The Best 10-Day Hawaii Itinerary

The second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui is a stunning destination that offers an ideal combination of natural beauty and modern conveniences. After landing at Kahului Airport, travelers should rent a car — a necessity for exploring Maui — and head for one of the many upscale beach resorts on the western coast, where the weather is drier, warmer, and sunnier than the east coast. Golfers will want to stay in the Kapalua area, which is home to the highly regarded Kapalua Plantation Course and Bay Course, while those looking to get some shopping done should stay in Wailea. After checking in, get into vacation mode by heading to the nearest beach (all are public throughout Hawaii) and ordering a tropical drink.


Pack the next few days with an equal mix of poolside and oceanfront lounging, plus outdoor recreation. Before arriving in Hawaii, book a sunrise or (less popular) sunset tour of Haleakalā National Park, a 10,023-foot dormant volcano that often tops travelers’ lists of must-do Maui experiences. Most tours include round-trip hotel transportation, two meals, and a guided hike up to the summit. (Pro tip: Bring a jacket as it’s cold at the top.) Another worthwhile natural attraction is the Nakalele Blowhole on the northeastern coast. It’s a geyser where seawater trapped in an underwater lava tube powerfully shoots out of the lava rock. Rainbows often form in the mist and a nearby heart-shaped hole formed in the middle of rocks makes for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.


Another must is the Road to Hana drive, which begins near the airport and ends in the small town of Hana, home to the spectacular all-inclusive  Hana-Maui Resort. The route consists of over 600 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges, but the natural beauty along the way makes the white-knuckle driving worth it. While it can be driven in about two hours, most travelers spend more time than that, stopping at spots such as Twin Falls Waterfall, Upper Waikani Falls, and the black-sand Honokalani Beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Don’t skip the fresh, warm banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s, or the coconut-based ice cream at Coconut Glen’s.

Oahu is the most popular island in Hawaii for its bustling city of Honolulu, kid-friendly Waikiki, convenient airport, and popular attractions. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is under a 15-minute drive from Honolulu’s center, which has high-rise buildings, tons of shopping opportunities, and a plethora of chain eateries (such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House) and local restaurants serving Hawaiian, Asian, and seafood fare. Most travelers will want to stay in Waikiki for ease and the calm beaches, but those looking for a more secluded, peaceful getaway should consider the North Shore or Kailua areas.


There are ample things to do in Oahu, but certainly, the top attraction is Diamond Head, a dormant volcano crater located just a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. The hike up 560 feet is challenging and, at times, quite steep, but doable for most ages and fitness levels, taking about 90 minutes to two hours round-trip. Hikers are rewarded with stellar views of the crater, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. For sea-level fun, the North Shore offers tourists a chance to watch professional surfers ride huge waves at one of the many annual surf competitions (in the winter months), or just to walk along the pretty beaches, spot some sea turtles, and enjoy a shaved ice. Snorkeling and zip-lining are also popular activities on Oahu.


Of course, other top activities in Oahu include visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, and Battleship Missouri Memorial. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial honors over 2,000 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Entry to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, two museums, and exhibits along the harbor, as well as the USS Arizona Memorial, are free. Pearl Harbor is about 20 minutes away by car from Honolulu.

In contrast to Oahu, Kauai is less developed and more rugged, offering a beautiful, lush landscape for travelers seeking a laid-back and adventure-filled getaway. Although other Hawaiian islands have ample greenery, waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches, Kauai is nicknamed “Garden Island” for the tropical rainforest covering much of its land. It’s an ideal place for travelers who love hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Plus, helicopter tours are popular for those looking to see the terrain featured in “Jurassic Park” from above. Don’t miss Waimea Canyon State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” thanks to the 10-mile-long and 3,600-foot deep canyon. Travelers can hike, drive, or take a helicopter tour of the park.


Along the north shore is the area of Princeville, which is convenient for sightseeing and offers several luxury resorts, golf courses, and pretty beaches. Visitors are also close to Queens Bath, a swimmable sinkhole where snorkelers can spot colorful fish and sea turtles. (Pro tip: Go at low tide, when the waves are calm, and wear hiking shoes.) Princeville is near the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, which is famous for its mountainous shoreline that stretches 17 miles. While many opt to see the park by boat or helicopter, adventurers can make a reservation to hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, where they’ll be rewarded with waterfalls, beaches, and spectacular cliff and ocean views.


On the east coast, close to the Lihue Airport, is Wailua, which offers several affordable hotel options, multiple grocery stores and fast-food outlets, and the oceanfront Wailua Golf Course. Outdoor activities abound, including driving to Opaeka‘a Falls and Wailua Falls, hiking the two-mile Sleeping Giant Trail with gorgeous vistas, and lounging along one of the many beaches. Heading to the southern coast, travelers will find Poipu, which has a few golf courses, a surf school, a gorgeous beach, and the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail that runs along the coast.