22 days in Island of Hawaii Itinerary

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.

Attractions like Akaka Falls State Park and Liliuokalani Gardens make great kid-friendly stops. Venture out of the city with trips to Kailua-Kona (Swim with Dolphins, Mokuaikaua Church, &more) and Hula Daddy Kona Coffee (in Holualoa). The adventure continues: see the world from above with a helicopter tour, look for all kinds of wild species at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, examine the collection at Lyman Museum, and enjoy the sand and surf at Richardson Beach Park.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Hilo driving holiday planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Hilo is an approximately 25-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) is minus 11 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Zurich in June: high temperatures in Hilo hover around 33°C and lows are around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can drive to Puako.

Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. Kids will enjoy Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Pololu Valley Lookout. Step out of Puako with an excursion to Statue "King Kamehameha" in Kapaau--about 36 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: see some colorful creatures with Hawai'i Surf and Kayak, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Puukohola National Historic Park, and steep yourself in history at Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.

Start your trip to Puako by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Drive from Hilo to Puako in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In June, daytime highs in Puako are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Captain Cook.

A small town with big ocean views, Captain Cook lies on top of an ancient fault line that was responsible for creating the nearby Kealakekua Bay thousands of years ago.

Kids will enjoy Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Kealakekua Bay. Take a break from Captain Cook with a short trip to Kula Kai Caverns in Ocean View, about 54 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: get close to the beloved marine mammals with My Kona Adventures, experience rural life at Kona Coffee Living History Farm, get a taste of the local shopping with Big Island Bees, and pause for some photo ops at The Captain Cook Monument.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Captain Cook journey builder site.

Traveling by car from Puako to Captain Cook takes 1.5 hours. In June, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) so you can go by car 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.

Family-friendly places like Papakōlea Green Sand Beach and Chain of Craters Rd will thrill your kids. Next up on the itinerary: trek along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, take in the exciting artwork at Volcano Art Center Gallery, tour the pleasant surroundings at Napau-Makaopuhi Crater Trail, and explore the striking landscape at Holei Sea Arch.

To find where to stay, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park day trip tool.

You can drive from Captain Cook to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Captain Cook in June since evenings lows in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dip to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.