The Big Island is my favourite: a powerful island of contrasts, with black lava flows, active volcanoes, rainforests and wild coastlines. A few days in Kona for the dolphins and a magical night swim with manta rays, then Hilo and Volcanoes National Park.
Mid-trip, fly to Maui for a gentler second week: the Road to Hāna lined with waterfalls, the red sand beach, secret coves and Haleakalā.
This itinerary is a starting point: we adapt it to your dates, wishes and budget.
At a glance
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrival on the Big Island
Arrive at Kona airport and pick up your rental car.
- Day2
The beaches north of Kona
Discover the white sand beaches north of Kona. Lunch at Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa, afternoon at “Beach 69”. In the evening, a walk and dinner in Kona village.
- Day3
Night swim with manta rays
In the morning, go and see the turtles at Kiholo Bay. At the end of the day, a night swim with manta rays.
- Day4
Dolphin watching
In the morning, head to Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook was killed in 1779, a year after he first reached the Hawaiian Islands. Rent kayaks to watch dolphins and snorkel in the bay. In the afternoon, visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, then snorkel at Two Step.
- Day5
The green sand beach
Drive south to the green sand beach: a local guide takes you there by 4×4 ($20 per person). Then drive on to Punaluʻu black sand beach.
- Day6
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
A full day in Volcanoes National Park, a 40-minute drive from Hilo.
- Day7
Sunset on Mauna Kea
Watch the sunset over Mauna Kea from the visitor centre, at 2,800 metres (9,200 ft).
- Day8
Arrival on Maui
At Kahului airport, collect your bags and rental car, then set off to discover the beaches: Baldwin Beach, Baby Beach, Hoʻokipa Beach Park. Turtles wait for you on the sand, and you'll watch some of the world's best surfers and windsurfers! Lunch in the village of Pāʻia.
- Day9
Haleakalā volcano
Head up the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakalā, at 3,055 metres (10,023 ft). Take a short walk into the crater on the Sliding Sands trail. Stay 20 minutes after sunset to admire the beautiful gradient of colours between the sky and the clouds.
- Day10
The Road to Hāna
Discover Maui's east coast on a winding road lined with waterfalls. Stop at the Keʻanae peninsula, then Waiʻānapanapa State Park and its famous black sand beach. In Hāna, don't miss the stunning red sand beach! In the afternoon, continue to the Seven Sacred Pools and walk through the bamboo forest of the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls.
- Day11
Maui's West Coast
Loop around the west side of the island. Stop at the best banana bread stand, Julia's Banana Bread, swim in the Olivine Pools natural pools, then see the Nakalele Blowhole. Continue to Napili Bay for lunch at the Sea House restaurant. Lazy afternoon on the beach. Optional: Polynesian dinner show.
- Day12
La Pérouse Bay and Makena Beach
Head to La Pérouse Bay for a walk across Haleakalā's most recent lava flow, among old flows and white coral along the shore. Lazy afternoon on the vast white sand of Makena Beach.
- Day13
Catamaran day to Molokini
A catamaran trip to snorkel at Molokini, a unique crescent-shaped crater home to more than 250 species of tropical fish. A lovely sail with superb views of Maui from the ocean.
- Day14
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail hike
Hike the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail in the West Maui Mountains. Then discover ʻĪao Valley, where a dip in the cool water is a must.
- Day15
Departure day
Free day. Return your car at the airport and fly home. Aloha, and see you soon!
Included
- Accommodation for 14 nights: 3-star hotels and private studios/apartments
- Double kayak rental to watch dolphins and snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
- Night snorkel with manta rays
- Catamaran trip to Molokini
- Inter-island flights (Big Island › Maui)
- Compact or mid-size SUV rental with full insurance
- A detailed day-by-day plan
Not included
- International flights
- Meals, drinks and breakfasts
- Checked bags on inter-island flights ($25/bag)
- National park entrance fees
- Hotel parking fees
Your international flights
International flights are not included. We can send you a quote through our partner OptionWay for competitive fares.
Questions about this trip
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes — this package is a starting point. Islands, stops, stays and activities: we adjust it together during our call.
What does the price include?
Accommodation, inter-island flights, a fully insured rental car, the listed activities and a day-by-day plan. International flights, meals and national park fees are not included.
How do I book?
Start your trip online or book a 20-minute call with Clémentine. Once the plan is approved, you pay through a secure link.
