10-Day Itinerary: Hawaii

Ready for the ultimate adventure? Experience the sensational beauty of Hawaii in just ten days with this fun-filled itinerary that’ll take you from the streets of Oahu to the peaks of the Big Island. Hawaii’s enchantment awaits.

Days 1-3: Oahu

Start your 10-day Hawaii itinerary in bustling Oahu, aka the Gathering Place. Oahu offers a little something for everyone, which can make planning your trip here a bit overwhelming. But the best place to start is undoubtedly the bright and vibrant city of Honolulu. Flying into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport gets you within 15 minutes of this mecca of activity. Spend your first day on the shores of glittering Waikiki Beach before scaling 560 feet up Diamond Head State Monument to drink in the view.

Make your day two all about Hawaii’s history and culture. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers free entry and tours and fascinating insights into the pivotal day that changed the course of American history. For many, a trip to Honolulu is incomplete without stepping foot on the USS Arizona Memorial and paying respects. Other must-see historical and cultural sights dot the streets of Honolulu, from the Bishop Museum and its intro into Hawaiian history to the only palace on US soil, Iolani Palace. From there, you can travel north to the Polynesian Cultural Center to dive into multiple island nations’ rich cultures and histories, spanning from Hawaii to Aotearoa.

Day three, prepare for more adventure on Oahu’s famous North Shore. From heart-pumping thrills at Waimea Bay Beach Park to laid-back chill at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park, the North Shore has everything, including world-class surfing, magnificent views, and relaxed vibes. Even if you’re not an expert surfer, you can watch pro surfers ride the waves, look for honu (sea turtles) in the water, and explore the charming town of Haleiwa. Ending the day with a stroll along the beach and watching the sunset from Sunset Beach is nothing short of magical.

Days 4-5: Maui

Hop an inter-island flight and prepare to spend a few days on the beautiful island of Maui, also known as the Valley Isle. There are few better ways to discover Maui’s twisting valleys than by taking a journey along the stunning Road to Hana. A scenic drive along Maui’s east coast, the Road to Hana promises breathtaking views, gushing waterfalls, and lush forests. The drive contains some of Maui’s best stops, including Twin Falls, a black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, and the beautiful town of Hana. Folks who travel further will find a must-see stop at the Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, in the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park.

Speaking of Haleakala National Park, few experiences can rival watching the extraordinary sunrise from Haleakala’s summit, making this the perfect way to start your day two. Just be sure to reserve your spot for this magnificent moment in advance, as it books up quickly.

Of course, sunrise isn’t the only beautiful thing in Haleakala National Park. Mesmerizing trails unveil volcanic landscapes and lush forest paths leading to hidden waterfalls. Although the park offers enough space to explore for days, your 10-day Hawaii itinerary demands you make the most of your time on the Valley Isle. So cut your park explorations short and spend the latter half of the day in charming Makawao, the hub of Maui’s Upcountry, or drive a bit further to end up in the enchanting town of Lahaina. Here, you can bask in the sunshine and enjoy some of the best beaches in sunny west Maui.

Days 6-7: Kauai

Continue your island-hopping journey to Kauai, where jaw-dropping sights await on what many consider the most beautiful Hawaiian Island. Arriving at Lihue Airport, you’re just minutes away from the famous shores of sandy Poipu Beach. But plan to spend your first day on the Garden Isle in the beautiful area of Princeville for relaxed settings and laid-back adventures.

Explore the enchanting Princeville Botanical Garden to indulge in lush beauty and sample rich Hawaiian flavors. Minutes away, venture to the coast to visit Kauai’s pristine north shore beaches. Anini Beach offers calm waters and sandy shores, while Hanalei boasts picturesque views. Don’t miss kayaking in Hanalei Bay or witnessing the unmatched sunsets from Hanalei Pier.

On the seventh day of your 10-day Hawaii itinerary, head out early. The magnificent Waimea Canyon and the awe-inspiring Na Pali Coast await. Opt for a helicopter tour to take in their majestic beauty from the air, or choose to explore by car or foot. The Na Pali Coast stretches for 17 miles along the north shore, while the slightly shorter Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, spans 14 miles. If you prefer driving, take the scenic Waimea Canyon Drive, which offers stunning lookouts. The road leads to Koke’e State Park, where you’ll find spectacular trails and a breathtaking lookout over the Na Pali Coast.

Before bidding farewell to Kauai, return to the sunny shores of Poipu for some well-deserved relaxation and recovery. Take time to unwind, rejuvenate, and soak up the beauty of this island paradise before setting off to your fourth and final Hawaiian Island.

Days 8-10: Big Island

Hopefully, you rested well on your previous island because the Big Island promises serious fun and big-time adventure.

Start the eighth day of your 10-day Hawaii itinerary with a trip to Hawaii’s most visited national park and the Big Island’s hottest locale. Amidst glowing craters and stunning volcanic landscapes, it’s little wonder why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is considered one of the best national parks in the state. From mesmerizing lava flows to breathtaking hiking trails and the Thurston Lava Tube, the park unveils Hawaii’s beauty in its rawest and most pure form. Later in the afternoon, head to the coast. The Big Island is famous for its black sand beaches and none more so than Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. With enchanting palms and napping green sea turtles, this beach exemplifies the Big Island’s unique charm.

However, it’s not all volcanic landscapes and black sand on the Big Island. On your second day, discover its softer side. Take the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive from Hilo to Waipio Valley, where you’ll encounter awe-inspiring sea cliffs, tropical rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Make a pitstop at Akaka Falls State Park to witness the impressive Akaka Falls plummeting over 442 feet to reach the ground. Finally, finish your star-studded day on the Big Island with magnificent star-gazing from its tallest peak on Mauna Kea.

For your final day in Hawaii, unwind along the beautiful Kohala Coast. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sands of beautiful beaches like Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach. Then in the evening, indulge in a traditional Hawaiian luau. After days spent exploring the island’s history, heritage, and sights, it’s one final chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, moving music, and delicious local cuisine to celebrate the end of an incredible trip.

Is this Hawaii Itinerary Flexible?

Now that you know all the must-see sights in Hawaii for the most epic, 10-day itinerary, you may wonder if it’s flexible. The answer is absolutely yes. We all know that plans change. Perhaps you want to fly in or out of a different airport or need an extra day to kick back and relax. No problem. We’ve broken it down to four islands in ten days, but you can and should adjust this itinerary to fit your needs, whether that means dropping an island from your itinerary altogether or rearranging the order of the islands you visit.

Oahu is the best island to fly into/out of, but the Big Island and Maui also see a fair amount of flights from the mainland. To get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to arrive/depart from different islands to avoid adding unnecessary travel time and expand on the time you have available to explore the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

Is 10 Days Enough for Hawaii?

We’re not sure any number of days is enough for Hawaii, but ten days will certainly give you enough time to explore the most amazing sights and experiences Hawaii has to offer. Think of your 10-day trip like a sampling plate. You want to check out the islands and discover which speaks to you. Because if there’s one thing we know, you don’t just visit Hawaii once!

What Can You Do in Hawaii for 10 Days?

Your days in Hawaii may be numbered, but your options are endless. Explore lush rainforests and active volcanoes on the Big Island, dive into stunning landscapes and breathtaking beaches on Maui, soak in the natural beauty of Kauai, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and star-studded attractions on Oahu.

It truly doesn’t matter where you go or how long you stay; the Hawaiian Islands offer something bold, thrilling, and perfect for everyone. The eclectic mix of enchanting sceneries, rich traditions, and breathtaking attractions, both natural and man-made, combine to create a destination that embodies what it means to be one of a kind.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around in Hawaii?

Driving is undoubtedly the best way to travel around Hawaii, as it allows you the freedom to go at your own pace, see your must-see sights, and explore each island’s hidden spots. While the islands offer a number of tours, buses, and rideshares, once you add the money up, it doesn’t save much compared to renting a car.

That said, car rentals can get expensive—though, thankfully, not as bad as pandemic days. As a result, it’s best to use a comparison website like Discount Hawaii Car Rentals to quickly compare prices from different companies and take advantage of price drops as they crop up.

However you plan to get around Hawaii, see that you make your plans early. Prices tend to go up the closer you get to travel, so preparing and staying ahead of the curve can help you save big on deals and special pricing.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Hawaii for 10 Days?

The cost of a 10-day Hawaii itinerary varies depending on a range of factors, including when you go, where you stay, and what you do. But a reasonable ballpark estimate would be $3,000 to $5,000 for a single person or $12,000 to $14,000 for a family.

That would cover the cost of flights to and between islands, accommodations, meals, transportation, activities, and other miscellaneous expenses. Of course, these numbers can absolutely go up or down once you factor in things like when you’re traveling and your preferences for accommodations, activities, etc. The good thing is that you have options whether you want to go all in on Hawaii or just plan a laid-back, budget-friendly vacation.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

For those looking for the perfect blend of good weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists, May and September offer the prime time to travel. Known as Hawaii’s shoulder season, these months fall outside the peak tourist season, offering minimal crowds and less rainfall for a warm and enjoyable beachy getaway.

Get Ready for Unbelievable Savings and Endless Adventures: Start Your 10-Day Hawaii Itinerary with Next Vacay

Ready to start your 10-day Hawaii itinerary? Save yourself the endless searching, countless alerts cluttering your inbox, and the headache of deal hunting in general. With Next Vacay, you’ll get hand-vetted, unbelievably affordable flights delivered straight to your inbox. From Kauai’s verdant shores to the Big Island’s majestic peaks, we’ve got you covered. Want to spend ten days in Hawaii experiencing snorkeling adventures, taking helicopter tours through the skies, and living it up with luxury accommodations? Don’t miss out—sign up for Next Vacay and open your email to massive savings and endless adventures.

Share on