Here’s a detailed 30-day itinerary for your stay on the Big Island of Hawai’i, designed for a small family or a couple. This plan includes all-day visits to major Big Island attractions and various activities that offer a good mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all suitable for a moderate budget.
Week 1: Getting Acquainted with Kona
- Day 1: Arrival
- Check into the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Unpack and unwind with a sunset stroll along the beach.
- Day 2: Explore Historic Kona
- Visit the Hulihe’e Palace and the historic Kailua Village.
- Evening at leisure exploring local dining.
- Day 3: Coffee and Culture
- Tour a Kona coffee plantation to learn about coffee growing and processing.
- Visit the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
- Day 4: Snorkeling Adventure
- Join a snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay.
- Day 5: Leisure Day at the Hotel
- Enjoy the hotel amenities, perhaps a spa day or pool time.
- Day 6: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
- Experience the manta ray night snorkel.
- Day 7: Farmers Market and Local Crafts
- Visit the Kona Farmers Market. Shop for local produce and crafts.
Week 2: Exploring the Island’s Rich Nature and Marine Life
- Day 8: Volcano Adventure
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Spend the day hiking and sightseeing around the active volcanoes.
- Day 9: Hilo Discovery
- Day trip to Hilo; visit Rainbow Falls and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Day 10: Helicopter Tour
- Book a helicopter tour over the island, including views of volcanoes and waterfalls.
- Day 11: Ocean Activities
- Try paddleboarding or other water sports. Visit ocean activities.
- Day 12: Cultural Experience
- Attend a Hawaiian luau for an evening of traditional food, music, and dance.
- Day 13: Horseback Riding
- Go horseback riding in Waimea’s rolling hills.
- Day 14: Relaxation Day
- Free day. Enjoy local beaches or revisit any favorite spot.
Week 3: Deep Dive into Local Experiences and Adventures
- Day 15-21:
- Zipline Adventure: Explore the island’s canyons and forests from above. Book a zipline tour.
- Stargazing Trip: Join a stargazing tour at Mauna Kea.
- Luxury Tour: Enjoy a luxury tour that might include a private guide or an exclusive experience.
- Wildlife and Whale Watching: If in season, book a whale watching tour.
- Family Activities: Spend more time with family-friendly activities. Check out family activities.
- Sightseeing Tours: Delve deeper into the island’s hidden spots with sightseeing tours.
Week 4: Reflection and Leisure
- Day 22-28:
- Surfing Lessons: Take surfing lessons on the famous Kona coast.
- Romantic Getaway: If traveling as a couple, enjoy a romantic getaway, possibly including a sunset cruise.
- One-of-a-Kind Tours: Experience unique aspects of the Big Island that are less known. Explore one-of-a-kind tours.
- Inter-Island Trip: Consider a day trip to another island, exploring sites like Pearl Harbor or the cliffs of Molokai.
- Day 29: Last Minute Shopping
- Visit local art galleries and shops for last-minute gifts.
- Day 30: Departure
- Pack up and check out from the hotel. Reflect on a month full of adventures and new experiences.
This itinerary ensures that you will experience a broad spectrum of what the Big Island has to offer, from thrilling adventures and natural wonders to deep cultural experiences and leisurely days.
Transportation Tips for Maui
Rental Car
Highly recommended for flexibility and convenience. A rental car is essential for accessing attractions like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park, as well as for exploring more remote beaches and hiking trails.
Public Transit
Maui Bus provides public transportation service, but routes and schedules may not align well with tourist destinations. It’s a viable option for destinations where parking is scarce, such as popular beach areas or Lahaina town.
Car Rentals
Renting a car in Maui offers freedom and ease for tourists looking to explore the island at their own pace. Here are some recommended car rental options available on the island:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Offers several locations on Maui, including at Kahului Airport and in Kihei. They provide a variety of vehicle options from compact cars to SUVs suitable for driving to Haleakala. Visit Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Hertz – You can find Hertz at Kahului Airport as well as in Lahaina. Known for reliable service, they offer a range of vehicles that can suit any need or budget. Visit Hertz
- Alamo Rent A Car – Known for competitive pricing, Alamo is a good choice and conveniently located at the Kahului Airport. Visit Alamo Rent A Car
- Budget Car Rental – Located at the airport and in other key areas around Maui, Budget is known for offering economical rental options. Visit Budget Car Rental
- Turo – For those looking for a more personalized rental experience, Turo offers cars directly from owners on the island, which can provide more unique and often cheaper options than traditional rentals. Visit Turo
- Discount Hawaii Car Rental – This service specializes in negotiating the best car rental rates on the island, aggregating deals from various companies. Visit Discount Hawaii Car Rental
- National Car Rental – Available primarily at Kahului Airport, National is known for fast service and a good selection of quality vehicles. Visit National Car Rental
Airlines for Inter-Island Travel
When traveling between the Hawaiian Islands from Maui, here are the key airlines:
- Hawaiian Airlines – The largest provider for inter-island flights, offering extensive services including frequent flights to and from Maui. Visit Hawaiian Airlines
- Southwest Airlines – Known for competitive pricing and a generous baggage policy, Southwest is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Visit Southwest Airlines
- Mokulele Airlines – Operates smaller aircraft and provides service to smaller airports, perfect for reaching destinations like Lanai or Molokai from Maui. Visit Mokulele Airlines
Airports on Maui
- Kahului Airport (OGG) – The main airport on Maui, located in Central Maui. It serves as the primary gateway for both international and inter-island travelers. More about Kahului Airport
- Kapalua Airport (JHM) – Located in West Maui, this smaller airport offers another option for inter-island flights, primarily serviced by Mokulele Airlines. More about Kapalua Airport
- Hana Airport (HNM) – For those looking to skip the drive to Hana, Mokulele offers flights into this small airport, providing a quick way to reach the remote eastern side of the island. More about Hana Airport
Tips for Inter-Island Travel
- Booking in Advance: To secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book your flights well in advance.
- Airport Arrival: Given the smaller scale of operations and quick flight durations, arriving 1 to 1.5 hours before your flight is usually sufficient.
These transportation tips and resources will help you navigate Maui efficiently, enhancing your experience by providing quick access to the island’s wide range of activities and beautiful locales.
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