19 days in Hawaii & San Francisco Itinerary

In many ways much more Asian than American, Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city and its center of government, transportation, commerce, and tourism.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Honolulu: Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument (in Pupukea), Haleiwa (Sunset Beach Park & Waimea Bay) and Kailua Beach Park (in Kailua). There's still lots to do: explore and take pictures at Diamond Head State Monument, examine the collection at USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, look for all kinds of wild species at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Honolulu road trip app.

Sydney, Australia to Honolulu is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, which is usually a -20 hour difference. In June, Honolulu is much hotter than Sydney - with highs of 35°C and lows of 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Koloa.

Kōloa is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States. Start off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): Head underground at Na Pali Makai, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then admire the majestic nature at Waimea Canyon State Park. On the next day, enjoy the sand and surf at Poipu Beach Park, look for all kinds of wild species at Kauai Safaris, and then hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Koloa trip planning tool.

Fly from Honolulu to Koloa in 2.5 hours. In July, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Lahaina.

Once the booming capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the tropical paradise of Lahaina still remains one of Maui's top vacation attractions, providing both culture and recreation.

Go for a jaunt from Lahaina to Wailuku to see Iao Valley about 44 minutes away. Spend the 5th (Wed) exploring the striking scenery along Hana Highway - Road to Hana. Next up on the itinerary: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, enjoy the sand and surf at Napili Beach, stop by Grins 2 Go Maui, and kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Lahaina day trip planning site.

Fly from Koloa to Lahaina in 2.5 hours. In July, daily temperatures in Lahaina can reach 35°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight 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 8th (Sat), observe the fascinating underwater world at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, take in nature's colorful creations at Liliuokalani Gardens, then browse the fresh offerings at Hilo Farmers Market, then take in the dramatic scenery at Akaka Falls State Park, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Rainbow Falls. Keep things going the next day: shop like a local with Volcano Art Center Gallery, hike along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and then get great views at Keanakakoi Crater Overlook.

For where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Hilo sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Lahaina to Hilo in 2.5 hours. In July, daily temperatures in Hilo can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) early enough to drive to Kailua-Kona.

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.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Kailua-Kona trip planner.

Traveling by car from Hilo to Kailua-Kona takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July in Kailua-Kona, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Mon) to allow time for the flight to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Step out of San Francisco with an excursion to Wine Tours & Tastings in Napa--about 1h 5 min away. Next up on the itinerary: take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, admire the masterpieces at Asian Art Museum, head off the coast to Alcatraz Island, and take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our San Francisco travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Kailua-Kona to San Francisco by flight takes about 7 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Kailua-Kona to San Francisco. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Kailua-Kona in July, with highs in San Francisco at 26°C and lows at 16°C. On the 16th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.