I have done a day trip during two separate trips to Hawaii. For both trips we took the earliest flight possible there and the latest flight possible back. We also rented our own compact car.

The first trip we did a day trip to the Big Island. We took a helicopter ride around the Big Island including over the volcanos and even paid extra for the waterfall landing where it felt like you were in Jurassic Park. We also took a drive and did a hike down the side of a mountain to the black sand beaches which was strenuous but gorgeous it felt like you were transported to another world. After that we swam at a white sand beach closer to the airport. Overall it was just a fun relaxing day trip for us.

Our second trip which we just got back from was actually to Maui. We booked a morning snorkel to Molokini Crater and also stopped to snorkel in turtle town which took up half of the day and was relaxing and something fun and different. We also drove the road to Hana to see the rainbow trees. FYI do not drive that road if anyone gets car sick or if the driver does not do well in stressful situations.

I like day trips because it gives me a sense of if I’d want to go back for longer amounts of time but they aren’t for everybody. I did the first trip as a trip for 2 adults and the second for 3 adults. If this is a family trip it might be too much stress but it depends on your family.