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There are 8 main islands that make up the state of Hawaii. We spent ten days visiting the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. Oahu is the most visited island, but it's worth your time to visit some of the other islands because each one is unique. Don't miss a trip to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you have more time, I would recommend staying longer on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. |
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Model Itinerary
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Day 1:
Most flights to Hawaii arrive on Oahu at the Honolulu International Airport. There are plenty of hotel options located along the shore of Waikiki Beach which is a 20 minute drive from the airport. There are also airports on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii which makes island hopping very easy. The best way to get around each island is to get a rental car at the airport. Most of the sights you will want to see will require some driving so you will definately want to have a car during your stay. |
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Day 2- Oahu:
In the morning, head over to Monsarrat Avenue and climb to the top of Diamond Head for great views of the ocean and Waikiki Beach. A nice place to snorkel on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. You can take a free shuttle to the park or drive yourself. Snorkel gear is available for rent at the park. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or learning how to surf on Waikiki Beach. |
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Day 3:
Go to Pearl Harbor first thing in the morning to get your tickets to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors can also go aboard the Battleship Missouri and the USS Bowfin submarine. After lunch, head up toward the North shore to the Dole Plantation. You can take a 20 minute train ride through the working pineapple plantation or take a walking tour through the gardens. Don't miss a stop to see Waimea Bay, one of the big wave beaches of the North Shore. In the evening, plan to attend a Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. |
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Day 4- Maui:
Rent a car at the airport and plan to spend the day driving the Road to Hana. The highway to Hana is a scenic drive that takes you past secluded beaches, waterfalls, and postcard worthy scenery. Before you go, pick up an audio guide and map at a local store and pack a picnic lunch, swim suits, and towels. Take time to stop and explore some of the unique beaches like the black sand beach and red sand beach and swim in some of the waterfalls along the road. Bring cash if you plan to buy some snacks and drinks at some of the roadside stands along the drive. For potential places to stay check out the Grand Weilea Resort or any of the hotels along the beach in the Kaanapoli area.
Rent a car at the airport and plan to spend the day driving the Road to Hana. The highway to Hana is a scenic drive that takes you past secluded beaches, waterfalls, and postcard worthy scenery. Before you go, pick up an audio guide and map at a local store and pack a picnic lunch, swim suits, and towels. Take time to stop and explore some of the unique beaches like the black sand beach and red sand beach and swim in some of the waterfalls along the road. Bring cash if you plan to buy some snacks and drinks at some of the roadside stands along the drive. For potential places to stay check out the Grand Weilea Resort or any of the hotels along the beach in the Kaanapoli area.
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Day 5:
Start your morning at Haleakala National Park where the summit of this dormant volcano takes you above the clouds. You can walk down into the crater of the volcano which makes you feel like you might be walking on the moon. If you plan to arrive for sunrise you need to visit the park's website and make a reservation beginning two months prior to your visit. Dress in layers because it can be about 20 degrees colder at the summit. After lunch, don't miss taking a whale watching trip to see the hundreds of humpbacks whales that come to the warm Maui waters to give birth each year. |
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Day 6- Kauai:
Start your day by taking the Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto. The cruise takes you up the Wailua river through a tropical forest and ends with a short walk to see a fern covered cave. Next head over to see Wailua Falls. Fans of the show Fantasy Island will recognize the falls featured at the beginning of each show. After lunch, drive over to Waimea Canyon State Park to see what locsls call the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We stayed two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach. |
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Day 7:
Book a boat trip to cruise down the spectacular Na Pali Coast. You might recognize the scenery here from the Jurassic Park movies and the TV series Lost. We took a catamaran cruise which included a stop for snorkeling where we swam with a sea turtle and other sea life. We also saw humpback whales and many dolphins during our cruise. |
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Day 8- Hawaii:
The highlight of the Big Island of Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park currently has 2 active volcanoes and 3 dormant volcanoes. Begin your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center to learn more about the volcanic activity happening in the park. Allow at least 3 hours to drive the 40 mile Chain of Craters Road thorugh the park. The road dead-ends at the spot of the 1995 lava flow that crossed the road. Don't miss Crater Rim Drive which takes you to see the Thurston Lava Tube and fern forest. For the best view of volcanic eruptions and lava flow you need to charter a plane or helicopter. You can also see lava flow activity by driving out to the end of Chain of Craters Road in the evening. Bring a flashlight if you plan to walk around after dark on the rocky terrain to see where the lava flows into the ocean. |
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Day 9:
We only spent one day on the Big island of Hawaii visiting the National Park, but I wish we had planned to spend a few more days here exploring the rest of the island. If you have time to extend your trip, plan to spend a few extra days here before returning to Oahu and your flight home. |
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Day 10:
Return home and start planning your next family adventure! |
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