11 days in Island of Hawaii Itinerary

Thanks to its favorable location near a mountain range blocking the northeasterly trade winds, Kailua-Kona gets little rainfall, allowing adventure seekers and nature lovers a chance to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year.

Popular historic sites such as St. Michael the Archangel Church and Puukohola National Historic Park are in your itinerary. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kanaloa Octopus Farm and Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i. Explore Kailua-Kona's surroundings by going to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (in Puako), Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (in Honaunau) and The Captain Cook Monument (in Captain Cook). And it doesn't end there: get interesting insight from Tours, look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, kick back and relax at Kahaluu Beach, and stroll through Mauna Kea Beach.

For reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Kailua-Kona trip app.

Madison to Kailua-Kona is an approximately 15-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 4 hours traveling from Madison to Kailua-Kona. While traveling from Madison, expect somewhat warmer days and much hotter nights in Kailua-Kona, ranging from highs of 83°F to lows of 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to drive 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 21st (Tue): enjoy the sand and surf at Carlsmith Beach Park, stroll through Richardson Beach Park, then take in nature's colorful creations at Liliuokalani Gardens, then stop by Basically Books, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Joseph Catholic Church,. Here are some ideas for day two: take in nature's colorful creations at Hawaiian Vanilla Company, immerse yourself in nature at Akaka Falls State Park, and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see where to stay and other tourist information, refer to the Hilo holiday builder site.

You can drive from Kailua-Kona to Hilo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Hilo when traveling from Kailua-Kona in May, with lows around 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) to allow time to drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes have played an important role in shaping the Earth, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shows visitors the process in action.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Thu): take in the exciting artwork at Volcano Art Center Gallery, stroll through Kilauea Iki Trailhead, then identify plant and animal life at Devastation Trail, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs, and finally stroll through Holei Sea Arch.

To find photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park route builder.

Drive from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In May, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 67°F. On the 24th (Fri), you're off to home.