18 Nights in Hawaii - How many Nights on Each Island?
Aug 19th, 2012, 07:06 PM
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18 Nights in Hawaii - How many Nights on Each Island?
We have air award tickets into Maui and out of Hilo, Hawaii in February.
The total number of nights on the Islands will be 18.
We begin in Maui -
Fly to Kauai then
Fly to the Big Island from which we will fly home from Hilo. (Inter Island flights are NOT booked)
My research shows that to rent a car for 4,5,or 6 nights costs the same (nearly) as to rent
for a week. (Also condo rentals want a week for the best rate.) So my thoughts were:
Maui - 7 nights
Kauai - 7 nights
B Island - 4 nights
However, I am beginning to question this plan because the Big Island is, well, BIG.
Background: in 1988 we were on Ohau for 3 nights and Maui for 4 nights.
I KNOW that I want 7 nights on Kauai for sure since we have not been there.
Should I take some nights from Maui and add to Big Island? In 1988 we had 3 daughters with us
aged 19, 16, 10. On that trip we did drive the road to Hana, (marvelous)! but did not do much else.
Seems to me that the best two Islands are Maui and Kauai.
I need your help and opinions to get the right "feel" for this trip before I book Condos!
ALSO: What is the best Condo location for Maui? West coast just north of Kaanapali , South coast near Kilei, or the Lahaina area?
Condo budget is $200 night. (Would like to get ocean view, on the beach for that)?? We like to tour, not too much time in the water, and just relax. We are Seniors.
Thank you travelers!
The total number of nights on the Islands will be 18.
We begin in Maui -
Fly to Kauai then
Fly to the Big Island from which we will fly home from Hilo. (Inter Island flights are NOT booked)
My research shows that to rent a car for 4,5,or 6 nights costs the same (nearly) as to rent
for a week. (Also condo rentals want a week for the best rate.) So my thoughts were:
Maui - 7 nights
Kauai - 7 nights
B Island - 4 nights
However, I am beginning to question this plan because the Big Island is, well, BIG.
Background: in 1988 we were on Ohau for 3 nights and Maui for 4 nights.
I KNOW that I want 7 nights on Kauai for sure since we have not been there.
Should I take some nights from Maui and add to Big Island? In 1988 we had 3 daughters with us
aged 19, 16, 10. On that trip we did drive the road to Hana, (marvelous)! but did not do much else.
Seems to me that the best two Islands are Maui and Kauai.
I need your help and opinions to get the right "feel" for this trip before I book Condos!
ALSO: What is the best Condo location for Maui? West coast just north of Kaanapali , South coast near Kilei, or the Lahaina area?
Condo budget is $200 night. (Would like to get ocean view, on the beach for that)?? We like to tour, not too much time in the water, and just relax. We are Seniors.
Thank you travelers!
Aug 19th, 2012, 07:46 PM
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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.
If you want to see more of the island, drive a longer distance, then i would go for seven days there.
Aug 20th, 2012, 04:24 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 20th, 2012, 04:29 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 20th, 2012, 08:20 AM
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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!
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!
Aug 20th, 2012, 08:27 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 20th, 2012, 09:55 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 20th, 2012, 01:02 PM
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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?
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?
Aug 20th, 2012, 01:59 PM
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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.
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.
Aug 20th, 2012, 02:56 PM
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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).
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).
Aug 20th, 2012, 04:50 PM
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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??
Note - on Kauai we will be at the Marriott Coconut Beach Resort for 4 nights. Might not do as much driving while staying there??
Aug 20th, 2012, 05:26 PM
#13
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?
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?
Aug 21st, 2012, 05:30 AM
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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.
Aug 21st, 2012, 11:04 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 21st, 2012, 11:37 AM
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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.
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.
Aug 21st, 2012, 12:07 PM
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>>
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)
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)
Aug 21st, 2012, 07:22 PM
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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?
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?
Aug 21st, 2012, 07:49 PM
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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.
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.
