7 days in Island of Hawaii Itinerary

Thanks to its favorable location near a mountain range blocking the northeasterly trade winds, Kailua-Kona gets little rainfall, allowing adventure seekers and nature lovers a chance to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kailua-Kona: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (in Puako), Hawi Center: Hawaii Cigar & Ukulele (in Hawi) and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (in Honaunau). There's lots more to do: get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, kick back and relax at Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, relax in the rural setting at Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm, and admire the verdant scenery at Pololu Valley Lookout.

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Kailua-Kona route planning site.

New York City to Kailua-Kona is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Kailua-Kona is minus 5 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from New York City in September, with highs in Kailua-Kona at 87°F and lows at 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Hilo.

One of the island of Hawaii's major towns, Hilo contains a mix of Asian and Polynesian cultures and is known for its proximity to a national park encompassing two active volcanoes.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Thu): examine the collection at Jagger Museum, get impressive views of Kīlauea, then stroll through Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and finally trek along Sulphur Banks. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Fri): admire the sheer force of Akaka Falls State Park, stroll the grounds of Alae Cemetery, admire the sheer force of Rainbow Falls, then take in nature's colorful creations at Liliuokalani Gardens, and finally see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Hilo trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Kailua-Kona to Hilo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Kailua-Kona in September, Hilo is slightly colder at night with lows of 71°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can travel back home.