Hawaii Big Island and Maui Family Self Drive Adventure
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Duration
8 DaysStarts In
Hawaii - Big IslandRoute
Hawaii - Big Island, Maui Island
Looking for the perfect Hawaii family getaway? This 8-day self-drive itinerary combines the raw adventure of the Big Island with the tropical charm of Maui, creating the ultimate family escapade. Spend five days exploring the Big Island’s wonders, from active volcanoes and lava tubes to Kona coffee country, black sand beaches, and breathtaking coastal lookouts. Then, hop over to Maui for three days of lush rainforests, scenic drives, and bucket-list experiences like the legendary Road to Hana and sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park. With a balance of history, nature, and relaxation, this itinerary is designed for families who want to experience Hawaii at their own pace, making unforgettable memories along the way. Get ready for ocean sunsets, island culture, and adventures for all ages.
Includes
- Rental vehicle with outlined inclusions
- Small Group Sightseeing
- Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
- Accommodations of your choice
- Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- Domestic flights; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
- Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
- Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts
Itinerary
Day
1
1
Day 1
Arrival in Kona & Sunset Welcome
Your Hawaiian family adventure begins as you land at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, where balmy breezes and swaying palms set the mood for island life. After picking up your rental car, make the short drive to your family-friendly Kona hotel or resort and settle in. In the afternoon, head out for a relaxed stroll along lively Ali‘i Drive, lined with oceanfront cafés, boutique shops, and the historic Hulihe‘e Palace, once a royal retreat. As evening approaches, treat your family to a beachfront dinner at Huggo’s or Lava Lava Beach Club, where toes-in-the-sand dining delights all ages. End your first day watching a golden Kona sunset from Kailua Pier or Magic Sands Beach, a perfect welcome to paradise.
Day
2
2
Day 2
Volcanoes National Park Adventure
Rise early for an epic family road trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get maps and learn about the island’s fiery origins. Walk through the fascinating Thurston Lava Tube, then stroll the Devastation Trail, where lava once reshaped the land. Continue down the Chain of Craters Road, where rugged lava fields meet the Pacific in dramatic fashion. Kids will love spotting steam vents and craters along the way. On your return drive, pause at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, famous for its unique shoreline and basking green sea turtles. Return to Kona in the evening, ready to relax after a day exploring one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural wonders.
Day
3
3
Day 3
Snorkeling & Kona Coffee Country
Start your morning at Two Step, one of the Big Island’s best snorkeling spots, where colorful fish, coral, and maybe even sea turtles swim in crystal-clear waters. Located beside Pu?uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and culture. Next, head inland to the lush uplands for a Kona coffee farm tour. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, while parents enjoy tastings of world-famous Kona coffee. In the afternoon, unwind at your hotel pool or stroll through Kona’s charming art galleries and boutiques. As night falls, consider a manta ray night snorkel or dive, an unforgettable experience where these gentle giants glide gracefully under moonlit waters — a highlight for adventurous families.
Day
4
4
Day 4
North Coast & Kohala History
After breakfast, set out along the scenic Kohala Coast, where lava fields meet turquoise waters. Your first stop is Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, an impressive stone temple built by King Kamehameha I. Learn about Hawaii’s fascinating history before continuing north. By late morning, head to Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, ideal for swimming, sandcastles, and picnics. In the afternoon, explore the charming towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au, filled with local shops, art galleries, and the iconic King Kamehameha statue. Return to Kona in the evening, where you can relax over dinner and reflect on a day filled with culture, history, and fun in the sun.
Day
5
5
Day 5
Waimea & Pololu Valley
This morning, head inland to Waimea, a ranching town steeped in paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Visit Parker Ranch or browse the local farmers market for island produce and crafts. Continue north to the breathtaking Pololu Valley Lookout, where lush green cliffs descend to a black sand beach below. Adventurous families can hike down the short but steep trail for stunning views and a peaceful shoreline walk. For lunch, enjoy a family picnic at Spencer Beach Park, known for calm waters and kid-friendly swimming. In the evening, dine in Waimea at a local restaurant before returning to Kona, driving through rolling pastures and sweeping ocean landscapes — a perfect balance of culture and natural beauty.
Day
6
6
Day 6
Flight to Maui & Lahaina Charm
After breakfast, return your rental car and take a short flight from Kona to Maui. Pick up your new rental car and head to your hotel in Ka?anapali or Lahaina, perfect bases for family adventures. Spend your afternoon exploring Lahaina’s Front Street, a lively hub filled with shops, art galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss the enormous Lahaina Banyan Tree, one of the largest in the U.S., where kids can play beneath its sprawling canopy. Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly oceanfront restaurant before strolling along the harbor at sunset. Relax back at your resort, listening to the sound of waves, as you prepare for more Maui magic in the days ahead.
Day
7
7
Day 7
Road to Hana Adventure
Embark on Maui’s iconic Road to Hana, a family road trip filled with waterfalls, lush rainforest, and breathtaking coastal views. Pack snacks and set out early, making scenic stops at Twin Falls, Wai?anapanapa State Park with its black sand beach, and Wailua Falls, which tumbles down into a jungle pool. Kids will love spotting roadside fruit stands for fresh pineapple or banana bread. Pause for a picnic at a waterfall stop or coastal overlook before continuing through winding roads that reveal one natural wonder after another. While the drive is long, the journey is the reward — perfect for adventurous families who love the outdoors. Return to Lahaina in the evening for a relaxing dinner by the sea.
Day
8
8
Day 8
Haleakala Sunrise & Departure
Wake before dawn for a truly unforgettable experience — the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Bundle up (it’s chilly at 10,000 feet!) and watch as the sky bursts with color above the “House of the Sun.” Afterward, explore the summit trails or enjoy a leisurely downhill drive through Maui’s upcountry, where you can stop at farms and local eateries. Return to your resort for a hearty breakfast and some final relaxation by the pool or beach. Depending on your flight time, you may fit in last-minute shopping or one more stroll along Lahaina’s Front Street. In the afternoon, head to Kahului Airport, return your rental car, and say aloha to Hawaii — taking home memories of two incredible island
Frequently Asked Questions
This package includes five nights on the Big Island and two nights on Maui, giving you ample time to explore the unique attractions of each island.
The package includes a rental vehicle, small group sightseeing, 24-hour emergency assistance, accommodations of your choice, and selected sightseeing tours and activities.
No, domestic flights between the islands are not included in the package. You will need to arrange these flights separately.
On the Big Island, you can explore Volcanoes National Park, snorkel at Two Step, visit Kona coffee country, and discover the scenic Kohala Coast and Pololu Valley.
In Maui, you can experience the Road to Hana, explore Lahaina's Front Street, and witness the sunrise at Haleakala National Park.
A rental car is provided for five days on the Big Island. Upon arrival in Maui, you will pick up a new rental car for your stay there.
For the Haleakala sunrise, pack warm clothing as it can be chilly at 10,000 feet. Consider bringing layers, a jacket, and perhaps a hat and gloves.
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