If you fly in and out of Hilo, i think four days on the BI will give you enough to see the highlights of the Volcano area, and some other sights on that side of the island.

If you want to see more of the island, drive a longer distance, then i would go for seven days there.

It's always a judgment call. If you are beach types - then Poipu on south Kauai - or the Kona side of Big Island - or Maui are probably best for February, but don't miss spending a couple of days up at the Volcano on Big Island.

We are partial to Kauai - especially the beautiful North Shore - but in Feb you could get some weather. While it usually will clear up in a day or so - during that time - some prefer the south side - Poipu - and then drive up to the North Shore on a clear day - but I personally would spend at least a few days up at Princeville/Hanalei.

Our second favorite is Big Island as there is so much to see do.

Maui is also great - and I prefer Kapalua and Napili - the areas just north of Kaanapali - which is just north of Lahaina.

As for best condo (area) - just google and google away to find what suits you.

Also check out the Napili Sunset - which I think may be a bit above $200 a night - but they might have some deals. http://www.napilisunset.com/

And we own a timeshare at the Cliffs Club in Princeville - and they might have some deals on condos too. http://www.cliffsatprinceville.com/

At either of these places, as with other condos/timeshare resorts - there are owners usually advertising their weeks for rent - which you can pick up for a better deal than what the front desk will charge.

We visit Hawaii to escape Chicagoland winters. I would not stay long on Kauai in winter. Poipu is "OK", but it's the north shore that is *gorgeous*. It's almost certainly going to be wet and windy there in February. Kauai is a small island that feels even smaller because so much of it is inaccessible -- can only be seen by helicopter or boat, neither of which will be operating every day in winter.

Big Island, however, is indeed BIG. You'll want at least a week there if you want sun (Kohala coast, NW) and to see the volcano (SE, wet in Feb.). In one way this island is a lot like Kauai -- not 'typically tropical', but laid-back. Weather should be great in February, just stay out of the vog.

After spending two to four weeks on each of the four major island over 30 years, we bought in South Maui. I like the 'ends' of the island better than touristy Kaanapali. February is the height of Whale Season, best viewed from Maui or Lanai.

You're flying into OGG and 'home' from ITO? You must live west coast or you'd be going via HNL.

Don't wait long to reserve your rental cars. This is High Season; they do run out!

I forgot to say that the northernmost parts of Maui will be cool and possibly wet too. (Just not as extensive as Kauai and Oahu's northern shores.) You should be OK from Kahana on south. The ocean will be best off South Maui -- look in South Kihei and Wailea.

Also...almost every visitor to Hawaii who is not staying within Honolulu reserves a car for airport pickup. You'll want one fulltime, not just a day here and there. Reserve now.

Island hopping is expensive in time as well as money. You will waste at least four hours of vacation on each hop. Hawaiian Airlines is the best line for reliable service.

I have only been to the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. Maui would be third on that list for me.

We just came back from 11 days on the Big Island, splitting our time between Kapoho and Puako. It was not enough. We ran out of time, but we were not on the go the enitre time and took time to do nothing much for three or four days while there.

What do you want to do on Maui? Is there a specific site you want to see there? If the idea is to relax, I think Kauai would take care of that. Cut the time on Maui and add it to the Big Island.

I appreciate all of your responses. Am thinking to have less days on Maui and more on BI. On Maui we will want to drive the road to Hana again. It was beautiful. We are not really beach people at all. Like to tour and be on the move (as much as seniors can be). I know there in a beautiful canyon area also on Maui that we saw in 1988.?
Is it more convenient to "tour" Maui if we are in S. Kihei than in West Maui? I have read posts on "traffic" jams. Are these more on West maui?
On Kauai I have reserved 4 nights with points at the Marriott Coconut beach Hotel on the east side near Kapaa. Can we use these 4 nights to enjoy the beach and also tour the north side near Princeville etc when weather permits? Then thought we would stay 3 nights on South Kauai near Poipu area and tour Waimea .
Any thoughts on this plan?

Would always use the points on Kauai if you have them, and while Kapaa is really neither fish nor fowl - it's a good midpoint to go north or south, and there are a lot of dining choices in Kapaa - and it's close to very good snorkeling at Lydgate, and also to the airport.

BTW - I do not consider it by any means wasting half a day to go from one island to another - as it's a very beautiful flight. We have it down to 3 hours even if things are going right.

On Maui - if you leave the Kapalua area early - before the commuters start up - which I would do anyway if I was driving out to Hana - I think you get to the road to Hana about as fast as if you come from Kiehe, maybe a few minutes less.

You might also get up at Oh Dark Thirty and go up to greet the magnificent sunrise at Haleakula - but make sure it's going to be a clear morning, and bring sweatshirts or blankets/towels from the room as it can be a little chilly before the sun comes up.

I know there in a beautiful canyon area also on Maui that we saw in 1988.?

There's Haleakala (the volcano), but the "beautiful canyon area" is on Kauai, not Maui (Waimea, and you already have plans to go there, too).

"a little chilly": try freezing. As in 40 degrees or even less. I recommend sunset (spectacular) vs. a 3 or 4 a.m. drive up an unfamiliar road in the dark for a sunrise that might not show.

You all are increasing my confidence, Thanks! I have checked car rentals! High! To get a better rate, they offer about $60. less per week for limited 700 miles, then $.44 per mile after that for both Maui and Kauai. Is 700 miles a reasonable amount for 7 days if we do a fair amount of touring? Should we pay the higher rate and get unlimited miles?
Note - on Kauai we will be at the Marriott Coconut Beach Resort for 4 nights. Might not do as much driving while staying there??

I think your Kauai plan is a good one. But if you don't like moving around, you can easily access the South Shore (Poipu) from the Marrriot in Kapa'a, too. I stayed there and I liked it for the central location. It's nice -- but not "wow." It was fine for me.

FYI, every year I spend part of January and February on Kauai's North Shore. I have never had consistent rain. I've had showers; times when it poured at night; times when a morning was rainy -- and I've had windy days -- but not like a gale storm -- just "windy."

Last year, during a 4-week stay I had 20 consecutive beautiful days where showers were brief and never lasted more than a few hours. I know the reputation is that the North Shore is wet -- but much (although, not "all") of that rain comes during the evenings; in the middle of the night; and during intermittent showers. I've had very few rainy days that were a complete washout. I think they did have lots of them last March, though.

I'd be hesitant to suggest the North Shore to sun worshippers who had a short trip -- because they could indeed get bad luck. But I'll be back again for four weeks on the North Shore in January/February -- and believe me, I would be miserable if it rained all the time.

PS. Have you tried Hotwire and Priceline for car rentals?

Seems that I only have enough points for 3 nights at Marriott Coconut Beach Kauai. So any recommendations for the other 4 night location? I am thinking in the South location. Hot wire is definitely cheaper for rental car but cannot be canceled for a refund. May try booking with them closer to the date.

Be sure to book the best CANCELLABLE car price now; you can always cancel as the date approaches if you find a better deal. But if prices go up, you'll kick yourself.

Please look at the maps of the islands. There's no need to stay both Kapaa and Poipu. Kauai is small. I'd stay Poipu. Kapaa has no beaches, is windy, has traffic. We have to Waimea Canyon in February on two separate years and seen...a wall of fog. LOL

Might you be thinking of Iao Valley on Maui? (Wailuku)

You can drive from Kihei/Wailea to Kahului in 20 minutes. Kahauli is where you begin the roads to Haleakala and to Hana. It's 40 minutes from Lahaina/Kaanapali to Kahului and even farther from Napili/Kapalua (where I would not be staying in winter anyway). West Maui always has some conngestion around Lahaina -- and road work at the moment.

There is four-lane highway all the way from Wailea to Kahului. The only access to West Maui is via a two-lane road up the mountain from Maalaea to Lahaina. Avoid 'rush hours' when the worker-bees commute to jobs in West Maui. So, yes, South Maui is more conveniently located. Kihei and Maalaea are also less expensive.

I have never seen mileage charges quoted for a rental car in Hawaii! The islands are VERY small. Granted, we do 'home away from home' on Maui since we've already done the sightseeing, but we were there for two months last winter and used two tanks of gasoline. An economy car is fine for two people except on Big Island, where we always rent a mid-size or larger.

I'll be checking car rental rates until we leave. Right now we have an economy from National for $28/day all-in.

I think on Kaua'i it is good to stay as close as possible to the area you want to concentrate on. The distances are not great, but traffic can be slow. I like to wake up and get to the beach as quickly as possible...or whatever the day's destination is. I reaaly don't like to drive for over an hour to get to where i want to spend the day.

Personally on Kaua'i i like to stay as far north as possible for soaking in the wonderful north shore atmosphere. I do not enjoy driving from Ha'ena to Po'ipu at all. So for taking in the southern and western part, i would base in Po'ipu or Kalaheo area.

<<<We have to Waimea Canyon in February on two separate years and seen...a wall of fog. LOL >>>

I was there last October. While the morning may have been clear, we were there at noon at it was absolutely zero visibility then too! (Fortunately, I've been on other occasions, because it's definitely worth seeing)

Sylvia3 - I have booked cars thru National and Hertz on all 3 Islands - but the rates are high!
For Maui and Kauai 7 day rental , Economy rate is $297. with a limit of 700 miles. For Hilo it is a compact for 5 days at $257. I think this is high, but as least I have something reserved while I try to find better rates.

ChiSue - How did you get rate of $28 day from National? Are you renting for a long time? has this been reserved long? Are you booking for the winter months? Only discount I qualify for is AARP. I can get rates from Hotwire of $284. for Maui and Kauai but am reluctant at this time.

I did get REAL brave and booked a 1 bedroom suite oceanfront in Poipu on Hotwire for $148. a night.
I got the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation for 4 nights. I am pleased with the location and the reviews are very good. I did take the $27. insurance policy for what that is worth. I'll probably get Garden View but I will be happy with that.
Did I "shaft" myself?
Our other 3 nights on Kauai I do want to stay on East side or (north?) so we can more easily tour the beautiful NORTH. Still debating if I will use points for the Marriott Coconut Beach for those 3 days. Parking is $14. daily plus NO MEALS and 25,000 points per day! Might be better off also getting a condo in that area where we can cook and park free.
Any 1 bedroom condo suggestions for E,NE, or N for 3 nights?

ChiSue - You have convinced me that for Maui we would be better off staying south - S. Kilei looks best to me. I like the idea of the 4 lane highway and also it will be sunnier.
sf7307 - concerning Waimea Canyon and the fog - can the Outrigger Kiahuna check the weather reports for fog? or do you just go and take a chance?

Any suggestions for our 4 nights on the BI?
Should we just fly into and home from Hilo and do that part of the BI?

Kiahuna Plantation is fantastic - You did good! Even if you're in the building closest to the road (which would be farthest from the beach), it's still great - the condos are nice, but what makes special is the beautiful grounds and great beach it's on. Added bonus - it's across the street from a small center with several decent restaurants.

I don't know whether it's possible to check for fog - it seems to just roll in at will. We took a chance because we were up that way anyway hiking - the weather on our hike (about half-way up the hill) was gorgeous and then we got to the overlook and you practically couldn't see in front of your face.

After you leave Po'ipu, i would go ahead and go all the way up north, at least to Anini. Princeville is popular, lots of condos there. Also you can look on VRBO and the like for 1 br rentals in Hanalei, or farther up in Ha'ena. Or look at Hanalei Colony Resort http://www.hcr.com/ my personal favorite http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-travel-info/kauai/kauai-resorts/haena-area/hanalei-colony-resort

Re the fog, i don't think it can be predicted. By the way, don't stop at Waimea Canyon, keep going up until you get to the Kalalau overlook.

On the BI for four nites, i would stay in Hilo area.

You are going to have a great trip!

Sometimes we've found our best car rates through Costco Travel Dept. Sometimes our airline has had something good. We'll take whatever agency has the cheapest rate. Have found no difference in agencies in Hawaii over our 30 years of visiting.

Last winter and Jan. - Feb. 2013 are with National. DH 'joined' their Emerald Club to earn a small disount. (It's also nice to be able to just walk through the agency, choose your car and drive away -- since they have your license and CC info in advance.) Check with your insurance company AND your credit card to see what coverage you already have. We decline the rental companies' insurance. (NEVER choose to let them fill the tank! Do that yourself before turning in the car.) Our rate will be a tad less than $28/day because of our long stay; we'll 'earn' a few free days and have the value deducted from our bill. So...maybe $27/day -- LOL

Kiahuna is nice. Older, frame-construction, but lovely grounds. Hope your unit is nicely refurbished. "Oceanfront" may mean you have a lot of people passing by all enroute to the beach, but, hey, that's a great rate.

Kapaa is going to be traffic-y. It just IS! I think there is now a bypass around it. (Someone know?) Years ago we stayed at Wailea Bay View -- nice little complex facing thebeautiful bay with canoe clubs and once a monk seal. It was nicer before there was a mini-mart on the bedroom side. I thought if we ever stayed again I'd sleep on the sofa bed in the LR facing the bay!

If you really want more days Kauai in winter, just bite the bullet and stay north. *I* would just go up one day from Poipu and tack on to your Big Island stay so that you could stay both Kohala and Hilo-side. (Fly into KOA and home from ITO.)

I like this site for South Maui condos: www.mauiownerconos.com The manager has vetted the units to eliminate any 'dogs'.

I'm envisioning you in airports a lot of the time on this trip.

Lead me through it: Into Maui (nonstop from wherever your home is or via HNL?); off to Kauai (via HNL?); off to Big Island (via HNL?), perhaps into KOA on Big Island and out of ITO (direct home out of ITO or...HNL again?)

FWIW, here's my 411 on the Marriott's on Kauai. We have stayed in all of the Marriott with the exception of the new Marriott Kauai Lagoons. Rooms in February at the Courtyard(which you have reserved) are only $132/night. Their point structure is 25K points/night. At the much nicer Marriott's Kauai Beach Club in Lihue the rates are $231/night, but only 30K points per night. You are going to pay for parking at both places.

We always stay in Kapa'a for at least a week and love it! We stay at the very modest Pono Kai(in March, we are staying there for two straight weeks) which is right downtown old Kapa'a town. Near the Marriott and right behind the Coconut Marketplace is the Aston Islander on the Beach where others have been known to make home for several weeks. I don't believe there is a parking charge.

Kaua'i is so beautiful and it is small so it doesn't really matter where you stay.

Now, for rental cars, you should be able to get unlimited mileage with almost every car rental agency. Are you a member of Costco? Use their website for car rentals if you can.

Have a wonderful vacation.

Aloha, i'2

You have 18 nights - that's plenty for hopping among islands.

Arrive Maui (whether you have to go through HNL is not really relevant)- spend X nights.

fly to Kauai (whether you have to go through HNL is not really relevant) - spend X nights.

Fly to Kona - (again, whether you have to go through HNL is not really relevant) - spend X nights.

Fly home.

Sue, yes there is a bypass road in Kapa'a, also one between Lihue and Poipu, very handy.

But, if you bypass Kapa'a, then you miss Ono Family Restaurant and Shave Ice, The Olympic Cafe, Kauai Pasta, Tropical Dreams Ice Cream, The Barrell, and so on and so forth!!

Also for car rentals check out discounthawaiicarrental.com You don't have to put in a credit card number and you can always cancel if you find a better rate. They are on all of the islands.

Wow! What a wealth of info I have now! Thanks everyone.
1) Aloha - have decided to "bite the bullet" and take a chance on the North coast in Feb! I think that is really my vision of Maui anyway with the mountains and WATERFALLS! Have contacted several condos in Princeville area. Availability seems very good for my dates. If it rains a lot we will just have to get wet!
Car Rental - My daughter has a Costco card. Will have her check rates for me. If they are good, then I will get a card. (no Costco in my area)
chiSue - We do belong to National's Emerald club. I used it to book the rentals I have. (Still trying to do better.)
iceeu - Good analysis on the Marriott redemption. We now want a condo on the North so will save the points for another trip.

Think I have Kauai fairly set so will now go back to Maui condo problem. Have decided to stay in S. Kihei for many reasons. Got some info from Maui Sunset. It is across the road from the beach. Would I be disappointed if not directly on the beach?

nannibray, the very first time we went to Hawaii (25 years ago), we stayed at Maui Sunset. I thought it was right on the ocean? I do remember it was the first time I had ever been able to see the sun just disappear from view and thought it was the most gorgeous sight I had ever seen! We just stood on the lawn at Maui Sunset. I would definitely stay there again.

Did you find a place on Kaua'i yet? Check out vrbo.com or even better and smaller is summitpacific.com You will love staying North!

Maui Sunset is oceanfront in North Kihei -- not a nice swimming/snorkeling beach, but an OK property. It has more long-term rentals than I'd like, but you aren't staying very long. Good beaches are Sugar Beach and the three Kamaole Beach Parks in S. Kihei. (Virtually all of the long coast of Kihei is on "South Kihei Road", but only the portion near the Kamaoles is considered "South Kihei".)

North Kihei and Maalaea have less expensive rentals. Central Kihei is mostly residential.

This site has aerials and reviews. To be walking distance to the Kamaole beaches, start with Maui Vista and go south. www.wizardpub.com There are affordable condos directly across from the beaches. Kihei Road is 20 MPH; sometimes you can really drive that fast along the Kamaole beaches! LOL

what the heck is wrong with long-term rentals?

Chi Sue - iceeu2 - So do you think it is better to be ACROSS the road in S. Kihei than to be ON THE BEACH at Maui Sunset? The grounds at Maui Sunset are very pretty. The condos across the road seem more commercial and less grassy landscapes. Do you agree? I talked to one agent (who had no units in her complex) and she recommended to be across the road and BE IN S. Kijei. The complexes across the road are even a bit cheaper than Maui Sunset.
BUT -- we will not spend much time laying on the beach. But would be nice to have it close and convenient .
the other complex I am lookig at is: Kihei Akahi #C607. Need for 6 nights - Feb 13 to 19.
Maui Sunset is A407.

nan, wish I could comment on where to stay on Maui, but I don't really have a clue. Only know that we stayed at Maui Sunset and it was fine!

Did you check discounthawaiicarrental.com for rental cars? I just checked and for a mid sized car for a week is $158 base rate and total of $237 in March on The Big Island and also on Kaua'i. This is unlilmited miles and no charge for additional driver.

I typically find that discounthawaiicarrental.com is the same price as Hotwire--but the difference is that you can cancel with no fee. The only way I've gotten better prices is with Priceline -- but like Hotwire, Priceline requires nonrefundable payment in advance.

Renting where there are more long-term rentals often means more coming and going as workers leave for various shifts, kids are in and out, people have parties -- normal living, but it can be annoying for vacationers. Some vacation rental complexes have 'quiet hours'. (Ours is 10 p.m. - 8 a.m.)

The difference here is being a stroll away from swimming and snorkeling and being 'on sand'. Most BEACHfront condos are older, with smaller units, yet they rent for more.

Condos across from the Kamaole beaches sell for more than those in North Kihei that are not on good beaches. 'The market' thinks they are superior. Condos in Wailea sell for more than those in Kihei too!

If you aren't USING a beach, Sunset may be perfect for you. You'll have a car. You can drive to sample lots of great beaches and restaurants in South Maui. *I* am happy with a nice unit that has ocean view!

You would almost always pay less per night for a full week in a condo than six nights + cleaning fee + resort fee (if any).

Thank you again!!
iceeu2 - I just saved BIG on car rentals. ($100 per week on each of Maui, Kauai and BI) thanks to your recommendation - discounthawaiicarrental.com!!!
Big HUG to you!!
ChiSue - I have had such FUN on www.wizardpub.com!! Thanks. The aerial views are most helpful. I have now decided I want to be in S Kehei at the Kamaole Sands! It is across from a prime beach and the grounds are beautiful. Have inquired at several units (vrbo and flipkey) but have had NO response yet. Hope it is because of the weekend. Also am now working on North shore of Kauai and like The Cliffs and Sealodge - both at Princeville. Again, no responses yet but hope it is due to the weekend. Have not tackled BI yet. only 4 days there and am flying home from HILO. Should I fly INTO Kona - stay 2 nights, drive across island, stay 2 nights in Hilo or just stay all 4 nights in Hilo??
Thanks for sharing!

I think you'll like Kam Sands if you get a refurbished unit. (We'll be just down the way at our condo at Maui Kamaole.)

May I ask what rate you got through the 'discount' site? I've never been lucky with them, but am willing try again!

Some people love Hilo. I'm not one of them. Hilo almost never dries out -- nice if you are an orchid, an insect, or mold. (I have mild asthma.) It's mainly a government town and commercial port, and has sort of prided itself on its' distain for tourists. You could stay Kohala area and take the northern route through Waimea and along the Hamakua Coast for an overnight (two?) at Volcano. (Honestly, I'd just plan into ITO with two nights Volcano, then home, presuming VNP is the main reason for this island in such a short time.)

ChiSue - the rental car (economy) for 7 days total is $211.65 for Maui and $210.72 for Kauai.
Have not reserved BI yet because don't know which airport we will fly into.
The units I have inquired are from private owners and their units look nice with views to the ocean.
Thanks for suggestions for BI. So fly into Kona - 2 nights on the Kohala coast- drive to volcano via route you suggested (will this take all day?), stay Volcano 2 nights - then fly home from Hilo 9:30 p.m.?