So the wife and I are going to HI for the first time in April. We're spending a couple of transition days in Honolulu, and then we have five more days to plan. We've never been to Maui or the Big Island, so the question is whether to spend five days on one island or the other, or to try and split time, two days on one and three on the other, or to try and just maybe do a day trip to one. We want to do some activities, but we will also spend some time just lounging at the beach reading. I appreciate any feedback.

I'd stick with one, and just relax and explore. It's hard to cram so many activities into 2 days, and then have to pack and go to airport and get acclimated to a different island and hotel. You can always go back there and do the other islands in the future. Just my opinion.

I agree with the above post, you will burn the better part of a day flying from one island to another by time you pack, drive, fly, drive, unpack etc. Either Island has plenty to keep a first timer occupied for 5 days.

Same opinion. One island.

If you try to do too much, you won't do it well.

well it's already 2 islands since you're on Oahu at the start for a few days. I would definitley pick either maui or BI for the next 5 days, not try to do both. get in the aloha spirit, it's not about rushing around. if you attempt 3 islands in a week... well there goes that "time just lounging at the beach reading".

I'd stick with one other island. Four years ago, we spent 4 nights on Maui and 4 on Oahu. It was probably long enough on Oahu, but I like spending more like 5-7 on another island. For a first timer I would recommend Maui. The big island is so big, you really need at least a week.

Thanks for all the responses. If we go with just one island, do people recommend Maui over the BI? Any hotel recommendations for Maui? We were thinking about staying at the Four Seasons, but we'd also like a nice beach and I don't know the area.

Five days = 1 island.

The 4S BI is WONDERFUL! Be sure to plan a spa treatment.

The Four Seasons Maui is incredible too. I highly recommend it!

The BI doesn't have a lot of sandy beaches, as it is a young volcanic Island. Be sure to ask at prospective hotels if there is one nearby if it is important.

I think for a first visit, I would go with Maui, but I far prefer my time on the BI, but that is a personal preference. You can't go wrong either way.

" you will burn the better part of a day flying from one island to another by time you pack, drive, fly, drive, unpack etc. "

No, you won't, if you plan it properly. But that said, I'd stick with 5 days on one island. You need at least 4 days for either Maui or the B.I.

The B.I. is my absolute favorite, but I agree you should do Maui if it's your first time on an outer island. A little easier to navigate. Both islands have amazing resorts! Have fun!