10 days in Hawaii Itinerary

In many ways much more Asian than American, Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city and its center of government, transportation, commerce, and tourism.

Step out of the city life by going to Lanikai Beach and Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Get some cultural insight at USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and Waimea Valley. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Honolulu: Sharks Cove (in Pupukea), Waimea Bay (in Haleiwa) and Island Treasures (in Kailua). The adventure continues: trek along Koko Crater Railway Trail, explore the different monuments and memorials at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and admire the majestic nature at Puu Ualakaa State Park.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read Honolulu road trip planning site.

San Francisco to Honolulu is an approximately 8-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time is minus 2 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in December, things will get much hotter in Honolulu: highs are around 82°F and lows about 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to travel to Hilo.

One of the island of Hawaii's major towns, Hilo contains a mix of Asian and Polynesian cultures and is known for its proximity to a national park encompassing two active volcanoes.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Tue): get impressive views of Kīlauea, then examine the collection at Jagger Museum, then hike along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and finally take in the dramatic natural features at Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Wed): identify plant and animal life at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, admire the natural beauty at Liliuokalani Gardens, then kick back and relax at Reeds Bay Beach Park, then take a memorable drive along Saddle Road, and finally admire the sheer force of Rainbow Falls.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hilo online sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Honolulu to Hilo in 3 hours. In December, daytime highs in Hilo are 80°F, while nighttime lows are 65°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can travel to Kihei.

Stretching over 9.7 km (6 mi) of pristine south Maui coastline, Kihei is the island's driest and sunniest region, making it a perfect location for water activities and beach leisure.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Zipline and Napili Beach. Visiting Ho'okipa Beach Park and Kamaole Beach Park III will get you outdoors. Step out of Kihei with an excursion to Surf Ripper Shave Ice Co in Lahaina--about 42 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: work some fitness into your day at Wailea Beach Path, enjoy the sand and surf at Kamaole Beach Park II, and stroll through Wailea Beach.

For more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Kihei travel planner.

Traveling by flight from Hilo to Kihei takes 3 hours. In December, daytime highs in Kihei are 82°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.