Road to Hana waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery in Maui Kilauea lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean on Big Island Hawaii Pristine Maui beach with turquoise waters and palm trees Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head volcano in background

Best 21 Days in Hawaii — Based in Maui

Oahu → Maui → Big Island

21 days · 3 cities · 32 activities · route optimized by distance

Expect lots of nature — parks, scenic views, and outdoor activities. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 15 must-see landmarks across Oahu and Maui and Big Island.

Highlights: Haleakala Sunrise Experience, Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Haleakala National Park Sunrise & Summit, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

32+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Oahu · From $180/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$5,932 total · $282/day
See budget →
Top picks
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head Crater Hike, Pearl Harbor National Memorial
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

Oahu

Oahu 5 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Oahu View on map
Morning USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor with American flag
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial$~4 hrs

Tour the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor visitor center

Open year-round; free timed tickets required — book well in advance 📍 Map
Afternoon Diamond Head crater viewed from Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head Crater Hike$~2h 30m

Hike to the summit of iconic Diamond Head crater for panoramic views

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round; advance reservations required for non-residents 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Oahu

Waikiki / Kailua

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Outrigger Waikiki $220-380/nightPark Shore Waikiki $150-250/nightWaikiki Beachside Hostel $60-100/night
Book Hotel in Oahu from $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Oahu View on map
Morning
Pearl Harbor National Memorial$~4 hrs

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor museums honoring the 1941 attack

$1 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Book USS Arizona tickets 60 days ahead on Recreation.gov. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Afternoon Hanauma Bay crater with blue waters and snorkelers
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling$$~3 hrs

Snorkel in a protected marine sanctuary with abundant tropical fish

$25 Verified Mar 2026 Calmest May-Sep 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Oahu

Waikiki / Kailua

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Outrigger Waikiki $220-380/nightPark Shore Waikiki $150-250/nightWaikiki Beachside Hostel $60-100/night
Book Hotel in Oahu from $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Moderate Oahu View on map
Morning
Diamond Head State Monument Hike$~2 hrs

Hike to the summit of Diamond Head crater for 360-degree views of Waikiki and the Pacific

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Cooler months (Oct-Apr) are ideal for the hike. Online reservation required for non-residents.
Afternoon Waikiki Beach shoreline with hotels and Diamond Head
Waikiki Beach$~4 hrs

Relax on world-famous Waikiki Beach with shopping and dining

Warm and swimmable year-round; calmest May-Sep 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Oahu

Waikiki / Kailua

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Outrigger Waikiki $220-380/nightPark Shore Waikiki $150-250/nightWaikiki Beachside Hostel $60-100/night
Book Hotel in Oahu from $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Oahu → Maui
1h 30m ~$100 Inter-island flight from Honolulu to Kahului (40min)

Maui

Maui 10 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Full Maui View on map
Morning Haleakala crater at sunrise with clouds below the summit
Haleakala Sunrise Experience$$~3 hrs

Watch sunrise above the clouds from a dormant volcano summit

$30 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round; sunrise reservations required 3-7am, book 60 days ahead 📍 Map
Afternoon Waterfall along Road to Hana with rainforest
Road to Hana Scenic Drive$~8 hrs

Drive the famous winding coastal road past waterfalls and rainforests

$30 Verified Mar 2026 Best May-Oct 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Moderate Maui
Morning
Haleakala National Park Sunrise & Summit$~4 hrs

Watch sunrise from the 10,023 ft summit of Haleakala, then hike the otherworldly volcanic crater trails.

$30 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Sunrise reservations required (3am-7am). Summit temps near freezing — bring layers.
Afternoon
Road to Hana Scenic Drive$~10 hrs

Drive the legendary 64-mile coastal highway through rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Year-round but drier months (Apr-Oct) offer better road conditions. Winter rains can cause rockslides and closures.
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 6 Mon, Jul 6 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning Molokini Crater island in turquoise water
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Boat Tour$$~5 hrs

Snorkel at an island crater teeming with tropical fish and marine life

$150 Verified Mar 2026 Calmest May-Sep 📍 Map
Afternoon
Maui's Best Beaches$~4 hrs

Relax at world-class beaches — snorkel Kapalua Bay, bodysurf Big Beach, or sunbathe at Wailea.

Year-round. Summer (Apr-Oct) has calmer waters; winter brings bigger surf and whale sightings from shore.
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 7 Tue, Jul 7 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning
Molokini Crater Snorkeling & Turtle Town$$~5 hrs

Snorkel a volcanic crescent crater with 150 ft visibility, then swim with sea turtles at Turtle Town.

$150 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Calmest waters and best visibility Apr-Sep. Winter swells may cause cancellations. Book this tour →
Afternoon
Mama's Fish House$$$~2 hrs

Dine on fresh-caught Hawaiian fish at Maui's most iconic oceanfront restaurant in Paia

$125 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; lunch and dinner service daily. 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 8 Wed, Jul 8 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning Lush green valley with dramatic mountain peaks in Hawaii
Iao Valley State Monument$~2 hrs

Hike to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle rock pinnacle in a lush green valley

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round; timed reservations required; visit morning for clearest views 📍 Map
Afternoon Palm trees overlooking a sandy beach in Maui, Hawaii
Wailea Beach & South Maui$$~3 hrs

Relax on pristine beach with calm waters and upscale resort amenities

Calm water year-round; south shore receives most sunshine 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 9 Thu, Jul 9 Moderate Maui
Morning
Maui Whale Watching Tour$$~2 hrs

Get up close to humpback whales on a 2-hour boat tour — Maui is the world's best whale watching destination.

$85 Verified Mar 2026 Seasonal: Dec 15 - Apr 12 only. Peak sightings late Jan through early Mar. No tours May-Nov.
Afternoon
Iao Valley State Monument$~2 hrs

Hike to the 1,200 ft Iao Needle in Maui's lush emerald valley — a sacred Hawaiian battlefield site.

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Open daily 7am-6pm year-round. Timed reservations required for non-residents (1.5-hour slots).
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 10 Fri, Jul 10 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning
Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour$$$~2 hrs

Soar over Maui's hidden waterfalls, volcanic craters, and Molokai's towering sea cliffs by helicopter.

$260 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Clearest skies in summer. Morning flights generally have less cloud cover at summit level. Book this tour →
Afternoon Lahaina historic town with ocean view
Lahaina Town & Banyan Tree (Rebuilding)$~3 hrs

Visit Lahaina's historic Banyan Tree as the town rebuilds from the 2023 wildfire

📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 11 Sat, Jul 11 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning
Maui Food Truck Trail$~2 hrs

Sample loco moco, kalbi ribs, and acai bowls at Maui's best roadside food trucks

$15 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; some trucks close Sundays. 📍 Map
Afternoon
Maui Sunset Sail$$~2 hrs

Sail along Maui's coast as the sun sets over the Pacific — cocktails and appetizers included on most cruises.

$95 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round. Dec-Apr adds whale sighting chances. Summer sunsets are later and warmer.
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 12 Sun, Jul 12 Moderate Maui View on map
Morning
Lanai Dolphin Snorkeling Day Trip$$$~4 hrs

Raft to the remote island of Lanai for dolphin encounters and pristine snorkeling at secluded reefs.

$168 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round, Mon/Wed/Fri. Calmest channel crossings in summer. Winter adds whale sighting bonus but rougher seas. Book this tour →
Afternoon
Maui Spa Day — Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea or Four Seasons$$$~4 hrs

Spend a spa day at Hawaii's largest spa or Four Seasons Wailea with lomilomi massage and hydrotherapy

$180 Open year-round 8am-7pm; book treatments at least 2 weeks ahead in peak winter season 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 13 Mon, Jul 13 Moderate Maui
Morning
Upcountry Maui: Farms, Lavender & Wine$~4 hrs

Explore Maui's cool highland country — lavender farms, a historic winery, and the cowboy town of Makawao.

Year-round. Cooler and rainier than coast — bring a light jacket. Lavender farm open Fri-Mon only.
Afternoon
Lahaina Historic Town (Rebuilding After 2023 Fire)$~2 hrs

Visit Lahaina as it rebuilds after the devastating August 2023 wildfire — some areas and the harbor have reopened.

Year-round, but access to the burn zone is limited. Check mauirecovers.org for current status. The harbor reopened Dec 2025.
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 14 Tue, Jul 14 Moderate Maui
Morning
O'o Farm Seed-to-Cup Coffee Experience$$$~3 hrs

Roast, brew, and taste Maui-grown coffee on a guided farm tour in Upcountry's misty Waipoli forest.

$139 Verified Mar 2026 Mon-Fri year-round. Reservation required. Tours start at 8:30am. Book this tour →
Afternoon
Atlantis Submarine Adventure$$$~2 hrs

Descend 100+ feet in a real submarine to explore coral reefs and the sunken Carthaginian shipwreck.

$139 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round but calmer ocean conditions in summer improve visibility. Limited schedule post-2023 fire — verify operating days. Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 15 Wed, Jul 15 Moderate Maui
Morning
Horseback Riding at Circle M Ranch (Mendes Ranch)$$$~2 hrs

Ride through West Maui's valleys and coastal bluffs with ocean views at the storied Circle M Ranch.

$180 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round, Mon-Sat. Drier months offer clearer views. Closed Sundays. Book this tour →
Afternoon
Free time on Maui$~3 hrs

Budget some free time on Maui to explore at your own pace or unwind at the beach.

🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 16 Thu, Jul 16 Light Maui
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 17 Fri, Jul 17 Light Maui
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 18 Sat, Jul 18 Light Maui
🏨 Hotel in Maui

Wailea / Lahaina / Kihei

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Grand Wailea $300-500/nightMaui Ocean Pavilions $180-300/nightPaia Inn Hotel $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Maui from $200/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Maui → Big Island
1h 15m ~$85 Inter-island flight from Kahului to Kona or Hilo (30min)

Big Island

Big Island 2 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 19 Sun, Jul 19 Full Big Island
Full Day Kilauea crater with volcanic steam at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park$~5 hrs

Explore Kilauea's craters, lava tubes, and Chain of Craters Road at this UNESCO World Heritage Site

$30 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round 24/7. Drier months (Apr-Oct) best for hiking. Evening visits may reveal lava glow at Halema'uma'u. Construction project may affect some summit trails.
🏨 Hotel in Big Island

Kona / Hilo

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Fairmont Orchid Hawaii $350-600/nightKona Tiki Hotel $140-250/nightUncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel $100-150/night
Book Hotel in Big Island from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 20 Mon, Jul 20 Light Big Island
Full Day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park volcanic crater landscape
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park$~4 hrs

Explore Kilauea Caldera, lava tubes, and steam vents at this UNESCO volcanic park

$15 Verified Mar 2026 Best Apr-Oct 📍 Map
🏨 Hotel in Big Island

Kona / Hilo

wifipoolair-conditioningbeach-access
Travelers book: Fairmont Orchid Hawaii $350-600/nightKona Tiki Hotel $140-250/nightUncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel $100-150/night
Book Hotel in Big Island from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 21 Tue, Jul 21 Big Island
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Big Island!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $3,104–$4,656

Trip Budget Estimate

$5,932 estimated total per person
$282 per day
Lodging $3,880
Activities $1,867
Transport $185

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Hawaii.

Explore Similar Trips