steep inclines so be prepared and take hiking poles with you if you need. The weather here changes rapidly so make sure to dress in layers because as you reach the top you will feel warmer. It takes roughly around 3-4 hours round trip, including stops in between and at the top. You will get beautiful views throughout the hike, but once you reach the top you will be amazed at the breathtaking views of Denali, the Aleutian Islands and Mount Mckinley so I’d totally recommend adding this to your itinerary if you have the time.

Beluga Point Site (Must Visit)

This point is known for spotting white whales swimming close to the shore. Although we weren’t able to see the whales, we were still able to enjoy the beautiful views. This point is on the Seward Highway and you will see a signboard on the right side of the road. They say that it’s a great spot to visit when there’s a high tide because the whales come closer to the shore and there’s a high chance of seeing them.

Virgin Creek Falls

This is on the Seward highway and is a fairly easy and short hike. So we took a quick stop here, walked a couple of minutes and reached the beautiful waterfall. The trail is rocky and can be slippery so make sure you wear sturdy shoes. Also, you’re in the rainforest so carry a rain jacket. Virgin Creek Falls is a great stop on the Seward Highway if you have the time.

Byron Glacier Trail

We continued to drive on the Seward Highway in the Turnagain Arm region to reach the Byron Glacier. The drive itself was very scenic and beautiful. Once we reached the Byron Glacier Trail site, we made our way to the trailhead which is a few hundred meters from the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. The trail opens up to amazing views of the Byron Glacier. It takes about 30 minutes one way and is worth a visit if you have the time.

Visit Point Woronzof Park

After the Byron Glacier Trail, we made our way back to the town of Anchorage. We had plans to explore the downtown and take the trolley bus tour but before that we decided to stop at the Point Woronzof Park. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and wildlife.

Anchorage Trolley Tour

The Anchorage Trolley Deluxe city tour is a great way to explore Anchorage and learn more about its history. It’s a 90-minute guided tour that stops at the iconic locations like Earthquake Park, Lake Hood and Westchester Lagoon. We were also able to see an aircraft cross the road right in front of us. And we also learnt a lot about Alaska’s rich history. There are different types of tours so you can check the official website for more details.

Visit Anchorage Market

Our last stop for the day was the famous Anchorage market. It’s a popular thing to do and is located at the Diamond Center Mall on 88th Avenue. It runs from mid-May to mid-September and is open from Friday through Sunday. And it’s free to get in so I’d definitely recommend checking this quirky market out.

Dinner at 49th State Brewing

We ended our first day with an amazing craft beer and delicious food at 49th State Brewing.

DAY 2 – SEWARD CRUISE AND AERIAL TRAM

Seward Cruise

We planned the first half of our second day for a cruise of the Kenai Fjords National Park. This is one of the top tourist activities because it takes you up and close to the glaciers and you can actually see the glaciers calving right in front of your eyes. We took the 8-hour cruise option and booked it through Viator. And if you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see the sea animals. However, since this is going be a long ride, here’s a few tips to help you plan this better,

If you have sea sickness then be sure to take a pill before you hop on the cruise. However, on the cruise they will show you the best places to avoid sea sickness and they usually also offer ginger ale or candy to help you feel better but always be prepared.
You can pack some food or snacks for the cruise if you’d like. Although you will get a lunch buffet on the cruise that will be included in your package, if you’d prefer to carry your own food just in case then feel free to do that. Especially, if you’re a vegetarian as that might limit your options. Be sure to submit your lunch selection in advance.
Dress in layers because it will be a bit chilly on the cruise throughout the day. So be sure to wear a parka jacket or trench coat, gloves, cap, a thermal inside and boots. Also carry a rain jacket.
Make sure you go on a sunny day and not when it’s raining or cloudy. The beautiful colors of the water and the glacier views are best when it’s sunny and bright.

This cruise is an amazing way to witness the beautiful green blue color of the water, sea animals like Orcas and the stunning glaciers. And the nice part was that it actually stops for 20 minutes in front of the Holgate Glacier to give you ample time to soak in the view and take pictures. So I would highly recommend adding this 7.5 hours tour to your itinerary.

Alyeska Aerial Tram

The second half of our day was planned for the Alyeska Aerial Tram which is a great scenic ride to the top of Mt Alyeska. It’s a 4-7 minute ride up to the top. We were treated to the most amazing views of the surrounding glaciers and the Turnagain Arm. There are a couple of hikes from here that can take you to more breathtaking views and we did a mini hike to get better views of the glaciers. The entire trip will take you around 1-2 hours if you plan to take a shorter hike and hang out at the top.

Since we had an early morning and a super long day, we decided to not pack the day with a lot of things to do and ended it early with a nice dinner back in the Anchorage downtown.

DAY 3 – MATANUSKA AND KNIK GLACIERS

Matanuska Glacier hike

Day 3 was the most exciting day for me because it was all about glacier exploration. The first stop for the day was the very famous Matanuska Glacier. Matanuska is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier and is located about two hours north of Anchorage. We decided to hike this glacier which was the best way to experience it up and close. But because it was our first time hiking a glacier, we decided to take a guided tour. We booked our tour through here and it was a great experience.

And here’s a few tips to help you plan this day better,

As with other days, you need to dress in layers on this day as well and this day is mostly going to be very cold since you’ll be walking on the glacier. So make sure to really dress appropriately to be able to embrace the cold. Also check the weather before you go, for a chance of rain.
Make sure to wear snow boots with a strong grip. Although you will be getting microspikes, helmets and poles from the tour guide, it’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes or boots that are also waterproof. I got my snow boots from Timberland and wore them literally every day. They have a thermal padding inside and are waterproof so worth the investment.
This tour doesn’t provide food so make sure to carry your own food or snacks and some water.
Take an empty water bottle to fill water from the glacier. Glacier water is so pure and refreshing.
Take an extra pair of socks because your feet can get wet while hiking on the glacier so plan accordingly.
Stay with your tour guide and your group and don’t try to wander off on your own.
Also, there are a lot of small water pools on the glacier so be mindful to not step into them as they can run very deep.

This hike was one of the most unique and beautiful experiences for me because I haven’t experienced a glacier from so close before. I was able to see small meltwater pools, ice caves and beautiful ice formations. This is a must-do activity in Alaska so it has to be on your itinerary.

Knik Glacier Landing

One of the most exciting experiences you can get in Alaska is Flightseeing. This experience is not just about sightseeing but also about access. There are some glaciers in Alaska, including the Knik Glacier, that are not accessible by land. So we took a helicopter to land on the Knik Glacier, which was one of our best experiences.

We booked our ride for the morning and the helicopter ride was around 30 minutes. We flew over the Knik river and the mountains and it was a beautiful site. Even though I am scared of heights, I totally forgot about my fear because the views were just so incredible. Once we got closer to the glacier, we saw pieces of ice floating in the river – such an amazing view!

The aerial view of the glacier was just stunning. Once we landed we were able to walk around on the glacier and we got around 30 minutes to spend on the glacier. Follow the same tips as for Matanuska Glacier to get the most out of this experience.

One of the most beautiful things we saw when we were here was the melt pools. Melt pools are basically glacial ice that has liquified in the sunlight and warm temperatures. What makes it so beautiful is the pretty blue color of the water. We also explored some glacier formations such as ice caves and ice walls which was equally amazing because we’ve never come across glacier formations before. So, overall it was an experience that I would totally recommend adding to your list.

Visit Hatcher Pass

After having explored two beautiful glaciers, we then made our way to the final stop for the day i.e. Hatcher Pass. This is a stunning scenic route in the Talkeetna Mountains. If you’re driving from Anchorage, just take the Glenn highway and then turn into the Hatcher Pass road, which is a very scenic road leading up to the pass. Once you’re here, one great way to explore the area is through the trails. We took the Gold Cord Lake Trail which is a very easy 1 mile trail that offers amazing views. The hike opens up to a lake and also offers an amazing view of the valley. It’s a great way to explore the pass and if you go during September, you will be able to see the beautiful red and yellow colors of the tundra here.

DAY 4 – DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Denali Bus Tour

Day 4 was all about exploring the Denali National Park. We drove from Anchorage to Denali, and the entire drive was like a beautiful scenery. And because it was the beginning of the fall season, through our drive we saw beautiful fall colors of the tundra. Denali is 6 million acres huge and has the highest mountain peak in North America. Wow!

It’s only open from May-September so it’s a short window to access the park. I would highly recommend planning to visit Alaska when Denali is open because you don’t want to miss it. And if you’re planning to visit, an important thing to note is that only the first 15 miles in the park are open to public cars. After that, you can either hike, bike or take the bus. The shuttle bus is more like a hop-on-hop-off service which stops at a few important points through the park. Its also a guided tour so it was very informative and we learnt a lot about the history of the park. Our driver was also very experienced so he knew exactly the spots where bears frequented through the day. So, because of him we were actually able to spot a grizzly bear, moose and caribou.

The bus ride is typically 5-6 hours and can be more depending on which company you book with. Our ride was around the same time but we had a lot of fun exploring everything at its own pace and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Each stop was about 15-20 minutes so it gave us ample time to explore and take some pictures. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and it didn’t feel tiring at all. Here’s the link to book the bus tour experience in Denali.

Mount Healy Hike

The Mount Healy hike is not the easiest one but it is the most rewarding one. The views from the top are breathtaking. More so for us because we went in the fall season. The beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red made it a more beautiful sight as we climbed to the top.

The trail is about 2.7 miles one way and takes about 2 hours to get to the top. The initial part of the trail is not as steep and goes through the forest. Almost around the halfway point, it opens to a very nice overlook and some benches.

This overlook also offers amazing views so if you’re feeling tired and don’t want to continue, you can head back from here. But if you can push yourself a bit more, I would suggest going to the top because the panoramic views will be so worth it.

It’s this last half part of the trail that gets steep and challenging. When you get to the top, the weather can be very windy and chilly so as always, dress in layers and appropriately. And because you will be passing through the forest in your first half, it’s important to carry bear spray because some parts of the trail are frequented by bears during some specific times of the day in 5 days in Alaska. It’s nothing to be scared of as long as you’re in a group or carry a spray, but it’s important to be aware of.

To access this trail, from the Denali Visitor Center hike about half a mile on the Taiga Trail, until you reach a trail junction with the start of the Mount Healy Trail. This trail is one-way, so your return is the way you came. As I said, this is one of the most challenging hikes in Denali but if I had to recommend one hike it would be this one because it has the most amazing views I have ever seen.

DAY 5 – FAIRBANKS

We started our last day in Alaska with a nice breakfast at The Crepery. They have a great menu and everything tasted so well.

Fairbanks Ice Museum

We then made our way to the Fairbanks Ice Museum. As the name says it all, this museum has an exhibition of beautiful ice sculptures so it’s worth a stop. It’s open from May through September so be sure to check the schedule.

Table Top Mountain Hike

If you’re in the mood for a hike, then the Table Top Mountain Hike is an easy 3-mile trail that provides beautiful panoramic views of the White Mountains so you can spend some time here and soak in the landscape. It is also considered one of the most scenic drives in this area.

Chena Hot Springs

This is a very popular activity in Fairbanks and doesn’t matter what weather you go in. It still feels nice to soak into the hot water. Here’s the link to get more details on this activity.

Northern Lights

I am sure that Northern Lights is on your Alaska bucket list if you’re planning a trip here. From my research I had found that the Aurora is only visible between August to April so you would want to plan in these months if you want a chance to see the beautiful Aurora. For more information on real time status, you can visit this link. This tracker was very helpful for us. If the sky is cloudy or rainy, you won’t be able to see the lights. So plan for a night when the sky is clear. Also, Fairbanks is the best place for Aurora viewing. And even if the skies are clear and predicted activity is high, there may still be a chance that you may not be able to see it. So, I would suggest allowing at least 2-3 nights in a row to have a higher chance.

There are many great spots from where you can see the Aurora that are listed here. So depending on where you are on that day, you can decide which spot is the closest and most convenient for you. Since we stayed in Fairbanks on our last day in our 5 days in Alaska, we went to Murphy Dome around 2am in the night and it was a 40-minute drive for us. Note that the drive from Fairbanks to Murphy Dome is packed with dirt and gravel towards the last few miles. And because you will be driving at night, you want to make sure the car is prepared to handle that so that you don’t have to stop midway.

On the night we went on, the activity wasn’t very high because we got cloudy skies so we weren’t able to see the Northern Lights very clearly. It mostly looked gray to us but surprisingly our phone cameras were able to capture it very well as in the picture below. If you want to get great pictures, you can always download a night photography app to capture the beautiful colors.

Northern Aurora

Also, try to find the darkest place so that the colors get captured perfectly. But I would say, don’t stress too much over the photos because it’s more important to enjoy the experience. Also, allow at least an hour to spot the Aurora. Sometimes, it can even take a few hours to get a really good glimpse. So even though I wasn’t able to see the full spectrum, it was still a memorable experience to take back with me.

And that’s all as far as the itinerary goes. No matter how long you plan for, Alaska will always have so much to offer that you’ll feel like coming back. Every season here is beautiful and its landscapes are just incredible. So I wish you a great trip whenever you plan. And hope this itinerary for spending 5 days in Alaska will be useful in your planning process.

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Oahu: Best 5-day itinerary on a budget

April 16, 2023 3 Comments

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Ahh – Hawaii!!! A place I fell in love with instantly and how could I not? It just mesmerized me with its beauty and brought a sense of serenity that no other place has offered so far.

Oahu is truly a paradise for all those that love adventure and nature. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, hip streets and pineapples. I have visited three Hawaiian islands so far (Maui, Kauai and Oahu) and I have to say that Oahu is my favorite because it has so much to offer. This island is also home to Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu.

Although we were here for 5 days, you could plan for longer because there’s just so much to do that I promise you won’t get bored. So here’s a curated Oahu itinerary for all those planning a getaway to this paradise soon. Also, you don’t have to follow this itinerary to the tee and you can always change around any of the days as you see fit. I will also try to do my best to link the costs associated with all these experiences to help you plan better.

An important question before we get into the itinerary is – How to get around the island? Because we had a lot planned and we wanted to cover all the key spots on the island in our 5-day trip, we rented a car for the entire length of our trip and driving around the island was fairly easy. The island is pretty spread out so I am sure you’d want an easy way to get around so having a rental car will be a lifesaver.

Now, here goes the itinerary and I hope you find it useful as you plan your trip.

Day 1: Pearl Harbor, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and Byodo-in temple

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Arvo Cafe || $40 for two people

We started our day with a yummy and fulfilling breakfast at the Arvo cafe. Their loaded avocado toast and Nutella toast are something you cannot miss and their coffees are delicious.

Arvo cafe in Oahu - Must add to your Oahu itinerary

11:00 AM – Pearl Harbor || Free entrance

We then made our way to Pearl Harbor, which is a symbolic tourist attraction on this island. There is no entrance fee to tour the garden and the museum but if you want to visit the Ford island then you need one. We did not book a tour guide and did a self guided tour but if you really want an organized and educational experience, then booking a tour is a good idea.

3:00 PM – Byodo-In Temple || $5 per person

We then stopped for lunch at Build Your Ramen and headed to The Byodo-In Temple. I have always been fascinated by Buddhist temples as I find a different sense of peace and calmness here. And since it was on our way to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, we decided to stop here first because this temple closes at 4:30 pm on weekdays. So be sure to plan accordingly. As you enter this temple, you’ll see beautiful manicured gardens and a lovely pond in the center. The entry fee is only $5 per person so it’s worth a try.

Byodo-In temple should also be added to your Oahu itinerary

4:30 PM – Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden || Free entrance

Our final stop for the day was the famous Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Our drive into the garden was magical, as we passed through lots of flora and fauna. It’s lush and huge. Also, makes a perfect spot for your Instagram pictures. There’s also a beautiful lake and a few lookout points to not miss.

8:00 PM – Dinner at Tane Vegan Izakaya || $50 for two people

We then headed back into the town and our dinner reservation was at Tane Vegan Izakaya. We chose this place not just because we’re vegetarian, but also because they have an extensive and a very unique vegan menu that you will absolutely not regret trying. I know, I know! You’re going to say who eats vegetarian food on a vacation when you have all the fresh and amazing seafood to try? Well, trust me and go here. You will thank me later!

Tane Vegan Izakaya has amazing vegan sushis and absolutely should be on your Oahu itinerary

Day 2: Diamond Head Hike and Waikiki Beach

If you ask me the best way to explore the natural landscape of a place, I’d say it’s hiking. And if the idea of climbing a Hawaiian volcanic crater sounds exciting to you, then you have to hike the Diamond Head Trail. Nothing will be able to beat the panoramic view of the island that you’ll get once you reach the summit so do me a favor and add this to your itinerary.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Hau Tree || $60-$70 for two people

We started our day with breakfast at the Hau Tree restaurant. The reason I chose this place was because it was very close to the Diamond Head Trailhead and had amazing views of the ocean. The food was delicious and their service was fast. We tried the Spinach Benedict and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and both were great.

11:00 AM – Diamond Head Trail || $10 for parking inside the crater

We then went straight to the Diamond Head Trailhead and started our hike. The hike is a combination of rocky and uneven paths, narrow trails and tunnels. It can easily take up 2-3 hours but once you get to the top, the panoramic views of the island are breathtaking. Once we got back to the start of the trailhead after finishing our hike, we grabbed coconut water from a street vendor which was much needed after all that heat and sweat.

Diamond Head Trail - Another must add to your Oahu itinerary

3:00 PM – Lunch at Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe || $30-$40 for two people

We then took a pit stop for lunch at Da Cove Health Bar and Café to grab a healthy bite.

4:00 PM – Waikiki beach

Post lunch, we headed to the Waikiki beach to catch the sunset.

Day 3: Hanauma Bay, Makapu’u Tide Pools & Blowhole, Lanai Lookout and China Wall

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things || $30-$40 for two people

Day 3 started with breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things where we tried the Acai Fresh Fruit Waffle and Veggie Omelet.

9:30 AM – Hanauma Bay || $25 per person

Our first stop from there was Hanauma Bay. An important tip for visiting Hanauma Bay is that you need to reserve your spot here as soon as the reservation opens for the day you’re planning to visit. This is because this place is a very famous tourist attraction so it gets booked pretty fast. One blog I read when I was planning this visit said that the tickets usually get sold out within the first 10-15 minutes of opening. The reservation slots open at 7AM local time so mark it on your calendar and set a reminder to not miss it. We booked it through here.

We snorkeled in the beautiful waters at the Bay and the experience was so surreal. Although we have experienced better marine life and coral reefs at other islands, this one was definitely worth an experience. An important thing to note if you’re planning to snorkel is that this place does not rent equipment so make sure you carry all your gear.

1:00 PM – Makapu’u Tide Pools & Blowhole || Free entrance

After spending around 3-4 hours here, we made our way to the Makapu’u Tide Pools & Blowhole. While we had a few spots marked on the way that we wanted to stop at, we didn’t restrict ourselves to just those few. There were many lookout points along the drive so we stopped at pretty much every point as we didn’t want to miss the stunning views that each point offered.

We also visited the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse, Halona Blowhole lookout and beach cove, Lanai lookout and China walls. If you don’t have that much time, you can just visit the Makapu’u Tide Pools & Blowhole and skip the Halona blowout as you will pretty much get the same experience.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Chef Chai || $80-$100 for two people

Finally, our day came to an end with a delicious meal at Chef Chai. One thing my husband and I loved about Oahu is that there’s plenty of great restaurants with extensive and unique menus for vegan and vegetarian food. So we mostly tried the vegan places every day for dinner and we loved them all.

Our dinner at Chef Chai - An amazing vegan place to add to your Oahu itinerary

Day 4: Kualoa Ranch, Kahuku Point, Shark’s cove and Old Town Haleiwa

9:00 AM – Kualoa Ranch ATV Tour || $150 per person

During our entire trip, this was the day I was looking forward to the most. Being a die-hard Jurassic fan, I was quite excited to witness the real location where this iconic movie series was filmed. We did what most tourists do, that is drive an ATV through the ranch. Ours was a 2-hour ATV Raptor experience and it took us through the scenic valleys. The ranch is vast and we drove through trails, mud and streams. We also stopped to see the bunkers and the cages that were used in the movie. I simply cannot explain in words how incredible the whole experience was. If you’re planning to visit this ranch, I would recommend driving an ATV as that’s the best experience you can get.

And an important tip when you plan this – Carry headscarves and sunglasses or you will end up getting dust all over your face and in your eyes. Read my blog on Hawaii outfit ideas to get some outfit inspiration.

2:00 PM – Kahuku Point and Shark’s Cove || Free entrance

By the time we got back, it was lunch time so we stopped at the nearby Kahuku farms and they had some decent lunch options. We then made our way to Kahuku point and Shark’s cove.

4:00 PM – Old Town of Haleiwa

Our last stop for the day was the beautiful and quaint Old Town of Haleiwa. This town had a very historic and laid back vibe, and the ambience was very country style. This town is pretty small and there’s just one street that you can actually check out. We leisurely strolled through the street and stopped at the Nalu health bar and café for some beet juice which was quite refreshing given the heat during the day.

8:00 PM – Dinner at TBD by Vikram Garg || $60-$80 for two people

Our final destination was dinner at TBD by Vikram Garg. This place has a fancy ambience and that makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner date. I was also amazed at their extensive menu. Their craft cocktails were so good and just the right level of alcohol. And the food menu was so intricate and everything was quite fresh. It was just the right way to end our exhausting and fun filled day.

Day 5: Polynesian Cultural Center

9:00 AM – Kualoa Ranch ATV Tour || $120 per person for islands access and Ha:Breath of Life show

We didn’t plan a whole lot for our last day on this island since we wanted to keep it light and not tire ourselves before the trip back home. So we started our day with the amazing Kona coffee because we loved it so much. We then made our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn more about the history of the island and the culture. This place absolutely has to be on your Oahu itinerary. One important tip when planning a visit here is that try to go as early as you can. This cultural center is massive and it features 6 villages to explore so you will need plenty of time here.

I don’t think I can pick the best village because all of them were so unique in their own ways and had a lot of great cultural experiences to offer. Each village also hosts some of their cultural activities that you can take part in. So we spent a great deal of time exploring each village and interacting with the locals. We ended our day here with the incredible “Ha: Breath of Life” show. It’s one of the most popular shows and we had a great experience.

I hope this helped you plan your Oahu itinerary and gave you some more clarity on what you want to do. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!