MaryAlex

Hi Guys,

I am indecisive and need some serious help.

I land in Honolulu at 11am on 25th of June. I then fly out from Honolulu at 1pm on 8th of July. This gives me 13 nights and 13 days (discounting the last day).

I am spending some time in Honolulu as going with my brother and we want to be there for 4th of July. He is flying to the Big island on the 5th of July for a work-paid holiday. I have however have exactly one month and have no booked anything except my flight and visa. I can not decide where to go..I know I want to swim with the turtles and do all the Pearl Habour stuff.

I guess living in Australia and being spoiled by the reefs.. I need more than just snorkelling and nice beaches. Now the volcanic stuff did interest me, however I have been to NZ and have done/experienced this.

I want to keep it to two islands or should I stick to one? I don't want to push for 3 islands as I don't want to be moving around so much and also it does cost a few hundred each flight. I'm travelling with hubby.

Help!
Also any tips on locations to stay would be so helpful.

MaryAlex

Just to add. I have been researching... I just can't make a decision. This is my first trip to Hawaii. I would like to add, we plan on renting a car.

Kathie

I'd choose two islands. You have a nice amount of time to explore.

But I don't recommend that you just stay on Oahu from the time you arrive until your brother flies to the big island, unless you are content to spend your whole time on Oahu, as you would then have only a couple of days for a different island. I'd suggest you immediately fly to your second island, then return just before the July 4th holiday, since you want to spend it in Honolulu. Oahu has lovely less populated areas - it is not all Honolulu - take a look at the North Shore.

The islands are quite different from each other. Get yourself a good guidebook on Hawaii and look at lot of pictures to give you a sense of the differences among the islands. Once you have chosen a second island, we can help you decide what are to stay in.

For volcanoes, the big island is the place to go. If you want someplace with nightlife, I'd suggest Maui. I love Kauai as it is so lush and green, but it has little/no nightlife.

jamie99

North Shore of Kauai would be gorgeous that time of year. I have seen turtles several times at Tunnels up there. You may also see a monk seal sunning themselves, usually volunteers rope them off so visitors do not disturb them.

nanabee

As I understand it you have an entire month to spend in Hawaii? I'd stay on Oahu for the 13 nights with your brother like you planned which leaves you approximately 17 days? I'd split that up to about a full week in Kauai then a full week in either Maui or the Big Island.

MaryAlex

Hey Nanabee. I have 13 nights in total. I leave on 25th of June and fly back on the 8th of July.

I'm struggling to decide which island and for how long and I need to start booking things.

sf7307

Nanabee, I was confused too, but I just re-read the first post - MaryAlex has a month to PLAN her trip, but 13 days in Hawaii.

sf7307

Since you want to be on Oahu for July 4th, it seems you have two choices - fly off to another island for 6 days immediately, or stay on Oahu and leave on the 5th. Either would work.

Where you go (in addition to Oahu) depends on what you like and what you want to do. It might help if you read this thread, which contains descriptions of the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ew-year.cfm?10

MaryAlex

Okay I've made a booking lol. Still have more to go..

I've booked the Hilton Waikiki Beach from the 1st to 8th of July (though I can change dates if needed with this booking with no fee). I think I want to stay 1-2 nights on the North Shore. I'll also have a car for the whole trip - though looking into day hiring to avoid parking fees at hotel in Waikiki

I'm feeling like maybe another island from 25th of June and fly back to Ohau on the 29th July - go straight to North Shore or other part of Oahu and stay there for 2 nights (29th, 30th).

MaryAlex

I was also contemplating the Pride of America NCL cruise can get the cruise 25th of June to 2nd of July. That way I can see all the islands.. and not need to pick.. but I've never been on a cruise and not sure if I'd enjoy it. Also NCL cruise doesnt provide a lot of information on the ship facilities etc.

MaryAlex

Okay so decided to not do the cruise as it would cost approx 4k AU for one week. I am still undecided between Maui and Kauai. I really like the views I see of Kauai.. but don't like the idea of being woken up by roosters. I also worried I'd pick the wrong area.. I want to be able to swim/snorkel without driving 2 hours to get somewhere. I'd like a nice beautiful beach. The napoli coast looks amazing, but I am hesitant about taking a helicopter ride, though I'd do the kayaking and some hiking but my OH he is not as fit as me and would not enjoy all day hikes.

I am hence tossing between Maui.. which doesn't look as pretty in pictures, but a lot of people seem to love it.. so can't be too bad.

Again, I want to swim with the turtles, go out sailing, beautiful scenery. I don't like doing that many "planned tours" but like renting a car and doing it ourselves.

I'm not into going out to bars, we tend to explore all day and then just go out for dinner, but were open to doing things/experiencing things at night if its something good and that I can't do at home in Australia.

So in all have 6 nights (25th of June/ Leaving for Oahu 1st of July) to spend one one of the other islands. I don't want to go to both Kauai and Maui to reduce traveling time but also cost. Hawaii is more expensive than I thought.

In Oahu I'm staying at the Hilton Waikiki Beach (No resort fees). This is already booked.

sf7307

Upcountry Maui is beautiful. Inside the resort areas its beautiful. The ocean views are beautiful. The difference is Kauai is strikingly beautiful everywhere you look, (in my opinion of course).

Kathie

you say "I want to be able to swim/snorkel without driving 2 hours to get somewhere." No worries about that. Kauai is a small island. If you want ready access to snorkeling, I'd stay in the Poipu area. It's also the area with the best weather. The Poipu area also has number of good restaurants.

We go to Kauai every year and have never taken a helicopter ride. I find them annoying - noisy, intrusive. The best way IMO to see the Napali coast is via boat - lots of choices, all very similar trips. And you are very likely to see whales up close and personal from the boat.

I'm not a hiker, but my sweetie is. So she hired a guide to take her hiking in a remote area. She loved it and felt it was well worth the money.

One of the things we enjoy on Kauai is visiting the Allerton Gardens every year. They are amazing, close to Poipu and have a number of different tours of the gardens. Check it out if that interests you.

lahamlet

Looking at some of these post and your interest, between Maui and Kauai i am thinking Kauai is your best bet. Great diving and the island is very lush, look at the ATV rides , I think it is called Kipu Ranch?. Dont miss diving in the North and a great hike that traverses the Napali coast??. And a boat trip around the Napali Coast, departing from the North side which cuts down your travel time to the Coast. Maui is also very nice (Hani Highway), but has more night life which you posted your not big on. Have fun.

Inakauaidavidababy

I'm not convinced with Kathies suggestion of Poipu that time of year. Yet I could be completely wrong. But in my experience visiting that time of year the south waters can get dangerously choppy that time of year, and the north is usually easily approachable that time of year. Hanalei gets more and more expensive each year. Supply and demand. However Princeville has some good condo options at all price points.

Songdoc

I'll make it easy for you:

Kauai -- North Shore. You will love it.

jamie99

Agree with songdoc, stay on the North Shore.

Kathie

Oops - at that time of their, the north shore will be better than when I go to Kauai - February/March.

MaryAlex

I just wanted to update this thread.

I loved Hawaii. I was just reminded by all my Facebook memories these last two weeks as it's been exactly a year since I returned to Melbourne.

I went to Maui and Oahu and had a great time. The only thing I wouldn't do again was The road to Hana. My highlight was a Sail Maui day snorkelling trip I did. In Oahu I loved the Diamond Head walk.

Before I went to Hawaii, I would have said, I don't plan on going again. Now, I would love to go back. Two islands was the best choice.

suze

Thanks for posting. I love reading how things worked out when people check back in. Glad you loved Hawaii!