22 days in Island of Hawaii Itinerary

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

Escape the urban bustle at Kilauea Iki Trailhead and Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kīlauea and Sulphur Banks. There's much more to do: hike along Pu'u Huluhulu trail, explore the striking landscape at Holei Sea Arch, look for all kinds of wild species at Devastation Trail, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail.

For where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trip itinerary app.

Zurich, Switzerland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an approximately 25-hour combination of flight and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 11 hours traveling from Zurich to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In September, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is somewhat warmer than Zurich - with highs of 35°C and lows of 25°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough 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.

We've included these beaches for you: Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Kahaluu Beach. Visiting Papakōlea Green Sand Beach and Kahalu'u Beach Park will get you outdoors. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Captain Cook: Kula Kai Caverns (in Ocean View), Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm Home of Hawaii's Local Buzz (in Naalehu) and Punalu‘U Beach (in Pahala). The adventure continues: deepen your appreciation for local ecosystems through My Kona Adventures, explore the activities along Kealakekua Bay, identify plant and animal life at Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary, and stop by Greenwell Farms.

To see where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Captain Cook road trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Captain Cook with the Route module. In September, daily temperatures in Captain Cook can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Puako.

Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. Relax by the water at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and 49 Black Sand Beach. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Dolphin Quest and Kohala Mountain Range. Step out of Puako to go to Honokaa and see Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, which is approximately 56 minutes away. There's much more to do: admire the verdant scenery at Waipio Valley, tour the pleasant surroundings at Pololu Valley Lookout, and tee off at Hapuna Golf Course.

For more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Puako tour planner.

You can drive from Captain Cook to Puako in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) 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.

Visiting Swim with Dolphins and Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden will get you outdoors. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Richardson Beach Park and Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). Venture out of the city with trips to Hula Daddy Kona Coffee (in Holualoa), Kailua-Kona (Mokuaikaua Church, Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, &more) and Laupahoehoe Beach Park (in Laupahoehoe). There's still lots to do: explore the striking landscape at Kapoho Tide Pools, get impressive views of Pu'u 'O'o Vent, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and cruise along Banyan Drive.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Hilo tour planner.

Drive from Puako to Hilo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect slightly colder evenings in Hilo when traveling from Puako in September, with lows around 25°C. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Tue) before leaving for home.