Day 1

Haleakala – Up Country

• Haleakala National Park - Haleakala is the shield volcano on east Maui that formed most of the island and is Maui’s most popular landmark. The Haleakala National Park stretches out over 28,000 acres and includes the summit where the crater lies, the mountain and its wilderness, and the coastal Kipahulu area. A visit to the summit of the volcano should be a must on anyone’s visit to Maui for the stunning views and unparalleled rich natural beauty. A visit to the 10,023 foot peak, Maui’s tallest point, at sunrise is a popular option, while other visitors chose to hike through the wilderness or cycle down the mountain.
• Makawao - Makawao, dense with art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops (many featuring women’s clothing), makes a worthy day-trip from South Maui or West Maui. If you can’t believe that Old World cowboys can peacefully co-exist with New Age crystal worshippers, you haven’t been to Makawao. Hitch your car up to a hitching post (alongside a horse, perhaps!) and saunter down the old wooden boardwalks. Seeing is believing.

Day 2

Kahului – Wailuku

• Tropical Gardens of Maui - To see this four-acre riot of color now, you’d never guess that not so long ago it was just a treeless, empty lot. This beautiful botanical garden and export plant nursery was built in 1987 as a showcase for tropical plants from all over the world. It’s scenically situated in the Iao Valley, and a self-guided tour on the property takes you through the garden, across Iao Stream, and passes a koi pond and palm grotto. Along the half-hour walk, you’ll see exotic blooms and plants you’ll swear came out of a Dr. Seuss book, including stunning orchids and the Raphia palm, which sports leaves up to 60 feet in length, the longest of anything in the plant kingdom.
• Iao Valley State Park - The Iao Valley is one of the most distinct and breathtaking areas in Maui, where mountains reach high into the sky and then suddenly plunge again into the ocean, their craggy rock faces covered with lush vines and plants. One of the most recognizable formations is the Iao Needle, a steep pinnacle overlooking the Iao stream. This was an historical altar where warriors would make sacrifices as they looked upon the surrounding Pu’u Kukui Crater.
• Maui Arts and Cultural Center - Since 1994, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has offered top-notch musical and artistic events. Actually, by offering a full schedule of theater, live musical performance, dance, and more, MCC has become the epicenter of Maui’s art scene. Check out their website to see upcoming performances and events, so that once you’ve had your fill of Maui’s natural beauty, you can witness its cultural depth as well.

Day 3

Hana

• Road to Hana* - The drive itself is the thing to be experienced. So, if your personality is more attuned to the destination rather than the process, choose something else to do. You can expect dozens of one-lane bridges, more than a handful of waterfalls, too-numerous-to-count panoramic vistas of open ocean and verdant valleys, and slow going. Start out early, and take the whole day. If you can’t spend the night in Hana, many guidebooks recommend that you return before nightfall.
• Hana - Hana is a small town that is most famous for the road that leads to it. On the one-of-a-kind road to Hana, you will find sacred pools, waterfalls, lush jungles, and incredible views. Once you’ve arrived, you can stop by the nearby botanical gardens if your desire for natural beauty hasn’t been slaked by the drive over.
• Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden - Located just past mile marker 10 on the road to Hana (Highway 36) are the verdant tropical gardens where the opening sequence of “Jurassic Park” was filmed. The 26-acre park, designed by Alan Bradbury with the aim of restoring the area’s natural ecosystem, contains 500+ trees, plants and flowers native to the Pacific islands.

Day 4

Wailea – Makena

• Molokini* - This small island is situated two and a half miles off Maui’s south coast. Molokini was once an active volcano (now extinct) but is now an ideal site for snorkeling and other aquatic trips. Its shape creates a natural barrier from currents and waves, making its calm waters one of the finest spots in the world for diving. It is also a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, so you cannot actually visit the island itself. However, you’re free to enjoy its spectacular aquatic beauty, so take advantage.

Day 5

Kihei – Maalaea

• Kalepolepo Beach Park - Kalepolepo Beach Park is a small beach with some of the best swimming waters in Maui. Since it is wedged between two seawalls, the water is calm and perfect for younger swimmers. What once was a Hawaiian village and fishpond is now a popular sand and sun destination for beach-bound visitors. Curious visitors can visit the nearby Koieie Fishpond, one of the last remaining testaments to Hawaii’s ancient technique of aquaculture.
• Pi’ilani Highway - The Pi’ilani Hwy (otherwise known as Highway 31) is a winding highway that hugs the southern coast of Maui. This scenic drive is one of the main arteries of the island; it connects North Kihei to South Kihei, and Wailea and Makena are also stops along the way. Farther along you’ll find Lahaina, after merging with Honoapi’ilani Highway. Traveling along the Pi’ilani Highway is a kind of Zen experience–you will find that the path is just as important as the destination.
• Maui Ocean Center - While it might seem superfluous to visit sea creatures in an aquarium when all you have to do is don a snorkel, mask, and fins, nothing could be farther from the truth. Whatever you do, don’t miss it. From the living coral and plentiful reef fish to the walk-through tunnel that makes you feel like you’re in the ocean with sharks and rays, it’s all magnificent.

Day 6

Lahaina

• Whalers Village Museum - This little museum, tucked into a bastion of commercialism (an upscale, outdoor mall), packs a serious punch. Upon close inspection, and with the devotion of time, you can almost become an expert on the whaling industry. There’s no better place to do it, unless you go to New Bedford or Nantucket (in Massachusetts). Before leaving the shopping center, check out the sperm whale skeleton.
• Banyan Tree Park - It’s hard to believe that a tree could take up an entire city block, but it does. Entire lives seem to be lived beneath its thick branches and under its wise gaze. Pause on a bench and try to take it all in. Sailors and others have come and gone in Lahaina, but this tree has remained.

Day 7

Lahaina – Ka’anapali

• Ka’anapali Beach - As West Maui’s most popular beach, Ka’anapali Beach is characterized by its large resorts, golf courses, plenty of beach sports and activities, as well as a large shopping and dining complex–all in the heart of Ka’anapali. The beach, which is public and can be accessed through the resorts and shopping area, is a hotspot for windsurfing, snorkeling, catamarans, and any number of ocean toys, not to mention sunbathing and playing in the waves.
• Hale Kahiko - A hale kahiko is an archaic Hawaiian thatched-roof house. Each hale was built for a specific function, such as sleeping, cooking or crafts. This replica of a Hawaiian village features three hale filled with ancient implements and furnishings. Beautifully landscaped grounds contain several species of indigenous trees and plants. A free guided tour is available, or for those preferring to set their own agenda, a map is available at no cost. Hula and craft demonstrations are held at random times during the week.
• Sugar Cane Train - In the early days of Hawaii’s Western colonization, trains were used to haul sugar cane from one spot to the other. Eventually, more modern forms of transportation became popular, and today almost nothing can be seen of the original Hawaiian railroads. However, the tracks between Lahaina and Ka’anapali are still functional, and the cherry-red Sugar Cane Train still travels them regularly. A dinner ride is available on Thursdays.

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Hawaiian Air is currently running a promotion with some fun ideas for traveling on the different islands. This sample itinerary was sourced directly from here.

Day 1

Leeward

• Arizona Memorial – Pearl Harbor Monument - On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1,100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8am-3pm, daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.
• Hawaii’s Plantation Village - This theme park styled village serves two purposes: to entertain and to educate. Hawaii’s economy once centered on the cultivation of pineapple and sugar. While things have changed since the 19th century, these crops are still important island exports. This attraction showcases plantation life through exhibits and restored plantation houses.

Day 2

Central – North Shore

• Hale’iwa - If you only have time to explore one thing outside Waikiki and Honolulu, let it be the little, atmospheric town of Hale’iwa. It’s got beach bums, surfer dudes, groovy artists, drop-out bohemians, wealthy folks chillin’out, distinctive shops, a perfectly situated harbor, great beaches, and eateries that range from holes-in-the-wall to sunset-ready fine dining. Spend a lazy afternoon and you’ll drive away with a real glimpse of Oahu.
• North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum - To glimpse into the history of surfing and the culture of the North Shore, visit this collection of old and new memorabilia and follow the evolution of surfboards in this funky, volunteer-run surf museum.
• Waimea Bay Beach Park* - When someone hears the name “Waimea,” chances are that images of 20-foot waves and daredevil surf monsters come to mind. That stereotype is correct. This beach is ranked among the top ten big-wave surf spots in the world, and when the waves are high, hardcore surfers come from the far corners of the globe to test their mettle. Novices are discouraged from swimming in the wintertime, which is the big-wave season at this beach. During the summer it is usually safe to take a dip, but make sure to consult the lifeguard first.

Day 3

Downtown Honolulu

• Chinatown - This exciting historic neighborhood, located in downtown Honolulu, represents a colorful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures. A vast array of fresh produce and delicacies awaken the senses of both visitors and residents within this fifteen-block district, whose vivid history is an essential component to Hawaii’s chronicle. Come to browse art galleries, see an acupuncturist, or sample exotic fare in this unique cultural cornucopia.
• Foster Botanical Garden - For a brief hiatus from city life, duck into this garden. It is the oldest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The mission of the organization is “to plan, develop, curate, maintain and study documented collections of tropical plants in an aesthetic setting.” Highlights include a palm collection, Lyon Orchid Garden, a prehistoric glen and a number of trees rated “exceptional” for their beauty and rarity. Pick up a souvenir at the Foster Garden Gallery and Bookshop.
• Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center - Children are encouraged to learn about a diverse range of subjects at this busy, colorful facility. It offers a number of fanciful interactive displays and learning toys. Every subject from physiology to sociology is explored. Tour the “Global Village” or play a game of volleyball…with a robot!

Day 4

East Honolulu

• Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve* - Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon.

Day 5

Waikiki

• Honolulu Zoo - Located at the northern part of Kapiolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo is home to over 300 species of animals on more than 42 acres of land. The zoo features an African Savanna complete with gazelles, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and more.
• Waikiki Aquarium - You might think it redundant or ironic to watch fish in an aquarium when the mighty Pacific Ocean surrounds the islands, but this aquarium is well worth a visit. You’ll learn so much about the fish you snorkeled with yesterday that you’ll want to don a mask and fins again tomorrow.
• Diamond Head State Monument - Recognized as one of the most famous volcanic craters, Diamond Head is certainly the island’s most famous landmark. The 760-foot tall crater lies at the end of Waikiki and serves as a recognizable backdrop to the Honolulu skyline. Diamond Head, which is part of the Honolulu volcanic series of eruptions, is about 200,000 years old and is said to have been extinct for 150,000 years. Today, it’s a popular hiking destination with some paved trails, a tunnel, and an observation deck.

Day 6

Manoa

• Manoa Falls - Tucked in the back of lush Manoa Valley is this waterfall, which is commonly thought to be one of the most beautiful sights on Oahu. It rushes over a precipice and drops 100 feet to the pool below. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately an hour and is not particularly difficult. The trail can get slippery during the rain, but on sunny days, it’s clearly marked and easy to follow.
• Harold L. Lyon Arboretum - Less a botanical plant garden and more a wooded, trail-filled forest, this research institution is a paradise on earth. Leave time to hike up to Aihualama Falls, about 1 1/2 miles from the park entrance.

Day 7

Windward

• Sea Life Park - Dolphin and sea lion shows, a Hawaiian monk seal center, a sea turtle lagoon and a seabird sanctuary are a few of the highlights at this 62-acre ocean theme park on the coast of East Oahu. The park’s newest attraction is Pirate’s Lagoon, a themed play area for kids. Serious marine biology takes place at the rehabilitation center for endangered marine life. Other facilities include eateries and gift shops. Interactive dolphin programs and reef walks are also available.
• Byodo-In Temple - At the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell‚Äîring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely.
• Kailua Beach Park* - Windsurfers, a breed apart from regular humans and similar to wave surfers, travel from far-distant corners of the world to hit this top windsurfing beach. When the water is flat, they simply sit and wait. When the wind starts, they head here in droves. If you are not a windsurfer, you can still enjoy the warm waters and gentle surf of this famous, beautiful beach. Barbecue facilities, bathrooms, and showers are available.

Hawaiian Air is currently running a promotion with some fun ideas for traveling on the different islands. This sample itinerary was sourced directly from here.