With our travel itinerary
Hawaii is famous for its multicolored beaches, lush mountains and laidback vibe. This place is special. It’s so special that it has something few places have — a time zone named after it. Like just about every island, water plays a major role in everyday life. Surfing is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii and draws the best from around the world. Add that to the complex history, easy mixing of cultures, interesting foods and beauty, it’s clear what drives millions to the Aloha State. This Hawaii travel guide includes information about beaches, adventure sports and much more.
During your trip to Hawaii, you will be visiting two islands. Hawaii is composed of six major islands but because that is too much to cover in one Hawaii travel guide, we will focus on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, which is known as the Big Island.
We’re going to begin our trip on Oahu. During your four days on Oahu, you are going to find out about some of the best things to do, eat, climb, surf and swim in Hawaii.
ACCOMMODATION
HONOLULU – Some of the best areas to stay in Oahu island are Waikiki, north shore, west side, ala Moana.
THE BIG ISLAND– You can stay in Kailua – Koana on the east side and Hilo on the west side as it is close to Volcanoes National Park.
MAUI – The best place in Maui is Kaanapali Beach, this is the luxury part of the west side. Other places to stay are Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and Lahaina.
DAY 1
After landing at Honolulu International Airport, you can take a cab to the hotel. Also, for convenience, check-in to a hotel in the Waikiki section of Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii.
Waikiki is a series of cool beaches. The best beaches to visit here are Waikiki Beach, Queen Surf and Kuhio. You can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the view of Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach is next to markets and good food. After a day at the beach, you should explore the area, do some shopping and dig into the Hawaiian food scene.
After hours of walking, spending some time at one of Hawaii’s famous spas will probably be welcome. Find yourself some travel buddies on JoinMyTrip to join you on your Hawaii adventure.
DAY 2
This will be a day of trekking adventure.
You can take a bus directly to DIAMOND HEAD, a trekking trail, in Honolulu. Once you reach the location, you’ll have to climb the 175 steps and move through a military bunker and an underground tunnel to make it to the top. It takes almost 45 minutes to reach the top of the Diamond Head trail.
Once you reach the top of the 232-meter-high crater, you’ll get one of the best views of Honolulu. You can rest and relax here for an hour or two before going back down the stairs.
After such a long trek, you will definitely be tired, so take a break at one of the many cafes near the entrance to the monument. Even better, if you take this hike on a Saturday, visit Kapiolani Community College Farmer’s Market, which sits across the street from the entrance to Diamond Head. Independent vendors sell fresh meat, produce, seafood, prepared food, honey, coffee, flowers and other unique items surrounded by live entertainment.
Back in town, you will enjoy the Honolulu Zoo’s Twilight Tours. Depending on the species, you will see animals prepare for sleep or wake up during a two-hour tour, which starts at 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 (seasonal).
If you’re on Waikiki Beach on a Friday night, enjoy the firework show a hotel puts on weekly.
DAY 3
Today you will be going to Lanikai Beach, one of the best places in Hawaii for water sports. Sports lovers can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, SCUBA diving, Jet skiing and exciting activities.
To help you come down after that action-packed morning, you are going to cruise around the island. Of course, there are several options. You should take a two-hour boat trip. Because this is a popular activity, reservations should be made in advance. This cruise serves authentic Hawaiian food.
Once you are back on land, you can continue relaxing.
DAY 4
Today you have to wake up a little early because you don’t want to miss the most interesting experience on Oahu — a helicopter tour. In an hour’s tour, you will witness the awesomeness of nature.
After the helicopter tour, you are going to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center is a dynamic immersion into the Polynesian lifestyle. Between live performances, canoeing trips, luaus, dining and shopping, you can spend some time at the 17-hectare complex.
Now, it’s time to get back to our hotel and pack our bags as now you will be going to one of the most beautiful places in the state.
DAY 5
In the early morning, you need to take a cab and go to Honolulu International Airport. Flying is the fastest way to reach the island of Hawaii; a direct flight takes about 55 minutes to reach Hilo, Hawaii.
You will be spending approximately four days on the Big Island of Hawaii. The most convenient mode of transport to commute within the Island is to rent a car and drive to the best places in Hawaii. In case you don’t want to hire a cab you can even take a local bus to visit places on the island.
The Big Island is all about waterfalls and active volcanoes. You can begin your trip by exploring the beaches. You’ll be a bit exhausted from the journey so you can keep the activities light for the day. You can hire a cab or take a local bus to the beach named Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is home to the large Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. These protected amphibians can only be captured on film.
After this, you’re going to visit Papakolea Beach, one of the best beaches on the island. It’s 38 kilometers away from Punalu’u beach, but it feels like a different world. Papakolea is covered in green sand. Don’t give in to temptation and pocket a vermillion scoop — It’s illegal to take sand from any of the Hawaiian beaches.
DAY 6
Today you will be going to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. After a 90-minute drive from central Hilo, you will reach the park. Because the area is so large, you will need a day to experience everything at this dynamic spot and its surroundings.
You can witness many active volcanoes and, if you are lucky enough, brilliant lava ooze into the Pacific Ocean. For the best view, it’s best to wait until the night when the lava flows so clearly.
DAY 7
Today you need to wake up early and take a bus or cab to go and visit the awesome waterfall whose name is Rainbow waterfall. The waterfall is 40 minutes away from the national park.
The best time to visit is morning time as you may have a chance to see rainbows in the spray of the waterfall. You will have to trek a bit to see the waterfall. After spending some time here you should drive for almost six kilometers to one of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii — Akaka. If you take your time, it will take almost an hour to see this entire place.
By this time, you will probably be really hungry, so it’s time to go and grab some food from the food stalls available here and relax for some time as the waterfall trekking can be exhausting. After this, you can go back to your hotel and have a bit of a rest. In the evening, you should explore the area on foot. This place has some amazing nightclubs and restaurants.
DAY 8
This is your last day on the Big Island and you are going to visit the Waipio Valley. The easiest way to get there is by car. Not only is the valley beautiful, but it is also a very special place. We don’t want to tell you too much beforehand but you will know what we mean when you get there. Top tip: Watch out for the wild horses running free on its beaches.
Leaving the beach, you are going to move to breath-taking Kua Bay. If you want to experience more beauty, extend your Hawaii travel to the island of Maui.
DAY 9-11
You will have to take a flight to Maui from the Big Island. Because everything on Maui is so spread out, you should rent a car.
For your first day, you are going to the Maui Jungle Journey. This theme park in Paia is a 40-minute bus ride away from town. It’s famous for its waterfall, adventure sports and trekking. You’re going to have lots of fun on your first day on Maui. After a day here, you will need some rest.
Day 2 in Maui you can do a road trip to the town of Hana. This daylong road trip takes you past several waterfalls, lush scenery and interesting hiking trails. Hana is one of the most famous places among tourists and has many spots for adventure sports. This road trip will take an entire day.
Today is your last day in Hawaii. You should wake up early in order to catch one last beautiful sunrise at Haleakala Crater. It is very beautiful at 3,048 meters. It takes two hours to get there from the main city. In the afternoon, prepare for your departure from the Aloha State.
By the end of your journey, you will have explored the best places in Hawaii. To make this experience a truly special one you need the right people to join you. Find like-minded travel buddies on JoinMyTrip now.
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