📍 United States

HAWAIIAN FIRE: BIG ISLAND LAVA FLOWS TO HALEAKALĀ SUNRISE

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide. Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer. Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks. Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

Molten lava reshaping coastline nightly, crater sunrise glowing above cloud seas, volcanic steam hissing across sacred ground. Hawaii creates.

≈ 9

Days

530

Stops

📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Approach Kīlauea on Big Island and watch earth smoke, then reach Maui and climb toward Haleakalā for sunrise above clouds. Between active lava and dormant crater, Hawaii tells the birth of the world. The journey lives in rock's heat, wind at altitude and that impression of being closest to planetary forces.

Kīlauea: active lava, creation zone
Haleakalā: sunrise crater, sacred silence
Chain of Craters: lava fields, steam vents
Mauna Kea: summit stars, snow-capped fire

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Honolulu

waikiki gateway connects hawaiian island volcanic parks

6 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Arrival in Honolulu; short Waikīkī or harborfront walk.

🎯

Activities

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Plan inter‑island flight timing and baggage constraints.

Day

Hilo

orchid city welcomes big island volcano pilgrims

5 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Flight to Hilo; coastal drive and markets depending on arrival.

🎯

Activities

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Evening rain‑coast dining.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 45.6 km

Travel time: 1h31

Day

Volcano

3 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — Kīlauea Visitor Center orientation and crater rim stops.

🎯

Activities

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Chain of Craters Road to sea arches and lava fields (conditions permitting).

Day

Volcano

3 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Additional trails or ranger programs in the park; check eruption status updates.

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Activities

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Evening crater glow opportunities if activity present (viewing areas vary).

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 266.2 km

Travel time: 3h20

Day

Kahului

maui's central hub launches haleakala crater ascent

2 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Fly to Maui (OGG); pick up car and settle in.

🎯

Activities

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Kahului harborfront or beach time near Kīhei.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 15.3 km

Travel time: 31min

Day

Kihei

sunny coast contrasts with upcountry volcanic heights

6 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Haleakalā Summit sunrise (permit required) or late‑morning crater visit; Sliding Sands trail segment.

🎯

Activities

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Rest and beach time on Maui’s south shore.

Day

Kihei

sunny coast contrasts with upcountry volcanic heights

6 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Hāna Highway — Ke‘anae Peninsula lookout and coastal pullouts (road conditions vary).

🎯

Activities

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Sunset along south or west Maui coasts (site availability varies).

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 203.1 km

Travel time: 2h32

Day

Honolulu

waikiki gateway connects hawaiian island volcanic parks

6 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Return to Honolulu; buffer for outbound flights.

🎯

Activities

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Packing and returns.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.