Hawaii Island Hopping: The Best 10 Day Hawaii Itinerary
This 10 day Hawaii itinerary includes Oahu, Maui, and Kauai for an epic vacation of island hopping Hawaii.
Oahu’s rolling waves and golden beaches, Maui’s lush green rainforests and volcanic peaks, Kauai’s soaring sea cliffs and gushing waterfalls — could you wish for anything more on a 10 days in Hawaii itinerary?
Three of the most popular destinations in the Pacific island chain, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu all offer picture-perfect beaches, epic hiking trails, stunning scenic drives, and some tasty local bites (hello, hula pie). But each has its unique landscapes and personality, too.
Since they’re less than an hour from each other by plane, it’s easy to plan a fast-paced 10 days in Hawaii island-hopping vacation that incorporates all three. I followed the exact itinerary below on my first trip to Hawaii, and it was a great way to get a taste of the islands.
This Hawaii itinerary for 10 days includes time for chilling on the sand as well as fun adventures like road-tripping along coastal cliffs, hiking up hills in search of old military bunkers, snorkeling with sea turtles, and tracking down the best beaches.
If you prefer to linger a little longer on just two islands, you can craft a 10-day Hawaii vacation using these 5 days on Maui and 5 days on Oahu itineraries, instead.
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Please check with the Hawaii Tourism Authority for up-to-date information.
The Ultimate 10 Day Hawaii Itinerary
This 10 days in Hawaii itinerary island hops between Oahu, Maui and Kauai. We’ve included suggestions for where to hit the beach, find the best food trucks, go for a hike, and more. The maps below break down the best things to do on each island.
Day 1-3 on Oahu Hawaii
Since so many Aloha State vacations begin and end at Honolulu’s international airport, Oahu is the perfect starting point for 10 days in Hawaii. The island has some of the best Hawaii beaches, but make sure you venture away from crowded Waikiki to squeeze the most adventure, nature and secluded sands into your 3 days on Oahu.
Day 1 — Honolulu and Waikiki Sightseeing
The capital of the Gathering Place island, Honolulu is crammed with activities, from historic sites to shopping centers to coastal hikes.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
No visit would be complete without paying homage at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The free USS Arizona program here takes guests out to see the monument and sunken ship after watching a film about the infamous attack.
For a fee, you can also visit the nearby Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Diamond Head State Monument
With a postcard-ready panorama of downtown Honolulu from the top, the Diamond Head summit trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island. The uphill walk is less than 2 miles roundtrip and ends at an old military lookout on a volcanic crater. Out-of-state visitors need to make a reservation to visit Diamond Head State Monument.
Waikiki
Waikiki’s swaying palms, golden sand and gently lapping waves make for one of the most visually appealing beaches on the island. With tons of towering hotels and condos along the blocks surrounding it, though, Waikiki tends to get a bit crowded.
Come here for beginner surf lessons, a buzzing atmosphere, and endless shopping and dining options nearby, but look to a different coast for a more tranquil environment.
Downtown Honolulu
Head to downtown Honolulu for museums and historic sites. The city center is home to the 19th-century Iolani Palace, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Art Museum and more. Just a few blocks away is the Punchbowl Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Day 2 — East End Beach and Trail Hopping
The eastern end of the island is just a short drive from Honolulu and full of gorgeous beaches, rocky cliffs and trails with coastal views to put on your Oahu bucket list. Laze all day on the pale sands or get more active by hiking, kayaking or windsurfing.
The drive along the Kalanianaole Highway on this end is full of scenic lookouts where you can pull over for views and sometimes walk down to the coast.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Less than 30 minutes from Honolulu, the popular Hanauma Bay is best early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The old volcanic crater bay here hosts a wealth of vibrant coral and sea life that draws snorkelers under the waves.
You can borrow snorkel gear here for a fee if you didn’t bring your own. Shuttles from Waikiki are available, but we recommend renting a car on Oahu and continuing along the east coast for beach hopping later in the day.
Hiking Trails
When you’re ready to switch to your land legs, there are a number of trails on the east side of the island with varying degrees of difficulty. For an easy coastal walk, try out the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2-mile, round-trip, paved path that ends at a historic beacon.
For a bit more of a climb, other hikes in the area ascend the hills for elevated coastal views. The Koko Crater Trail follows the remains of an old wooden railroad to WWII-era bunkers for aerial vistas of Hanauma Bay, while the Lanikai Pillbox dirt path also leads to bunkers with views of Lanikai Beach and offshore islands.
East End Beaches
The Kailua Bay holds a wide stretch of sand and a pair of beach parks, Kailua and Kalama. Clean sands, paved parking, facilities and lifeguards make this a family-friendly zone and the perfect spot for a long beach day. Pop into Kailua, the small town nearby, for lunch or to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
A stunning and somewhat hidden spot, Lanikai Beach hides behind beachfront houses, but is open to the public, though street parking can be competitive. With a pair of isles dotting the turquoise water for a view, it’s a serene and stunning spot to hang out on the sand. You can also kayak between here and Kailua beach, or paddle away to the Mokulua Islands just offshore.
Day 3 — North Shore and Windward Coast Road Trip
No visit to Honolulu would be complete without hanging on the laid back North Shore, known for its big waves and surfer vibes. Make a big loop from Honolulu through the center of the island and down the northern Windward Coast back to the capital city for a full day of sightseeing.
Dole Plantation
On the way to the North Shore, the Dole Plantation makes a fun diversion if you’re visiting Oahu with kids, or just really like the taste of that sweet Hawaiian pineapple. The farm here offers train rides, a maze and a cafe full of pineapple goodies.
Haleiwa
Historic Haleiwa is the North Shore’s hub for shopping and dining, in a small-town, surfer-vibe, artsy community way, at least. You’ll encounter lots of taco trucks, art galleries, and beachy boutiques along the main street through the village.
Kaena Point State Park
Head west from Haleiwa for rugged shorefront and hiking trails at Kaena Point State Park. Along the way, remote and quiet beaches beckon windsurfers and a few summer camp facilities sit by the coast (see if you can spot the one featured in the TV show “Lost”). The Kaena Point Trail, a footpath out to the tip of the island, is at the end of the paved road.
North Shore Beaches
East of Haleiwa, miles and miles of sandy shores and beach parks line the coast toward the northern tip of the island. This zone is popular with surfers, thanks to the wild rollers that build in the wintertime. Try Haleiwa Beach Park or Waimea Bay Beach Park for amenities and wading when conditions are calm, and Sunset Beach and Ehukai Beach to watch pro surfers tackle the Banzai Pipeline during big wave season. This North Shore Beach guide breaks down a few others so you can pick which ones to pop by.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The attraction has six sections representing different Polynesian cultures, where you can catch live demonstrations and performances. Each evening, a buffet and luau close out the day with music and delicious food.
Where to Stay on Oahu
Day 4-6 on Kauai Hawaii
The next stop on this 10 day Hawaii itinerary is Kauai, known as the Garden Island. It encompasses some of the best Hawaii scenery — dramatic and rugged coastal cliffs, sweeping red canyons, and lush green valleys and forests.
It’s a dream locale for outdoorsy types. But beach bums will also find a host of stunning sandy spots along miles of coastline to kick back on during these 3 days in Kauai.
Day 4 — North Shore Adventures
Kauai’s North Shore holds the stunning cliffs of the Napali Coast, soaring up to 3,000 feet above the sea. If you’re an adventurous traveler, set aside at least half a day to hike the bucket-list trail here. But, there’s plenty to do in the way of beach hopping and sightseeing for less active vacationers, too.
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast runs for a challenging 11 miles, out and back. But, you don’t have to take on the multi-day trek to soak up the epic views on this path.
Day hikers can stick to the first 2 miles, which lead to Hanakapiai Beach. From there, you can climb another 2 miles to Hanakapiai Falls, but you’ll need to get an early start to fit in the entire 8 miles.
Kee Beach
Reservations and a small fee for entry, parking or a shuttle are now required to visit Haena State Park, where the trail begins at Kee Beach. For a less challenging walk, stick to the first half mile or so, which leads to arguably the best scenic vista along the path.
North Shore Towns
If you’re more into golf than hiking, check out the greens in the Princeville resort area. The upscale community has a few courses with stunning coastal views as you play.
On the way to or from Haena State Park, be sure to stop in Hanalei town, where colorful storefronts hold pizzerias, boutiques and gift shops, art galleries, and shaved ice counters. The sandy beachfront here on Hanalei Bay is perfect for a relaxed picnic after hiking the Kalalau.
Kilauea Lighthouse
As you drive along the northern coast, don’t miss the Kilauea Lighthouse on a peninsula high above the sea. A couple of days a week, guests can climb the 1913 beacon on guided tours, but the surrounding Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge opens Tuesday through Saturday.
Day 5 — Island Tour and Coconut Coast
With so much of Kauai inaccessible to automobiles, touring the remote interior of the island on a helicopter or the coast via boat offers an awe-inspiring perspective of the incredible natural landscapes here. After your excursion, take some time to discover the rivers and falls on the east side of the island.
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours are the best way to see as much of Kauai as possible in a condensed amount of time. These aerial journies start near the airport in Lihue and traverse the Napali Coast and the untouched landscapes in the center of the island, which include dry, red canyons and lush, green forests overflowing with ethereal cascades.
Boat Tours
If you’re not eager to take to the skies, boat tours along the Napali Coast offer a unique perspective on the dramatic cliffs, which soar thousands of feet above the ocean. You’ll be able to obverse sea caves, hidden beaches, and lava tubes.
You might even spot dolphins and sea turtles from the boat. Day trips with snorkeling spanning several hours are available, but you can also book shorter sunset sails.
Coconut Coast
If you have time left in the day, use it to check out the interior landscapes on the eastern side of the island, known as the Coconut Coast. The lush nature of Wailua River State Park includes verdant valleys painted in green and gushing waterfalls. Join guided kayak tours on the river, take a boat ride to a grotto covered in ferns, or drive to lookouts of Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls cascading into pools below.
Back on the Coconut Coast, old Kapaa town is the spot to grab souvenirs from a boutique, sample local bites from a food truck, and stroll along a sidewalk beach path that connects to nearby hotel zones.
Day 6 — West Side Parks Road Trip
Kauai’s less-touristed west side packs in striking landscape variations, from sandy beachfront to dusty canyons to lush forests. You’ll be able to do some epic sightseeing just by driving along the coast to Waimea and up into the mountains on Waimea Canyon Drive and Kokee Road, but getting out of the car for some hiking will only add to the experience.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Pull over for Waimea Canyon State Park, formed around what’s called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Patches of green and streaming waterfalls pop against the gorge’s shades of dusty red and orange, visible from scenic lookouts along the road.
For an easy stroll here, try the short Iliau Nature Loop, coming in at about a third of a mile, or go all-in on the challenging Kukui Trail, which drops 2,000 feet to the canyon floor over 2.5 miles.
Kokee State Park
Further up the road, Kokee State Park offers panoramic vistas of the Napali Coast from above. The first viewpoint is about a mile from where the road ends, an easy stroll from a parking lot, and the second is at the start of a swamp trail at the end of the paved road.
If you have time to hike here, there are several maintained trails to pick from of varying difficulty levels.
West Side Towns
After tackling the mountains, check out the small villages over on this end of the island. Both Waimea and Hanapepe have local cafes and boutiques, while the latter is known for its quirky galleries and handmade goods.
Coffee Farm
The nearby Kauai Coffee Company farm opens to the public for free exploration tours and samples of its flavored java varieties (we’re partial to Toasty Banana Nut and Chocolate Macadamia Nut).
West Coast Beaches
If you can make it before twilight, head for a west coast spot like Poipu Beach to catch the sunset. Nearby Shipwreck Beach is along the coastal Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, an undeveloped couple of miles of shoreline for hiking.
Where to Stay on Kauai
Day 7-10 on Maui Hawaii
With diverse landscapes ranging from bamboo forests to volcanic mountains to golden beaches, Maui brims with things to do and see. We’ve set aside 4 days in Maui on this Hawaii in 10 days itinerary so you can do all the day trips and still have time for some final beachside napping, but it’s also possible to spend just 3 days on Maui.
Day 7 — Road to Hana Excursion
Start your Maui adventure with a famous road trip on the Hana Highway, a winding coastline path full of rainforests, dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches and waterfall pools.
There are tons of things to see along the Road to Hana, a 45-mile route tracing the east coast to a remote village on the tip of the island. Just on the highway, you’ll encounter hairpin turns, roadside waterfalls, one-way bridges over gushing streams, and elevated views of sea cliffs and bays.
Popular Road to Hana stops include Twin Falls, a short hike from the road; the Garden of Eden, a lush landscape of plants and flowers; Keanae Point, a peninsula where waves crash onto jagged black rocks; and Waianapanapa State Park, with its black-sand beach and rugged cliffs (make a reservation for Waianapanapa here).
In Hana town, you can grab lunch at local food trucks to enjoy down at Koki or Hana Bay beach parks before continuing on to the coastal district of Haleakala National Park. Here, road trippers flock to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo or hit up some of the park’s trails before turning around to return to the starting point or continuing on the less-frequented backside route that leads to the Upcountry region.
Search for deals on Road to Hana tours
Day 8 — Haleakala National Park and Upcountry Maui
This volcanic national park has a 10,023-foot-high summit and tons of opportunities for hiking and biking. But the most epic thing to do requires arriving in the middle of the night. We recommend spending the night in the Upcountry since most resort areas are close to two hours away.
Haleakala Sunrise
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park is best viewed from the summit, an experience so popular it requires a reservation. You’ll need to start the trek a few hours before daybreak (depending on how far away you’re staying) and arrive while it’s still dark out to see the starry skies slowly haze up as the sun nears the horizon.
Haleakala National Park Trails
While you’re up on the mountain, try out some of the Haleakala hiking trails. Easy paths like Pa Kaoao and Keoneheehee are near the visitor center and run for about half a mile while challenging treks drop more than 2,000 feet to the crater floor.
Upcountry Maui
The region just outside the national park on the slopes of Haleakala is known as Upcountry Maui and offers a different vibe from the island’s coastal communities. Here, you can visit a botanical garden and lavender farm, or pop into Makawao, a former cowboy town with an old-timey street full of boutique shops, art galleries and locally-owned restaurants.
Day 9 — West Maui and Boat Excursion
The west shore of Maui is known for resort and golfing hubs like Kaanapali and Kapalua. The historic village of Lahaina is also here but was unfortunately destroyed in a 2023 fire. The harbor here is used for boat launches, so pair a sea excursion with some sightseeing in the area.
Lanai Day Trip
If you want to spend a full day away from Maui, consider hopping on the ferry to Lanai, Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island less than 10 miles away. Here, you can rent an ATV for adventures to remote beaches and rocky fields. Ferries depart a few times a day.
Molokini Snorkeling
For some epic snorkeling, try an excursion to the islet of Molokini just off the coast of South Maui. The volcanic crater shaped like a crescent is a designated marine sanctuary. Coupled with the impossibly clear water here, it’s easy to spot all sorts of colorful sea life without diving deep.
Dolphin and Whale Excursions
Kaanapali Beachwalk
Just a couple miles north, the Kaanapali Beachwalk is primed for a sunset stroll. The sidewalk path runs between a narrow sandy beachfront and a row of polished resorts, with swaying palms topping the cake.
Many of the hotels in this zone offer luau buffets if you’re looking for a festive experience, and there are plenty of candle-lit dining rooms as well.
Day 10 — South Maui Beach Hopping
Give a final hoorah to the Hawaiian islands with some beach hopping along Maui’s south coast, known for its dry conditions and wealth of sun. You can join the crowds at amenity-rich spots with restrooms and rentals on hand, or explore further away from the resort zones to uncover some hidden gems.
Kihei
Kihei is the more budget-friendly hotel and condo zone in South Maui and offers up six miles of sands at beach parks like Waipuilani and Kamaole. Kalama Park is a top choice for families, with not only a sandy beachfront but also green space with a playground, picnic benches, a skate park and sports courts.
Wailea Beach
Further south, ritzy resorts back Wailea Beach, but anyone can enjoy the wide swath of golden sand here. Free public parking and restrooms with showers make it easy to stay all afternoon and you’ll find rentals for water sports readily available. The resort community also boasts a handful of pristine (and pricey) golf courses.
Makena State Park
Makena State Park is just a few miles beyond Wailea but feels much more remote, thanks to a lack of development this far south. There are no hotels and shopping plazas nearby, but you’ll find roadside food trucks dishing out tacos to hungry beachgoers. There’s a large parking lot here, as well as lifeguards at Big Beach.
Where to Stay on Maui
You can read about more neighborhoods and accommodation options in this guide to where to stay on Maui.
Tips for Island Hopping Hawaii
This travel guide will help you make the most of your Hawaii 10 day itinerary, with tips for when to go, what to pack, and how to save on your budget. I also recommend checking out these responsible tourism tips to learn more about how to protect the land and sea and respect the culture of this unique place.
How to Get to Hawaii
Most domestic and international flights to Hawaii first land at Oahu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu International Airport. It’s the largest airport in Hawaii.
For an island-hopping 10 days in Hawaii, you can take connecting flights to Maui’s Kahului Airport and Kauai’s Lihue Airport, as well as airports on the Big Island, Molokai and Lanai. Boat travel between most islands is primarily only available via cruise itineraries, though you can catch a ferry from Maui to Lanai and Molokai.
When to Visit Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its warm temperate climate, with sunny days in every season.
The busiest time to visit is between November and April, as tourists look to trade winter weather for swaying palms. Highs in this time average in the 70s with overnight lows in the upper 60s. On the downside, winter is the rainy season, with stronger currents and bigger waves on the windward sides of the islands. But, this is the best time for whale watching!
Summer temps average in the 80s for highs and 70s for lows, with drier weather and calmer beaches. The shoulder months in spring and fall can be a great time to avoid crowds and grab deals on hotels.
What to Pack for Hawaii
This free Hawaii packing checklist will make sure you don’t forget to bring anything important! You’ll want to pack a mix of beachwear, casual sightseeing outfits, breezy evening clothes, and comfortable hiking gear if you plan to hit the trails on the islands.
How Many Days Should You Spend on Each Island in Hawaii?
If it’s your first visit to Hawaii, I recommend spending a minimum of three days on each island. That will give you enough time to scope out a couple of beaches, hike a trail or two, and drive around exploring.
If you only have a week in Hawaii, I recommend picking just two islands to visit. If you have 10 days, you could do three quickly or two more relaxed.
With two weeks in Hawaii, you will have time to visit the four biggest islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii) quickly or see two to three islands at a more leisurely pace. It all comes down to how much time you want to spend relaxing on the beach versus at the airport.
The flights between islands are less than an hour, but you still have to allow extra time for checking bags, picking up rental cars, and checking in and out of hotels.
Should I Rent a Car in Hawaii?
If you only plan to hang around your resort or condo while island-hopping Hawaii, you don’t necessarily need a car. But, for this active Hawaii 10-day itinerary, a car makes it much easier to reach most of the destinations.
There is some bus service on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, but driving allows more freedom and flexibility. Keep in mind, in addition to the car rental charges, you will often have to pay a parking fee at your hotel, which can be $25 a night or more.
To visit Hawaii without a car, you’ll probably want to book some tours to get out and sightsee beyond your hotel or resort beach.
How Much Does a 10 Day Hawaii Itinerary Cost?
How much you’ll pay for a Hawaii vacation can vary widely depending on airfare deals, the season you visit, what type of accommodations you prefer, and how many tours you book. At the cheapest, you could spend $15 camping beachside, while a luxury oceanfront resort could easily run $1,000 a nigth.
Somewhere in the middle, you’ll find a selection of moderate hotels and condos in the range of about $200-400 a night. You can also save big by staying farther away from the beach.
Tours and activities like boat rides and water sports rentals can add up quickly, so if you’re on a budget, opt for free activities like beach hopping and hiking.
To save on meals, try the delicious food trucks you’ll find on every island and visit the grocery store for beach picnic supplies and quick breakfasts.
