Hawaii 8-Day Itinerary: Oahu, Big Island & Maui
Three islands, eight days, and the best of Hawaii. This route balances iconic sights with local experiences - no tourist traps.
Route Overview
Oahu/Honolulu (2 days) → Big Island/Hilo (3 days) → Maui (3 days)
Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu (Oahu)
24/7 Live Cams: Diamond Head & Waikiki 24/7 | Sheraton Waikiki Beach | Maui Whale Sanctuary 4K
Arrival: Fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Afternoon:
- Check into Waikiki hotel
- Waikiki Beach - First dip in Hawaiian waters
- Walk along Kalakaua Avenue
Evening:
- Sunset at Kuhio Beach
- Dinner at Duke’s Waikiki or local poke spot
- Optional: Watch the hula show at Kuhio Beach (free, nightly)
Accommodation: Waikiki area - Sheraton Princess Kaiulani or similar
Day 2: Honolulu Highlights
Early Morning:
- Diamond Head Crater hike (go early, opens 6 AM)
- 1.6 miles round trip, stunning views
Mid-Morning:
- Pearl Harbor - Book USS Arizona Memorial in advance (free but timed entry)
- Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience
Afternoon:
- Ala Moana Beach Park - Local favorite, less crowded
- Or shopping at Ala Moana Center
Evening:
- Drive to North Shore for sunset
- Dinner at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (famous garlic shrimp)
- See big waves in winter (November-February)
Day 3: Fly to Big Island (Hilo side)
Morning: Inter-island flight Honolulu → Hilo (~45 minutes)
- Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest
Afternoon:
- Pick up rental car (essential on Big Island)
- Rainbow Falls - Quick waterfall stop
- Liliuokalani Gardens - Japanese gardens
Evening:
- Explore downtown Hilo - Historic town feel
- Dinner at Cafe 100 - Home of the loco moco
- Browse Hilo Farmers Market if open
Accommodation: Hilo town or nearby
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
Full day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
Morning:
- Kilauea Visitor Center - Get current conditions
- Sulphur Banks trail
- Steam Vents - See the earth breathe
Midday:
- Thurston Lava Tube - Walk through ancient lava tube
- Picnic lunch at park
Afternoon:
- Chain of Craters Road - Drive to the coast
- Holei Sea Arch - Dramatic coastal views
- Petroglyph trail if time allows
Evening:
- Stay for Kilauea after dark - Glow is visible at night
- Drive back to Hilo
Tips:
- Park entrance $30/vehicle (7-day pass)
- Bring layers - it’s cooler at elevation
- Download the NPS app for current lava activity
Day 5: Big Island Adventures
Option A: Mauna Kea Sunrise/Sunset:
- Drive to summit (13,796 ft)
- World-class stargazing at night
- Rent 4WD vehicle required
Option B: Beach & Coffee Day:
- Drive to Kona side (~2.5 hours)
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach - Sea turtles!
- Kona coffee farm tour - See how it’s grown
- Hapuna Beach - One of Hawaii’s best
Evening:
- Return to Hilo or stay Kona side
- Fresh fish dinner
Day 6: Fly to Maui
Morning: Fly Hilo/Kona → Kahului, Maui (~40 minutes)
Afternoon:
- Pick up rental car
- Paia Town - Bohemian surf town
- Lunch at Mama’s Fish House (book ahead!) or Paia Fish Market
Beach time:
- Ho’okipa Beach - Watch surfers and sea turtles
- Or Baldwin Beach - Good for swimming
Evening:
- Settle into accommodation
- Dinner in Paia or Kahului
Accommodation: Paia, Kihei, or Wailea area
Day 7: Road to Hana
Full day adventure - Start early (6-7 AM):
The famous Highway 36/360:
- 620 curves, 59 bridges
- Allow full day (8-10 hours round trip)
Must-stops:
- Twin Falls - Easy waterfall (mile marker 2)
- Garden of Eden - Botanical garden
- Keanae Peninsula - Taro fields, ocean views
- Wai’anapanapa State Park - Black sand beach (reserve parking online)
- Hana town - Small, authentic Hawaii
Beyond Hana (if time):
- Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch)
- Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
Tips:
- Fill up gas before starting
- Bring snacks and water
- Let faster cars pass
- Consider staying overnight in Hana
Day 8: Maui Beach Day & Departure
Morning options:
- Kaanapali Beach - Resort beach, great snorkeling
- Kapalua Bay - Sheltered, calm waters
- Makena (Big Beach) - Local favorite, big waves
Or snorkeling excursion:
- Molokini Crater - Half-day boat trip
- Book ahead for small group tours
Afternoon:
- Last Hawaiian meal
- Drive to Kahului Airport
- Flight home
Practical Tips
Inter-Island Flights
- Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices
- ~$100-200 per flight
- Flights are short (30-45 minutes)
Rental Cars
- Essential on Big Island and Maui
- Nice to have on Oahu (can use rideshare)
- Book early, especially peak season
Best Time to Visit
- Year-round destination
- April-May, September-October: Fewer crowds, good weather
- December-March: Whale watching season (Maui especially)
- Winter: Big waves on North Shore (Oahu)
Budget Breakdown (per person)
- Inter-island flights (3): ~$300-450
- Rental cars (6 days): ~$300-400
- Accommodations (7 nights): ~$1,000-1,800
- Activities: ~$150-300
- Food: ~$350-500
Total: ~$2,100-3,450
What I’d Skip
- Luau shows (often overpriced, touristy)
- Waikiki timeshare presentations
- Helicopter tours unless you’re splurging
- Crowded Waikiki on New Year’s
Packing Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law)
- Water shoes for lava rock beaches
- Light rain jacket (tropical showers)
- Snorkel gear (rentals available but own is better)
Aloha! Hawaii is magical across all islands. Happy to share specific restaurant picks or hiking recommendations.