9-Day Hawaii Trip Itinerary from Seattle - August 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Waikiki Beach

Morning: Fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Honolulu International Airport and check into your hotel in Waikiki.

Afternoon: Relax and unwind on the famous Waikiki Beach, enjoy the sun and gentle waves.

Evening: Have a romantic dinner at a beachfront restaurant overlooking Diamond Head Crater.

Day 2: Exploring Honolulu & Pearl Harbor

Morning: Visit the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learn about World War II history.

Afternoon: Explore Iolani Palace and stroll through downtown Honolulu.

Evening: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau at Germaine’s Luau for authentic food and performances.

Day 3: Diamond Head & Hanauma Bay

Morning: Hike up to the summit of Diamond Head for spectacular panoramic views of Honolulu.

Afternoon: Snorkel and relax at the breathtaking Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant near Kailua Beach.

Day 4: North Shore Adventure

Morning: Drive to the North Shore and watch the surfers tackle massive waves at Waimea Bay.

Afternoon: Visit the historic town of Haleiwa and try the famous garlic shrimp trucks.

Evening: Sunset stroll along Sunset Beach and casual dining nearby.

Day 5: Cultural Day in Kona (Big Island)

Morning: Take a short flight to the Big Island, check into your accommodation in Kona.

Afternoon: Visit the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park to learn about Hawaiian culture and history.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian dinner at a Kona seaside restaurant.

Day 6: Volcanoes & Coffee Plantations

Morning: Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and see Kīlauea volcano.

Afternoon: Tour a local Kona Coffee Plantation and sample fresh Kona coffee.

Evening: Relax back in Kona with a sunset dinner by the ocean.

Day 7: Beach & Snorkeling in Kona

Morning: Spend the morning snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Afternoon: Relax on Magic Sands Beach or explore the town of Kailua-Kona.

Evening: Attend a local island music and hula show.

Day 8: Return to Oahu & Shopping

Morning: Fly back to Oahu and check into your Waikiki hotel.

Afternoon: Shop and explore at Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall.

Evening: Enjoy one last sunset dinner on Waikiki Beach.

Day 9: Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last stroll on the beach.

Afternoon: Head to Honolulu International Airport for your flight back to Seattle.

Evening: Arrive back in Seattle with wonderful memories.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Flight Seattle to Honolulu roundtrip: Approx. 10 hours (total), $600 per person
• Hotel accommodations (Oahu & Big Island): 8 nights, approx. $250 per night = $2000
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: 3 hours, free entry (donations appreciated)
• Germaine’s Luau: 3 hours, $120 per person
• Diamond Head Hike: 2 hours, $5 park entry per person
• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: 4 hours, $25 per person entry + gear rental
• Car rental (9 days): $50 per day = $450
• Flight Honolulu to Kona roundtrip: 1.5 hours each way, $150 per person
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: 4 hours, $30 per vehicle entry
• Kona Coffee Plantation Tour: 2 hours, approx. $20 per person
• Meals (estimated daily average): $100 per day = $900

Total Estimated Cost: $7,340

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider adding extra days on the Big Island to explore more remote areas like the Mauna Kea summit or the Hilo side. For a shorter trip, focus solely on Oahu and prioritize highlights like Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and a day trip to the North Shore to reduce travel time and costs.