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How To Get From Maui To The Big Island For A Day Trip

Published: November 21, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Ebony Obregon

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Introduction

Are you visiting the beautiful island of Maui and want to explore the neighboring Big Island for a day trip? You’re in luck! Hawaii offers a diverse range of stunning islands, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. The Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and offers breathtaking landscapes, active volcanoes, and rich cultural heritage.

Getting from Maui to the Big Island for a day trip may seem like a logistical challenge, but there are several options available to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the convenience of a short flight, the scenic route by ferry, the guidance of a tour, or the freedom of a private boat, you can easily make the trip and explore the wonders of the Big Island in just one day.

In this article, we will explore the various options for traveling from Maui to the Big Island for a day trip. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, so you can choose the one that best fits your preferences and schedule. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Big Island from the shores of Maui.

Option 1: Inter-Island Flights

One of the quickest and most convenient ways to get from Maui to the Big Island for a day trip is by taking an inter-island flight. There are several airlines that offer regular flights between the islands, providing you with the opportunity to maximize your time and explore the Big Island’s wonders at your own pace.

Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), offers numerous daily flights to the Big Island’s two major airports, Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA). The flight duration between Maui and the Big Island is approximately 30-45 minutes, making it a convenient option for day trippers.

When considering inter-island flights, it’s important to do some research and compare prices and schedules to find the best option for you. Some popular airlines that operate inter-island flights include Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines offer competitive rates and convenient flight times, allowing you to plan your day trip efficiently.

Once you arrive at either Hilo or Kona airport, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to explore the Big Island’s attractions. Hilo, located on the eastern side of the island, offers access to stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kona, on the western side, is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, and vibrant cultural sites.

Keep in mind that inter-island flights require some planning in terms of booking in advance and being mindful of flight availability. It’s recommended to book your flights well ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred flight times and avoid any last-minute hassles.

Another advantage of taking an inter-island flight is the opportunity to enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Hawaiian islands. As you soar through the sky, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes, volcanic formations, and crystal-clear waters that make Hawaii a true paradise.

Overall, opting for an inter-island flight from Maui to the Big Island for a day trip provides you with the convenience and flexibility to explore the various attractions and natural wonders that the Big Island has to offer. It’s a great choice for those looking to make the most of their time and experience the highlights of the island in a single day.

Option 2: Ferry Services

If you prefer a more leisurely and scenic route, taking a ferry from Maui to the Big Island is a fantastic option. Although it takes longer compared to an inter-island flight, the ferry ride offers a unique experience and allows you to soak in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean as you journey from one island to another.

Currently, there is one ferry company that operates regular service between Maui and the Big Island: the Expeditions Maui-Lahaina to Lanai Ferry. The ferry departs from Lahaina Harbor in Maui and arrives at Manele Harbor in Lanai. From Lanai, you can catch another ferry that will take you to the Big Island’s Kaunakakai Harbor in Molokai.

Once you reach Molokai, you can rent a car or take a taxi to explore the island’s magnificent sights, such as the towering sea cliffs of Kalaupapa National Historical Park or the beautiful Papohaku Beach. From Molokai, you can catch a shuttle or hire a taxi to travel to the Big Island’s nearby airport, where you can continue your day trip adventure.

It’s important to note that ferry schedules and availability may vary, so it’s essential to check the Expeditions website or contact them directly to confirm the departure times and make reservations in advance. Planning ahead will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey to the Big Island.

While the ferry ride may take longer than a flight, it offers stunning ocean views and the chance to spot marine life, such as dolphins or even whales during the winter months. The gentle sway of the boat combined with the fresh ocean breeze creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere that allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Hawaii’s waters.

Keep in mind that the ferry service between Maui and the Big Island is subject to weather and sea conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to check for any updates or potential cancellations due to adverse weather before embarking on your day trip.

Opting for a ferry service from Maui to the Big Island is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a scenic journey and experience the peacefulness of the ocean. It allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Option 3: Guided Tours

If you prefer a hassle-free and informative way to explore the Big Island from Maui, joining a guided tour is a great option. Guided tours offer the advantage of having an experienced and knowledgeable guide who can enhance your day trip by providing insights, historical context, and insider tips about the Big Island’s attractions.

There are several tour operators on Maui that offer day trips to the Big Island, providing you with a comprehensive itinerary to make the most of your time. These tours usually include transportation, allowing you to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenic drive from Maui to the Big Island.

The guided tours often include visits to popular attractions such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls State Park, and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the raw power of Kilauea, explore ancient Hawaiian cultural sites, and marvel at the island’s stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes.

One of the advantages of joining a guided tour is that the logistics, including transportation and itinerary planning, are taken care of for you. You don’t have to worry about booking flights or figuring out directions. The tour operator ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of the Big Island.

Additionally, guided tours often provide the opportunity to interact with locals and fellow travelers, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and traditions. You may have the chance to sample local cuisine, learn about the history of the Hawaiian people, and participate in traditional activities like lei making or hula dancing.

When choosing a guided tour, it’s important to consider the duration, cost, and specific attractions included in the itinerary. Look for reputable tour operators that have positive reviews and offer knowledgeable guides who can provide you with an enriching experience.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or vacationing with friends or family, joining a guided tour from Maui to the Big Island is a convenient and informative way to explore the island’s highlights. Sit back, relax, and let the experts take care of the details as you embark on a memorable adventure through the unique landscapes and rich history of the Big Island.

Option 4: Renting a Private Boat

For those seeking a more customized and adventurous day trip from Maui to the Big Island, renting a private boat is an excellent option. Renting a boat allows you to have complete control over your itinerary, giving you the freedom to explore the Big Island’s pristine coastline, secluded beaches, and hidden gems at your own pace.

There are various boat rental companies in Maui that offer a range of vessels, from small motorboats to luxury yachts, depending on your preferences and group size. Renting a boat gives you the flexibility to plan your own route and visit the attractions that interest you the most.

Before embarking on your private boat adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines for boating in Hawaiian waters. Ensure that you have the necessary boating licenses or certifications if required and that you are aware of any restricted areas or protected marine environments.

With a private boat, you can cruise along the coastline of the Big Island, stopping at picturesque spots to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on secluded beaches. You’ll have the opportunity to discover hidden coves, encounter colorful marine life, and soak in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

Renting a boat also allows you to customize your day trip experience by adding activities such as fishing, water sports, or beach picnics. Pack a cooler with refreshments and snacks, and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board while taking in the stunning views and gentle ocean breezes.

It’s important to plan your boat rental in advance to secure your preferred vessel and ensure availability. Check with rental companies for any additional services they may offer, such as guided tours or the option to hire a captain or crew to navigate and enhance your experience.

While renting a private boat offers unparalleled freedom and adventure, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Familiarize yourself with maritime safety practices, including weather conditions and emergency procedures. Be mindful of the ocean conditions and always adhere to boating regulations for a safe and enjoyable day on the water.

Renting a private boat from Maui to the Big Island provides a unique and personalized way to explore the beauty of this incredible island. You’ll have the freedom to create your own itinerary, discover hidden gems, and make unforgettable memories in the breathtaking waters surrounding the Big Island.

Embarking on a day trip from Maui to the Big Island is an opportunity to witness the diverse beauty and captivating attractions that Hawaii has to offer. With several transportation options available, you can easily make the journey and explore the wonders of the Big Island in just one day.

If convenience and speed are important to you, inter-island flights provide a quick and efficient way to reach the Big Island. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views while maximizing your time on the island. Alternatively, ferry services offer a scenic and leisurely route, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean as you journey from Maui to the Big Island.

For those looking for an informative and hassle-free experience, joining a guided tour is a great option. Explore the highlights of the Big Island with knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

If you crave adventure and want to customize your itinerary, renting a private boat allows you to explore the island’s coastline at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to discover deserted beaches, hidden coves, and have unforgettable encounters with marine life.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to plan ahead, research your chosen method of transportation, and consider the specific attractions you wish to explore on the Big Island. Finally, don’t forget to check for any travel advisories or weather conditions that may affect your day trip.

From the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the cultural sites of Hilo and the pristine beaches of Kona, the Big Island has something to offer every traveler. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable day trip and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the Big Island from the shores of Maui.

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Day Trip to the Big Island from Oahu or Maui

Take a hassle free trip to the Big Island, even if you’re staying on Maui or Oahu. On the tour, visit Hawaii’s only active volcano as well as sights like Hilo Town and Rainbow falls. The package includes roundtrip airfare to and from the Big Island plus ground transportation and a guide. So all you have to do is relax and enjoy the tour.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

• Departs From: Maui – Kahului, Maui – Kihei/Wailea (South), Oahu – Waikiki (Greater Honolulu)
• Duration: Full day
• Included in the price: Round trip flights from Oahu or Maui, guided tour on the Big Island

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Tour Highlights

• Roundtrip airfare from Oahu or Maui to the Big Island
• Friendly, expert volcano tour guide
• Hilo Town & Rainbow Falls
• Volcanoes National Park including the visitor’s center, steam vents, and chain of craters road
• Black sand beach

Tour Details

Are you staying on Oahu or Maui but you really want to see the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park? Hawaii Tours offers a done-for-you guided trip so you can make the most of your time. On the tour, visit Hawaii’s only active volcano as well as sights like Hilo Town and Rainbow falls. The package includes roundtrip airfare to and from the Big Island plus ground transportation and a guide. So all you have to do is relax and enjoy the tour.

Tour Description

This tour starts with pickup from your Waikiki hotel and transport to HNL airport. If you are on Maui you will be picked up from your hotel in South or West Maui and transported to the airport in Kahului.  There you’ll catch a flight over to Hilo where your tour guide will meet you at the airport around 8:00 am. From here you’ll journey through Hilo, seeing and stopping at various places until the tour reaches the famed Rainbow Falls State Park on the edge of town.

The highlight of this tour is the many stops within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see an active volcano and craters of the past along Chain of Craters Road. See the steam vents, check out the destruction of the crater due to the last eruption. See how the landscape changes and get other great information in the learning center or the Visitor Center.

This tour also includes stops at a black sand beach, a lunch stop, scenic viewpoints, gardens, and more. Your guide will return you back to the airport in Hilo for your flight back to Oahu, where your driver will meet you at the airport to transport you back to your hotel.  In all an 8 hour day on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Your guide may change some stops depending on weather and availability*

We are affiliate partners with Hawaii Tours which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can  read more about our affiliate policies here . Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

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Big Island one day itinerary suggestions for day trip (2024)

Looking for the perfect Big Island one day itinerary?

I’ve got you covered! Big Island is the largest of all Hawaiian islands, and on my trip, I discovered that it has a lot of amazing and unique sights, activities, and experiences that cannot be found on other Hawaiian Islands.

I have been to Big Island, Oahu, and Maui, and the Big Island felt really unique among all of them, less touristy and full of amazing things.

I spent 7 days on the Big Island and explored almost the entire island. Having experienced other Hawaiian islands, I could easily identify what is unique to the Big Island and must be experienced on a day trip.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and snorkeling with the manta rays are the most unique and popular things to do on the Big Island, and I think that is what you should focus on if you have just one day in the Big Island.

Other popular attractions on the Big Island are a visit to a black sand beach, Kona coffee farm, Hilo waterfalls, and the sacred Waipio valley.

With just one day in Big Island, you have to stick to the highlights and the most unique experiences on the island.

Maybe you are doing a Big Island day trip or overnight trip from Oahu or Maui, or are looking for a day excursion from Hilo, as many cruise ships dock in Hilo for a day.

In this article, I will outline a few itinerary suggestions for spending the perfect one day on the Big Island. So let’s get to it!

Big Island 1 day itinerary: Quick Overview

Big Island is huge and has so much to offer that it is hard to cover everything in a day. But you can definitely see the highlights!

With just one day, I highly recommend taking a tour so that you can maximize your time. They take care of the logistics and are operated by locals who know the island well.

For most day trippers coming to the Big Island, the most popular attractions are visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and snorkeling with the manta rays.

Below are my top itinerary options for a day trip to Big Island:

Itinerary Suggestion 1: Take a Big Island Circle Tour and cover major highlights like Volcanoes Park, waterfalls, black sand beach, etc. This tour will cover a lot more of the Big Island; the downside is less time at the Volcanoes Park.

Itinerary Suggestion 2 : Explore more of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Check out this Volcano and Stargazing Tour from Kona or this Volcano and waterfall tour from Hilo , depending on which side of the Big Island you arrive.

Itinerary Suggestion 3: If you want to do both the Volcanoes and Manta ray snorkeling, then you might have to take a helicopter tour to see the volcanoes so that you have time to do the manta ray snorkeling in the evening. Helicopter tour of Volcanoes + Snorkeling with the Manta rays in the evening .

Itinerary Suggestion 4: Half-day Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes Park, waterfall, and highlights for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hilo.

Itinerary Suggestion 5: Explore the Big Island yourself by renting a car – See the Volcanoes park and maybe a couple more attractions like black sand beach and Hilo waterfalls.

Now let’s explore the details of each of these Big Island of Hawaii day trip itinerary alternatives!

Big Island 1 day Itinerary Suggestions

These itineraries try to hit the main highlights in Big Island, and all of them include a visit to the Volcanoes National Park , which is the most popular attraction on Big Island.

Pick the itinerary option that best suits your interest and budget.

If you would like to experience snorkeling with the manta rays, which is an evening activity in Kona, then in the morning, you might want to stick with a half-day activity or tour.

The itinerary option you pick also depends on whether your starting and ending point is from Kona or Hilo .

Most passengers coming from the mainland arrive at Kona International Airport, which is in the western region of the Big Island.

Kona is where the top snorkeling spots and the legendary manta ray snorkeling is . There are a lot of popular things to do in Kona for tourists , like beaches, snorkeling, and historic sites.

Visitors from Oahu or Maui can also arrive at Hilo airport. Hilo is closer to the Volcanoes Park. Cruise ship passengers also arrive in Hilo, and the Hilo shore excursion itinerary option below is perfect for them.

There are two ways you can explore Big island in a day:

• Take a tour
• Do it on your own by renting a car

With just one day on the Big Island, time is more important than money as seeing Big Island’s main attractions is a bucket list experience. I highly recommend taking a tour, as tours cover a lot more than you could possibly do on your own.

Itinerary Option 1: Big Island circle tour to cover all the highlights

If you want to hit all the highlights of Big Island and want to see everything (I am like that!), then taking a circle tour of Big Island is the way to go .

Leave the driving to the experts, and the tour guides will make sure you do not miss out on any attractions.

This Big Island one day tour covers all the main attractions on the Big Island, like Hawaii Volcanes National Park, Kona Coffee farm, black sand beach, Hilo waterfalls, and much more.

Big Island in a Day tour (Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History) –

This small group, highly rated Big Island circle tour picks up from most hotels on the Kona and Kohala coast and is a full-day tour.

This full-day tour (11 hours) from Kona covers Volcanoes Park, Kona Coffee Farm, black sand beach, Hilo Waterfalls, and Waipio Valley. If you want to see it all, this is the best Big Island day tour in my opinion.

Note that the tour does not pick up or drop off from Kona airport, so if you are arriving early morning in Kona, then you would need to take a cab to the tour meeting point.

If you are staying overnight in Kona, then this tour picks up from most Kona hotels.

➡ Check rates and availability of this Big Island in a day circle tour

Itinerary Option 2: Explore more of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This itinerary option is perfect for you if you want to focus more on the Volcanoes Park in your Big Island one day itinerary instead of doing all the sights of the Big Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes Park is one of the most unique things about the Big Island, and it can take a whole day to explore its highlights. In this Big Island itinerary, you focus more on the Volcanoes park and just fit in one or two additional attractions.

You can take a full-day volcano tour from Kona or a half-day volcano tour from Hilo depending on your starting location.

Small Group Volcano and Stargazing Tour from Kona –

This small group Volcanoes tour from Kona is a full-day tour and covers the top highlights in Volcanoes Park, like the active Kilauea crater, the Thurston lava tube, steam vents, and other attractions on the Crater Rim drive.

The tour also includes a visit to a Kona coffee farm and the famous Punaluu black sand beach.

You will also enjoy sunset and stargazing in the night sky of Big Island. The tour includes lunch and dinner and has a maximum of 13 passengers.

The tour has a late start of between 10 and 11 am from Kona, which gives enough time for inter-island visitors to reach Kona.

➡ Check rates and availability of this highly rated, small group Volcano and Stargazing Tour from Kona

Small group Volcano and waterfall tour from Hilo –

This Small group Volcanoes and waterfall tour from Hilo is a half-day tour and will take you to the top sights in Volcanoes Park, like the active Kilauea volcano, Halema’uma’u crater, steam vents, and the impressive Thurston lava tube.

It will also take you to the Chain of Craters Road to see historic lava flows.

The tour includes a visit to the Rainbow Falls and the Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.

You will also get to stop at a store where you can sample and buy homegrown goodies like chocolate, island-grown macadamia nuts, and Kona coffee!

This tour picks up from the Hilo cruise port as well as Hilo airport and has a maximum of 12 passengers.

➡ Check rates and availability of this highly rated, small-group Volcano and waterfall tour from Hilo

Itinerary Option 3: Helicopter tour of Volcanoes + Snorkeling with the Manta rays in the evening

This itinerary option allows you to experience snorkeling with the Manta rays in Kona, the most popular snorkeling tour on Big Island .

As manta ray snorkeling is an evening activity and can only be done in Kona which is in the western region of the Big Island, the only way to do Volcanoes Park in the morning from Kona is by doing a helicopter tour.

Volcanoes Park is 2 hours away from Kona each way, and doing a road tour and being back in time for manta ray snorkeling might be a little hard logistically. Taking a helicopter tour of the volcanoes during the day is the best option.

Of course, if manta ray snorkeling is the top thing on your Big Island bucket list, and a helicopter tour is out of budget, there is always the option of spending the morning in Kona checking out the historic sites or relaxing on a beach in Kona.

If taking a helicopter tour in Hawaii has been on your bucket list, then the Big Island is one of the best places to splurge on a helicopter tour, where you can witness the massive volcanoes, stunning coastlines, rainforests, and waterfalls!

Volcanoes and Big Island Helicopter tour from Kona

One of the best ways to marvel at the stunning aerial vistas of Volcanoes National Park, as well as the Big Island’s waterfalls and valleys, is by taking this highly-rated 2-hour Volcanoes helicopter tour from Kona.

During this helicopter ride from Kona, you’ll get to see aerial views of all three main volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Kilauea, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa.

You will also enjoy breathtaking views of the incredibly picturesque Waipio Valley and the Hamakua coast, which features numerous waterfalls and rainforests.

➡ Check rates and availability of this popular Volcanoes and Big Island Helicopter tour from Kona

Volcanoes Helicopter tour from Hilo

In this highly-rated 1-hour Volcanoes tour departing from Hilo airport, experience the awe-inspiring aerial scenery of Volcanoes Park, including the active Kilauea crater.

If volcanic activity occurs during your excursion, you may even have the chance to witness lava flow firsthand.

Admire the rainforests and valleys of Hilo from above, take in breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, and gain insights into the island’s rich history from your knowledgeable pilot.

➡ Check rates and availability of this highly-rated Volcanoes Helicopter tour from Hilo

Night Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure in Kona

Snorkeling with the Manta rays is a bucket list experience on Big Island to see the majestic manta rays up close!

This Manta Ray snorkel adventure tour from Kona comes highly rated and is 2.5 hours in duration.

Note: You must know how to swim and should be comfortable floating in the ocean, holding onto a flotation device. Nonswimmers can ride along on the boat and watch the manta rays from the boat.

In this tour, neon lights shine in the water, which attracts planktons, which in turn attracts manta rays to feed on the planktons. It is really awesome to see manta rays up close!

➡ Check rates and availability of this highly-rated Night Manta Ray snorkel adventure in Kona

If snorkeling is not your thing, you can also enjoy a Kona sunset cruise . We always take a sunset cruise on Hawaiian islands, and it is often the most memorable experience of our trips.

Itinerary Option 4: Hilo shore excursions for cruise ship passengers

Most cruise ships dock at Hilo port which is in the eastern region of Big Island in Hilo town.

Cruise ship passengers coming to Big Island for a day can take a 5-6 hour tour to see the Volcanoes National Park and other highlights on the east Big Island like Hilo waterfalls, black sand beach, and Hilo town.

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes Park, waterfall, and highlights

This half-day Hilo Shore excursion tour includes the main sights of the Volcanoes Park as well as highlights of Hilo town, a visit to Rainbow Falls, and also includes a visit to a black sand beach.

This tour stops at the main sights of Volcanoes Park, like the active Kilauea Volcano, Thurston lava tube, steam vents, and vista points.

This tour spends less time at Volcanoes Park as it includes other stops like the black sand beach. If you want more time at Volcanoes Park, then check out this Hilo Shore excursion Volcano tour instead.

➡ Check rates and availability of this popular Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes Park, waterfall, and highlights

Itinerary Option 5: Explore Big Island yourself by renting a car

If you do not want to go the tour route, you can explore Big Island yourself by renting a car .

I recommend Discover cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.

If driving yourself, other than visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you might only be able to fit in one or two more things in your Big Island 1 day itinerary, like the Punaluu black sand beach.

Note that it takes around 2 hours one way to drive from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and 45 minutes to drive from Hilo to Volcanoes Park.

Below are some top things to do on the Big Island in one day itinerary:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You must plan for at least 3 hours for exploring Volcanoes Park. Below are some top things to do in the park:

Active Kilauea volcano in Halema’uma’u crater – The active Kilauea volcano erupting within the Halema’uma’u crater is the top attraction in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You can witness the Kilauea volcano from several viewpoints on the Crater Rim drive. The overlook at Volcano House is a great spot for watching the steam coming out of the Halema’uma’u crater.

Crater Rim Drive – Crater Rim Drive is the main road that circles the Halema’uma’u crater, and a drive along this road will bring you to several vista points and sights like sulfur banks and steam vents. A must to experience the Volcanoes park.

Thurston Lava Tube – Doing the half-mile walk inside the 500-year-old Thurston Lava Tube is a very cool attraction and not to be missed. The cave is really huge and impressive to explore.

Kilauea Iki crater hike – Kilauea Iki crater hike is one of the best hikes in Volcanoes Park and my favorite! Here you walk through a solidified lava lake inside the Kilauea Iki crater. You also get to walk through a rainforest on this hike. The hike takes around 2 hours to complete.

There are several other attractions in Volcanoes Park, like driving the Chain of Craters Road to sea level and Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs , but it might not be possible in a one day Big Island itinerary as the drive itself takes around 2 hours through historic lava rocks.

Punaluu black sand beach

Punaluu black sand beach is a very unique and beautiful stretch of black sand beach in the southeast region of the Big Island and around 45 minutes south of Volcanoes Park. You can spot Hawaiian sea turtles at this beach!

You should plan for an hour at Punaluu black sand beach.

Hilo Waterfalls

Depending on the time you have, Akaka Falls is the tallest waterfall on the Big Island, with a 422-foot drop inside Akaka State Park. The easy half-mile paved hike to reach the falls overlook is inside a lush rainforest.

You should plan for 30 minutes to an hour at Hilo Waterfalls.

Where to stay in Big Island overnight

In case you are landing in Kona or Hilo the night before your excursion or are planning to stay overnight after your one day in Big Island, below are a couple of hotel recommendations in downtown Hilo and Kona.

Where to stay in Kona overnight

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is a great hotel at a prime location on Alii Drive in Kona and has a nice beach in front of the hotel. It is a 15-minute drive from Kona International Airport.

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is an oceanfront property 30 minutes from Kona Airport. This is a popular hotel for manta ray viewing.

Kona has some of the best resorts on the Big Island for families and is a popular region to stay.

Where to stay in Hilo overnight

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on Banyan Drive is a great oceanfront property around 10 minutes from Hilo airport and 5 minutes from Hilo port. This is where we stayed in Hilo.

Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton is also on Banyan Drive next to the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and is oceanfront as well.

Final takeaways: One day in Big Island itinerary

Big Island day trip is short, but it is possible to experience the main sights of the Big Island, like the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkeling with the manta rays, visiting a black sand beach and Kona Coffee farm, with the help of a tour.

Below is a summary of the top suggestions for Big Island in a day:

Option 1: Take a Big Island Circle Tour and cover major highlights like Volcanoes park, waterfalls, black sand beach, etc.

Option 2 : Explore more of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Check out this Volcano and Stargazing Tour from Kona or Volcano and waterfall tour from Hilo

Option 3: Helicopter tour of Volcanoes + Snorkeling with the Manta rays in the evening .

Option 4: Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes Park, waterfall, and highlights for cruise ship passengers

Option 5: Explore Big Island yourself by renting a car – See the Volcanoes park and maybe a couple more attractions like black sand beach and Hilo waterfalls.

Pick a Big Island one day itinerary option that best suits your group’s interests and fits within your available time and schedule.

Related Posts

Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? Check out my other posts from the Big Island series:

Best Volcano tours from Kona, Hawaii

Best Volcano tours from Hilo, Hawaii

7 Best Kona Sunset Cruises in Big Island of Hawaii

9 Best Resorts on Big Island for Families

BEST one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

Anu Agarwal is the founder and author of vacation travel blog Destination Checkoff. Anu, a Northern California resident, and a regular nine-to-fiver, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has traveled to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. With her blog, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and vacation travel guides and help you check those dream destinations off your bucket list!

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How to Plan the Perfect Multi-island Trip to Hawaii

These eight tips will help you travel between Hawaii's islands with ease.

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The Hawaiian archipelago includes more than 100 islands, atolls, and islets. But if you’re planning a visit, don’t worry, as you need not plot a 100-island itinerary. With the majority of the islands uninhabited and inaccessible, you can focus on four of the eight largest islands: Kauai , Oahu , Maui , and the Island of Hawaii (often referred to as the Big Island), with the option to add on a few others.

Here are some tips for planning an epic multi-island trip to Hawaii .

Determine travel dates and destinations.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Ideally, you should spend at least one week on each of the four islands. But if you don’t have a full month, plan for four to five days per island, then choose one or two regions within each. 

Make a list of things you want to do in order of importance. This will help you determine where to base yourself on each island and what to eliminate if needed. For example, if sleeping near an active volcano and night snorkeling with manta rays are two activities topping your list, book a couple of nights at the historic Volcano House — the only lodging within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — on the Hilo side of the Island of Hawaii and a few nights at Mauna Kea Resort or The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Kona side, where you can join a guided small group night snorkel with Manta Ray Advocates .

Don’t forget to factor in flight and drive times. Although some islands appear small on the map, weather, road conditions, and traffic can impact overall travel time. 

Also, consider when to go . Hawaii has microclimates, so weather can vary, but in general, summer is warm with minimal rainfall. This is ideal for beach lovers, but it’s also one of the peak travel times, with families visiting during summer break. Expect higher rates and larger crowds during this time, as well as the weeks surrounding major U.S. holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. 

You may find lower rates and thinner crowds during the winter (with the exception of the holiday season), but the colder months are generally wetter, so if you’re traveling to Hawaii from November through March, be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, and possible road closures and activity cancellations. The shoulder seasons from March to May (excluding spring break and Easter) and September to October tend to have comfortable weather conditions and slightly fewer crowds than peak seasons.

Identify your travel style.

Some travelers crave leisurely days at the beach, while others prefer an action-packed itinerary. Some gravitate toward lively, larger cities, while others enjoy slower-paced small towns . Discuss your expectations and interests with your travel companions so you can hone in on the regions, tours, and hotels best suited to you.

Do your research. I often hear visitors comment that Oahu is "too busy," yet they haven't ventured beyond Honolulu. Honolulu is the capital city and home to about one million people, so yes, it’s busy. Find an oasis amidst the chaos: With convenient locations, Espacio and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach are tranquil retreats in the city. Or, if you’re not interested in the urban experience at all, skip the capital and head elsewhere on Oahu . 

You might be tempted to schedule every hour of your itinerary in order to make the most of your trip, but don’t overbook. Allow time for rest, and aim for balance, so you don't wind up exhausted. Follow an active day of touring with some leisure time or a spa treatment.

Plan your route.

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Although you can start and end wherever you choose, it’s wise to look at flight schedules to plot an efficient route. Kauai is in the northwest, and the Island of Hawaii is in the southeast, so starting in Kauai and traveling southeast — to Oahu, Maui, and then the Island of Hawaii — makes sense logistically. It also provides variety, from the slower pace of Kauai to a mix of urban adventures and cruising the countryside on Oahu and Maui. You'll end with a bang on the Island of Hawaii, where you can feel the energy of volcanic activity. In this case, you’ll also be following the order in which the islands were formed, so it’s a great way to experience them from oldest to youngest and observe the geological evolution along the way. 

When booking flights, consider multicity rather than a round-trip option. If you’ll be traveling the Kauai to the Island of Hawaii route suggested above, you can arrive in Kauai, book onward interisland flights to Oahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii, then depart from Kona. Keep in mind that some interisland flights are not direct and may require a stopover in Honolulu or Kahului, for example, so be sure to check before booking. You can often secure direct interisland flights by choosing one that departs earlier in the day.

Enlist the help of experts.

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While you can travel around the islands on your own, we recommend booking some guided experiences. Native Hawaiian guides and cultural practitioners, in particular, offer personal stories and context that will give you an entirely different — and much richer — experience. Plus, by booking with Native Hawaiian experts, you’re supporting the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. 

Many hotels, like ‘Alohilani Resort and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Oahu and Ka’anapali Beach Hotel on Maui, are increasingly providing complimentary, Native Hawaiian-led activities that include hula, Hawaiian language lessons, lei-making sessions, and sunrise ceremonies. Other properties, like Timbers and Kukui’ula on Kauai, offer farm tours to acquaint guests (and their taste buds) with the abundance of plants and produce grown there. Some hotels, including Halekulani , provide private tours or discounted or free entrance to local sites of significance such as Bishop Museum , Iolani Palace , and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design . Be sure to ask about these offerings prior to booking your hotels. 

When it comes to physical activities such as hiking, guided tours with reputable operators like Kauai Hiking Tours help ensure your safety. And in some cases, a guided tour can afford access to extraordinary places, like Hualalai crater, a sacred site located on private land that only two tour operators — Uluha'o O Hualalai and Hawaii Forest & Trail — have permission to reach. (For a beachside stay nearby, check out Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ).

Some expert-led trips from operators such as Kailani Tours can also help you maximize your time by bringing you to a variety of sites in one day, allowing you to enjoy the ride rather than worry about logistics and navigation. 

Make reservations.

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Many popular places such as Hanauma Bay on Oahu now require reservations, and popular tours, including sunrise at Haleakalā on Maui and sunset at Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii, often sell out, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. Arnott’s Adventures offers sunset and stargazing tours from Hilo, and if you’re on the Kona side, check out Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Summit & Stars Give Back Experience .

You should also secure dinner reservations so you don’t miss out on your top choices or waste time waiting for a table. And don’t forget car rentals for each island, too; these do sell out and — with the exception of Honolulu, where shuttles, public buses, and ride-share options are available — it can be difficult and expensive to get around without your own wheels. 

Pack your bags.

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One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling to Hawaii is assuming it’s always sunny and warm. If you’re planning to visit multiple islands, you’ll likely encounter a variety of microclimates and changing weather conditions. Come prepared with layers and appropriate footwear for your activities, and always pack a rain jacket. And, of course, pack a Hawaiian shirt or two.

Bring binoculars, too, to get a better view of wildlife such as endemic birds and migrating whales, as well as dynamic landscapes. If you’re fortunate enough to witness volcanic activity, you’ll be happy to have these on hand for a close-up view of bubbling lava. Some tours do include outdoor gear and equipment; inquire when booking. 

Consider additional islands.

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If you have time and want to add another island to your trip, there are a few options available to visitors. You can take the ferry from Maui to Lanai for a day trip or spend a night or two and sink into that relaxed island life. 

If you’re interested in visiting Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, allow a few extra days. Keep in mind that flights to Molokai are limited, and as the island is home to vulnerable kupuna (elderly people), it's slowly reopening to visitors since the pandemic started.

If you prefer a private tour to a neighboring island, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea can charter a yacht or helicopter from Maui to Lanai or Molokai. 

Although you’re not permitted to step ashore on Ni'ihau, the “Forbidden Island,” without an invitation, you can snorkel the waters nearby on a Holo Holo Charters Super Tour . 

Travel with aloha. 

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For you, Hawaii may be a dream destination. For those who live here, it's home and, for many, sacred. Travel with respect : Stay on marked trails, don’t enter private property, obey warnings (from posted signs, lifeguards, and law enforcement), and be mindful that the environment is fragile and the land has cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance.

Be flexible, too. Don’t be attached to a particular expectation or activity. Sometimes, plans change due to weather (like that time I flew to Kauai to see the famed cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast and colors of Waimea Canyon, only to find it all covered in clouds and fog). If you’re lucky enough to visit Hawaii, embrace the unexpected, stay present, and aim to enjoy the experience — rain or shine. 

10 days in Hawaii: The Big Island and Maui

When planning our trip to Hawaii, we were overwhelmed by the amount of things to do in Hawaii. We’ve saved you the long hours of research. Follow our itinerary below to experience the best sites in Maui and The Big Island.

• TOP tips for planning

Our Top Tips for Planning

Step 1: Decide trip duration and which islands to visit

• Aim to spend at least 5 days per island. There’s so much to do that it will be a waste of time and money to travel between the islands within a few days of each other. We had 10 days so decided to travel to two islands
• We chose Maui and the Big Island mostly because of the chance to visit the ONLY 2 NATIONAL PARKS in Hawaii. Maui is home to Haleakala and Hawaii is home to Volcanoes NP.

Step 2: Pick your flights

• Now that you’ve picked which islands you’re visiting, then next deciding factor is determining which island to travel to first. We made the decision on costs of flights. We love flying Southwest, so we created a large spreadsheet with costs of different flights to decide how to make our trip.
• Although Maui and Hawaii are both home to two airports, Kahului and Kona will be the largest and more likely of the two on the respective islands to travel to (with the most options for available rental cars).
• In the end, Houston –> Maui (Kahului – OGG) –> Hawaii (Kona- KOA) –> Houston won!

Step 3: Be COVID aware

• Currently (as of 11/2021) Hawaii requires all visitors to be either fully vaccinated or have a recent negative COVID test from a trusted site in order to bypass quarantine
• Another consequence of COVID on the island is that rental cars and hotels are not cheap! In the end, we booked through AutoSlash and found Airbnbs to stay at.

OUR ITINERARY

Check out our instagram for more details about each of our stops on our itinerary!

Day 1 – Fly from Houston to Kahului

• Total flight time was 8 hours. We left at 5:30AM and landed at 2:30PM in Kahului (8:30PM Houston time). It was a long day, but we landed with just enough time to explore some of Maui before sunset.

• Our first stop was the Iao state Needle Monument and Kepaniwai Park on the way to our airbnb in Kihei

Day 2 – Explore Maui

• We knew we had to snorkel when visiting Hawaii! The Molokini Snorkeling and Turtle Town tours were the most popular. The Molokini crater is a popular snorkel area due to the quiet waters near the crater formation.
• There was so many tour options to choose from and all were pretty similar. All of them seem to provide complimentary breakfast and lunch for approximately 5 hours of snorkeling. Here is a link to a list of all the options by a third party website. In the, end we chose PacWhale EcoAdventures based on emphasis on conservation, cost, reviews, and availability.
• After the snorkel tour, we headed to explore the cities. First stop was Lahaina to see the large Banyan Tree.
• Followed by the famous Nakaleke Blowhole via the Acid War Zone Trail and the Dragon’s Teeth/Labyrinth
• Then, we drove to the west coast of Maui to our airbnb near Paia

Day 3 – Haleakala NP and Road to Hana

• One of the highlights of our trip was the Haleakala Summit. Here you can catch the sunrise above the clouds. Once in a lifetime experience! Make sure to reserve in advance for this experience and pack for the cold – it was in the 30s and very windy.
• After viewing the sunrise, we explored the Haleakala NP summit area and saw a few of the overlooks.

• Next up, was the road to Hana after a quick stop at our airbnb. The drive back to our airbnb was long, but given how early we had gotten up that day it was only 10AM by the time we started road to Hana.
• We knew Road to Hana is long, so we chose to divide our day into two
• We did the Road to Hana backwards this day. We drove all the way Pipiwai Trail and Oheo Gulches and hike up to the Bamboo Forest before heading in for the night.

Day 4 – Road to Hana

• Today, we drove all the way to MM14 checking out Twin Falls, the Huelo fruit lookout stand, the free Ke’anae arboretum, and Aunty Sandy’s banana bread.
• We had just enough time to head to beach after this

Day 5 – Flight to Hawaii

• This morning we checked out Maui Swap and Meet, which occurs every Saturday morning
• We did a Maui Tropical Plantation tour at 11AM
• After a quick stop at Ululani’s again we headed to the airport.
• Our flight from OGG –> KOA was at 5pm
• Next thing to do was pick up our rental car and drive to Hilo. We spent the rest of our nights in Hawaii staying at the doubletree Hilton due to a membership discount.

Day 6 – Volcanoes NP

• We spent the entire day exploring Volcanoes NP. There’s so much to see here!

Day 7 – Wai’pio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls

• From our hotel in Hilo the Wai’pio Valley was a 1.5 hour drive. While you can choose to hike down, the trail is very steep and we didn’t have time on this day.
• We also visited Akaka Falls Sate Park and Rainbow Falls (located in Hilo)

Day 8 – South Hawaii

• Today we explored a black (Punalulu’u Black Sand Beach) and green colored beach (Papalokea Beach) and even saw the southernmost bakery in the USA (Punalu’u Bakery).

Day 9 – Explore Kona

• This was our last day in Hawaii! We spent it exploring Kona
• After catching brunch, we visited Hala Coffee Farms for a coffee farm tour, the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, and went boogy-boarding at Maninio’wali/Kua Bay Beach
• We stayed at an Airbnb in Kona tonight in preparation for our early flight home the next day

Day 10 – Flight home

• Our flight left at 8AM from KOA and landed at 12:10AM in Houston

Read more about National Parks , High Yield Itineraries

• Toll-free: 877-678-7333 -or- 808-876-7777

One-day Tours to Big Island & Kilauea Volcano

• Big Island Day Tours from Oahu
• Sightseeing

• Round-trip interisland airfare
• Guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• See Kilauea Caldera, steam vents, recent lava flows
• Explore the Thurston Lava Tube

Description

The Hawaiian island chain was born of fire, but it has been at least 35,000 years since there has been an eruption on the island of Oahu. As the Pacific plate drifts west , the hotspot that creates the volcanic activity is now under the eastern end of the Hawaiian chain. All the recent volcanic activity has been on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you want to see an ACTIVE volcano in person ... steaming craters, recent flows, and maybe even a glipse of some red hot lava ... you need to visit the Big Island!

For guests staying on Oahu, we offer one-day tours to fly from Honolulu Airport to the Big Island, with a tour vehicle, guide and park admission included once you arrive. The day starts early; participants are on their own to get to and from the Honolulu Airport and the morning flights are typically around 5:30am-6:30am. The return flight is typically in the early evening. There are two different versions of this tour offered by two different companies.

One-day interisland tours involving airfare are charged at the time the reservation is made, and there are no refunds for canceled / missed tour dates. Due to airline flight rules there are no changes or cancellations allowed once your date is confirmed. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of a nonrefundable tour in the event of an unexpected change in your travel plans.

Your morning begins with self-checkin at the Honolulu Airport. Following your flight to the Big Island, your tour guide and 20 passenger motorcoach will pick you up at the Kona Airport. This tour is not just a Kilauea Volcano tour ... it is a journey from Kona all the way around the southern tip of the Big Island, with an evening return flight from the Hilo Airport! You will see extensive volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, including historically-recent lava flows from THREE different volcanos! You will drive through idyllic seaside downtown of Kona, pass through coffee farm territory, and further south to the massive lava flows from Mauna Loa. You'll cross the famous 1950 flow that set a record ... once the eruption started high on the slopes of Mauna Loa a massive river of lava surged all the way down the mountain and into the ocean in just 3.5 hours!

About halfway through the drive to Kilauea you will stop for a break at Punalu'u Beach Park , one of the most beautiful and exotic BLACK sand beaches in the world! It is common to see honu ... the Hawaiian gree sea turtles ... hauled out of the ocean and laying in the warm jet black sand. Also enjoy a stop at the Punalu'u Sweet Bread Bakery.

Next stop is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , home of Kilauea Caldera, the world's most ACTIVE volcano . Park admission is included, and see the Kilauea Visitor Center, Halemaumau Crater overlook, Kilauea Iki Overlook, and walk through and explore the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). If time permits, a stop is often made at Rainbow Falls on the Outskirts of Hilo, followed by your dropoff at the Hilo Airport for your flight back to Oahu.

Schedule: This tour is typically offered daily. Exact flight times are provided after your reservation is confirmed.

Check In Location: Honolulu International Airport Interisland Terminal.

Included: Airfare, guide, motorcoach tour around the southern half of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park admission, water,juice, sodas, and snacks. A no-host lunch stop is made at a local restaurant where food is available for purchase.

Reservations: Advanced reservations required ... tours involving interisland airfare are charged at the time your reservation is confirmed.

Minimum Notice for Cancellations / Changes: Tours involving interisland airfare are non-cancellable, non-changeable, and non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost in the event you have an unepected change in your vacation plans.

Aloha Sunshine Tours - Big Island from Oahu Rate (AST33O)

$549.00 per Adult, $549.00 per Child (2-11), Infants under 2 FREE    (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)

Explore cascading waterfalls, craters, and the city of Hilo which was inundated by a tsunami in 1960. Bear witness to the 2018 eruption that drastically altered the island's landscape. Peer into the depths of Halemaumau Crater which has remarkably doubled in size and watch steam clouds form as ground water seeps onto hot volcanic rock at the famous Steam Vents.

Gaze at sweeping coastal views at Kealakomo Overlook where older lava flows entered the ocean. Drive down scenic Chain of Craters Road., and explore Nahuku ... also known as Thursdon Lava Tube. Marvel at not one by two spectacular waterfalls – Rainbow Falls just outside of Hilo town, and Akaka Falls - a towering 442 foot tall waterfall accessible by walking a short verdant jungle trail from the parking lot. Your day concludes with an evening flight from Hilo back to Honolulu.

Schedule: This tour is typically offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Exact flight times are provided after your reservation is confirmed.

Included: Airfare, guide, motorcoach tour, admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A "to-go" lunch is included with the price of the tour.

Polynesian Adventures - Oahu to Big Island Volcano Tour Rate (POLYH2_HNL)

$550.00 per Adult, $522.00 per Child (2-11), Infants under 2 FREE    (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)

If you have never seen an active volcano up close and personal, a day trip to the Big Island is a MUST for your Oahu vacation! You'll not only SEE the volcano, you'll hear it, smell it, and feel the heat eminating from the ground in places. Even if there is a pause in the eruption on the day of your visit, hissing and steaming cracks are easy to find at the "Steam Banks" area inside the park.

The two tour companies featured here have completely different approaches ... both of them showcase Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Volcano, but the distance that is covered during these two tours is very different. Aloha Sunsine Tours has you fly into KONA on tha western side of the island, so it is more of a "Half Circle Island" tour with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park the highlight of the day, with stops at various locations in the summit area of the Kilaeua Caldera. Polynesian Adventures has guests fly in and out of Hilo, which is closer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You spend more time in the park with them, and they include TWO waterfalls as well. Because they have more time in the park, they also go down "Chain of Craters Road", and area that Aloha Sunshine Tours does not have time to visit because of the longer drive from Kona.

If Aloha Sunshine Tours spends more time driving and less time at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, what are the advantages of going with THEIR tour? Well, for one you get to see more than just Kilauea Volcano ... you land at the Kona Airport which was built on a lava flow from Hualalai Volcano. Hualalai looms over the resorts and condos of the Kona area and if it erupts again in our lifetime, it will be BIG news. You will also drive through impressive, massive lava flows that poured from the summit of Mauna Loa volcano. As you round the southern tip of the Big Island you'll visit Punalu'u black sand beach, which has what I think is the most jet black sand of any volcanic beach anywhere. With green palm trees inland, and the blue Pacific Ocean offshore, the black sand is framed by tropical beauty.

But ... if you don't want to spend as much time driving around, and if waterfalls are your thing ... you'll be happier on the Polynesian Adventures tour. Akaka Falls is a state park, and the 442 foot tall falls is a GEM of a natural attraction.

In reality, unless you are planning months ahead of time (which we recommend), the decision which tour to do may come down to taking the tour that happens to be available on the date you are wanting to go. The Polyynesian Adventures tour is only offered three days a week, so it sells out quicker than the Aloha Sunshine Tour.

Finally, one thing to keep in mind about one day tours that include airfare; Due to airline rules these tours are FINAL once they are booked. There are no cancellations, changes, passenger substitutions, or refund of any kind once a tour has been finalized. Because airfare is involved, these tours must be prepaid and are charged at the time that your reservation is confirmed. We do recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance that would reimburse you for this tour cost in the event that your vacation plans were suddenly changes due to unforseen circumstances.

36 Hours on Maui

By Shannon Wianecki April 25, 2024

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By Shannon Wianecki Photographs by Michelle Mishina Kunz

Shannon Wianecki grew up in Hawaii and writes about the islands regularly.

Maui is the Goldilocks island: It is neither too big nor too small, and for its three million annual visitors, its perfect year-round temperature, rainbow-splashed volcanic summits and sugary beaches are just right. But last August, Maui’s equilibrium met disaster. Catastrophic wildfires reduced the historic town of Lahaina to ash, claiming more than 100 lives . Conflicting messages urged visitors to stay away and let the island heal, but also to come and help sustain the economy. Eight months later, the message is more unified that Maui is ready to greet tourists again. Housing remains a critical need for displaced residents. Lahaina will take years to rebuild. But Maui’s inherent beauty and hospitality remain as vibrant as ever. It’s a great time to explore Central and South Maui, where new cocktail bars, outrigger canoe tours and Indigenous art exhibits reveal the community’s creativity and resilience.

Recommendations

• The 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā National Park (pronounced with an emphasis on “la”) has a view of the rising sun, volcanic vistas and some of the planet’s rarest plants and birds.
• The Hale Hō‘ike‘ike museum showcases Hawaiian artwork, carved deities and a redwood plank surfboard owned by the legendary swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku.
• Balai Pata is a new restaurant that celebrates Filipino flavors with savory soups, desserts big enough for two and monthly karaoke nights.
• The Wailea Beach Path meanders along South Maui’s photogenic coast between posh resorts and the deep blue Pacific.
• The hiking trails at ‘Īao Valley State Monument (pronounced EE-ow) penetrate the lush West Maui Mountains, winding past waterfalls and taro patches.
• Enormous murals by Small Town Big Art , a public art project, in colorful and historic Wailuku town, are worth taking a stroll to see, and they’re navigable by an online map.
• Blue Water Rafting ’s exhilarating tours of the Kanaio Coast explore hidden coves, sea caves and charismatic marine life.
• Ho‘okipa Beach Park , one of the world’s top surf spots, is also a great place to spy on napping sea turtles.
• Oao Sushi Bar & Grill offers beautifully prepared Japanese fare, such as inventive sushi rolls and purple-yam pot de crème, in a Wailea shopping center.
• Tikehau Lounge serves seasonal craft cocktails made with local spirits and garnished with tiny katana swords and surfboards.
• Kaohu Store is a mom-and-pop grocery that produces the island’s best poke, raw fish mixed with traditional seasonings such as ground kukui nuts and seaweed.
• Tails Up Maui , a partnership between a local chef and a fisherman, serves excellent fish sandwiches and chicken plates.
• Wailuku Coffee Co. is the place to stop for Maui-grown coffee or espresso while exploring Wailuku.
• Esters Fair Prospect , a charming tropical bar on Wailuku’s Main Street, serves daiquiris made with a choice of three dozen rums and appetizers featuring fresh marlin.
• Mama’s Fish House , a celebrated restaurant on a secluded lagoon, lists the names of the fishermen who caught the snapper and octopus on its menu.
• On Saturday mornings, the Upcountry Farmers Market is a miniature street fair with live music and vendors offering a bounty of Maui-grown produce and prepared foods.
• ‘Oko‘a Farm Store sells a cornucopia of organic tropical fruits and vegetables in fresh, dried and powdered form.
• T. Komoda Store and Bakery , which has served the Maui community for more than a century, sells out of its cream puffs and butter rolls daily.
• Sabado Art Gallery is where the local artist Philip Sabado paints, teaches workshops and sells his color-saturated impressions of Maui landscapes and hula dancers.
• Native Intelligence offers a wealth of Hawaiian art and fashion: Locals come here for Aloha shirts and sarongs, fine jewelry and fresh flower leis.
• Four Seasons Resort Maui sets the standard for service with poolside spritzes, immaculate housekeeping and a terrific complimentary kids’ camp. Guests can book spa treatments in oceanfront huts and outrigger canoe excursions that launch from the resort’s adjoining beach. Rooms start at $1,095 a night.
• Hotel Wailea is an adults-only boutique hotel on a hill overlooking South Maui. While not directly on the beach, it’s only a short shuttle ride away. Elegant suites are spacious (750 square feet with kitchenettes) and the Birdcage lounge is a prime spot for toasting the sunset. Rooms start at $799.
• Maui Kamaole is a condo complex across the street from Kama‘ole Beach Park III, between Wailea and Kihei on Maui’s south shore. One- and two-bedroom units feature full kitchens, laundry facilities and lush landscaping. Rooms start at $500.
• Since the recent fire intensified the housing shortage, visitors should avoid short-term rentals in residential areas. Instead, book hotels that offer in-room kitchens, such as Fairmont Kea Lani or Mana Kai Maui .
• The best way to explore the island is by car . The major rental companies each have kiosks at Kahului Airport. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, but long distances between destinations make this an expensive option. Maui’s public transit is limited. The Maui Bus operates 12 routes, including two that stop at the airport. One-way fares cost $2; day passes are $4.

Wailea Beach Path

The Wailea Beach Path , which meanders along the island’s southern coast, reflects Maui’s almost contradictory personas: On one side, opulent resorts flaunt swim-up bars and nightly torch-lighting ceremonies. A subtler drama unfolds on the opposite side, where native flora like honey-scented naio bushes, spiky hala trees and hibiscus blossoms flourish along the rocky shoreline. Sit and listen to the sea rush through the lava rocks as the sun drops between three islands: Lanai, Kahoolawe and tiny Molokini. In the 1970s, nine Native Hawaiians occupied Kahoolawe in defiance of the U.S. military, which had been using the island as a bombing range for decades. Their daring protest sparked what is now known as the Hawaiian Renaissance — a revival of Indigenous culture that continues today.

Head to Oao Sushi Bar & Grill in the Wailea area for beautifully prepared Japanese fare. The owner and head chef, J.R. Oao, sharpened his knife at Maui’s best sushi bars (including a stint at Nobu Lana‘i) before opening his first brick-and-mortar restaurant last year (he also has a food truck in Kihei, a few miles north). His signature rolls are balanced and inventive: Try the baked California roll ($22), served hot and loaded with shrimp and scallops. Juicy seared lamb chops rest on a smear of umami-rich red miso ($42). Even the salads impress — bright cilantro vinaigrette with a hint of horseradish enlivens a simple mix of Maui-grown greens, roasted corn and goat cheese ($16). For dessert, the ube pot de crème ($14), made from purple yam, is luscious, light and almost cartoonishly bright.

The name of Tikehau , a new lounge in Wailea, means “peaceful landing.” The bar, which opened in November and is quietly raising the standard for craft cocktails statewide, was true to its name for Mari Howe, its manager, and other staff who came to work here after losing jobs or homes to the Lahaina fire. Everything is thoughtfully selected, from the gold-leaf wallpaper to the crystal stemware. Garnishes are coveted souvenirs; a tiny surfboard floats atop the Thousand Peaks ($19) — a lagoon-blue Paloma topped with jasmine-tea “sea foam.” The Hawaiian Samurai ($50), a top-shelf-whiskey libation, comes with a miniature katana sword. Ms. Howe’s seasonal menu incorporates local spirits and mixers: fresh pineapple juice, Kō Hana rum and okolehao, a moonshine made from Hawaiian ti plants. Upscale snacks include poisson cru, a raw-fish dish ($25), and smoked taro hummus ($15).

Explore the rugged Kanaio Coast’s hidden coves and sea caves with a rafting tour.

This morning mission requires preparation. First, book a sunrise reservation at Haleakalā National Park well in advance ($1 permit, $30 park entrance). Then pack really warm clothes. In the darkness, drive slowly up the 10,000-foot volcano; fog often obscures cattle and native geese loitering in hairpin turns. Your efforts will be rewarded at the peak — first by the velvet sky awash with stars, then by the sun’s rays spilling across the fire-forged mountain. Notice how the silverswords (hedgehog-like plants that grow only here) sparkle in the golden light. As you descend, stop at Hosmer Grove , where a short hike leads to a forest full of Hawaiian honeycreepers , birds that are among some of the planet’s rarest.

Midway down Haleakalā, stop at the Upcountry Farmers Market . Every Saturday morning, the Kulamalu Town Center parking lot turns into a miniature street fair with live music and vendors offering a dizzying array of Maui-grown produce and prepared foods. You’ll find things to eat immediately — fresh coconut, vegan sweet-potato cheesecake and Venezuelan arepas — as well as things to stash in your suitcase, like passion-fruit butter and macadamia nuts. Don’t miss the ‘Oko‘a Farm Store , which migrated from the market into an adjacent storefront. The store’s 46-acre farm supplies a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables; its shelves teem with jars of pickled, powdered, and freeze-dried treats and tonics.

Baldwin Avenue

Take the scenic drive back to sea level through historic Makawao and Paia towns. Bordered by a rodeo arena and a polo field , Makawao is the charming headquarters of the paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys who continue to rope and ride across the island’s lush ranchlands. On the corner of Makawao and Baldwin Avenues you’ll see T. Komoda Store and Bakery ; this beloved family-run business, which has served the community since 1916, sells out of its cream puffs and butter rolls daily. Follow Baldwin past the defunct sugar mill to Paia. Once a busy sugar plantation hub surrounded by green cane fields, it’s now home to surfers and artists. As you pass Baldwin Beach, admire the view of the rain-carved West Maui Mountains. The morning light often reveals the hidden interior of ‘Īao Valley, your next destination.

Wailuku River

Head to Kaohu Store in Wailuku for lunch to go. This mom-and-pop grocery offers the island’s best poke — raw fish mixed with traditional seasonings such as ground kukui nuts and seaweed (from $18 a pound). Add two scoops of rice and crunchy fern salad for a truly local meal. If you prefer a cooked lunch, visit Tails Up Maui for a classy fish sandwich ($19) or mochiko (rice flour) fried chicken ($17). Take your picnic to Kepaniwai Park , where model houses commemorate the diverse cultures of Hawaii’s sugar plantation era, and dip your feet into the Wailuku River. Continue to ‘ Īao Valley State Monument (out-of-state visitors need reservations; $5 entrance fee, $10 parking). Paved walkways wind through a traditional lo‘i kalo (taro patch), past multiple waterfalls and up to a stunning lookout.

Peruse the art and artifacts at Hale Hō‘ike‘ike , a captivating repository of Hawaiian culture in the former home of the missionary-artist Edward Bailey. Exhibits showcase Hawaiian feather work and quilts, carved deities, and paintings depicting 19th-century Maui. Imagine trying to paddle the legendary swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku’s redwood plank surfboard into the waves (entry, $10). From there, stroll through Wailuku, Maui’s somewhat sleepy seat of local government. Narrow side streets yield many treasures: See enormous street murals (use the online map by Small Town Big Art , a public art project), admire the color-saturated paintings at Sabado Art Gallery and find refreshment at Wailuku Coffee Co. or Esters Fair Prospect , a cocktail bar. After shopping for Hawaiian books and clothing at Native Intelligence , buy yourself a fragrant flower lei to wear for the duration of your trip.

At Balai Pata , a new Filipino restaurant in Kahului, a celebration of the flavors that the chef and owner Joey Macadangdang grew up with is a welcome addition to Maui’s restaurant scene. Plump Kauai prawns sauteed in garlicky fish sauce ($17) set the stage for savory sinigang ($30) — tamarind broth loaded with long beans, okra and fish. For dessert, two can share the halo-halo ($18) — crushed ice topped with avocado, ube ice cream, coconut cream and fruit jellies, served in a coconut shell. The décor reflects a bright, homespun aesthetic, and once a month, local families fill the restaurant for late-night happy hour and karaoke battles — check Instagram for dates.

Jumping into a pool in Kepaniwai Park.

Blue Water Rafting

A trip to Maui isn’t complete without ducking underwater to spy on clouds of striped manini fish, eagle rays and turtles. While most snorkel tours start at Mā‘alaea Harbor, Blue Water Rafting boards at the Kihei boat ramp — offering easier access and one of the only tours of Kanaio Coast’s hidden coves and sea caves ($179, four hours). Climb into the rigid-hulled raft beside two dozen other passengers (fewer than the big tour boats) and watch for dolphins. In winter, close encounters with whales are common. As you peer into the pristine bay formed by Maui’s youngest lava flow, imagine the Polynesian wayfinders sailing here centuries ago, followed by the French explorer La Pérouse in 1786. The ride is exhilarating but bumpy.

Don’t be shy: Wear your flower lei to lunch at Mama’s Fish House . Old-style hospitality reigns at this celebrated restaurant on a sheltered lagoon. Servers greet you in vintage Aloha wear and offer complimentary bowls of poi (pounded taro — a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet). The menu is pricey but worthy; long before it was fashionable, Mama’s listed who caught each fish and where. A recent menu featured sea bass hooked by Ivan Ventura in Hana ($68). If you ordered only dessert, you’d still leave happy; the Polynesian Black Pearl ($24) is an edible version of “The Birth of Venus”: chocolate mousse and passion fruit ensconced in a cookie seashell. Tables can book up a year out. After lunch, drive two minutes east to Ho‘okipa Beach Park , where surfers carve waves and sea turtles bask on the sand.

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by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Hawaii , Travel , USA · Last Updated: April 30, 2024

The Perfect 7 Day Maui Itinerary: a Complete Travel Guide

Looking for the Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary? Well, I have you covered! Welcome to the jewel of the Pacific, where turquoise waters meet lush green landscapes, and every sunset is captivating. Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii, is a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Offering an unparalleled journey for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Where else can you visit one of the world’s prettiest beaches, a rainforest, and sit atop a crater for sunrise? The diversity on this island is unmatched and is one of the reasons it’s Hawaii’s most popular island.

It’s no secret that most Californians visit this island over and over again and after visiting twice I completely get the hype. There is always something new to explore on Maui! Whether you’re a relaxing travel or adventure type in this guide, we’ll take you on a tour through and show you the best things to do in Maui . Unveiling a meticulously crafted perfect 7-day itinerary, blending breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.

Things to Know Before Visiting Maui

• Weather : the climate is great most of the year the best time to visit is April-May or September-October. These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
• Transportation : Renting a car is a necessity for most Hawaiian islands. With that being said the island is quite large it takes a while to drive to most places because the roads are usually only two lanes.
• Reservations : Many popular attractions, restaurants, and activities require reservations. Especially during peak tourist seasons. Plan and book your accommodations and activities in advance (especially the Haleakala Sunrise Reservation and Wainapanapa State Beach).
• Pack Accordingly : Don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, hiking shoes, and lightweight clothing. Additionally, if you plan to visit Haleakala or explore the Road to Hana, bring layers as temperatures can be cooler at higher elevations.
• Island Etiquette : Drive with aloha by yielding to local drivers and using pullouts to let faster traffic pass on narrow roads. Additionally, don’t touch or disturb wildlife, and be mindful of local customs and etiquette.
• Leave No Trace : Help preserve Maui’s pristine natural beauty by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Pack out what you pack in, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife and marine life.
• Explore Beyond the Resorts : While Maui’s resorts offer luxury and comfort, don’t miss out on the island’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Morning arrive and check into your accommodation.

For the first leg of your journey, I highly recommend basing yourself in South Maui, Wailea. Known for its stunning beaches and convenient proximity to the airport (just a short 30-minute drive), Wailea offers the perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty.

During our stay, we experienced paradise at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Nestled along the picturesque Polo Beach, this resort epitomizes luxury living on Maui’s south shore. Recently renovated, every corner of the property exudes elegance and tranquility. It stands as Hawaii’s sole all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront retreat. Furthermore, it’s great for all types of travelers families, and couples (the adults-only pool was our favorite).

Beyond its lavish accommodations, the resort prides itself on offering authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and unwavering personalized service, embodying the essence of Aloha from the moment you arrive. Finally, you can not stay here without experiencing the brand new restaurant Pilina, more on that later.

Book your Stay Here

Afternoon Relax poolside

I always like to take it easy on my first day being that traveling takes a lot out of us. So for this first afternoon relax at one of the 3 pools Fairmont Kea Lani has to offer. Whether you choose to lounge in a cabana with a refreshing tropical drink in hand or bask in the warm Maui sun on a plush sun lounger, every moment spent by the pool is one of pure bliss. Take a leisurely dip in the infinity-edge adult pool or delight in the excitement of the waterslide at the family-friendly lagoon pool. This resort has so much to offer for every type of traveler!

DINNER MONKEYPOD

Dining at Monkeypod Maui is a culinary delight that promises fresh flavors and laid-back vibes. This restaurant is a favorite and offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu bursting with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re sipping on their famous Mai Tai on the lanai or enjoying farm-to-table dishes, each bite is a celebration of Hawaiian cuisine. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood, the menu has something for everyone and also has live music on some evenings.

Day 2: Snorkeling and Beach Day

Morning snorkeling at molokini crater.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is an unforgettable experience in Maui’s underwater paradise. Just off the coast of Wailea, this crescent-shaped volcanic crater boasts clear waters and vibrant marine life. Glide over coral gardens, spot colorful fish, and maybe even encounter sea turtles and reef sharks. With expert guides leading the way, it’s a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the ocean depths. Above you’ll find a few different options for tours that I recommend!

Afternoon Relax at Makena Beach

After settling in, take a drive 15 minutes down the road to one of the prettiest beaches in Maui. Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is a breathtaking stretch of coastline. Renowned for its pristine golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Makena Beach is a paradise for beach lovers. Stretching nearly two-thirds of a mile long and 100 feet wide, this expansive beach offers plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun.

The surrounding volcanic landscape provides a stunning backdrop, with the dramatic slopes of Haleakala rising in the distance. While the beach itself is unspoiled and undeveloped, it boasts excellent facilities, including ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Makena Beach is also a popular spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling, with its calm waters and vibrant marine life inviting visitors to explore beneath the surface. Finally, it costs $10 to park and an additional $5 per person.

Evening Dinner at a Pilina

End your first day by trying some Hawaiian specialties at the brand-new restaurant Pilina. Pilina is Maui’s newest bar & lounge and the design is truly magnificent. Not to mention the view of the ocean which blends in seamlessly with the sleek architecture. Here they serve land-driven cocktails that showcase the diverse flavors and ingredients of the islands. Along with sushi, a hot rock bar to cook your meat, and delicious artisan desserts. You’ll want to book your reservation in advance for this spot!

Day 3: Haleakala National Park

Morning haleakala sunrise.

Witnessing the sunrise at Haleakala National Park is a beautiful experience that words can hardly capture. As the dawn breaks over the summit of Maui’s tallest peak, the sky erupts in a symphony of colors, painting the horizon in shades of pink, orange, and gold. Standing atop the volcanic crater, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes and panoramic views of the island below. It’s a magical experience that needs to be witnessed at least once in your life. The drive will take you 1.5 hours from Wailea and the road is very windy with wildlife. Be cautious when driving in the dark and plan on arriving 30 minutes before sunrise to leave you some room.

Do note, that you do need to book a reservation when entering this national park from 3 am to 7 am at least 30 days in advance. Finally, on the way down from your sunrise mission enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the upcountry Maui and stop at Kula Lodge Restaurant as they open early at 8 am.

Editor’s Note: If you have already experienced this or would rather not set your alarm on vacation for 2 am then consider visiting Haleakala for sunset. You do not need reservations to visit after 7 am. I have witnessed both sunrise and sunset and I can say that the sunset is just as beautiful as the sunrise. Can you guess which photos above are sunset and which are sunrise?

Afternoon Visit Iao Valley STATE Park

Next on your Maui journey is Iao Valley State Park. Sacred to the Hawaiian people, Iao Valley is steeped in history and legend, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Towering emerald peaks, draped in mist and tropical foliage, frame the iconic Iao Needle. A 1200-foot phallic-shaped rock that is known to Hawaiian culture as the stone of the god of the ocean, Kanalo.

As you wander along the park’s scenic trails, you’ll be enveloped by the sights and sounds of Hawaii’s native flora and fauna. Along with beautiful cascading waterfalls. There is a small fee to enter here, $10, and you can easily spend a few hours here if you plan on hiking.

Evening sunset at Secret Cove

For the evening, consider stopping at Secret Cove for a not-so-secret anymore cove. This spot used to be a hidden gem however it is quite known now. Nevertheless, it’s still a pretty place to visit for pictures as we saw multiple photography sessions going on at golden hour. Finally, Makena Cove is another great option for sunset with a dedicated parking lot.

7 Day Maui Itinerary – Day 4: Traditional Experiences + Kapalua

Morning hawaiian canoe experience.

Start your morning with an unforgettable experience canoeing the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Maui aboard a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe guided by our expert resort ho‘okele (navigator). Delve into the rich heritage of ancient traditions as your knowledgeable guide imparts firsthand wisdom and techniques. It’s not uncommon to witness the graceful emergence of a green sea honu (turtle) mere inches from your paddle. This cherished guest experience promises an immersion into the heart of Hawaiian culture and nature and is complimentary when staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani.

Another option for this morning would be to book a Whale Watching tour. The best months for whale watching in Maui are typically from December through April. During this period, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. This makes for prime whale-watching opportunities, with sightings often occurring near the shores of Maui.

Afternoon Kapalua

Discover one of Maui’s most picturesque beaches nestled along the island’s north side in Kapalua. Here, you’ll find the idyllic backdrop of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. A breathtaking path winding along the ocean’s edge. For a truly enchanting experience, venture onto the Honolua Bay Access Trail, where a mystical forest teeming with wildlife, awaits. There is a bit of rock scrambling to reach the start of the trail and after a short 0.5-mile hike, you’ll reach Honolua Bay. Which is a renowned snorkeling haven.

On your journey back to Wailea, you’ll witness the beautiful West Maui mountains on your drive home. Finally, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the island’s finest pie at Leoda’s Pie. The bustling line out the door is a testament to the irresistible allure of this beloved spot. Where every slice promises a taste of Maui’s culinary excellence. They also have a smoothie truck and farm stand in the same vicinity which are both great options for souvenirs or a healthy lunch!

EVENING TRADITIONAL LUAU

Experience the essence of Hawaiian culture at a traditional luau. Upon arrival, the rhythmic beat of drums and the melodic strains of traditional Hawaiian music will guide you to the luau grounds, where the aroma of roasting pig and tropical flowers fills the air.

As dusk descends, feast your eyes on a mesmerizing display of hula dancing, where graceful movements tell stories of the land, sea, and sky. Marvel at the skillful maneuvers of fire dancers, their blazing torches painting arcs of light against the night sky, a testament to the island’s vibrant heritage.

Day 5: Road to Hana

Morning embark on the road to hana journey.

If I had to sum up Maui’s Road to Hana in one word, it would be “all-encompassing.” Picture a meandering route weaving through miles of lush tropical rainforest, punctuated by breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, and enchanting bamboo groves. The unspoiled beauty of East Maui is simply unmatched. This scenic drive is rich with character, boasting narrow one-lane bridges and local roadside stands offering fresh fruits and delectable warm banana bread (more on that later). Trust me, prioritizing the Road to Hana is a must-do when exploring Maui.

The drive from Wailea to Hana will take you about 2.5 hours however consider taking the drive slow as there are over 600 hairpin turns on this road. While on the initial drive, stop at scenic spots like the historic town of Paia, Twin Falls (small fee to enter), and the Ke‘anae Arboretum (rainbow trees).

We also had a lovely lunch at Hana Farms where you can build your pizza and it was surprisingly delicious. Finally, if you are looking to learn more about the culture then consider purchasing the app Gypsy Guide as it helps guide you as you’re driving while teaching you about Maui culture.

Afternoon Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wainapanapa State Park, located in Hana, is a captivating black sand beach and natural gem. The park boasts breathtaking views and the contrast of the deep blue Pacific Ocean crashing against black lava cliffs is incredible. park’s name translates to “glistening freshwater” in Hawaiian, referencing the freshwater caves and pools scattered across the landscape. Visitors can explore unique geological formations, including sea caves and lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic activity.

The park is also home to lush tropical forests, providing opportunities for hiking with a few hiking trails. Furthermore, it offers plenty of picnic tables and facilities so you can make an entire afternoon out of your visit here. As of 2020, you need a reservation to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park . It costs $22 and reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance on the Hawaii Gov site . Furthermore, when visiting they give you a three-hour window, however, I don’t think they are strict with how much time you spend here.

For lunch, we visited the Hana Food Trucks (open 1 pm-8 pm) as they have tons of options including Korean BBQ, Thai food, Coffee, smoothies, etc. I had a delicious Korean BBQ plate from one of the vendors along with a fresh smoothie.

Evening settle into your accommodation and dinner

When planning a stay in Hana, accommodations are limited, presenting a challenge for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Our experience with an Airbnb option left much to be desired; it was expensive, noisy, and lacked cleanliness, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable trip. However, for those willing to book well in advance, there are a handful of alternative Airbnb listings available.

Reflecting on our visit, I can’t help but wish we had opted for the indulgence of Hana Maui Resort . Passing by, its picturesque setting and inviting ambiance hinted at a truly luxurious stay. We even had the opportunity to dine at their onsite restaurant, where the culinary experience exceeded expectations. Hana Maui Resort is a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking a memorable and refined Hana retreat.

Day 6: Explore Hana

Morning wailua falls.

An iconic waterfall in Maui, Wailua Falls offers a mesmerizing display of cascading water, framed by the verdant foliage of the surrounding tropical rainforest. With a total height of approximately 80 feet, this waterfall is a beaut and it’s located right off the scenic Road to Hana. No hiking is required! These breathtaking falls captivate visitors with their sheer beauty and natural splendor.

Just beyond the falls, there is a spacious parking area, offering ample convenience for visitors. If you’d like a closer look at this cascading beauty then there is a brief stroll down a dirt path. It’s not uncommon to witness people indulging in a refreshing swim in the inviting pools below, adding an exhilarating touch to the experience.

Afternoon Haleakala National Park

Beyond Hana along the Hana Highway lies another entrance to Haleakala National Park. You are not able to access this site from the volcano crater’s side. Accessible solely from Hana Highway, this lesser-known area offers a unique perspective of the park’s diverse landscape. What’s more, exploring both sides of the park becomes even more enticing with the park pass, granting two days of entry upon purchase, and eliminating the need for additional fees for subsequent visits.

One of the park’s highlights is the renowned Pipiwai Trail, winding through the captivating bamboo forest. This challenging 4-mile round-trip trek culminates at the breathtaking Waimoku Waterfall, a sight to behold. With a journey lasting approximately 2 hours, proper footwear and ample hydration are essential for a safe and enjoyable adventure amidst nature’s splendor.

Finally, a short walk from the visitor center you’ll find Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Which is a picturesque series of tiered pools and waterfalls. Each time I have visited I was unable to swim in the waters however, I believe during the summertime you can.

7 Day Maui Itinerary – Day 7: Departure

Morning drive back to the airport.

For your last day, I suggest starting early, as the journey from Hana to the airport generally takes around 2.5 hours. Along the route, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Upper Waikini Falls, also known as Three Bears Falls. This stunning waterfall features three tiers of cascading water, creating a spectacle of natural wonder. Conveniently, there’s a small turnout right by the road, offering easy access to admire this breathtaking sight without the need for hiking. Finally, end your journey by visiting the Ke’anae Peninsula for the best banana bread in Maui, Aunt Sandy’s. It’s the perfect cap for your trip!

As this 7 day Maui Itinerary comes to an end, I hope to have inspired your trip so you can make countless memories with your loved ones. From exploring the lush rainforests of Hana to witnessing the sunrise atop Haleakala, this place is a magical one and I hope you continue to carry with you the spirit of aloha. I appreciate your readership and make sure not to miss my other Hawaii Travel Guides .

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Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers

Nothing quite symbolizes the essence of Hawai’i and the aloha spirit quite like the lei. But as native flora disappears, lei makers discuss how they see the future of their craft.

As long as people have lived on the Hawaiian islands, they have been making lei.

For centuries, the garlands were used for religious rituals, by chiefs ( aliʻi ), and were believed to even be worn by deities ( akua ) when they assumed human form. The art, though exalted, was not exclusively for the privileged and was worn by all in Hawaiian society.

Though usually made of flowers and leaves, leis are also made of nuts, feathers, fruit, seeds, and shells. “The women change [the plants they wear] according to the seasons, [and for them] all the fragrant plants, all flowers, and even colored fruits serve as attire,” French botanist Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré wrote during his visit in 1819. “Such natural attire is much more rich, much more striking, than all the dazzling creations of the elegant European ladies.”

In the following century, native plants became harder to find and lei makers increasingly relied on introduced plants like plumeria and jasmine ( pīkake )—which are now so ubiquitous, their garlands are more recognizable than that of native flora.

Nothing quite symbolizes the essence of Hawai’i and the aloha spirit (in short, the generosity and goodwill of the Hawaiian people) quite like the lei. Today, lei are traditionally worn and given as gifts for almost any occasion, including funerals, graduations, weddings, and birthdays.

“Lei is a symbol of love and affection, but also it's a symbol of a child, of a keiki ,” says Maui-based lei maker Wileen Ortega, founder of Tita’s Lei Loke LLC . “Where you wear it… [for example] around your ʻāʻī, or your neck—it's close to your heart and represents a child and how you hold them dear to you.”

May 1 marks the 96th Lei Day. Local lei makers across the islands share how they see the future of their craft.  

The complicated origins of Lei Day

Lei Day was born in 1929 amid a painful time for the Hawaiian people. Following the toppling of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the islands’ people were living under U.S. annexation.  

At this time, protocols for the celebration were established, such as using certain types of lei and colors to represent the different islands. Hawai’i Island was given the color red ( ulaula ) and the flower ʻōhiʻa lehua , which is currently being threatened by a fungal disease known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death .

“That was not a traditional Hawaiian idea to have an island be with a color and a lei,” Big Island-based entrepreneur and mother Haunani Miyasato says. “That was brought in by an outsider.” Indeed , those colors and flowers were designated by the Hawaii Territorial Legislature, a body imposed by the U.S. before statehood.  

It’s not surprising there are mixed feelings toward the holiday. Kawaihili Uyeshiro, Miyasato’s daughter and founder of Ko Kawai Lei , is currently a student at the Big Island-based Hawaiian immersion school , Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu. She and her classmates won’t be recognizing Lei Day on May 1, unlike other schools around the state. “It isn’t a traditional holiday…We don’t celebrate,” the 16-year-old says.

Lei makers from the Big Island, Oʻahu, Maui

Ortega started making lei around age 5 in her hula halau . She fondly recalls looking for wild plumeria on her drive to weekly performances at the local mall. “Now, whenever I see plumeria, or smell plumeria, it brings back those memories,” she says.

Plumeria is one of the islands’ most popular flowers thanks to both their scent and colors—but they aren’t native to the area . They originate from Central America and have thrived on the Hawaiian islands since 1860. It’s a common misconception that flowers like these used in iconic leis are native, says Oʻahu-based lei maker Skye Kaululani’ikeaomalamalama Rhoden .

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For lei makers, making lei from native plants and ensuring native populations thrive is a tough balancing act. “It’s tricky as a lei maker to perpetuate Hawaiian culture because a lot of our native plants have been overpicked throughout time,” Rhoden says.

Hawaiʻi has been called the “ Endangered Species Capital of the World ,” with more than 100 plant taxa already extinct , and more than 200 are considered to have 50 or fewer individuals remaining in the wild. At least 90 percent of Hawaiʻi’s dry forests have been lost to impacts from invasive species, wildfires, and urban development.  

Because of this, Ortega says she rarely picks flowers from the mountain. “I feel like it’s important to just leave it alone and let it grow back and not pick if I don’t need to if it’s not for a really, really special occasion.”

Uyeshiro came to the same conclusion. Though she lives near the Volcano on the Big Island where the red ʻōhiʻa lehua grows, she refrains from using this particular flower in order to help nurture populations of the threatened plant.

To offset her impact on wild flowers, Rhoden also grows native flora in her backyard and sources from local growers.

“I’m local; they’re local, and I’m keeping the money here within our island,” she said. “We all kind of know each other… Everyone is humble, kind, and rooted, down-to-earth.”

It’ll take everyone to protect the native flora left on the islands, including people like Puanani Anderson-Fung, a researcher from the University of Hawai’i’s Hawaiian Ethnobotany & Conservation program. Her work involves identifying the original words for native plant life–in a way, making lei from names by stringing together their history.

“Our rate of endemism is very high, meaning that we have so much to lose,” she says. “What we lose in native species can never be replaced.”

Her favorite lei is one made by her husband. “He braids rope with three strands of green ti leaf and weaves the laua'e leaves into it. It is cool and comfortable to wear and has a beautiful fragrance—and it is totally sustainable, as these plants are readily grown in my yard and so they make no impact on native plants and ecosystems.”

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I went to Hawaii for the first time. My trip would've been better if I'd known these 5 things before I left.

• I visited Hawaii for the first time, and there are things I wish I'd known before the trip. 
• Figuring out that there's more than one Leonard's Bakery on Oahu would've saved me some stress.
• I also wish I'd known how easy it would be to get around the island — I could've explored even more.

Well over 1 million people have already visited the Hawaiian Islands this year, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I went on a nine-day trip to Oahu that included a stay at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

Because this was my first time visiting Hawaii, I tried to do as much research as possible before my trip. But after arriving, I still wished I'd known a few things.

I thought it would be much harder to get around the island.

Before leaving for Oahu, I'd heard from friends and read on social-media groups that getting around could be difficult. My fears of sitting in traffic for the whole week set in before I even stepped foot off the plane.

In reality, my family and I never got stuck in gridlocked traffic over our six days on the island.

A hotel worker we met said no matter what part of the island you were on, the big secret was to head out after 9 a.m. and try to make your way back either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

My family and I followed this rule every day of our trip and never had much traffic to deal with while we traveled from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor and Ko Olina to the North Shore.

We also found the drivers to be much more courteous than we're used to back in Florida. No one weaved in and out of the cars around us.

The kind of sunscreen you pack matters.

My packing list for Hawaii was long, but one of the most important items was sunscreen. Hawaii is close to the equator, so the UV rays are even stronger on the islands.

But I wished I'd known more about the islands' rules around reef-safe sunscreen before I started packing.

Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that went into effect in 2021. And some counties allow only mineral-based sunscreens.

I ended up using Sun Bum sunscreen throughout my stay, and now that I know more, I'll continue to use it in Florida to help protect coral reefs.

I wish I'd known there's more than one Leonard’s Bakery on the island.

One of the most talked about spots on Oahu is Leonard's Bakery , known for its Portuguese-style doughnuts named malasadas.

The main store is near Honolulu, which was about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. I'd pretty much accepted that we'd have to budget a few hours one day to try the sugary treats.

But once we landed on Oahu, we noticed a Leonard's Bakery food truck — lovingly named Malasadamobiles — about 10 minutes from the resort.

The truck dished out hot malasadas to order, but it didn't offer the main bakery's extended menu. That was the only real trade-off for us, but it was worth it to save on driving time.

The weather can change depending on what side of the island you’re on.

The weather can be drastically different around Oahu. For instance, when my family left Ko Olina on the western side of the island to drive to the North Shore, the sun was out, and it was very warm.

About an hour into our drive, we passed by Kualoa Ranch (a filming location for "Jurassic Park"), and it was suddenly cooler and cloudy.

Once we got to the North Shore, the sun was back out, and we were able to enjoy our day of beach hopping.

Learning a few key Hawaiian phrases goes a long way with locals.

Knowing some key sayings and phrases in a native language goes a long way with locals, no matter where you're traveling. I knew some basic Hawaiian words — such as "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you) — but I wish I'd learned a few more.

While I was there, one new phrase I learned that came in handy was "a hui hou," which means "until we meet again."

We stayed in some spots for a few days, so it was nice to say that to the people we'd connected with on our way out.

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Serving Hawaii County

Photo of Parker Ranch cattle from video by Hawaiʻi DLNR

by Big Island Video News on May 1, 2024 at 12:48 pm

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STORY SUMMARY

HAWAIʻI ISLAND - The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage insurance program could cover nearly 600,000 eligible acres of land on the Big Island.

(BIVN) – For the first time, Hawaiʻi island livestock producers will be eligible for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) rainfall index insurance from the United States Department of Agriculture. 

On Wednesday, Senator Mazie Hirono (D, Hawaiʻi) announced that the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding PRF insurance to include Hawaii, beginning in 2025. The PRF insurance program “protects livestock producers against feed loss due to lack of precipitation,” a news release says, “and will provide producers on Hawaii Island with coverage for grazing acres.” 

The announcement states the program could cover nearly 600,000 eligible acres of land on Hawaii Island, totaling $13 million in coverage.

“The expansion of the PRF program in Hawaii is an important step in promoting sustainability in our food and agricultural systems,” said Senator Hirono, who in 2022 sent USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack a written request to offer PRF insurance to Hawaiʻi livestock producers. “As Hawaii works to decrease reliance on imported goods, this program will help to provide resources and protection for grazing acres. I’m glad that USDA will now include Hawaii in this insurance coverage and I will continue working to support our local farmers and ranchers.”

“The Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance is an insurance program that has helped ranchers across the United States to insure their grazing acres against rainfall volatility,” said Nicole Galase, Managing Director of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council. “Ranchers in Hawaii did not have access to this beneficial program, but we are pleased that the USDA RMA worked with Hawaii’s climate and weather scientists and ranchers on the ground to develop a program that fits Hawaii’s unique and varied topography. We look forward to Hawaii Island ranchers getting access to this program in 2025 and eagerly anticipate the program to be available to livestock producers on all islands soon.”

“We are always looking at the unique needs and situations that our producers have in different parts of the country so that we can adjust and develop crop insurance resources for their particular situations,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “Rather than relying on a blanket across-the-country approach, we looked at ways to collect and analyze weather information and outcomes specific to our producers in Hawaii.”

From the Office of Sen. Hirono:

PRF is designed to provide insurance coverage on pasture, rangeland, and forage acres. The program uses a rainfall index to determine precipitation for coverage purposes and does not measure production or product loss. The PRF program helps protect a producer’s operation from forage loss risks due to the lack of precipitation. It does not insure against ongoing or severe drought, as the coverage is based on expected precipitation during specific intervals. The PRF expansion is also part of other efforts to increase and enhance insurance options for Hawaii producers. For example, in 2023, RMA launched a targeted outreach effort in Hawaii to raise awareness of Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii’s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture. In September 2023, Senator Hirono announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is awarding over $3.5 million to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). The grants, made possible through the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP), will provide support for small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally-grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity.

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20 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids in 2024

W ith so many fun things to do in Hawaii with kids, the Aloha State is one of the best destinations for a family-friendly vacation. Each of the Hawaiian islands  is unique and offers an abundance of kid-friendly activities and accommodations for the best family vacation. Not sure which Hawaiian island to visit? Check out our list of things to do in Hawaii on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island (Big Island).

Oahu is typically the easiest Hawaiian island to reach and the most affordable for family travel. It also has some of Hawaii’s best beaches for families. Rent a car to drive around the island and experience the many fun things to see and do on Oahu.

Hula lesson in Waikiki. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

1. Visit Honolulu’s Many Kid-Friendly Attractions

Honolulu is a bustling city with many family-friendly oceanfront resorts and attractions like the Honolulu Zoo , Waikiki Aquarium , Bishop Museum and Pearl Harbor . Plus, famous Waikiki Beach is one of the best places to learn to surf and paddle board.

2. Learn About Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is the site of WWII’s 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial . Tickets for the 75-minute USS Arizona Memorial program are free. However, there’s a limited number available each day.

The program includes a short video (with actual attack footage) and a round-trip boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, located above the remains of the sunken ship. The ship is the final resting place for more than 1,000 men.

Since Pearl Harbor is one of Oahu’s top attractions, it’s strongly recommended that visitors make advanced reservations online at www.recreation.gov .

3. Hike on Diamond Head

There aren’t many places in the world where you can walk along a trail to the edge of a 300,000-year-old crater, but Diamond Head is one of them. A hiking trail leads to the summit for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu.

SheBuysTravel Tip : To beat the heat and crowds, you should get an early start for this popular hike.

4. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay National Preserve

Located on the side of Koko Head, Hanauma Bay is about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu. With beautiful blue waters, Hanauma Bay is a great place to snorkel and see its 400 species of tropical fish and abundance of green sea turtles.

5. Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center features six island villages representing Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji and Aotearoa (New Zealand). At this Polynesian-themed park and living museum, you can learn about various traditions through interactive and hands-on activities. For example, learn to throw a wooden spear, paddle a canoe and cook like a Polynesian.

The center also has family-friendly luaus with a variety of traditional food like lomilomi salmon, chicken long rice and kalua pork. Note that no alcohol is served at this luau.

6. Book Exciting Adventures at Kualoa Ranch

The family-owned Kualoa Ranch offers many different types of tours sure to thrill adults and kids of all ages. Adventures include horseback riding, jungle expeditions, beach outings and visits to Hawaiian fish ponds.

7. Watch Surfers on the North Shore

The North Shore is the rustic and laid-back side of the island with legendary surf beaches and food trucks serving fresh fish tacos, shrimp and more. Take a surf lesson at Hans Hedemann Surf School or just watch the pros. Laniakea Beach is one of the best spots to see sea turtles sunbathing.

8. Eat Shave Ice in Haleiwa

This little surf town is home to boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find Matsumoto Shave Ice – one of the best places to enjoy the snow cone-style treat.

FIND PLACES TO STAY NEAR OAHU

Father and son surfing together along the Kaanapali beaches in Maui. Photo credit: Deb Steenhagen

Maui is a popular island for many reasons. It’s a developed island with stunning natural attractions. Kaanapali Beach is a resort area on the western shore of Maui and is home to a variety of beachfront hotels , great family-friendly restaurants , lots of free things to do with kids  and beautiful sunsets.

9. Take a snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater

Enjoy a catamaran cruise to one of the best snorkel and scuba spots in Hawaii – Molokini Crater . The crescent-shaped crater is home to thousands of tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine life. You can also take a whale watching boat tour to the area.

10. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Kids of all ages will be impressed with the Maui Ocean Center ’s many exhibits. It features a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with a 240-degree view acrylic tunnel, outdoor tide pools, turtle lagoon, living reef and daily presentations.

11. Spend a day on Haleakala

A dormant volcano, Haleakala sits at 10,023 feet above sea level. Catch a sunrise or sunset from the summit. Daytime views are also stunning. Note that it can be chilly at the top, so bring sweaters for everyone.

Don’t rush off the mountain without visiting two unique farms. At the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, you can walk through lavender fields. Nearby, the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm produces award-winning cheeses. On the kid-friendly tours, you’ll feed goats and sample cheese.

12. Drive on the Road to Hana

Pack the car with snacks and drinks for an incredible road trip. Get an early start to beat the crowds on this popular drive. The drive is just 52 miles long. But with 620 curves and 59 narrow bridges, it can take a few hours. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, black sand beaches and the charming town of Hana.

Pack essentials for land and ocean activities when visiting Hawaii. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

Kauai’s mountains and valleys are lush and green, flowing with waterfalls and rivers that are ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking. Other places to visit include Waimea Canyon, Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay.

13. Horseback Riding at Princeville Ranch

Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville Ranch is one of Hawaii’s oldest cattle ranches. Horseback riding lessons are available for ages 4 and older.

14. Book Ziplining and Mountain Tubing Tours

Kauai Backcountry Adventures  offers the best family activities for an adrenaline rush. On the mountain tubing tours you’ll float down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and through several tunnels hand-dug circa 1870.

In addition, the company offers a seven-line Zipline course through a lush forest.

15. Sail Along Napali Coast

The Napali coast spans 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore. Guided snorkel cruises are an excellent way to see the stunning Napali Coast’s cliffs, sea caves and waterfalls.

My son practiced his snorkel skills in the pool prior to our snorkel adventure on the Big Island. Photo credit: Keri Baugh

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island of Hawaii, has an array of diverse outdoor adventures suitable for the whole family. In fact, because the island has 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones, you’ll also experience a variety of terrain and weather. Explore beaches, waterfalls, cultural sites and coffee farms on the Big Island, which is home to two active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Many of the large Hawaii Island resorts, such as the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast , offer hula lessons, canoeing and other Hawaiian cultural experiences for their guests.

16. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo

Stop by the visitor center for park news and activities before exploring this unique park that has hiking trails, steam vents, lava tubes and a rainforest. Older kids will especially enjoy trekking through the rainforest to the crater floor pocked with steam vents.

Akaka Falls, Big Island. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

17. Visit Akaka Falls State Park

Located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is the site of two waterfalls on one short hike. Follow a footpath through a rainforest to see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the towering Akaka Falls . This is a lovely outing for kids of all ages.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There are a few picnic tables by the parking lot.

Hilo Farmers Market. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

18. Shop at the Hilo Farmers Market

The Hilo Farmers Market  features over 200 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, Big Island food products, tropical flowers and handmade craft items. It’s a great place to shop for picnic items to bring to the beach or back to your hotel.

19. Snorkel in Sunny Kona

The sunny Kona district is great for beach activities like snorkeling , paddle boarding and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most unique adventures is the nighttime manta ray boat tour. It’s a magical experience to float on top of the water in a calm bay, with bright lights attracting the rays who swirl inches below.

FIND PLACES TO STAY NEAR KAUAI

The post 20 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids in 2024 appeared first on She Buys Travel .

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Maui Newspaper Cutback The Latest Sign Of Financial Distress In Hawaii News Industry

Amid a search for a buyer, The Maui News slashes its print edition to once weekly.

The Maui News announced plans to slash its daily print edition to once a week, shifting the island’s 124-year-old newspaper of record to a digital-first model as its owner continues to search for a buyer.

Chris Minford, the paper’s publisher and circulation manager, notified readers of the move to Thursday-only home delivery, which begins June 6, and outlined plans for a digital future in an open letter to readers. He described the change as an “entrepreneurial decision.”

“This is the future of local news — and moving there now will allow us to continue serving you in the most effective manner,” Minford said in the letter published on the front page of the newspaper’s Thursday edition. 

Minford did not respond to a request for comment.

Any time a local news organization cuts back, there are risks for the community it covers. Less scrutiny of public officials. Less civic engagement. More political polarization. The decision by Ogden Newspapers to reduce its print product to a weekly publication is happening at a time when multiple newspapers in Hawaii are showing signs of financial duress . 

It also comes on the heels of the deadliest American wildfire in more than a century. Recovery from the Lahaina fire that killed at least 101 people, displaced 13,000 survivors and caused an estimated $6 billion in property damage is expected to be a slow and painful process. 

“It’s a really unfortunate development what’s happening with The Maui News and the timing makes it even more tragic,” said Colin Moore, a political scientist at the University of Hawaii Manoa. “In a situation like Maui, where trust is already low, it’s more important than ever for the people in charge of the fire recovery to be held accountable and these cutbacks just make it more difficult.”

“I hope they can survive in this form but it certainly isn’t going to be the paper that I grew up with.” Lee Imada, formerly of The Maui News

Maui government officials have faced increased scrutiny in recent months. National media flocked to the island days after the deadly August wildfires and regularly grilled officials at what became contentious news briefings during the chaotic first weeks. 

Many of the national reporters who descended on Maui left almost as quickly as they came. And unlike local journalists, their outsider status often means they’re unfamiliar with Maui’s cultural nuances and political dynamics — factors that can lend important context to community news.

“The thing that isn’t always appreciated about local news organizations is that they know the community,” Moore said. “It’s very difficult to parachute into a community — even if you have tremendous resources like The New York Times or The Washington Post — and make those connections on the fly and develop sources that trust you to understand their story. I think that’s something that local media can provide that really nobody else can.”

Publishing a print edition and online, The Maui News is a leading source of community journalism on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. But the newspaper, which had an editorial staff of 30 throughout much of the 1980s and ’90s, has in recent years dramatically curtailed its coverage and the size of its staff. 

In June the West Virginia-based media company Ogden Newspapers announced its intent to sell the paper amid yearslong contract negotiations with the Pacific Media Workers Guild , which represents the paper’s union membership. Ogden has owned The Maui News since 2000.

Lee Imada, who retired from the paper after a 39-year career in 2020, said constant cuts and downsizing have been a blow to the community.

“As a recently departed managing editor, I tried to pass the torch,” Imada said. “Something was given to me and I wanted to make sure that it got passed on for the next generation of readers to have and, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. I hope they can survive in this form but it certainly isn’t going to be the paper that I grew up with.”

Newsroom cuts have become an industry norm driven by evaporating profits. Nationally, local papers are dying at a rate of two per week . 

In Hawaii, some neighbor island papers struggling to find enough drivers to get newspapers delivered on time have pivoted to postal delivery. For some subscribers, this means the paper arrives in the afternoon, after the news on its pages has already gone stale. 

Other signs of a weakening local news industry include staff furloughs, voluntary buy-outs and ownership changes.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser changed hands in March as part of a court-supervised debt sell-off. The state’s largest newspaper, as well as The Garden Island on Kauai, The Hawaii Tribune Herald , West Hawaii Today and Midweek, is now owned by Carpenter Media Group, which owns more than two dozen small town newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and other Southern states.

The Garden Island, Kauai’s newspaper of record since 1901, has long struggled to retain editorial staff, relying on a revolving door of mainland recruits to fill a dwindling number of newsroom positions.

Lanai Today failed to publish a May edition last year after the paper lost its editor and lead writer, Nelinia Cabiles, who took over when billionaire Larry Ellison bought up the island’s only dedicated news source . 

West Hawaii Today recently lost its lead reporter, Nancy Cook Lauer, whose yearslong investigation of Billy Kenoi exposed the former Big Island mayor’s misuse of a county-issued credit card. The Molokai Dispatch lost its longtime editor and lead reporter, Catherine Cluett Pactol, in August. 

The loss of coverage in Hawaii has meant reporting on the bread and butter of local government simply isn’t as robust as it once was.

“We wanted to go down fighting,” Imada said of the newsroom sentiment when he was a leader at The Maui News facing a difficult financial forecast a few years ago. “My only gripe is that we didn’t get to do that. It just seems like part of the death spiral of the newspaper industry.”

C ivil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.

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