Hawaii
5
Day Itinerary •
USA
Five days in Hawaii lets you experience the full extraordinary breadth of the Aloha State across three of its most magnificent islands, from the active volcanoes and black sand beaches of the Big Island to the extraordinary Na Pali Coast cliffs of Kauai and the magnificent Road to Hana and Molokini Crater of Maui. This route covers the complete Hawaii experience. The extraordinary Kilauea volcano and green sand beach of the Big Island, the spectacular Road to Hana with its bamboo forests and waterfalls on Maui, the extraordinary Haleakala sunrise above the clouds, the magnificent Na Pali Coast of Kauai and the finest snorkeling in the Pacific at Molokini Crater.
Best Time To Visit
April to June or September to November for fewer crowds
Getting There
Fly into Kona (KOA) on the Big Island
Getting Around
Rental car essential on all three islands
Budget Per Day
Approx $160 to $260 per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some volcanic and coastal hiking
DAY 1
BIG ISLAND SOUTH
MORNING
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND KILAUEA
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the most extraordinary volcanic landscape in America, its extraordinary Kilauea caldera one of the most continuously active volcanoes on earth. The Crater Rim Drive past the Halema'uma'u Crater overlook, the extraordinary Thurston Lava Tube through a 500-year-old lava tunnel and the Chain of Craters Road descending 3,700 feet to ancient petroglyphs and hardened lava flows are all unmissable. Lava viewing conditions vary. Entry $35 per vehicle. Drive: 45 min drive
MIDDAY
PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH AND THE HAWAIIAN GREEN SEA TURTLES
Punaluu Black Sand Beach is the most extraordinary beach on the Big Island, its extraordinary coal-black volcanic sand giving a beach unlike anything in the continental United States. Hawaiian green sea turtles bask on the black sand daily in extraordinary numbers. These honu are sacred in Hawaiian culture and federally protected. The extraordinary Punaluu Black Sand Beach overlook gives the finest panoramic view of the south coast lava fields. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
SOUTH POINT AND PAPAKOLEA GREEN SAND BEACH
South Point is the southernmost point in the United States, its extraordinary cliffs above the crashing Pacific giving the most dramatic headland view on the Big Island. Papakolea Green Sand Beach 2.5 miles along the coast is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, its extraordinary olivine crystal sand giving a sage-green color. The 2.5-mile walk over lava field is strenuous but gives the most extraordinary beach discovery in Hawaii. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Mauna Kea summit at 13,796 feet is the finest stargazing location on earth, its extraordinary Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet offering free nightly public stargazing with the world's largest optical telescopes on the summit. Free visitor program nightly. The most extraordinary sky experience on the planet.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe 100, Hilo The most legendary loco moco in Hawaii since 1946. Extraordinary rice, burger patty, fried egg and gravy. | Lunch: Punaluu Bake Shop The finest malasada bakery near South Point. Extraordinary Portuguese donuts and Hawaiian coffee. | Dinner: Merriman's, Waimea The finest farm-to-table restaurant on the Big Island. Extraordinary local beef, fish and Hawaiian produce.
DAY 2
BIG ISLAND NORTH
MORNING
WAIPIO VALLEY, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY VALLEY ON THE BIG ISLAND
Waipio Valley is the most extraordinary valley on the Big Island, its extraordinary 2,000-foot cliffs dropping to a black sand beach and a valley floor of taro fields, waterfalls and wild horses that was the royal residence of Hawaiian kings. The Waipio Valley Overlook gives the most extraordinary viewpoint on the Big Island. The valley floor is accessible only by 4WD or guided tour. The overlook view is free and the most extraordinary on the island. Drive: 1 hr drive
MIDDAY
POLOLU VALLEY AND THE KOHALA COAST
Pololu Valley at the northern tip of the Kohala Coast is the most extraordinary hidden valley on the Big Island, its extraordinary overlook above a black sand beach and lush valley floor giving the finest coastal view on the island with almost no tourists. The 30-minute hike down to the valley floor and black sand beach gives an extraordinary wilderness experience. The Kohala Coast drive past Kapa'a Beach Park gives extraordinary views of Maui across the channel. Free. Drive: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
KOHALA COASTLINE AND THE PETROGLYPHS
The Puako Petroglyph Preserve on the Kohala Coast is the most extraordinary ancient rock art site in Hawaii, its extraordinary 3,000 petroglyphs carved by ancient Hawaiians into the lava field over 700 years giving the largest collection of Hawaiian petroglyphs in existence. The extraordinary Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area nearby is the finest white sand beach on the Big Island, consistently rated among the finest beaches in America. Petroglyphs free, beach free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kapaau Kamehameha Statue in North Kohala is the finest hidden historical sight on the Big Island, the original casting of the famous statue that stands in front of the Honolulu Judiciary Building, erected in 1883 in the birthplace of the great king. Free. Almost entirely unknown to visitors who see only the Honolulu replica.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tex Drive-In, Honokaa The finest malasada near Waipio Valley. Extraordinary Portuguese donuts before the valley overlook. | Lunch: Luke's Taro and Hawaiian Food, Waimea Outstanding Hawaiian plate lunch. Extraordinary poi, lomi salmon and kalua pork in the cattle country town. | Dinner: Brown's Beach House, Kohala The finest beachfront dining on the Big Island. Extraordinary local fish and Hawaiian sunset views.
DAY 3
MAUI ROAD TO HANA
MORNING
ROAD TO HANA, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY COASTAL DRIVE IN HAWAII
The Hana Highway is the most extraordinary coastal drive in Hawaii, its 64-mile route with 617 curves and 59 one-lane bridges through lush rainforest past 50-plus waterfalls giving a journey unlike anything in America. Twin Falls at Mile 2 is the finest accessible waterfall on the route. The extraordinary Garden of Eden, the Ke'anae Peninsula taro fields and the remarkable views over the Pacific from the road's sea cliff sections are all unmissable. Start before 7am. Drive: 30 min flight + drive
MIDDAY
WAI'ANAPANAPA BLACK SAND BEACH AND OHEO GULCH
Wai'anapanapa State Park near Hana has the most extraordinary black sand beach on Maui, its extraordinary coastal trail past sea arches and blowhole giving a completely different experience from the white sand resorts. The Oheo Gulch Seven Sacred Pools in Haleakala National Park give the finest freshwater swimming in pools linked by cascading waterfalls. The Pipiwai bamboo forest trail above gives the most extraordinary hike on Maui. Entry $30. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
HAMOA BEACH AND THE RETURN JOURNEY
Hamoa Beach south of Hana, called by James Michener the most beautiful beach in the Pacific, gives the finest white sand and bodysurfing on the Road to Hana. The extraordinary black lava coast of the Kipahulu area below Haleakala gives the finest dramatic coastal scenery on Maui. The return via the southern route past Ulupalakua Ranch and the Maui Wine vineyard gives an entirely different extraordinary landscape on the way back to Wailea. Hamoa Beach free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hana Lava Tube near the Hana Highway is the finest hidden attraction on the Road to Hana, its 1,000-year-old lava tube accessible with a flashlight and giving an extraordinary underground volcanic experience. Entry approx $15. Almost entirely unknown to the thousands of visitors driving the Hana Highway daily.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Aunty Sandy's, Keanae The finest banana bread in Hawaii. Extraordinary freshly baked loaves at a legendary roadside stand. | Lunch: Braddah Hutts, Hana The finest food truck near Hana. Extraordinary Hawaiian plate lunch and coconut pudding. | Dinner: Mama's Fish House, Paia The most extraordinary restaurant in Hawaii. The freshest local fish on earth. Book months ahead.
DAY 4
MAUI HALEAKALA AND SNORKELING
MORNING
HALEAKALA SUNRISE, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY SUNRISE ON EARTH
Haleakala National Park at 10,023 feet above sea level gives the most extraordinary sunrise on earth, the sun rising above a sea of clouds below the summit in a display of color and light that reduces visitors to silence. Arrive by 5am. The extraordinary cinder desert moonscape of the summit crater, the silversword plants found nowhere else on earth and the view over Maui's entire coastline are unmissable. Book recreation.gov reservation $1 months ahead. Entry $30. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
MOLOKINI CRATER SNORKELING
Molokini Crater is the most extraordinary snorkel site in Hawaii, its extraordinary crescent-shaped volcanic caldera 3 miles off the Maui coast creating a protected marine sanctuary of extraordinary visibility up to 150 feet in water filled with 250-plus species of tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef sharks and rays. The inner crater wall drops 300 feet to the ocean floor. Morning tours from Maalaea Harbor have the clearest water. Approx $90. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
AFTERNOON
LITTLE BEACH, MAKENA AND SOUTH MAUI
Little Beach at Makena State Park is the most extraordinary hidden beach on Maui, its extraordinary crescent of golden sand tucked behind Big Beach and accessible only by a short rocky climb giving the finest swimming and bodyboarding on the island. The extraordinary Big Beach at Makena is the finest white sand beach in South Maui. The Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve immediately south has the finest shore snorkeling on Maui. Big Beach free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Tedeschi Vineyards at Ulupalakua Ranch on the slopes of Haleakala is the finest hidden winery in Hawaii, its extraordinary pineapple wine and estate grape wines entirely unknown to most visitors. The drive through the Ulupalakua ranchlands gives the most extraordinary pastoral landscape on Maui. Free tastings. Open daily.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Summit Sunrise, Haleakala Coffee from a thermos at the most extraordinary sunrise on earth. Pack warm clothes and hot drinks. | Lunch: Cafe O'Lei, Kihei The finest breakfast-all-day restaurant in South Maui. Extraordinary eggs benedict with Kona coffee. | Dinner: Lineage, Wailea Outstanding modern Hawaiian cuisine in the finest hotel restaurant in South Maui. Local fish extraordinary.
DAY 5
KAUAI
MORNING
KAUAI NA PALI COAST, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY COASTLINE IN HAWAII
The Na Pali Coast on Kauai's north shore is the most extraordinary coastline in Hawaii, its extraordinary 3,000-foot emerald sea cliffs plunging directly into the Pacific in a 17-mile stretch accessible only by sea, air or the Kalalau Trail. The zodiac boat tour from Hanalei or Princeville gives the most extraordinary close-range view of the sea cliffs, sea caves and waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast in any weather. Zodiac tours approx $150. Helicopter tours approx $280. Drive: 30 min flight
MIDDAY
WAIMEA CANYON, THE GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC
Waimea Canyon is the most extraordinary canyon in the Pacific, its extraordinary 3,600-foot depth and 14-mile length of red and green eroded basalt giving a canyon landscape entirely unlike anything else in Hawaii. Mark Twain called it the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The Waimea Canyon Lookout and the extraordinary Kalalau Lookout at the end of the road giving a view over the Na Pali Coast from above are the finest viewpoints on Kauai. Entry free. Drive: 1 hr drive
AFTERNOON
TUNNELS BEACH AND HANALEI BAY
Tunnels Beach on Kauai's north shore is the finest snorkeling beach in Hawaii, its extraordinary fringing reef sheltering an extraordinary diversity of Hawaiian reef fish in remarkable clarity. Hanalei Bay, with its extraordinary curved beach backed by taro fields and the soaring Hanalei pali cliffs, is the most extraordinary beach town in Hawaii. The extraordinary Hanalei Pier gives the finest view over the bay. Both beaches free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Limahuli Garden and Preserve on Kauai's north shore is the finest botanical garden in Hawaii, its extraordinary terraced taro fields and native Hawaiian plant collection set above a stream valley beneath the Na Pali cliffs. Used as a location in Jurassic Park. Entry approx $20. The most extraordinary hidden cultural landscape on Kauai.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hanalei Wake Up Cafe, Kauai The finest breakfast in Hanalei. Extraordinary macadamia nut pancakes and Kauai coffee. | Lunch: Postcards Cafe, Hanalei Outstanding local Kauai seafood at the finest vegetarian-friendly restaurant on the north shore. | Dinner: The Beach House, Poipu The most extraordinary waterfront dining on Kauai. Extraordinary local fish and Hawaiian sunset views.
Where To Stay
Big Island, Nights 1 to 2 Four Seasons Hualalai or Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Approx $250 to $600 per night. Maui, Nights 3 to 4 Grand Wailea Wailea or Hyatt Regency Kaanapali. Approx $200 to $450 per night. Kauai, Night 5 Grand Hyatt Poipu or 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Approx $250 to $500 per night.
Top Tips
1. Haleakala sunrise requires a recreation.gov reservation at $1. Book months ahead. The most extraordinary sunrise on earth.
2. Kauai's Na Pali Coast by zodiac boat is the most extraordinary boat tour in Hawaii. Book weeks ahead.
3. Road to Hana: start before 7am, pack lunch, go slowly. It is the journey not just the destination that is extraordinary.
4. Mauna Kea summit stargazing on the Big Island is the finest in the world. The Visitor Center program at 9,200 feet is free.
5. Tunnels Beach on Kauai's north shore is the finest snorkeling beach in Hawaii. Bring your own gear.
6. Mama's Fish House on Maui must be booked months ahead. The most extraordinary restaurant in Hawaii.
Total Budget
$160 to $260/day