3 weeks in Hawaii
May 5th, 2008, 03:23 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3 weeks in Hawaii
My husband and I are spending 3 weeks in Hawaii in July for our 30th anniversary. Is it feasible to do 4 islands in that time? This is our first trip to the islands and we would like to see as much as possible without wearing ourselves out. Also interested in any good micro-breweries and festivals that might be going on. We are into bicycling, snorkeling, and beachin' it if that helps. Is it necessary to book all accommodations (ie lodging) in advance? Would appreciate any suggestions.
May 5th, 2008, 04:37 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
July is a busy season in Hawaii, because it's the summer holidays. You really need to book accomodations in advance to get the best pricing. Generally, it's one week per island, but if you don't mind hanging around the island airports, you could probably do the 4 major islands.
May 5th, 2008, 05:25 PM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can easily do 4 islands in 3 weeks.
You absolutely need to make reservations for air & hotels in advance in July.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564
You absolutely need to make reservations for air & hotels in advance in July.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564
May 5th, 2008, 07:49 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is festival info at the state tourism site http://www.gohawaii.com/about_hawaii...nts_in_hawaii/
Hawaii magazine also has a listing of special events. The current issue (June) lists events with start dates through the end of June, some of which extend into July.
Hawaii magazine also has a listing of special events. The current issue (June) lists events with start dates through the end of June, some of which extend into July.
May 6th, 2008, 08:06 AM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe you could plan to spend a week each on the BI, Maui, & Kaui with a very early day trip to Oahu if you wanted to see the Arizona Memorial, etc. from Maui or the BI. Or you could fly into Oahu & spend 2 nights there first, then shorten 1 of the other islands to 5 nights. I think you'd still end up with an extra day as my sister said most of the flights back are evening/night.
May 6th, 2008, 08:45 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
If I had 3 weeks (wow - lucky you!), I'd fly into Oahu and stay at least 3 days, then I'd do Maui, Kauai and the Big Island for 5 days each. I'm not even counting travel days, and you only lose 1/2 day traveling between islands, not a whole day. How long you stay on Oahu depends on whether you mostly want a beachy/outdoorsy vacation, or also want to sightsee (longer on Oahu if more sightseeing - things like the Polynesian Cultural Center - are included).
May 6th, 2008, 09:57 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would give O'ahu as much time as the other islands. There are numerous gorgeous beaches on O'ahu. You can snorkel at Hanauma Bay, at Shark's Cove, and at Waimea--just to name three places. Waikiki is really fun and offers a huge range of accomodations. `Iolani Palace is a unique historical treasure www.iolanipalace.org/
May 6th, 2008, 11:15 AM
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think 4 islands in 3 weeks is certainly doable. First time we went, we did 4 islands in just over 2 weeks. We were busy, but didn't feel like we had the "if it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" syndrome. I do agree that 1 week per island is optimal and we did that on a return trip. But if this is your first time, I'd go for it. And yes, I'd make reservations. As noted summers can be busy; no point in taking chances especially if you want to stick with your schedule.
May 6th, 2008, 11:34 AM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We did three weeks/4 islands a few years ago. We started off with 2 days on Oahu, then did a week each on Kauai & Big Island and finished with 5 days on Maui.
DH and I have also done two weeks/three islands. For that we split the time a little more evenly between Oahu, Kauai & Big Island.
ST
DH and I have also done two weeks/three islands. For that we split the time a little more evenly between Oahu, Kauai & Big Island.
ST
May 7th, 2008, 05:20 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all so much for your advice. Now, I would like to see if you have any suggestions for interisland flights. I have looked at Hawaiian Airlines and Go! Are there others that are just as good or better? Any preferences? Also, any deals if you make 4-5 flights in a 3 week period? Thanks in advance, you have all been very helpful.
May 7th, 2008, 07:06 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Factor in 1 day for each island transfer. If you want to do 4 days that is 4 days off your 4 weeks. Your flight may only be 50 minutes but factor in early time to airport, checking into hotel, getting rental car on each island, it all adds up in time.
That might work for you but understand the time involved. my mother did 4 island in 2 weeks and only remembered being on the plane.
That might work for you but understand the time involved. my mother did 4 island in 2 weeks and only remembered being on the plane.
May 7th, 2008, 07:26 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would do four islands in three weeks. Count me as one who enjoys the interisland flights and doesn't mind them ... the scenery is gorgeous! 
I would do about six days on Oahu, and split the other 15 days between Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.
I would do about six days on Oahu, and split the other 15 days between Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.
May 7th, 2008, 07:41 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
The time "lost" traveling between islands is actually a half-day, not a whole day, even when you count getting to the first airport, waiting, flying, getting a car and driving to your next hotel. You should arrive at your hotel on island no. 2 by 1:00-2:00 in each case.
