My DH and I are thinking of using our ff miles to fly to Kauai this summer. We were in Maui a number of years ago for 10 days and it was wonderful. This time my DH wants to go for 2 weeks since we are coming from Ohio. We are thinking of staying just on Kauai. Is 2 weeks too long for 1 island? We love beaches, kayaking, hiking and enjoying natural beauty. We are both in our 50's so nightlife is of no interest to us. Is it easy to daytrip to another island?

2 weeks is plenty of time to have nice times on two islands. Heck, you could probably even fit in a couple of days in Waikiki as well. Day trips don't make sense there.

Kauai is very green and lush, you could consider the Big Island as a second choice, it's quite different. The BI is structured a little bit like a giant Maui, with an active volcano. Great hikes in the Volcano national park. Great hikes on Kauai, too, for that matter!

No it is not easy to daytrip as if you wanted to go to Maui, flying Hawaiian you would have to go through Honolulu first (unless you wanted to fly Island Air which flies turboprop planes).

Either stay the whole time on Kauai, or split and spend part of your time on another island.

fluff, we spent 9 days in Maui on our first trip to Hawaii. For our next trip, we did a combo of Kauai and the Big Island - they are a great pairing, and we loved them both. If you're going to be there two weeks, I'd definitely take advantage and see another island as well.

If we did the 2 islands, would 3 or 4 days be enough on the big island? That would give us 8 or 9 on Kauai. I'm going to see if we can use my ff pts. for a multi-city. Any suggestions where to stay on the B.I.? I am looking at renting a condo on Kauai through vrbo.

We usually almost always go to Kauai for two weeks. It is never long enough. Island hopping is totally overated in my book, but mine is definitely the minority opinion, so listen to the others.

Iamq, let me join your minority! 2 weeks on Kaua`i sounds like heaven to me! We did one trip of 10 days, and spent I think 7 days on the North Shore and 3 days staying in Kalaheo. Doing this kind of trip lets you soak up the beauty and tranquility, and minimizes time spent in the car going back and forth from one side of the island to the other. 2 weeks is NOT too long for one island

3 or 4 days on the Big Island would allow you to see some of the highlights there, but you have to figure in a good amount of drive time to get to the different areas.

fluff, we divided our time on the BI since it's so large - most of it at the Hapuna Beach Prince which is on a gorgeous beach, and then also at Kilauea Lodge by the volcano. We loved both places.

2 weeks in the hellhole = heaven!!!!

go for it. so many little beaches and hikes to explore her glory

consider a beach house in hanalei or condo and absorb the local spirit exploring the island and shopping at farmers market and hanging.

Go for it!!!! Don't muddle it with trying to be a tourist seeing other islands. It is just so unnecessary. Take your time to savour the reason why so many of us return as often as we can for as long as we can......

Fluff -
We spent two weeks on Kauai and they were amazing. We will always treasure that trip. Two weeks in Kauai is not too long!

fluff I am in the camp that two weeks would be HEAVEN!! I have done 10 days on an island...and am never ready to come home!

You could easily spend two weeks on Kauai. If you are concerned about being too long in one place, spend part of your time in the north and then another part in the south - two totally different areas but both spectacular. That way you don't have to waste time with inter-island travel and can get the most out of your time there.

Two weeks would be fab. I am also of the opinion that island hopping is not easy. It used to be easier when you could breeze through the airport, you could jump on whatever interisland flight was available when you got to the airport. Anyway, doing one week on the Northshore and one week on the Southshore would be awesome. I'd recommend a one week house rental and a one week hotel resort stay. Like two vacations in one!

Damn it. I hate being in the majority! Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Another vote for the entire 2 weeks on Kauai. We are going for 2 weeks in May and staying on Kauai the entire time.

Thank you for all your open and honest opinions! My DH isn't too keen on hopping about and thinks that 2 weeks in 1 spot is doable. I may look into changing to the north side 1/2 way. Hanalei or Princeville?? I found a condo through vrbo at PoipuKai that I liked.

We've loved each trip to Kauai and have always stayed in or near Princeville. if you want to do a day trip from there, you might look at Nihauu. On our first trip to Kauai, there was one stoplight - its quite different now but the beaches, mountains, cliffs, etc are spectacular. with two weeks, you'll have time to relax, beach hop, hike, snorkel, take a helicopter ride, see waimea canyon, barking sands beach, kiluea lighthouse, etc, all at a leisurely pace.

Didn't read the replies, but I would prefer to spread that out a bit. We did nine days on Kaui and were able to do our favorite things twice. It's a very small island. And if you haven't been to Oahu, it's a shame to miss it. I would fly into Oahu and spend 4-5 days there before spending the next 9-10 days on Kaui. Oahu is beautiful and it would be great to see the north shore and spend some time in Waikiki before going to the quieter island of Kaui. We lived on Oahu for four months and never got bored.

Lots of great condos in Princeville with a view of Hanalei Bay, the pali and Makana Peak in the distance.

Lots of great cottage/home rentals in Hanalei either on the beach or a short walk away.

napali properties
kauai vacation rentals
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Jealous now.

and remember fluff

if you love Kauai
send your friends to Maui!