Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
Split 10 days evenly between Oahu's Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and North Shore surf towns and Maui's 10,023-foot Haleakalā crater, Wailea reefs, and the Road to Hāna.
Estimated per-person budget ($2,550 – $4,400) covers mid-range hotels, intercity transport, timed attraction or national park passes ($80 America the Beautiful Pass), and daily dining including state sales tax and tip.
Day-by-day plan
Honolulu Arrival (HNL), Waikiki Beach & Sunset Outrigger Canoe
Check into Waikiki, swim in the warm Pacific surf, and dine on fresh ahi poke and kalua pork.
Diamond Head Crater Sunrise Hike & ʻIolani Palace
Hike to the 761-foot summit of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head, timed reservation required) before touring ʻIolani Palace and Chinatown.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial & Windward Coast (Kailua & Lanikai Beach)
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial in the morning, then cross the Pali Highway to powdery turquoise Lanikai and Kailua beaches.
Oahu North Shore Loop: Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline & Haleʻiwa Town
Drive up the Kamehameha Highway for Kahuku garlic shrimp trucks, Waimea Valley botanical falls, and shave ice in historic Haleʻiwa.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling & 35-Minute Flight to Maui (OGG)
Snorkel the volcanic reef at Hanauma Bay (book 48 hrs ahead), then hop an afternoon inter-island flight to Kahului, Maui.
Wailea / Kāʻanapali Beaches & Coastal Kapalua Trail
Relax on golden Maui beaches, snorkel with green sea turtles at Maluaka/Black Rock, and watch humpback whales (Dec–Apr).
Haleakalā National Park Summit (10,023 ft) & Upcountry Maui
Watch sunrise (recreation.gov permit required) or sunset above a sea of clouds at the Haleakalā crater rim and visit Upcountry lavender farms.
The Road to Hāna (Highway 360) & Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach
Start by 7:00 AM for Twin Falls, Keʻanae Peninsula banana bread, Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach (timed reservation required), and the Pipiwai Bamboo Trail.
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Catamaran Snorkel + Farewell Lūʻau
Sail out from Maʻalaea Harbor to the crescent volcanic reef of Molokini and enjoy an evening oceanfront lūʻau.
Upcountry Paia Town, Hoʻokipa Windsurfers & Departure (OGG/HNL)
Watch sea turtles resting on Hoʻokipa Beach before your evening mainland flight from Kahului (OGG).
Transport, driving & pass notes
Designed for two-island tropical beaches, volcanic craters & snorkeling travel. Compare train, flight, and road-trip costs in USD ($) using our Amtrak & Rail Pass Calculator, $80 National Parks Pass Calculator, and US Trip Budget Calculator.
What to book ahead
- Apply for your $21 ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure (or verify visa validity).
- Book Amtrak Acela / Northeast Regional tickets or rental cars 4–8 weeks ahead for the lowest USD ($) rates.
- Reserve timed-entry slots for high-demand sights (Statue of Liberty Crown/Pedestal, Alcatraz, Capitol/White House tours, or Recreation.gov park entries) 30–90 days out.
Ways to adapt this route
- Add 1–2 buffer days if traveling during summer peak or Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday weeks.
- Use our interactive Itinerary Builder to customize stops and print your day-by-day plan.