31 days in Island of Hawaii Itinerary

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

Kids will enjoy Papakōlea Green Sand Beach and Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm Home of Hawaii's Local Buzz. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) and Holei Sea Arch. There's lots more to do: contemplate the geological forces at Kīlauea, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, trek along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and view the masterpieces at Volcano Art Center Gallery.

For more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park driving holiday planner.

San Diego to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time is minus 2 hours. In March, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a bit warmer than San Diego - with highs of 80°F and lows of 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) to allow time 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Punalu‘U Beach and Hawaiian Vanilla Company. Attractions like Liliuokalani Gardens and Waipiʻo Valley Lookout make great kid-friendly stops. Get out of town with these interesting Hilo side-trips: Volcano (Jagger Museum & Akatsuka Orchid Gardens), Ka'u Coffee Mill (in Pahala) and Laupahoehoe (Laupahoehoe Beach Park & Hamakua Heritage Farm). And it doesn't end there: admire the natural beauty at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, take in the dramatic natural features at Kapoho Tide Pools, and take in the dramatic scenery at Akaka Falls State Park.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Hilo trip planner.

You can drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Hilo in 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive. In March in Hilo, expect temperatures between 80°F during the day and 66°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can go by car 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.

Family-friendly places like Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Swim with Dolphins will thrill your kids. Step off the beaten path and head to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Honaunau Bay. Change things up with these side-trips from Kailua-Kona: Waimea (Dahana Ranch, Waialea Beach, &more), Keokea Beach Park (in Kapaau) and Waikoloa (49 Black Sand Beach & Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve). Spend the 23rd (Wed) exploring nature at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. There's much more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Kahaluu Bay, relax in the rural setting at Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, stroll through Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i, and immerse yourself in nature at Kahalu'u Beach Park.

To plan Kailua-Kona vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

You can drive from Hilo to Kailua-Kona in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. March in Kailua-Kona sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 70°F at night. On the 31st (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.