10 days in Honolulu, Hilo & Puako Itinerary

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument (in Pupukea), Kailua Beach Park (in Kailua) and Haleiwa (Sunset Beach Park & Waimea Bay). There's lots more to do: explore the different monuments and memorials at USS Arizona Memorial, pause for some photo ops at Queen Liliuokalani Statue, explore the activities along Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and steep yourself in history at Battleship Missouri Memorial.

To find maps, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read Honolulu trip planner.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Honolulu. March in Honolulu sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 68°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Kaumana Caves Park as well as Hilo Farmers Market. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): browse the fresh offerings at Hilo Farmers Market, then admire the natural beauty at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and then Head underground at Kaumana Caves Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Wed): take in the dramatic natural features at Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku), then trek along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, then examine the collection at Jagger Museum, and finally hike along Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail.

For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Hilo day trip site.

Fly from Honolulu to Hilo in 3.5 hours. In March, daytime highs in Hilo are 80°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. On the 19th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Puako.

Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. Your day by day itinerary now includes Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. Change things up with these side-trips from Puako: Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (in Honokaa) and Hawi (Elements Jewelry & Fine Crafts & Hawi Wind Farm). There's lots more to do: admire the verdant scenery at Pololu Valley Lookout, steep yourself in history at Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, enjoy the sand and surf at Mauna Kea Beach, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Waipio Valley.

For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Puako trip builder tool.

Drive from Hilo to Puako in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In March in Puako, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 70°F at night. You'll set off for home on the 22nd (Sun).