Hanauma Bay is a top destination for snorkelling, offering crystal-clear waters with a wide range of colourful tropical fish and marine life. The beach has powder soft sands, and the bay is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Additionally, it is a protected conservation area with clear guidelines to ensure that visitors treat the environment with the utmost respect.
A visit to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial allows visitors to pay their respects to the 1,177 soldiers who lost their lives in the attack. Be sure to visit the museum, take a boat tour of the harbour, and check out the nearby USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park for a comprehensive look at the events of that fateful day.
Haleakala National Park offers otherworldly views from the summit of its dormant volcano that offers a spectacular sunrise view over the valley below. The National Park offers many hiking trails, including Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. And if you're tired after hiking, visit the nearby town of Makawao, a former cowboy town that's great for shopping and eating.
The Road to Hana provides an opportunity to take in dramatic views unique to Hawaii; it winds through verdant rainforests, past waterfalls and volcanic formations, and alongside breathtaking ocean views. Take your time and stop at the many attractions along the way, such as the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach.
The Akaka Falls State Park showcases the beauty of the Hawaiian rainforest, featuring a lush 0.4-mile hike through bamboo forests, taro patches, and bubbling streams. This leads to a 442-foot waterfall, great for taking pictures, and is truly an experience in itself.
Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon State Park showcases red, brown, and green mountain views that go on forever. Hike the Canyon Trail, stretching 3.4 miles, for a scenic view of the valley and the Pacific Ocean. The park has many lookouts, which offer a chance to take breathtaking photos along the way.
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is Hawaii’s most incredible destination, with 6,175 acres of unpopulated land, including an impressive 17 miles of dramatic cliffs along the ocean. This park cannot be reached via car, but visitors can access the park via foot, boat, or helicopter to take in the beauty.
End your trip by relaxing on one of Maui's beautiful beaches or taking a sunset walk along the coast. Wailea Beach, Black Rock Beach, and Ka'anapali Beach are great beaches to visit. If you're looking for more adventure, grab some snorkelling gear and check out the variety of marine life that lives below.
Having a rental car on this trip would be ideal. Rentals cost about $45/day. Of course, you can use ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, Taxis, or public transportation but you may have to adjust your itinerary to accommodate for their schedules. Each option varies but can cost around $30-$45 from airport to hotel.
If you have less time, you can consider focusing on only one or two islands, such as hiking the Waimea Canyon Trail and visiting the Na Pali Coast. If you have more time, consider adding in more beaches or water activities, such as surfing or snorkelling.
Hawaii is served by several airports spread over different islands, including Honolulu International (HNL) on Oahu, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai, and Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island. Honolulu International Airport is the largest airport and is the most common point of entry into Hawaii.