I should add, too, that we are light packers, and packing/unpacking takes very little time for us.

Also: There WAS one hotel where we had to wait a significant time to check in...the Grand Wailea in Maui.

Gellers, I think you bring up a good point--the luggage must be carry on, not checkin. if you have checked baggage, that adds a ton of time to the whole process! I just flew to Hilo from Honolulu on the 11 a.m. flight. Left the office at 9:55, got to the airport at 10:15 (heavy traffic), went through security 3 times (due to something funny in my purse) and still had to wait a bit before boarding started. Got to Hilo in time for lunch. But I had no baggage...

6 islands in 10 days? It could be done but it would be pointless because you couldn't see even the top 5 attractions on each island in that time....not to mention not have time to enjoy the beauty!

We just did 3 islands in 9 days and I'm a VERY aggressive traveler and this ended up being a pretty aggressive trip since it meant we were staying in a different spot every night (in order to fully get around the 3 islands).

Check out my website at www.gladtravel.com. We've got lots more good tips from the experts!

I wouldn't do more than two islands in 10 days myself. As other posters has said, the selection of islands depends on what you are into. I personally like Maui and Kauai best. Although, I liked Oahu and the Big Island as well. I would suggest at least a week on the Big Island to do it justice. I've only been to Lanai on a day trip, and haven't been to Molokai.

Since Smiles said real clear right from the start that their goal is to visit ALL the islands, I'm still suggesting a cruise would be ideal for them. Also less fuss over making an itinerary and all the hotel and interisland flight arrangements.

It might not be what you or I would choose to do with 10 days in Hawaii, but could be just the ticket for them.

hahahhaaaaaa ... I forgot about the OP's original goal! Smiles, if your goal is still to see all islands in that short amount of time, then yes, a cruise might be an option. I don't think you'll see a whole LOT, but if you intend to return then it's not too bad. I just got off a mini-cruise here in Hawaii and I didn't feel like there was enough time to explore each city fully. The time spent in each port was enough to get a small taste so I'd know what to look for when I returned for a longer independent visit.

So Mel....Do we get a trip report???

=D>

Yes Mel, I too would like to hear about your mini cruise: on what cruise line, how many nights, what ports, etc.

Oh, that hawaiitips.com website is great. My top two were tied even Maui and Kauai. Then Big Island and Oahu a close 3 and 4. Very interesting. :-)

I concur that hopping takes a 1/2 day. The best/ fasted hop I had was Maui to Kauai. We actually got checked in before noon, cause it was a B&B. We went out to lunch right after.

Oh....hee hee! Sorry, no trip report because my little cruise was done as part of my work at Aloha Tower Marketplace, more of a custom made thing and I was on the clock 1/2 the time! (I was on Holland America and the ship was lovely.)

I do know that NCL offers such mini cruises between islands though.

Ok. Wow, was I a dummy about Hawaii.hehe. We are now planning on 2 islands. My husband thinks it is a must to visit the active volcanoes on the big island, so it is one choice. We are trying to decide on the second island. I have been reading Hawaii for dummies and I think I have narrowed it down to Maui and Oahu. They just seem to have more to do. You all seem to have your heads on you when it comes to Experience in Hawaii, so I would love some opinions on which Island...or anything else. I must add that we are not drinkers so the pubs or night parties are not something we are interested in unless there is something going on that is a entertaining factor other than booze :~) WE would love to add in snorkling, hiking, sight seeing, volcanoes, and of course the beach (uncrowded beaches). I know there is plenty more to do, but I am still "educating myself".lol
We would probably fly into the second island we choose and spend a few days there and then head to the big island. Any suggestions is GREATLY appreciated. As long as I dont have to read through bickering about how long it takes to fly to another island (teasing)!
Smilesfromga

I did four islands in 10 days back in 1996 (younger days) but wouldn't want to do it again unless by ship. Not to say that I didn't enjoy it - I had a blast. Went to Kauai (2 days) first then to the Big Island (2 days), next to Maui (3 days) and then last to Ohau (3 days).