I have finally successfully booked the air with our skysaver miles on Delta to Hawaii for next August. We are planning 3 nights on Oahu at the Hale Koa, then we will go to Kauai and Maui. There will be 5 of us; 2 in their twenties, and a 17 year old. Options are 5 nights on Kauai, 9 on Maui or 6 and 8. We love Maui but we haven't stayed in Poipu yet. (Our last trip to Kauai was on the north shore). Any opinions?

Six nights is enough to do Kauai justice, try to sneak in a copter ride... Poipu is great and also likely to have better weather... have fun!

I enjoy it so much, I would spend every night at the Hale Koa. It is the one place that you don't even have to leave the grounds in order to have a great time. You will absolutely love it.

If you're eligible to stay at the Hale Koa, check out the cottages at Barking Sands on Kauai. We were there this past May for 3 days -- could/should have stayed there for the week.

We do like the Hale Koa. Everyone is very friendly, including all of he guests. Where can you go and have the person at the pool next to you offer to buy you a drink? We really enjoyed the Luau on our last visit as well; clearly the most affordable luau in all of Hawaii. I would like to stay at Barking Sands but my husband is concerned that it will be too hot in August and that our sons will feel a bit isolated there.

Hi Dawn, I also just answered your post about Kauai condos.
Re; the heilcopter ride, don;'t feel bad if you miss it. They are outrageously expensive (especially when you multiply by all your family members) and you can have just as much fun, and see plenty, from one of the boat trips such as Holoholo Charters.

Also, PLEASE read the recent posts here on Kauai heli crashes, one of which happened just last week. I've donreheli ride on Kauai, but never again. I know not everyone will agree with me--just my opnion-- for me, it would never again be worth the risk of losing an entire vacationing family group even for some spectacular views.

Calinurse, You are so right. On our first trip to Hawaii we were in the concierge room with an FAA officer. He told us how a couple of years before they shut down every helicoptor tour operator for faulty safety and maintainance records. He said that they improved but he nor his family would ever ride in them. The girl that worked the concierge room spoke up and said that the "tourists are so brave, we locals would never go in them". She said that her father, who was a policeman on Kauai had to ride in them as part of his job and he didn't think they were safe. Too many conflicting air currents etc. Not worth the $$$ nor the risk. We will do the Na Pali coast trip. We couldn't the last time because of the Outrigger canoe races.

Thanks for replying, Dawn. I always fear making an "anit-Kauai helicopter" comment on this board. BTW, I wouldn't take a tourist helicopter ANYWHERE, especially in an area where the flight is near the edge of mountains--such as Mt Waialale, or Grand Canyon AZ
The boats are cheaper, safer, and IMHO lots more fun!! NO risk of being squeezed in like a sardine, which stil happens on helicopter rides if you're not lucky with their seating plan.

June 2004 We did a 17 night Hawaii trip with 3 days Oahu 7 BI and 7 Kauai
It was great. I devided my stay on the Big Island between Hilo and Kona I wish I would have spent more time in Hilo I love that area and the volcano was the highlight of my trip. But next to the lava was the Helicopter trip in Kauai. OMG it is so beautiful. It you don't beleave in God you will after a Helicopter tour it almost moves you to tears. We went with Jack Harter Helicopters and it was worth every penny. Nice people pilot was not only easy on the eyes but very personable and an great pilot. My husband has been a pilot for 25++ years and we own a crop dusting business. We all felt very safe.

DawnCt, my only comment on your itinerary would be that I would give at least two more nights to Oahu, plus doing 5/Kauai and 7/Maui. There is so much beauty and so much to do on Oahu ... I love all the islands, but feel that most people simply don't realize all that Oahu has to offer. Whatever you do, have a fabulous trip!

Hi Bonnie, this will be our forth trip to Oahu, and you are right, we really do like it a lot. We have done the PCC, the Missouri and Arizona, hiked Diamond Head, Haunama Bay, visited the North Shore, Bellows on the east side, the zoo, and shopping. This trip I would love to go to the Iolani Palace and China town, and perhaps the Dole Plantation. Is the Plantation worthwhile? I also want to visit the new PX at Pearl Harbor. I heard that it is wonderful!.

Dawn, We visited the Dole Plantation -- it has a very nice gift shop and an outdoor garden with samples of their pineapple growing. They wanted around $15 for the two of us to ride a train around the plantation, but we passed.

The Navy Exchange at Pearl is the largest NEX in the world. They have everything there. It was so big, I lost my wife for an hour. Gave her too much time to shop.

Oh, okay, DawnCt .... Gotcha! So you're already an Oahu fan, just not planning a lot of time there this trip. I understand your dilemma, as to which island to stay how long on. My husband and I never seem to get enough time on any of them ...

The Dole Plantation I have not visited, but reading about it, it doesn't sound quite like what I go to Hawaii for. But to each their own thing .... You couldn't have a bad time there 'cause you'd be in Hawaii!

Dole Pineapple is a good stop if you are going to or from the north shore.

It is not worth a separate trip to see.

The gift shop is nice, but very expensive.

The pineapple garden exhibits are nice. The carp pond is nice.