10 days in Big Island Itinerary

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

On the 2nd (Fri), hike along Sulphur Banks, then hike along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, then explore the striking landscape at Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku), and finally take a memorable drive along Devastation Trail. On the 3rd (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll through Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail, then contemplate the geological forces at Kīlauea, and then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trip planner.

Montreal, Canada to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an approximately 17-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Montreal to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is minus 5 hours. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Montreal in February; daily highs in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reach 32°C and lows reach 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Captain Cook.

A small town with big ocean views, Captain Cook lies on top of an ancient fault line that was responsible for creating the nearby Kealakekua Bay thousands of years ago.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Papakōlea Green Sand Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Punalu‘U Beach and My Kona Adventures. Take a break from Captain Cook with a short trip to Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm Home of Hawaii's Local Buzz in Naalehu, about 1h 10 min away. The adventure continues: explore the activities along Kealakekua Bay, experience rural life at Greenwell Farms, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Painted Church, and look for all kinds of wild species at Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary.

For photos and other tourist information, use the Captain Cook trip maker.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Captain Cook. In February, daily temperatures in Captain Cook can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Puako.

Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. On the 7th (Wed), explore the striking landscape of Puukohola National Historic Park, then immerse yourself in nature at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, and then get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Puako trip planner.

Traveling by car from Captain Cook to Puako takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (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 8th (Thu): admire the natural beauty at Hawaiian Vanilla Company, examine the collection at Pacific Tsunami Museum, then explore and take pictures at Saddle Road, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Rainbow Falls. On the 9th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the dramatic scenery at Akaka Falls State Park, identify plant and animal life at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, then admire the natural beauty at Liliuokalani Gardens, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Richardson Beach Park.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Hilo online day trip planner.

You can drive from Puako to Hilo in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. February in Hilo sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.