{"id":22,"date":"2025-12-22T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8081\/?p=22"},"modified":"2026-07-23T13:15:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T13:15:22","slug":"how-to-plan-a-full-circle-drive-around-the-island-in-one-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaiiliftedjeeprentals.com\/de\/guides\/how-to-plan-a-full-circle-drive-around-the-island-in-one-day","title":{"rendered":"Wie man an einem Tag eine Rundfahrt um die Insel plant (und das sicher)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Big Island might not look that big on a map, but once you’re on the road, you’ll quickly realize it packs a lot into its size. With over 300 miles of driveable coastline and more than 4,000 square miles to cover, a full circle drive is an ambitious \u2014 but doable \u2014 one-day adventure if you plan it right.<\/p>\n

Here’s how to make it work safely and without missing the highlights.<\/p>\n

Start Early, Like Really Early<\/h2>\n

If you’re doing the full loop from Kona, leave no later than 7 AM. Ideally 6 AM. The Big Island rewards early starters with clear skies, empty parking lots, and the version of Hawai\u02bbi that feels most like itself before the tour groups arrive. You’ll need every hour of daylight \u2014 a full loop including stops runs 10 to 12 hours.<\/p>\n

Suggested Route (North from Kona)<\/h2>\n

Most full-loop drivers go counterclockwise \u2014 north from Kona up the Kohala Coast, across to Hilo, south through Volcano, and back up the Ka’\u016b coast to Kona. This puts the most dramatic coastal scenery early, when you’re freshest.<\/p>\n

Kona to Waimea (1 to 1.5 hours)<\/h2>\n

Take Highway 19 north along the Kohala Coast. Stop at Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach for a sunrise walk if you left early enough. The resort coast is beautiful in the morning light. Continue through Kawaihae and climb to Waimea \u2014 the temperature drops noticeably and the landscape shifts to rolling ranch land. Stop for coffee in Waimea before heading east.<\/p>\n

Waimea to Honoka’a and Waipi\u02bbo Valley Lookout (30 minutes)<\/h2>\n

The Waipi\u02bbo Valley overlook is a non-negotiable stop on this route. The 600-foot cliffs and the black sand beach far below are unlike anything else on the island. The descent road into the valley is currently restricted to residents and is extremely steep \u2014 the overlook is your legal and perfectly spectacular stop. Budget 30 minutes here.<\/p>\n

H\u0101m\u0101kua Coast to Hilo (1 to 1.5 hours)<\/h2>\n

Highway 19 along the H\u0101m\u0101kua Coast is one of the most scenic drives in Hawai\u02bbi. Pull over at the Akaka Falls turnoff (a short walk, worth it), drive through the historic sugar town of Honoka’a, and roll into Hilo for lunch. Hilo is underrated \u2014 eat at one of the local spots near Hilo Bay, walk the farmers market if it’s Saturday, and fuel up.<\/p>\n

Hilo to Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park (45 minutes)<\/h2>\n

From Hilo, Highway 11 climbs to the park entrance at about 4,000 feet elevation. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours in the park: Crater Rim Drive, a stop at the K\u012blauea overlook, and Chain of Craters Road if active lava conditions allow. This is the centerpiece of the southern loop. Check the NPS website for current road and lava access before you go.<\/p>\n

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (30 minutes)<\/h2>\n

Continue south on Highway 11 and stop at Punalu’u \u2014 one of the few black sand beaches on the island and a regular resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). Don’t touch or approach the turtles; federal law protects them. It’s a quick stop that almost everyone wishes they’d spent more time at.<\/p>\n

Ka’\u016b Coast Return to Kona (1.5 to 2 hours)<\/h2>\n

The southern return on Highway 11 is long, largely featureless, and the most tiring segment of the loop. Fuel up at N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu (the southernmost town in the U.S.) and push through. The road improves north of the turnoff to South Point. You’ll arrive in Kona exhausted in the best possible way \u2014 and with a full Big Island story to tell.<\/p>\n

Pacing and Safety Notes<\/h2>\n