Hawaii Travel Highlights
This is a tentative plan for a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes nine days on the island with two travel days at each end. Stopping on the west coast gives you a night to relax and has you arriving in Hawaii in the early afternoon rather than later in the evening.
The plan includes time at a beach resort in Kona as well as time in Volcano National Park. There are many interesting sites to see on the island including beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and more. A helicopter tour is included to see the island from the air.
Hapuna beach - One of the top 5 beaches in the world, located in the northwest along the Kohala Coast.
Pololu Beach - An interesting daytrip to an out of the way beach for walking with awesomely interesting views. Along the north coast, not far from Waikoloa Village.
Waipi'o Valley - A lush valley with waterfalls and taro fields. We recommend a half-day escorted excursion of horseback riding. Closed until further notice.
Mauna Kea Summit - The highest point in Hawaii with amazing views and sunsets. World class observatory. Highly recommended evening trip with hotel pickup.
Aka'aka Falls - A beautiful waterfall located in the Wailuku River State Park just north of Hilo.
Hilo Helicopter Tours - Explore the islands from the air with breathtaking views of the National Park and any volcanic erruptions. Big Island Helicopter Tours. A must do trip!
Volcanoes National Park - Home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Plan on one day travel there with a helicopter tour enroute. Then, one day at the park, and a day return with stops at South Point and Black Sand Beach
Hilina Pali - A scenic cliff with stunning ocean views. Isolated and not frequented. From Chain of Craters Rd, turn right near the `Devils Throat`. Drive about 9 miles from the turn to Nilina Pali Overlook. This is a 'must do' part of your visit to the park.
Black Sand Beach - A unique beach with black volcanic sand and frequent visits from green turtles.
South Point - The southernmost point of the United States, known for its rugged coastline and fishing spots.
Zipline - Kohala Zipline is a popular choice for ziplining on the Big Island, offering stunning views of the island's landscapes.
Pearl Harbor - Flights to Pearl Harbor are about $200 round trip. You can fly over, visit Pearl Harbor, the museum, and the Arizona Memorial, and back in your resort in time for a late dinner.
🗓️ Hawaii - December 2026
Dec 13 - Jan 2 | 3 Week Trip Calendar Calendar
Day 1 – Dec 19
Depart Washington, D.C. and fly to LAX or San Francisco. Remain overnight near the airport.
Day 2 – Dec 20
Fly to Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Pickup a rental car and head to the resort. After a quick trip for groceries, relax and enjoy the beach and resort amenities.
Day 3 – Dec 21
Explore the area around the resort. Maybe take a local boat tour.
Day 4 – Dec 22
Drive North across fields of lava to Pololu Beach. Short hike takes you down to this unique beach. Schedule an afternoon zipline excursion or stop at Hapuna Beach on the way back.
Day 5 – Dec 23
Drive across the island via the Saddle Rd to Hilo. The drive from Waikoloa VIllage to Hilo is just over an hour. There are some great views along the way. After lunch take a helicopter ride over Volcano National Park and the ocean shore. Drive up to the park or just relax in Hilo overnight.
Day 6 – Dec 24
Explore the main portion of the park, the main volcano crater, lava tubes, sulfur fields and more.
Drive through the coastal lava fields to the ocean. Stop at Hilina Pali overlook on the way back for amazing views! This is your last day in the park.
Day 7 – Dec 25
Drive through the park this morning, then head west to stop at Black Sand Beach where you might catch a view of Green Turtles. Then it's on to South Point, the southern most point in the United States. The waves crashing along the rocky shore here are amazing. Trees are bent by the perpetually strong winds.
After a full day of exploring, you head back to Kona for your last few nights at the resort.
Day 8 – Dec 26
Relax and enjoy the resort. Maybe take a boat tour, take an escorted tour of the Mauna Kea observatory, or just relax on the beach.
Day 9 – Dec 27
Take a morning flight to Honolulu. There, rent a car and explore the Pearl Harbor museum and visit the Arizona Memorial. You'll be able to catch a late afternoon flight back in time for dinner!
Day 10 – Dec 28
Relax and enjoy your last day at the resort. Maybe take that boat tour, the escorted tour of the Mauna Kea observatory, or just relax on the beach.
Day 11 – Dec 29
Fly back to West Coast.
Day 12 – Dec 30
Fly back to Washington, D.C.
Hawaii - Weather Trends
Temperature for Kona.
Temperature Big Island NE.
Temperature Volcano NP.
Temperatures for South Point.
Weather/climate details plus much more can be found here - © WeatherSpark.com.