3 Or 4 Islands in 13 Days - Which is More Realistic?
 

Just heading to Hawaii the end of September for our honeymoon. Thanks for all your great tips - my question. Is it realistic to be able to hit four islands in 13 days? Don't want to spend our whole time traveling. Just wonder what it's like inter-island - do you really lose close to a day traveling each time?

Would like to hit Oahu for a day or two to see Pearl Harbour, etc. If you had to give up one of the others (Maui, Kauai or the Big Island) which would it be? Which would you suggest starting at?

Thanks to all.

Canadian Honeymooner

It is realistic as my wife and I have done it. Also Hilton Waikoloa, known as Hawaii's disneyland by some, is a great family resort on the upscale Kohala coast. You might additionally consider staying at the adjacent Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriot (~200/nite) and visit Hilton as needed.
The best rates for staying on Hawaii are usually found with condo's check out site www.vrbo.com for example, though they usually require a minimum stay of a few days or more. Also we have found that if you use a travel agency located in hawaii (you can find by searching internet) they can put together condo's or hotel and or flight packages often cheaper than what you find online at expedia, travelocity, orbitz, etc. Hawaiian travel agents also seem to get the best deals on interisland flights if you happen to be booking any of your hotel or condo stay through them. If you want to save, spend more time at condo's than hotels. :S-

It can be done, but that many islands in 13 days means a lot of lost time in airports or on planes. I suggest no more than 2 islands for a trip of 13 days. You can squeeze in 3.

I think no more than 3 in 13 days is good. If I had to skip one of the islands on your list, given that your already going to Oahu you should pass on Maui. Oahu and Maui are two fo the more commercialized islands. The Big Island and Kauai have a lot more in the way of nature. The Big Island is known for its volcanos and moonscape landscape on the west side (Kona and Kohala Coast). The east side (Hilo) is like a tropical rain forest. The island of Kauai is very green and tropical as well.

On the Big Island, when I was there we stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows which I highly recommend.

As I suggested on your other post, with 13 days I personally wouldn't do more than 2 islands....3 if you want to include Oahu for a day or two.

How exciting to be planning your honeymoon. I also went to Hawaii at the end of Sept (a long time ago) for my honeymoon. You might want to start on Oahu for a couple of nights so that you can see Pearl Harbor. Then I'd stick with just two others. The other two I'd choose would be Kauai and Maui. Both great places and you'd have a good mix of activities.

Best to you.

Please skip Oahu and go directly to Kauai.I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO disappointed with Oahu. Kauai is EXTEMELY beautiful!!!