Our 9-day Hawaiian adventure (spelled Hawaiʻi in the Hawaiian language) began on the Big Island, where we spent four unforgettable days exploring its raw natural beauty—from hiking across the lava fields of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to surfing in the black sand beach and stargazing atop Mauna Kea. Next, we flew to Oahu for another two days of vibrant city life and coastal charm, balancing the energy of Waikiki and Honolulu’s nightlife with serene escapes to the North Shore and the lush trails of Manoa Falls. We ended our journey on Maui, where two peaceful days offered the perfect finale—driving the iconic Road to Hana, watching the sunrise from Haleakalā, and relaxing on golden beaches framed by turquoise waters. Each island brought a unique rhythm and scenery, together painting the perfect portrait of Hawai‘i’s breathtaking diversity.
Big Island 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Volcanoes & Black-Sand Beach – Southeast
5:45 AM Depart Aliʻi Drive for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – first stop at visitor center and ask about hiking conditions and volcano activity
- Drive Saddle Road (HI-200): ~1 h 30 m
8:00 AM–12:00 PM Explore the Park
- Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): 5-min lit walk through an ancient flow.
- Steam Vents & Sulphur Banks: 10-min stops to sniff volcanic steam and see colorful mineral deposits.
- Kīlauea Iki Overlook: Quick pull-off for crater-floor views.
12:00 PM–1:00 PM Lunch in Volcano Village
- Volcano House Restaurant (Amazing view of the volcano – a must for everyone)
1:00 PM–2:30 PM Chain of Craters Road
- Scenic 19-mile drive down to the sea; stop at lava overlooks and petroglyph fields.
2:45 PM–3:45 PM Punaluʻu Black-Sand Beach
- Short stroll on the jet-black shore—spot honu (turtles) napping in the sun.
3:45 PM–5:45 PM Drive Back to Kona
- Via Hwy 11 → Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy: ~2 h.
6:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunset on Aliʻi Drive
Day 2: Hilo Market, East-Side Waterfalls & Macadamia Nuts – East
- Saddle Road to Hilo: ~2 h.
8:00 AM–9:30 AM Hilo Farmers Market
- Maku‘u Market (daily 7 AM–4 PM). Sample banana bread, fresh papaya, and local crafts.
9:45 AM–10:15 AM Rainbow Falls
- Quick walk to view the 80-ft cascade framed by lush greenery.
10:30 AM–11:00 AM Boiling Pots
- Series of emerald pools and rapids—great photo stop.
11:30 AM–1:00 PM Akaka Falls State Park
- 0.4-mile rainforest loop to the 442-ft Akaka Falls. Picnic lunch at the pavilion.
1:15 PM–2:15 PM Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory (Kea‘au)
- Factory store tour: sample flavors from honey roast to chili-lime, watch the packaging line, and stock up on souvenirs.
2:15 PM–4:30 PM Return to Kona
- Optional scenic pull-outs on Saddle Road.
5:00 PM–6:00 PM Relax on Aliʻi Drive
- Pool or beachfront downtime before dinner.
6:15 PM–7:00 PM Sunset at Old Kona Airport Park
- Wide lawn views and ocean breezes make this a perfect end to the day.
Day 3: North Kohala & Kohala Coast Highlights – North
7:30 AM Depart for North Kohala
- Hwy 19 north: ~1 h 15 m to Pololū Valley Lookout.
9:00 AM–9:45 AM Pololū Valley Lookout
- Panoramic clifftop views of emerald valley and rugged coastline.
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Next Waipio valley lookout or
Historic Hawi Village
- Quaint art galleries, shave-ice stops, and local boutiques.
11:15 AM–12:00 PM Lapakahi State Historical Park
- Explore ancient coastal village ruins and tidal pools (no snorkeling required).
12:30 PM–1:30 PM Lunch — Kapaʻau / Hawi Area
· Cafe Pesto (vegetarian flatbreads, pasta primavera)
· Waimea Korean Tacos (veg tofu tacos, kimchi quesadillas)
1:30 PM–3:00 PM Kona Coffee Farm Tour
- At Greenwell or Kona Coffee Living History Farm: walk the orchards, taste fresh-roasted brews, and learn processing steps.
3:15 PM–4:15 PM Hapuna Beach State Park
- White-sand beach for sunbathing, body-surfing, and tossing a frisbee.
4:15 PM–5:45 PM Return to Kona & Downtime
- Shower and relax before sunset.
6:00 PM–6:45 PM Sunset at Hapuna Beach or Back on Aliʻi Drive
- Hapuna’s cliff-top overlook is spectacular—alternatively, watch from a seaside café in Kona.
Optional Adventure:
- Zipline in Kohala (2–3 hrs) or ATV Ranch Tour near Waimea for a dose of adrenaline.
Dinner on Aliʻi Drive (repeat Day 1 favorites or try):
· Pizzafari (veggie calzones, margherita pizza)
· Bombay Chef (dal, palak paneer)
· La Costa Mexican Kitchen (veg fajitas, cheese enchiladas)
Day 4: Cultural Sights & Mauna Kea Stargazing
· Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Relaxed Morning & Beach Time
- Enjoy a leisurely morning on Alii Drive.
- Beach Day: Choose your favorite beach from Day 1, or explore another nearby option like Old Kona Airport State Beach Park (just north of downtown Kailua-Kona), which offers a long stretch of sand.
· Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
· Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Cultural & Educational Excursion
- Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm: (Reservations highly recommended) A unique and educational experience where you can learn about and even hold seahorses, which are part of a conservation effort.
- Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Step back in time and experience what life was like on a Kona coffee farm in the early 20th century.
· Late Evening (Departure approx. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Mauna Kea Stargazing at Onizuka Visitor Center
- Important: This is a high-altitude experience. Consult with your family and ensure everyone is comfortable with the elevation. Dress in many layers, including hats and gloves, as it gets extremely cold.
- Drive to the Onizuka Visitor Information Station (VIS) on Mauna Kea. The drive from Kona can take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- At the VIS, they often have volunteer-led stargazing programs (check their website for current schedules) and you can use your own binoculars or just enjoy the incredible dark skies. Commercial tours offer telescopes and guides, which can enhance the experience, but are not strictly necessary to enjoy the stars from the VIS.
- Safety Note: Driving to the summit (above the VIS) requires a 4×4 vehicle and specific safety precautions. For most visitors, stargazing at the VIS is sufficient and safer.
Weather: Maunakea Weather Center – MKWC Forecast
Great guide: https://arnottslodge.com/maunakea-visitor-information-station-onizuka/
Packing & Practical Tips
- Layers & Rain Shell: Volcanoes and Mauna Kea nights are chilly.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sneakers or light hiking shoes for short trails.
- Fuel & Snacks: Fill up in Kona; keep water, granola bars, and fruit on hand.
• Respect Hawai‘i: Stay on trails, observe wildlife at a distance, and follow park guidelines.
OAHU 2-Day Itinerary
Day 5: Wikiki Beach
- Morning
- Visit Kualoa Ranch Hawaii – Established in 1850, Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular visitor attraction and filming location on the windward coast of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It is about 24 miles from Waikiki
- Afternoong & Evening – Wikiki Beach
- Sunset at Waikiki Beach: Enjoy the sunset directly from the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach or walk along Waikiki Beach. The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at your hotel also offers a beautiful spot.
Day 6: Diamond Head & Waikiki
- Breakfast
- We had an amazing coffee and breakfast at Da HI Brew. Their Avacado toast was out of the world.
- Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Diamond Head Hike & View – GO EARLY. Gets crowded
- Important: Reservations are now required for Diamond Head State Monument. Book these online well in advance for your desired time slot.
- Transportation: Take TheBus (Routes 2 or 2L) from near Hilton Hawaiian Village towards Diamond Head. Or, utilize the Waikiki Trolley Green Line which specifically services Diamond Head (a pass would be useful here). An Uber/Lyft is also an option, taking about 15-20 minutes.
- Diamond Head Crater Hike: This moderately challenging hike to the summit offers panoramic views of Waikiki and the coastline. The trail is paved but steep in parts, with stairs near the top. Allow 1.5-2 hours round trip.
- Pearl Harbor & Downtown History
- Afternoons( 1:00 – 4 PM): Pearl Harbor Experience
- Transportation: Take TheBus from near Hilton Hawaiian Village. Look for routes like the #20 (towards Airport/Pearl Ridge) or check Google Maps for the most direct route. It typically takes 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, consider an Uber/Lyft for a quicker (15-20 min) and more direct ride (approx. $30-50 one way), especially for an early start. Many Pearl Harbor tours also offer hotel pickup.
- USS Arizona Memorial: This is a must-do. Book your free timed tickets online well in advance (up to 8 weeks ahead), as they are limited and go quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your reservation. The visit includes a short film and a boat ride to the memorial.
- USS Missouri Battleship: Located on Ford Island (accessible via a free shuttle bus from the main Pearl Harbor Visitor Center). Explore the “Mighty Mo,” where WWII officially ended. Teenagers will likely enjoy exploring the decks and learning about its history. (Included in some Go City passes).
- Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin: Also near the main visitor center. Tour the USS Bowfin submarine and learn about submarine warfare. (Included in some Go City passes).
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Also on Ford Island, accessible by shuttle. Features historic aircraft and exhibits related to the attack. (Included in some Go City passes).
- Budgeting Time: Pearl Harbor can easily take 4-6 hours if you visit multiple sites.
- If heading back towards Waikiki:
- Ala Moana Center (accessible by TheBus/Waikiki Trolley Pink Line): This large shopping mall has an extensive food court with many options, including some Asian (which often have vegetarian dishes), and various casual eateries. Look for California Pizza Kitchen (Italian, offers vegetarian pizzas/pastas) or Olive Garden (Italian, standard vegetarian pasta dishes).
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Iolani Palace & Downtown Honolulu
- Transportation: Take TheBus from Pearl Harbor/Ala Moana Center towards Downtown Honolulu. Or use the Waikiki Trolley (Red Line), which specifically focuses on historic sites.
- Iolani Palace: The only official residence of Hawaiian monarchs in the United States. Take a guided tour (reservations recommended) to learn about Hawaiian royalty and history.
- King Kamehameha I Statue & Ali’iolani Hale (Hawaii State Supreme Court): These iconic landmarks are right across from Iolani Palace and offer great photo opportunities.
- Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Near Kapiolani Park/Waikiki
- Leonard’s Bakery: (Short walk/bus ride from Diamond Head) Famous for its malasadas (Portuguese donuts). A must-try Hawaiian treat!
- Kaimuki Area (short bus/Uber from Diamond Head): This neighborhood has diverse food options.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Waikiki Beach
- Relax at Waikiki Beach: Enjoy the iconic beach right at your doorstep at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Swim, sunbathe, or try some beginner surfing lessons if your teens are interested.
- Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Farewell Dinner & Waikiki Fun
General Tips for No-Car Travel:
- Download Offline Maps: Google Maps allows you to download areas for offline use, which can save data and be helpful if cell service is spotty.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially within Waikiki and at Pearl Harbor.
- Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected: Always carry water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and wear hats/sunglasses.
- Check Opening Hours & Reservations: Verify all attraction hours and make reservations for Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head far in advance.
• Be Flexible: While this is an itinerary, be open to adjusting based on your family’s energy levels and interests.
MAUI 3-Day Itinerary
Important Notes:
- Reservations: For popular activities like Haleakalā sunrise (if you choose to do it) and some luau, book well in advance. Restaurants also recommend reservations, especially for dinner.
- Traffic: West Maui (Kaanapali, Lahaina) can experience significant traffic, especially during peak hours. Factor this into your driving times.
- Weather: Maui’s microclimates mean weather can vary significantly across the island. Pack layers, especially for Haleakalā.
- Flexibility: This is a suggestion; feel free to adjust based on your family’s interests and energy levels.
Day 7: Kaanapali Beach & West Maui Charms
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Kaanapali Beach & Whalers Village
- Kaanapali Beach: Start your day right on one of Maui’s most famous beaches, easily accessible from your Airbnb. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or trying out stand-up paddleboarding or bodyboarding (rentals available nearby).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Honolua Bay
- Honolua Bay is known for world-class surfing in the winter and excellent snorkeling in the summer when the waves are smaller. The bay is also a Marine Life Conservation District, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and observing abundant sea life like sea turtles, various fish, and coral formations. Historically, it was a key location for pineapple shipping in the 20th century.
- Evening – Cliff Diving Ceremony at Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a): If you’re near Black Rock (the northern end of Kaanapali Beach) around 10:00 AM, you can often see people jumping from the cliffs. There’s also a famous sunset cliff diving ceremony around sunset, if you want to return later.
- Whalers Village: A short walk along the beach from Kaanapali Shores, Whalers Village offers shops, cafes, and the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center (a small, free museum with exhibits on humpback whales and marine life, which teens might find interesting).
Day 8: Upcountry & North Shore Charm
- Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Haleakalā Summit (Optional Sunrise or Mid-morning)
- Sunrise at Haleakalā: This is a famous, awe-inspiring experience, but requires an extremely early start (depart Kaanapali by 3:00-3:30 AM) and a reservation for vehicle entry (REQUIRED between 3:00 AM – 7:00 AM). It gets very cold at the summit (can be below freezing), so bundle up with layers, hats, and gloves. Your teenagers might grumble about the early wake-up but will likely be mesmerized by the view.
- Mid-morning Visit to Haleakalā: If the sunrise is too early, driving up around 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (no reservation needed after 7:00 AM) still offers incredible views of the crater and surrounding landscape. It’s a surreal, Mars-like environment. Allow about 1.5-2 hours drive from Kaanapali to the summit.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM): Upcountry Exploration
- Maui Pineapple Tour (Haliimaile): (Reservations recommended). A fantastic, educational, and tasty tour where you learn about pineapple cultivation and get to sample fresh Maui Gold pineapple. It’s a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
- Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula): Visit a working goat dairy, learn about goat cheese production, and sample delicious cheeses. You can also pet the goats.
- Lunch (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Upcountry or Paia
- Kula Bistro (Kula): Italian-inspired dishes in a charming Upcountry setting. They usually have pasta and pizza options that can be made vegetarian.
- If heading to Paia:
- Cafe Des Amis (Paia – Mediterranean/French/Indian): Offers a unique blend of cuisines with good vegetarian options like crepes, curries, and salads.
- Late Afternoon (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Paia Town & Ho’okipa Beach
- Paia Town: Explore this charming, bohemian North Shore town known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and laid-back vibe. Great for a stroll and some window shopping.
- Ho’okipa Beach Park: Just past Paia, this beach is famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Even if you’re not participating, it’s fascinating to watch the pros. In the late afternoon, you can often spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) resting on the sand (please observe from a respectful distance).
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner Back in West Maui or Kihei
- Drive back to Kaanapali/Lahaina.
- Dinner:
- Indian Grill N Curry (Lahaina – at The Wharf Cinema Center): A good option for Indian food with a variety of vegetarian curries and dishes.
- Star Noodle (Lahaina): While Asian fusion, they often have excellent vegetarian noodle dishes and small plates. Known for great food, so reservations are highly recommended.
Day 9: South Maui, Ziplining & Wailea Sunset
South Maui & Optional Adventure
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Visit South Maui beaches like Makena Beach (Big Beach) and Keawakapu Beach.
- Lunch (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM): Fabiani’s Pizzeria and Bakery (Kihei, Italian) or Monsoon Bar & Grill (Kihei, Indian).
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Choose between the Maui Ocean Center (Ma’alaea) or a ziplining adventure.
Late Afternoon • Wailea Stroll
- 4:30 PM Head north to Wailea Shops (15 min): window-shop and sample island gelato.
Sunset • Wailea Beach
- 6:00 PM Watch the sun dip over Maui’s south shore from Wailea Beach Path.
Dinner • Italian in Wailea
- 7:30 PM Matteo’s Osteria (3800 Wailea Alanui Dr) — handmade pastas, wood-oven pizzas, macadamia-topped salads lacucinaitaliana.com
Transportation & Tips
- Rental Car: Parking at state parks often requires a small fee—bring cash.
- Fuel: Fill up in Lahaina or Kahului; stations are scarce on uphill roads.
- Packing: Layers for Upcountry & Haleakalā; reef-safe sunscreen; sturdy water shoes.
- Reservations: Book Molokini tour and Matteo’s Osteria at least 48 hrs in advance.
Enjoy three full days of Maui’s best adventures, flavors, and vistas!