🌺 Hawaii Big Island

Get settled and enjoy the oceanfront location

Fine dining with oceanfront views and fresh island cuisine

Papakolea beach. It has a fascinating history and is one of the only four green sand beaches in the world!

Experience the unique beauty of Hawaii's black sand beaches, created by volcanic activity

Watch the Independence Day parade and spectacular fireworks display from the Resort

Unforgettable encounter with gentle giant manta rays

Relax at Hapuna Beach

Beachfront dining with toes in the sand

🛣 Getting There
Drive up from Royal Kona via Saddle Road (Hwy 200), then take the Mauna Kea Access Road (~mile 28).

The road is paved all the way to VIS and drivable by any standard rental car.

Expect a 1.5-2 hours trip each direction.

🌄 Before Sunset

Arrive about 1-1.5 hours before sunset to acclimate—VIS sits at 9,200 ft. Rangers recommend this to reduce altitude effects.

Check out the VIS exhibits, watch the astronomy video, grab a snack or hot drink.

🌅 Sunset & Twilight
A short hike (e.g., Pu'ukalepeamoa/Sunset Hill) just above VIS offers stunning sunset views above the clouds

🌌 Stargazing
After dark, VIS staff or local astronomy volunteers often set up telescopes and laser-guided sky tours (no reservation needed usually).

Reddit users note: "The Visitor's Center has telescopes set up nightly… road is paved all the way up to the Visitor's Center"

🔚 Post-Stargazing Options
Stay near VIS until late, then drive back down. Watch brakes on descent—use low gear to avoid overheating

Start at 8:00 AM • Apparently, the name comes from the fact that some days the way the water flows into the pool below produces a visible rainbow

Fresh, local Hawaiian cuisine in a relaxed island atmosphere

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, waterfall, black sand beach and more.

Head back up to the summit area for after-dark lava glow (conditions permitting). Best night-time glow spots: Keanakāko'i, Volcano House back patio, or Waldron Ledge.

Morning 11:15 am to 12:15 pm • Experience award-winning Kona coffee at Hula Daddy Coffee farm

Carlsmith Beach Park (also known as Four Mile) is one of our favorite places to swim and snorkel close to Hilo. Lava rocks and a reef protect the inner swimming area, making it almost like a swimming pool.

6:30 PM • Authentic Hawaiian seafood dining with fresh fish from their own aqua farm

Spa day, shopping, or explore places you loved most

Celebrate your amazing Hawaiian adventure