al998

Hello,

We’re a couple in our late 20’s living in the North-East looking for a beach holiday in the second half of August. We could go for up to 14 days. We play to spend at least half the day relaxing on the beach (sand is very important). The other half would probably be exploring around in a slow pace. We would like to go to an exotic place.
We usually tend to avoid going on holidays in July/August because of crowds but have no choice this year .

In my opinion, the different choices are :

Hawaii (2 islands in 2 weeks)

California (Beaches and Napa Valley doable?)

The Caribbean (Bahamas, Aruba or St-Martin). Not sure of hurricane season and humidity. We usually go there one week during winter.

Europe (Portugal, Croatia…). August crowds to avoid?

I think that Portugal or Hawaii would be my top 2 choices.
Any help on the destination would be much appreciated.

november_moon

I would probably scratch CA off the list. It doesn't fit the exotic criteria. The CA beaches for lounging around half the day in the sand are mostly in southern California, so that wouldn't pair well with Napa Valley - although there are other wine regions in CA that you could visit. Central CA does have some good beaches too, but coastal fog is an issue in August, so you might have some foggy days and cool temps.

suze

You can't go wrong with Hawaii. It's amazing. Two weeks, two islands would be a perfect introductory trip.

Agreeing with post above, while California is a beautiful state I wouldn't call it "exotic".

al998

Thanks a lot for your replies.

We decided on Hawaii.

Which islands should we go to?

During the day, we plan to relax on the beach and drive around the island for nice sceneries and activities. We don't like to rush and can't do much physical activity like hiking. During the night, good restaurants is a must.

I think that Maui and Oahu would suit us the most, followed by Kauai. Should we just go to the first 2 (I'm thinking 5-6 nights in Oahu and 8-9 in Oahu). Does that sound right or should we try to include Kauai.

Thanks in advance.

charnees

I think Kauai is more exotic than Maui, but that is just my opinion. It's also small, so you can see more driving around for an afternoon. It's much more quiet.

Oahu is more active, has lots, lots more people. Honolulu is a big city, Waikiki is crowded. It will not be exotic except for the landscape and the beach.

suze

For a first trip I think the Oahu/Maui split is a great one. I'd probably divide the time evenly myself.

Just depends the type of activities you want to do and are interested in. On Maui I really enjoyed going up Haleakala crater and the Old Lahaina Luau. Honolulu/Waikiki offers all the things of cultural interesting in addition to the natural beauty, like Pearl Harbor, Iolani Place, Bishop Museum and such. Both islands you can have a great time by just getting a rental car and driving around for day trips to more remote and scenic areas.

hpeabody

With 2 full weeks, 3 islands is doable IMO. Consider 1 week Maui, 4 days Oahu, 3 days Kauai, not necessarily in that order. Try to arrange flights so you do not have have to fly inter-island when you return home. eg: Home-Maui-Kaui-Oahu-Home. You will likely find more flights available home from Oahu, Honolulu.

Placename

I would do two islands, as the first and last days are consumed by traveling, and the first couple days you are fighting serious jetlag.

Oahu first, then Maui. I wouldn't try to squeese Kauai into 3 nights.

suze

I agree with only 2 islands. Trying to squeeze 3 in and you'll "lose" a lot of time changing hotels, to and from airports, flights, etc. If Kauai is a priority, then I'd substitute it for either Maui or Oahu, not add it on.

Songdoc

Don't know if you've read my trip report -- but these pix might move Kauai to the top of your list. It would definitely be on top of my list. But you'll have a great time whichever islands you pick.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymV7oHlm8OQ

MichelleY

Thanks for coming back with your decision. Please do a trip report when you return.