9 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Kailua-Kona side-trips: Big Island Bees (in Captain Cook), Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (in Honaunau) and Kula Kai Caverns (in Ocean View). The adventure continues: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, take a stroll through Holualoa Village, contemplate the long history of Puukohola National Historic Park, and experience rural life at The Vanillerie.

For other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kailua-Kona trip itinerary maker.

San Diego to Kailua-Kona is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also fly. Traveling from San Diego to Kailua-Kona, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. In May, Kailua-Kona is somewhat warmer than San Diego - with highs of 83°F and lows of 73°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 28th (Sat), get a new perspective on nature at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, then admire the sheer force of Akaka Falls State Park, then admire the natural beauty at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, and finally see the world from above with a helicopter tour. On the 29th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get curious at Imiloa Astronomy Center, browse the fresh offerings at Hilo Farmers Market, then take in nature's colorful creations at Liliuokalani Gardens, and finally admire the sheer force of Rainbow Falls.

For other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Hilo vacation planning tool.

Getting from Kailua-Kona to Hilo by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Expect slightly colder evenings in Hilo when traveling from Kailua-Kona in May, with lows around 67°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes have played an important role in shaping the Earth, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shows visitors the process in action.

On the 30th (Mon), get impressive views of Kīlauea, hike along Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail, and then take some stellar pictures from Keanakakoi Crater Overlook. On the 31st (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: cruise along Devastation Trail, then hike along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. May in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sees daily highs of 82°F and lows of 67°F at night. You will leave for home on the 1st (Wed).