Hawaii 2026

Hawaii Travel Highlights

This is a tentative plan for a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes eight days on the island with two travel days at each end. Stopping on the west coast gives us a night to relax and has us 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. An additional option would be flying to Pearl Harbor for a daytrip exploring the museums and Arizona Mamorial.

Hapuna beach - One of the top 5 beaches in the world, located in the northwest along the Kohala Coast.

Pololu Beach - An interesting, out of the way beach for walking on with awesomely interesting views. Along the north coast.

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. A must do trip!

Volcanoes National Park - Home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

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.

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.

🗓️ Hawaii - Fall 2026

Oct 8 - Oct 19 | 3 Week Trip Calendar Calendar

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Legend

Lodging

Travel

Flights etc.

Touring

Individual touring

Premium

Premium activities

Day 1 – Oct 8

Depart SRQ - fly to San Francisco. Remain overnight near the airport.

Day 2 – Oct 9

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 – Oct 10

Explore the area around the resort. Maybe take a local boat tour.

Day 4 – Oct 11

Take a local boat tour from Kona. Check out the marine life and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 5 – Oct 12

Day-trip to Honolulu. Visit Pearl Harbor, the museum and Arizona Mamorial. Fly back to Kona late in the afternoon.

Return to Kona Resort.

Day 6 – Oct 13

Relax and prepare for the trip to Volcano National Park.

Remain overnight at the Kona Resort.

Day 7 – Oct 14

Drive across the island via the Saddle Rd to Hilo. It takes about 90 minutes from Kona, but there are several great stops along the way. After lunch take a helicopter ride over Volcano National Park and the ocean shore. Then drive up to the park.

Remain overnight at Volcano Military Camp.

Day 8 – Oct 15

Explore the Chain of Craters road. Drive through the coastal lava fields to the ocean. Stop at Hilina Pali overlook on the way back for amazing views!

Explore the main portion of the park, the main volcano crater, lava tubes, sulfur fields and more. This is our last night in the park.

Remain overnight at Volcano Military Camp.

Day 9 – Oct 16

Leaving the park this morning, we head west to stop at Black Sand Beach where we 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, we head back to Kona for our last few nights at the Kona Resort.