βοΈ Chicago (ORD)βποΈ Honolulu, Oahu Jul 31 β Aug 4 Β· 4 nightsβπ Kailua-Kona, Big Island Aug 4 β Aug 9 Β· 5 nightsββοΈ Chicago (ORD)
π Seattle (SEA) β 4h 35m layover Β· KOA β SEA β ORD β οΈ Arrives Monday, August 10
ποΈ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tap any day to expand. Blue = travel days Β· Green = Oahu Β· Gold = Big Island
Day 1
βοΈ Departure β Chicago to Honolulu
Friday, July 31, 2026
βοΈ ORD β SEA β HNL Β· 3:43 PM
βΌ
3:43 PMDepart Chicago O'Hare (ORD) β Alaska Airlines ORD β SEA β HNL
LayoverSeattle (SEA) β 2h 8m connection
11:35 PMArrive Honolulu (HNL) πΊ Check in to Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach β late arrival
π AirportBefore leaving HNL: ABC Store near baggage claim Hotel restaurant is closed at midnight β grab water Γ 5, snacks, and light food for the kids
Day 2
ποΈ First Full Day in Waikiki
Saturday, August 1, 2026
β Earlβs Kitchen + Bar β 8:00 PM BOOKED
βΌ
MorningHotel breakfast (included!) β fuel up for the day
Late AMWaikiki Beach β first Hawaii swim π Beach is right in front of the hotel area
AfternoonAla Moana Shopping Center ποΈ ~10 min by Uber or trolley Β· 350+ stores Β· great food court Β· don't miss the Makai Food Court for local eats
π» Diamond Head hike Β· ποΈ Waikiki afternoon
βΌ
7:00 AMDiamond Head State Monument π» β 7:00β8:00 AM entry slot 1.8-mile round-trip Β· crater rim Β· paved path β stairs β 225-ft tunnel β summit Β· ~90 min total Β· go early to beat the heat and crowds ποΈ Buy tickets July 3 at 6:00 AM Chicago time at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead β $5/person Β· opens exactly 1 month before β οΈ Confirm Hyatt Place breakfast hours β hotel breakfast is at 9:00 AM return β if open that late
~9:30 AMBack to hotel Β· rest and cool down Β· breakfast if still serving
AfternoonWaikiki Beach β swim, relax, people-watch π Beach is steps from the hotel
Lunchπ Marukame Udon β fast, cheap, kid-friendly Japanese noodles 2310 Kuhio Ave Β· ~5 min walk Β· expect a line but it moves fast
EveningSunset walk along the beach Β· π½οΈ Dinner: Duke's Waikiki β beachfront, lively, kids menu Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Β· great for sunset views with the family
Day 4
πΏ North Shore + πΊ Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
Monday, August 3, 2026
β Toa Luau β 5:00 PM BOOKED
βΌ
8:00 AMQuick hotel breakfast Β· pack bags (Big Island departure is tomorrow morning)
8:00 AMUber to North Shore β beautiful drive through Ko'olau Mountains (~1 hr) No rental car on Oahu β Uber/Lyft is the way Β· mornings are cooler, less crowded, calmer ocean
9:00 AMArrive North Shore β 7 hours to enjoy! πΏ Hale'iwa town shopping & coffee Β· Waimea Bay swimming Β· Giovanni's shrimp truck lunch π¦ Β· Matsumoto's Shave Ice π§ Β· Sunset Beach walk
3:30 PMStart heading to Waimea Valley π Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley are very close, but Uber pickup on North Shore can run long β leave by 3:30 PM for comfortable arrival
4:30 PMWaimea Valley check-in 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa β same road as the North Shore spots
5:00 PM β Toa Luau at Waimea Valley πΊ β Silver Seating Flower lei greeting Β· kava ceremony Β· luau feast Β· full Polynesian show Β· fire knife dancing Β· ~3 hours
~8:00 PMLuau ends Β· Uber back to Waikiki (~1 hr) Dress code: Casual to aloha wear β no swimsuits
NightBack at hotel Β· finish packing for Big Island tomorrow βοΈ
Day 5
βοΈ Oahu β Big Island Β· Arrival in Kona
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
βοΈ HNL β KOA Β· 10:59 AM Β· Pick up rental car
βΌ
Early AMHotel breakfast β eat early, bags packed the night before
9:15 AMCheck out of Hyatt Place Waikiki Β· Uber to HNL airport β οΈ Standard checkout is 11 AM β request early checkout the night before. Flight is 10:59 AM Β· must be at HNL by 9:45 AM for checked bags Β· leave hotel by 9:15 AM
10:59 AMInter-island flight departs Honolulu (HNL) βοΈ Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines Β· AS 1068 Β· Boeing 717-200
11:46 AMArrive Kailua-Kona (KOA) β Big Island! π Quick airport, easy to get through
~NoonPick up rental car at KOA Β· load up and head to condo
4:00 PMCheck in to Kona condo π 2BR/2BA β 10-min walk to Kailua Pier & restaurants
EveningGrocery run β KTA Super Stores in Kona π Stock the kitchen tonight so breakfast is ready before Kahalu'u Beach tomorrow morning
NightExplore the pier area Β· Ali'i Drive waterfront Β· first Kona dinner
Early AMEarly start! Pack snacks and water β long day ahead ~1.5β2 hr drive south from Kona π Pack lunch from condo or KTA β very limited food inside the park Β· don't leave without it!
Late AMArrive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park π $30/car entry Β· valid 7 days Β· stop at Visitor Center first
MiddayKΔ«lauea Iki Trail Β· Thurston Lava Tube Β· Crater Rim Drive Kids love the lava tube β an actual tunnel through hardened lava!
AfternoonChain of Craters Road β drive to the coast Β· ocean entry lava shelf Stop at the Holei Sea Arch before heading back
ReturnPunalu'u Black Sand Beach π€ β 45β60 min stop on the way back to Kona Stunning jet-black sand Β· sea turtles often rest on the beach Β· natural stop on Hwy 11 heading north β no detour needed
EveningDrive back to Kona Β· dinner at the condo or local restaurant
Day 8
π€Ώ Two Step Snorkeling + π¦ Manta Ray Night Snorkeling
Friday, August 7, 2026
β Manta Ray Snorkel β 7:00 PM BOOKED
βΌ
MorningTwo Step / HΕnaunau Bay β morning snorkeling π€Ώ ~30 min south of Kona Β· exceptional coral, sea turtles, spinner dolphins Β· arrive before 9am for best conditions
MiddayBack to Kona Β· lunch Β· relax at the condo
AfternoonRest up Β· rinse off after morning snorkeling
5:00 PMDinner π½οΈ β Umekes Fish Market recommended (best poke in Kona) 74-5435 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona Β· eat before the tour β no heavy meal
6:45 PMDrive to Honokohau Marina (10 min from Kona town) After turning into the harbor, take the very first road to the RIGHT β pass boat storage and Sea Store & Deli on the left β TURN LEFT β meet crew under the pavilion next to the brown-roof restrooms
7:00 PM β Manta Ray Night Snorkel β Hang Loose Boat Tours π¦ Check-in is your start time Β· gear, wetsuit top & floatation device provided Β· light snacks & water on board
MorningHapuna Beach State Recreation Area ποΈ ~30 min north of Kona Β· one of Hawaii's best white sand beaches Β· wide beach, calm water
MiddayDrive to Waimea π½οΈ (~25 min) β lunch in this charming upcountry town Known for farm-to-table dining Β· cooler mountain climate Β· good rest stop between the coast and Mauna Kea
AfternoonContinue toward Mauna Kea via Saddle Road β°οΈ ~45 min from Waimea Β· bring jackets β 30β40Β°F colder at the summit! Β· free parking
EveningSunset at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (9,200 ft) π
NightfallMauna Kea stargazing π Milky Way visible with the naked eye Β· volunteer astronomers with telescopes Β· one of the best stargazing spots on Earth
NightDrive back to Kona (~1.5 hrs) Β· pack up the condo Β· remember checkout tasks for tomorrow morning
6:30 AMποΈ Lounge split β no cost Wife + 1 kid β United Club (Explorer pass Β· Gate A10 area Β· β οΈ verify location) You + 18yr old + 1 kid β The Club SEA (Priority Pass Β· Gate A11) β Hot breakfast Β· WiFi Β· comfortable seats after overnight flight
9:45 AMMeet at departure gate Β· board Delta 637 βοΈ
10:35 AMDepart Seattle β Chicago
4:43 PMArrive Chicago O'Hare (ORD) π Home sweet home! (Monday, August 10)
ποΈ Oahu β Waikiki
July 31 β August 4, 2026 Β· 4 Nights
π¨ Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach puts you steps from the famous beach strip, restaurants, and shopping. With a 2 Queen + Sofa Bed Premium room, the whole family sleeps comfortably. Free breakfast every morning is a big bonus β saves money and starts each day without the hassle of finding a place to eat.
π
Jul 31 β Aug 4
4 Nights
ποΈ
2 Queens + Sofa Bed
Sleeps 5
π
427 sq ft
Room Size
π
City View Premium
Room Type
What's Included
π³ Free Breakfast DailyπΆ Free WiFiπ City Viewβ Fully RefundableποΈ Sofa BedποΈ Prime Waikiki Location
β Fully refundable before Friday, July 24, 2026.
β οΈ Destination fee and deposit are due at the property β see private notes for amounts.
βΉοΈ No car needed in Waikiki β everything is walkable or a short Uber ride.
πΊβ BOOKED Β· Mon Aug 3 Β· 5:00 PM
Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
Silver Seating Β· ~3 hours Β· Haleiwa, North Shore
One of Oahu's most celebrated luaus, set in the lush greenery of Waimea Valley. The evening begins with a flower lei greeting and kava ceremony, followed by traditional cooking demonstrations, a full luau feast, and a spectacular Polynesian show featuring fire knife dancing. 2 Adults + 1 Youth + 2 Children.
β Included: Waimea Valley admission Β· flower lei greeting Β· kava ceremony Β· luau feast Β· full Polynesian show Β· fire knife dancing Β· traditional cooking demos Β· 1 Mai Tai or Aloha Juice per adult (Silver tier)
β οΈ No hotel pickup β must arrive on your own. Uber from Waikiki ~1 hr. Pairs perfectly with a North Shore morning!
π Toa Luau Β· 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Waimea Valley, Haleiwa
π Dress code: Casual to aloha wear β no swimsuits
ποΈ
Waikiki Beach
Steps from the hotel
The iconic crescent of Waikiki Beach β calm, swimmable water, lifeguards on duty, great for all ages. Bodyboarding, surfing lessons, and outrigger canoe rides available right on the beach.
β Free to access Β· try a surfing lesson β this is where surfing was born!
π»
Diamond Head State Monument
Day 3 Β· Sunday Aug 2 Β· 7:00β8:00 AM entry slot
Hike the rim of an extinct volcanic crater from the inside out β paved path, switchbacks, 99 steps, and a 225-foot tunnel through the crater wall. Panoramic views of Waikiki, the lighthouse, and the Pacific at the top. Historic WWII military bunkers the kids will love.
1.8 mi round trip
560 ft elevation gain
60β90 min total time
π‘ Moderate Β· All ages β
π Bring: water bottle per person Β· sneakers (no flip flops) Β· reef-safe sunscreen Β· phone for photos Β· QR code confirmation
β° Morning plan
7:00 AM β Uber from Hyatt Place (~10 min Β· ~$15)
7:10 AM β Enter crater, start hike
8:30 AM β Done, back at entrance
8:45 AM β Uber back to hotel
9:00 AM β Hotel breakfast β
β $5/person Β· timed entry β book the 7:00β8:00 AM slot for cooler temps and smaller crowds
β οΈ Tickets open exactly 1 month before β buy on July 3 at 6:00 AM Chicago time (Hawaii day starts then)
π gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead
π¦
North Shore Day Trip
~1 hr drive β gorgeous scenery
Hale'iwa town, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the famous shrimp trucks (Giovanni's!). The windward drive through the Ko'olau Mountains is stunning. Great for a full day out.
β Best by Uber or rideshare β no rental car on Oahu in this trip.
ποΈ
Ala Moana Shopping Center
World's largest open-air mall
Hawaii's premier shopping destination with 350+ stores, a great food court, and an outdoor atmosphere. 10 minutes from Waikiki by trolley or Uber. Perfect for a slower-paced afternoon.
β Don't miss the Makai Food Court β excellent local and Asian food options.
π‘ Waikiki Tips
πNo rental car on Oahu β use Uber, the Waikiki Trolley, or TheBus. Everything in Waikiki is walkable.
π Waikiki faces south β beautiful afternoon light but not a traditional "sunset beach." Head to Magic Island or Ala Moana Beach for sunset views.
π§΄Hawaii requires reef-safe sunscreen β oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned. Pick up reef-safe sunscreen before leaving Chicago (cheaper than buying in Hawaii).
π³Take advantage of the free hotel breakfast every morning β it saves money and time, especially on beach days.
π§Tap water in Hawaii is safe to drink. Bring reusable water bottles β single-use plastic isn't sold at many Hawaii beaches.
πHawaii Standard Time (HST) is UTC-10 β no daylight saving. That's 5 hours behind Chicago in summer. Expect to be up early the first couple days!
π±Download the Uber app and make sure it works in Honolulu β you'll use it constantly with no rental car.
πWaikiki water is calm and great for kids β much more sheltered than North Shore. Perfect for little ones.
August 4 β 9, 2026 Β· 5 Nights Β· With Rental Car
π Kailua-Kona Condo β 2 Bed / 2 Bath
A rare two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo just a 10-minute walk from Kailua Pier, waterfront restaurants, and the Pacific Ocean. Unlike a hotel room, this gives the family real space: a full kitchen for grocery savings, two separate bathrooms, and room to spread out after a long day of adventure. Booked via VRBO.
π
Aug 4β9, 2026
5 Nights
ποΈ
2 Bed / 2 Bath
Private Condo
β°
3 PM / 11 AM
Check-in / Check-out
πΆ
10-min walk
To Pier & Restaurants
Highlights
π³ Full KitchenπΏ 2 Bathroomsπ Near OceanποΈ Near Kailua Pierπ½οΈ Walk to Restaurantsβ All Fees Included
β All fees included in the total β no surprise charges at checkout.
β οΈ This is NOT all-inclusive β plan for groceries, dining, and activity costs.
π Stock up at KTA Super Stores in Kona on Day 6 β breakfast and lunch from the condo saves a lot over 5 days.
π’
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Best easy snorkeling on Big Island
The #1 snorkeling spot near Kona β sea turtles are almost guaranteed, plus tropical fish and healthy coral right at the shore. No boat needed. 5 minutes from the condo by car.
β Free entry Β· rent gear on-site for ~$10β15 Β· arrive before 10am for calm water
π¦ β BOOKED Β· Fri Aug 7 Β· 7:00 PM
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Hang Loose Boat Tours Β· Honokohau Marina
Giant manta rays (10β14 ft wingspan) glide up from the deep to feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights β and you float right above them. One of the most unique ocean experiences in the world. 3 Adults + 2 Children booked.
β Included: Snorkeling gear Β· jacket-style wetsuit top Β· floatation device Β· bottled water Β· light snacks Β· professional guide Β· live commentary
β οΈ Not included: Gratuities Β· GoPro rental (call to reserve) Β· no hotel pickup β drive yourself to the marina
π Meeting point: Honokohau Marina, 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy
Into the harbor β first road RIGHT β pass Sea Store & Deli on left β TURN LEFT β brown-roof restrooms β meet crew at pavilion
Walk through an actual lava tube, peer into the KΔ«lauea crater, and drive Chain of Craters Road to the Pacific coastline. This is unlike any national park on the mainland β an absolute must.
β $30 entry per car Β· valid 7 days Β· start early β it's a full day trip from Kona
β°οΈ
Mauna Kea Visitor Center
9,200 ft Β· Free Β· Bring jackets!
Drive your rental car up to the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 ft β above the clouds. Watch the sunset, then stay for free stargazing with volunteer telescopes. The Milky Way is clearly visible with the naked eye.
β Free Β· rental car allowed Β· whole family can go including 8-year-olds Β· jackets essential!
β οΈ Summit (13,796 ft) requires a guided tour β rental cars not permitted above visitor center level.
ποΈ
Hapuna Beach
~30 min north Β· One of Hawaii's best
A wide, gently sloping white sand beach with calm, turquoise water β consistently rated one of the best beaches in the United States. Great for swimming, bodyboarding, and a long beach day.
β Free to visit Β· paid parking ($10) Β· arrive early for the best spots
π€Ώ
Two Step / HΕnaunau Bay
30 min south Β· Local favorite
Arguably the best snorkeling on the Big Island β exceptional coral, incredibly clear water, sea turtles, spinner dolphins. Right next to Pu'uhonua o HΕnaunau National Historical Park (worth a visit too).
β Free snorkeling Β· small parking area fills up fast β arrive before 9am
β
Kona Coffee Country
The only US-grown coffee
The slopes above Kona are covered in coffee farms. Greenwell Farms and Kona Joe Coffee both offer free tours and tastings β a fun half-morning activity on the way to or from the volcano.
β Free farm tours Β· pick up authentic Kona coffee as a souvenir (much cheaper than airport)
πΊ
Kailua-Kona Town
10-min walk from condo
Ali'i Drive waterfront, Kailua Pier (spinner dolphins often swim here in the morning!), Kona Brewing Company, local fish tacos, shave ice, and sunset views. The town is small and very walkable.
β Watch for spinner dolphins from the pier β especially 7β9am
π Rental Car β Kailua-Kona
The rental car is essential on Big Island β unlike Oahu, there's no real public transit and destinations are spread across a large island. Booked via Costco Travel with unlimited mileage.
Pick-Up
Tuesday, August 4 β ~Noon (after flight arrives at 12:16 PM)
Drop-Off
Sunday, August 9 β by 8:00 PM (before 9:06 PM flight)
Duration
5 days
Location
Kailua-Kona β near KOA airport
Mileage
Unlimited
Booked via
Costco Travel
Insurance
Use Chase Sapphire card (primary CDW coverage) β see private notes
β οΈ Rental cars are NOT allowed above the Mauna Kea Visitor Center (9,200 ft). The summit requires a guided tour.
β You CAN drive to the Visitor Center (9,200 ft) in your rental car β no restriction below the summit.
πΊοΈ Key Driving Distances from Kona
π’ Kahalu'u Beach Park
~5 min south Β· 3 miles
ποΈ Hapuna Beach
~30 min north Β· 25 miles
π€Ώ Two Step / HΕnaunau
~30 min south Β· 20 miles
β°οΈ Mauna Kea Visitor Center
~45 min Β· 35 miles
π Volcanoes National Park
~1.5β2 hrs south Β· 97 miles
β Condo Checkout Tasks
Check-out is by 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 9. Please complete the following before leaving:
π½οΈLoad and start the dishwasher β all dishes in, running before you leave
π§ΊPut used towels in the washing machine and start it β host specifically requests this to help housekeeping (machine is small)
ποΈTake trash to the dumpster β in the enclosed area by the entrance to the parking lot
π¦Remove all personal items β check under beds, in drawers, bathroom shelves, charging spots
πLock all doors before leaving
β οΈ Host notes that failure to complete these may result in a negative review. Pack the night before to make morning checkout stress-free!
π‘ Big Island Tips
πStock the condo kitchen on Day 1 β KTA Super Stores in Kona is the best grocery option. Budget ~$200β300 for 5 nights of breakfast + lunch supplies + snacks + drinks.
π§΄Reef-safe sunscreen only β Hawaii law bans oxybenzone/octinoxate. Buy it before leaving Chicago β much cheaper at home.
π‘οΈKona is hot and sunny (85β90Β°F) but bring layers for Mauna Kea β it can be 30β40Β°F at the Visitor Center, even in August.
πRespect the ocean β check conditions daily. Red flags = no swimming. Always snorkel with a buddy.
π’Sea turtle rule: Stay 10 ft away from sea turtles β it's federal law. They'll often swim right up to you, but don't reach out or block their path.
π§Bring lots of water for long driving days β the volcano and Mauna Kea trips are full days with limited stops. Pack a cooler.
π·Lava tube tip: At Thurston Lava Tube in Volcanoes NP, there's also a second, unlit lava tube nearby β bring flashlights for an adventure!
βKona coffee is the only US-grown coffee β buy it at a farm (Greenwell Farms, Kona Joe) for authentic quality at better prices than souvenir shops.
πVolcanoes NP strategy: Start with the Visitor Center film, then walk the KΔ«lauea Iki Trail, then do Chain of Craters Road in the afternoon when lighting is best for photos.
πMauna Kea stargazing tip: Volunteer astronomers bring telescopes every clear evening (weather permitting). No reservation needed β just show up after sunset.
π½οΈDining out β budget for 5+ dinners and some lunches in town
πVolcanoes NP β $30/car entry
β½Gas β Hawaii gas is expensive; budget more than you'd expect for the driving days
πSouvenirs β Kona has great local shops; buy koa wood items, Kona coffee, and macadamia nuts
π Kona Condo (VRBO)
β2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
β5 nights (Aug 4β9)
βFull kitchen
β10-min walk to pier & ocean
βAll fees included in total
βWasher/dryer on-site
π Rental Car
βAug 4 (noon) β Aug 9 (8pm)
βUnlimited mileage
βKailua-Kona pickup/dropoff
βCostco Travel booking
Check-in: 3:00 PM Β· Check-out: 11:00 AM
π½οΈ Food Guide
Where to eat, what to try, and what to stock in the condo
π July 31 late arrival: Hotel restaurant will be closed at midnight. Grab snacks at ABC Store near baggage claim at HNL before leaving the airport β water, snacks, and light food for the kids.
β Hotel breakfast is included every morning at Hyatt Place Waikiki β no groceries needed for Oahu!
Food by Day
π
Day 2 Β· Aug 1 β Waikiki
First full day
Lunch: Makai Food Court at Ala Moana Center β excellent local Hawaiian food. Teriyaki chicken, fresh fish, Asian options. ~$12β15/person.
Ali'i Drive restaurants β explore Kona on arrival night
Day 6 Β· Aug 5
Farewell dinner β Huggo's on the Rocks β 7:00 PM reservation confirmed Β· Ali'i Drive, oceanfront
Day 7 Β· Aug 6
Cook at condo β you'll be exhausted after Volcanoes Β· pasta or rotisserie chicken from KTA
Day 8 Β· Aug 7
Early dinner 5 PM before manta ray tour β Umekes Fish Market or Ali'i Drive
Day 9 Β· Aug 8
Lunch in Waimea β northern loop day (Hapuna β Waimea β Mauna Kea) Β· farm-to-table dining town Β· no Kona dinner tonight
Day 10 Β· Aug 9
Lunch in Kona town before heading to airport
Key Restaurants & Food Spots
π
KTA Super Stores β Poke Bar
Any day Β· Best value poke in Kona
Fresh poke made daily β tuna, salmon, and octopus options. ~$12β15/lb. Pack in the cooler bag for beach lunches. Stock up here on Day 5 arrival evening.
β Tuna and salmon are pork-free Β· perfect beach lunch Β· grab a rotisserie chicken too
π
Umekes Fish Market
Best poke in Kona Β· Day 8 pre-manta dinner
The #1 rated poke spot in Kailua-Kona. Fresh tuna, salmon, and octopus poke bowls. Casual counter service, incredible quality. Perfect for an early dinner before the manta ray tour.
β All poke options pork-free Β· 74-5435 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona
π
Kona Brewing Company
Any afternoon Β· Casual bite or beer
Open-air brewpub in Kona. Great pizza, fish tacos, and burgers. Lively family-friendly atmosphere. Their Longboard Island Lager is the local beer of choice. Good for a casual lunch or afternoon stop.
The main strip in Kona with restaurants along the waterfront. Beautiful sunset views. Great for first night exploration and the special farewell dinner on your last full Big Island evening.
π½οΈ Great for Day 5 arrival and Day 6 farewell dinner
π
Volcanoes Day β Pack Lunch!
Day 7 Β· Aug 6 Β· No restaurants in the park
Very limited food options inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pack lunch and snacks from the condo or grab items at KTA before you leave. Don't skip this β it's a 1.5β2 hr drive each way.
β οΈ No restaurants inside the park Β· pack enough for a full day
β
Kona Coffee Shops
Any morning Β· Day 10 farm tour
Local coffee shops pour authentic Kona coffee grown on the slopes above town. On Day 10, visit a coffee farm (Greenwell Farms or Kona Joe) for a free tour and buy beans to take home β far cheaper than the airport.
β Kids can usually get Kona hot chocolate at farm tours!
π KTA Super Stores, Kailua-Kona β stock up on Day 5 (Aug 4) evening after checking into the condo. Budget ~$200β250.
π
Breakfasts (5 mornings)
β‘Eggs (dozen)
β‘Bread + butter
β‘Cereal or granola
β‘Milk + yogurt cups
β‘Fresh fruit β mangoes & bananas
β‘Orange juice
β‘Keurig pods (condo has Keurig)
ποΈ
Beach & Day Trip Snacks
β‘Granola / protein bars
β‘Trail mix
β‘Chips + crackers
β‘String cheese
β‘Apples + oranges
β‘Peanut butter + crackers
β‘Fruit pouches for kids
β‘Cookies / treats for kids
π§
Drinks
β‘Large water bottles Γ 5 (reusable)
β‘Sports drinks (Gatorade for beach days)
β‘Juice boxes for kids
β‘Sparkling water
β‘Beer + wine for adults π·
π½οΈ
Easy Condo Dinners (2β3 nights)
β‘Pasta + jarred sauce
β‘Rotisserie chicken (KTA has daily)
β‘Sandwich ingredients
β‘Salad mix + dressing
β‘Frozen pizza (easy night)
β‘Rice (condo has rice cooker!)
π§΄
Supplies
β‘Reef-safe sunscreen Γ 2β3
β‘After-sun / aloe lotion
β‘Dish soap
β‘Ziplock bags (for beach snacks)
β‘Reusable grocery bags
β‘Cooler bag for beach days π§
π°
Food Budget Estimate
Airport snacks (Jul 31)
$30β50
Oahu lunches + dinners (4 days)
$400β500
KTA grocery run (Aug 4)
$200β250
Big Island restaurant dinners
$400β500
Plate lunch / lunch spots
$200β300
Snacks + drinks ongoing
$100β150
Total estimate
~$1,330β1,750
βΉοΈ All options below are pork-free or have easy pork-free versions you can order.
π
Poke
Fresh raw fish with rice Β· tuna or salmon
Hawaii's most iconic food. Fresh fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices over rice. Available everywhere. Best: KTA poke bar or Umekes Fish Market in Kona.
β Tuna and salmon always pork-free Β· ~$12β15/lb at KTA
π³
Loco Moco
Rice + beef patty + fried egg + gravy
A Hawaiian diner staple β rice topped with a beef burger, fried egg, and brown gravy. Hearty breakfast or lunch. Order with beef gravy to keep it pork-free.
β Ask for beef gravy (not pork) β most places accommodate easily
π¦
Garlic Shrimp
North Shore specialty Β· Giovanni's Truck Β· Day 4
Shrimp from nearby aquaculture farms cooked in butter, garlic, and spices with rice. Giovanni's is the most famous truck on the North Shore. ~$14/plate. Cash preferred.
β 100% pork-free Β· cash preferred
π§
Shave Ice
Matsumoto's Hale'iwa Β· Day 4 North Shore
Finely shaved ice with Hawaiian fruit syrups β completely different from a mainland snow cone. Matsumoto's in Hale'iwa is the most famous spot on the island. A must for the kids.
π Matsumoto's Β· 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa Β· Day 4 North Shore
Portuguese fried doughnuts brought to Hawaii by sugar plantation workers β now an island staple. Leonard's Bakery is the iconic stop. Warm, sugary, amazing. Great treat on Day 2 or 3.
β ~$1.50 each Β· not pork-related at all Β· kids will love these
π±
Plate Lunch
Hawaii's fast food β but actually good
Two scoops of rice + mac salad + protein. Order teriyaki chicken, fish, or beef. ~$12β15/person. Found everywhere in Kona town and Waikiki. Filling and affordable.
β Order teriyaki chicken or fish β always pork-free
π₯
Fresh Local Mango
August is peak mango season in Hawaii
August is peak mango season β local mangoes are incredibly sweet, inexpensive, and unlike anything from the mainland. Buy at KTA or any farmers market. The kids will be obsessed.
β Look for Hayden or Rapoza varieties Β· much cheaper at KTA
β
Kona Coffee
Only US-grown coffee Β· buy beans at the farm (Day 10)
Rich, smooth, world-famous. Visit a farm on Day 10 for a free tour and tasting. Buy beans as souvenirs β far cheaper at the farm than at the airport or tourist shops.
β Kids can usually get Kona hot chocolate at farm tours!
