One Week on Hawai‘i Island

Hawai'i's first Christian church, located on Aliʻi Drive. Built between 1835 to 1837, the structure comprises hewn stones, lava rock and crushed coral mortar.

Visit Hulihe‘e Palace, built in 1838 and updated by King Kalākaua in 1884. Docent-guided tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. $20 per person (free for keiki 5 and under). Or take a self-guided tour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $16 per adult, $14 per youth, $12 for kamaʻāina, seniors and military.

This award-winning, historic farm shares the story of Kona coffee during the early 20th century, built by Japanese immigrants, demonstrating what life was like in those days. Purchase tickets onsite. $20 for adults, $15 for students (ages 8-17), free for children (ages 7 and under).

Just across the highway is Hala Tree Coffee Farm — an award winning Kona coffee producer with a variety of tours to choose from. The farm also offers free tastings in its retail shop.

While you are in the area, stop by Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, also known as the city of refuge, for a free self-guided tour. Here, you'll see a traditional hale, or house and an a heiau, or temple, and tiki statues built sometime between the years 1650 to 1700.

First stop Waimea, also called Kamuela. Known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), this quaint town is famous for its bright green rolling hills, misty afternoons and working cattle ranches. Visit the museum at the Paniolo Heritage Center while you are here for a primer in paniolo history.

Next up, Hawi, a lovely artist colony with galleries and shops perfect for an afternoon stroll. Stop for lunch at Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery. The menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, local seafood and more.

At the end of the highway you'll arrive at spectacular lookout onto sea cliffs and the northernmost valley of the Hamākua Coast. If you arrive between December through March look for migrating whales.

One of the reasons I always recommend this resort is because of the location. You're right in the middle of a crossroads on the west side between Kona and North Kohala, right by the highway that will take you across the island to Hilo. Spend a couple nights here, enjoying the resort and gorgeous Mauna Kea Beach before heading east.

There's nothing more relaxing than being on the water, especially during a Kohala Coast sunset.

Home to King Kamehameha I when he was a kid, Waipiʻo Valley is a sacred political and religious valley in Hawaiian culture. Today, you can only view it from this lookout.

Arrive in Honokaʻa and stroll through the galleries and shops. For a sweet treat stop for a hot malasada at Tex Drive-In or a chocolate tasting at Honokaʻa Chocolate. Then visit the Hawaiian Vanilla Company just a short distance away in the hidden town of Paʻauilo. Here you’ll be treated to a vanilla-infused lunch, including vanilla iced tea and lemonade. Afterward, take a tour of the farm and learn all about how vanilla is grown and produced.

ʻAkaka Falls is a 442-foot waterfall in ʻAkaka Falls State Park along the Hāmākua Coast. You'll walk a short trail to get there from the parking lot and see another, smaller, waterfall on the way.

Centrally located near Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Reed's Bay and Hilo Town, SCP is a favorite hotel of ours to recommend.

Although Wednesday and Saturday are the biggest market days, the Hilo Farmers Market is open all week. Stop by for some locally grown treats.

Stroll the Japanese gardens and choose a bench overlooking the lakes to enjoy a picnic lunch.

One of the top attractions on Hawaiʻi Island is its active volcanoes. Take the day to explore with either a self-guided or hosted tour.