azureashe

For the first five days of our honeymoon we'll be on Kauai and now need to make a decision on the second island to spend a week on. Originally, we thought Molokai would be a good choice, but are concerned there won't be enough to keep us interested. Now we're considering Maui or the Big Island with a short trip to Molokai and/or the other island we won't be staying on. We're both interested in snorkeling, hiking and lounging on the beach and I also like to take in some cultural places (museums/galleries/markets) so we'd like to stay where there's more for us to do, but also where it's easy for us to get to the other islands.

Between Maui or the Big Island would it be better to be on Maui since it's more central to Molokai and the Big Island? I've found airlines that travel to the islands, but is there also a boat/ferry that can take you to/from either island (FI prefers a boat)? Or is island hopping so easy that it doesn't matter which island you're on; boats or planes can be easily taken from either?

TIA

Ag3046

If you have another 7 days, I wouldn't try to do Maui and Hawaii and Molokai. Too much time wasted in airports.

I would suggest a week on Hawaii (The Big Island). You could be at a super resort on the Kona Coast, and visit the Place of Refuge, Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, one of the several sacred Heiau. A week on TBI is not too much time.

egret

I would go to Maui. Absolutly beautiful.

optimystic

I think you can do a day trip to Molokai from Maui on a ferry, though the ferry takes a while. I think Maui Revealed may have information on doing a day trip to Molokai. Also googling brings a few links up.

I would recommend choosing Maui and doing a day trip to Molokai if you want. I wouldn't do 2 trips from Maui to other islands because this is too much. I did a day trip to the BI whilst staying on Oahu some years ago - a day wasn't long enough to do it justice, it was just a day spent racing around the island to get the plane home. Very tiring.

There is lots of snorkelling and hiking on Maui (definitely do the Pipiwai trail - amazing!). In my opinion its better to take time to explore one or two islands more than race around every island you can. You'll get far more out of your honeymoon that way (IMO!).

trippinkpj

We took a second Honeymoon 10 years ago, spending one week on Maui and one on Kauai. A great trip with plenty to do, or you can do a combo of busy days and relaxing days. My favorite way to spend a vacation in HI.

karameli

Honestly, the interisland flights are so short and easy that you should just pick the island you're more interested in. The flight from BI to Oahu (which flies over Maui) is only 35 minutes.

LindaSus

you could also do a day trip lanai from maui. Either a ferry over, or a boat trip that includes snorkeling.

iamq

Buy some extra bug spray and stay on Kaua'i.

plia

trippinkpj

We did the ferry trip over the Lanai from Maui, and really enjoyed our day. I'd like to try the snorkel trip to Lanai sometime.

kamahinaohoku

I'd go to Maui. There's lots to do (or not...) You could easily fit in a one day trip to Molokai. The ferry from Maui to Molokai usually takes 75-90 minutes. It leaves from Lahaina Harbor at 7:15am. To fly to Molokai from Maui involves a VERY early flight from OGG on a small plane. Best to take the ferry. Go to http://www.molokaiferry.com/ferry.html

Just remember you need a reservation on the ferry!

Doing a one day trip from the Big Island to Molokai is pretty much impossible.

MerryTravel

It's not as easy to take a day trip to another island, but if you're looking for culture I think the Big Island has a clear advantage to Maui.

kanunu

Kauai and Maui are a great combination, quite reasonable logistically (my wife and I did that trip in 2005), and as noted in a previous post, you can easily throw in a day trip on a ferry to Molokai, and even Lanai. Where else but on Molokai can you easily find a beautiful tropical beach, and have it all to yourself (or almost?) Its quite a change of pace over there, and might inspire you to spend more time there in future….. I know that I will!

trippinkpj

If I had a week, I wouldn't go to the Big Island. I would save BI for when I had 2 weeks to really explore. We spent 1 week there a few years ago, and it just wasn't long enough. As I said before in this post, I suggest Maui for your 2nd island.

kamahinaohoku

Sorry MerryTravel, but I can't see where the Big Island has a "clear advantage" over Maui for culture. Maui has Lahaina, which was once the capital of Hawaii, and is still (though filled with shops) filled with historical significance. So are the Iao Valley, Haleakala Crater, Hana, Kula, Makawao and up-country Maui. Hiking in the West Maui Mountains (one of my favorites), biking, SCUBA, snorkeling: while not cultural, are great to do on Maui. Maui is lucky: it has both some of the high energy and some of the laid back relaxation of the other islands. A great combination in MHO.

And while the Big Island has its good points as well, I can't agree that it has a "clear advantage" over Maui.

Norden1

picking an island is almost like picking your favorite Kid. Every Island
has its own unique beauty, so no matter which Island you pick it will be the right choice.