23 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.

USS Arizona Memorial and US Army Museum of Hawaii are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and Byodo-In Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Honolulu: Haleiwa (Laniakea Beach, Sunset Beach Park, &more), Pupukea (Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument & Shark's Cove) and Waimanalo Beach (in Waimanalo). There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Waikiki Beach, pause for some photo ops at King Kamehameha Statue, examine the collection at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and look for gifts at Moni Honolulu.

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Honolulu trip maker tool.

New York City to Honolulu is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Honolulu is minus 5 hours. July in Honolulu sees daily highs of 88°F and lows of 75°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can catch the flight 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs and Holei Sea Arch. Kalapana and Volcano Art Center Gallery are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: hike along Pu'u Huluhulu trail, stroll through Sulphur Banks, cruise along Crater Rim Drive, and look for all kinds of wild species at Devastation Trail.

To see photos, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read Hawaii Volcanoes National Park day trip site.

Fly from Honolulu to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 3 hours. In July, daily temperatures in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can reach 85°F, while at night they dip to 71°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can travel to Kailua-Kona.

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.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and White Sand Beach. Discover out-of-the-way places like Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook (The Painted Church & Kealakekua Bay). There's still lots to do: get engrossed in the history at Hulihe'e Palace, experience rural life at Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, Head underground at Lava Tube Cave, and look for gifts at The Original Donkey Ball Store.

For reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Kailua-Kona day trip website.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Kailua-Kona. July in Kailua-Kona sees daily highs of 86°F and lows of 76°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can fly to Wailea.

Wailea is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. Visit Wailea Beach and Mokapu Beach Park for some beach relaxation. Step off the beaten path and head to Makena Beach and Palauea Beach. Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Pa'ako Beach (Secret Cove), explore the striking landscape at Lava Fields, enjoy the sand and surf at Oneloa Beach, and pause for some serene contemplation at Keawala'i Congregational Church.

To find reviews, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Wailea trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Kailua-Kona to Wailea takes 2.5 hours. In August in Wailea, expect temperatures between 90°F during the day and 73°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.