5 weeks in Hawaii - Really could use some suggestions.
 

We've been only to the Big Island, and that was 3 year ago. My husband has a 5 week sabatical this coming year,
and I thought it might be nice to divide up those 5 weeks spending some time on
each island other than the Big island.
Would love your opinions on how long you would recommend on each of the islands.
We love doing and seeing anything new, snorkeling, scenery, and tours.
NOT the party goers, we don't drink or like the night life that I heard is in Honolulu.
Thought we might rent a small home or condo for a week on each of the islands
unless you have a better suggestion. Also what area of each island would you
think is best for day trips out of. We're an older married couple.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, I value your opinions!!!!!

Highly rec Hilton Hawaiian Village timeshares in Wakiki, Oahu Island. You can ck VBRO or call Hilton Hawaiian Village directly. On the same beach right next door to HH Village Hotel, but has a concierge for schlupping stuff up & down,resvations at other shows, full kitchen for saving money and it is right downtown even tho you don't want night life party, it is still fun to be Downtown..

I think they had one like this on the Big Island, and we just walked the grounds - it was out of our league. But WOW, what a resort, dolphin pool, underground trains for your luggage, and
million dollar art work. Wish we could, but I think a condo or home
for about 130/night is our limit, especially since we are staying
5 weeks. Thank you though, we will probably go for a walk through again. :)

I think you have the right idea. I spent 5 weeks in Hawaii last October.
Did a week condo rental in Honolulu, a week rental on Kauai, a week on the Big Island at Kona, followed by three nights at Volcano Village, then two nights at Honokaa (so 12 nights total on the big island), then a week rental in Maui, followed by three nights in Hana and the two final nights at Wailuku (so 12 nights on Maui). If I had it to do over again, I'm not sure I'd change a thing. (oh yes, I also went to Molokai and rented a car for the day while on Maui).

Well I am most familiar with Kauai as I own a timeshare there at the Marriott. It is a beautiful island with lots of things to do such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, be sure to visit Waimea Grand Canyon and the heartbreakingly beautiful North Shore. I would try for a condo there depending on time of year. Lots of nice helpful posters also over on Trip Advisor including some who live on island.

I would encourage you to spend time in Oahu, too. There are several wonderful museums, lots of great restaurants, and many sights to see. It's just a different side of Hawaii.

THANK YOU!!!
NeoPatrick- Eliminating your 12 nights on Big Island, where would you have added nights to the other islands. I think your similar itnerary could be real helpful. We always rent a car wherever we go, and the weekly rates of cars and condos are cheaper.
So would you say two weeks on Maui, then one week on Oahu, one on
Kauai, and one on Lanai?

Placename- We love museums, wouldn't miss Oahu, thanks.

Jamie99- Looked into North Shore on VRBO, seems more expensive,
must be really great beaches, thanks.

Wow-- all I have to say is how awesome it sounds to have FIVE weeks in Hawaii!

With that much time, you can hit Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. You lucky duck!

I'm not good at relaxing, so I'm probably not the one to ask. But a week on Lanai would bore me silly -- and my one day on Molokai, while a great drive was plenty there.
I suppose if avoiding the Big Island (which was actually my favorite) I'd spend more time on Oahu. I'm not even sure what I would do with more time on Maui than the 12 days I spent, other than incorporating a day trip to Lanai.

If you're looking for hidden gems on the islands, purchase the book's "revealed" (ex: Maui Revealed) to get insights places to go and things to do that are often overlooked. It made our vacation spectacular and saved us $$ avoiding places where we could do the same for free somewhere else. ENJOY.

I am a big fan of Oahu, so I would plan more time there. We have rented houses in Kailua through VRBO. Kailua is a nice town with beautiful beaches and is close to Honolulu/Waikiki for day trips. It is also a good jumping off point for the north shore.
Five weeks! Have fun!

I would be very tempted to spend the entire time in one spot (like Kailua Oahu). There are many benefits to staying put for longer: better rates, easier to relax, time to really explore and see things. But if you feel like moving around consider doing 1 week each in Waikiki (or Kailua), Poipu, Princeville, Kaanapali & Wailea (or Kihei).

The order of visiting is important. You want to start with worst and end with the best, taking into account both accommodation and location. For example, don't stay at the Sheraton Maui the first week and then end in a $80/night Waikiki hotel.

NeoPatrick: Would you be willing to share the condo rentals that you rented & some info on each? We are looking at Hawaii as an option as a winter get away.

Sure, if I can:

Kona: http://www.halekonakai-hkk.com/pages/plans.htm
#404

Honolulu: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND NOTE THE OWNERS ALSO HAVE A UNIT AT halekonakai, which I didn't know at the time.
http://www.ilikaiwaikikicondo.com/

Kauai: http://www.vrbo.com/152385
Only problem was lack of AC except in bedroom and it was quite hot.

Volcano: Kate's Cottage -- scroll down to find it on:
http://www.volcanolodging.com/
GREAT PLACE

My condo in Maui ended up under construction and they advised me just two weeks before when I was already in Hawaii. So I ended up staying in Lahaina at Lahaina Inn. Loved it.

NeoPatrick- I agree on Big Island, we spent more than 2 weeks there and loved every minute, but have never seen the other islands. I apreciate your honesty about a week being too long
on Lenai, especially if the beaches and scenery are similar.
Would 2 weeks on Maui and 2 on Oahu, leaving one on Kaui sound
like a better plan?

Hgjames- THANK YOU, that is good advice. I was needing suggestions
on which towns to stay in. Can't wait until I have time to research the towns you listed.

Ranger Rick, I will be looking on Half.com for those books, or
e-bay... THANK YOU

You are so kind to take the time to help me. Fodorites are the BEST.

Staying put and getting to know an island is a rare luxury these days. We have been to all the islands and offer this suggestion: Two weeks on Oahu, two weeks on Kauai and one week on Maui. The "No Worries Hawaii" guidebook will give you an excellent overview of outdoor activities, sounds like you enjoy snorkeling and hiking. Pick out a Waikiki hotel using your Fodor's for Oahu and start your vacation there. We like the Aqua chain (mid-range) or go deluxe and stay at the Hilton.

I love Oahu. Honolulu is not only about partying or nightlife. It is rich with cultural things to see and do (Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor, etc.)

For me I'd pick Oahu and either Kauai or Maui and split the time 3 weeks/2 weeks between just two islands.

I might also split the time 2/2/1 (or so)....and the idea of renting in Kailua would be heaven!

I HIGHLY recommend Kauai over Oahu if you're not a party-goer and more of an adventurer. Kauai is breath-taking and absolutley spectacular. Sooooo many waterfalls and hiking routes to see. If you want to stay centrally located in Kauai, i recommend to stay in Lihue- preferrably the Kauai Marriott. Its a spectacular resort and is centrally located to all major attractions. About 30 minutes from South/West Shore and 40 minutes from North Shore. I also recommend the open-air helicopter ride. AMAZING! Definitely plan on being in Kauai for at least a week...probably more than a week if you can. So many beautiful sights to see. It also offers many private and remote locations to hang out in like Secret Lava Pools and Polihale Beach (check out the Kauai Revealed book for more info about secret locations- its the best Hawaii travel guides).

Have fun on your trip!

Hi ehovis -

What a wonderful opportunity!! If you know the approx month, let us know b/c our answers may vary depending on time of year.

Obviously, everyone has their favorites and are suggesting different time frames. I would strongly suggest you thumb through a guidebook and decide what you want to do. I think it would be an absolute shame to book condos/tickets based on our advice and then find out you should have spent a few more days on a different island. Personally I would definitely spend MORE than one week on any island. As you know, part of the joy of the islands is seeing the sights and relaxing. IMO, you definitley need more than 7 days to accomplish this on any island.

Also, what do you want in a condo? Do you need an ocean view or is a mountain view or any view other than a street okay? Do you need/want a/c? Do you need to walk to the beach?

For Kauai rentals, this link may help you to determine prices.

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/

I have booked condos with them twice and were pleased. There are also other reputable agencies on Kauai. I'm sure other posters can suggest agencies on other islands as well.

Have a wonderful trip and happy planning!

I spent a month in Hawaii last September (even met up with Neopatrick in Kauai :) ). We did 5 days Maui, 4 days rental on the east side of Big Island, 6 days on the west side (same as NP, stayed at Hale Kona Kai), 1 week in Hanalei on Kauai, and 4 days in Waikiki.

For me, Maui was my least favorite. I know, I know...that's crazy talk, but I just didn't love it. So if I were going back, I would add more time to Kauai, and more time to Oahu.

I would spend some time in Waikiki for the cultural attractions, the dining and the history, but then I would look for a rental on the north shore for at least a week.

And I would consider spending a week on the north side of Kauai and a week on the south. Yes, I know its a small island and you can make the circle. We stayed in Hanalei on the north shore for a week, but only once made our way around to see the canyon. Its really a pain in the a** to drive through Kapaa and Lihue, and made for long days. There was plenty to see and do on both sides, and I think if I had longer, as you do, I would spend time in both locations.

If you'd like to see our rentals, or restaurant reviews, or just look at pictures, I did my trip report in a blog here:
http://4weeks4islands.blogspot.com/

I NEED a day off work, away from meetings too,
You guys have given me soooo much great information,
now I all I need is time, so I can check it all out.
Have a day coming up, hope to re read and come to
final decisions.

L Garabito, I heard that from someone
else about Kauai as their favorite. Thanks

JCB, we always vacation once the schools open, between
Sept-October. Thanks for the link, I'll be using it.

China Cat- Only had time to look at your pictures, WOW
can't wait to find the time to really read it all.
The food looks so good, I have to start dieting now,
so I won't feel so guilty putting it all back on.
Hubby is a food network junky, he is going to love
all your suggestions.
Thank you, thank you.

Cricket and Suze, you helped me confirm- its at least
2 weeks in Kauai. Thanks

China Cat has a good point about Kauai, but I think I solved the problem partially by staying mid island on the east coast. So it really isn't that much of a drive to the south or to the north, and I did both at least two different days each. But I agree if you are staying at one end or the other it becomes a very long way to drive to the other end (you can't circle the island because there is no road connecting north to south on the west side).

And while I've often said that Kauai probably is the "prettiest" of the islands, I honestly felt that the full week was plenty for me there. I'm not sure what I'd have done with any more days (unless I were a relax on the beach kind of guy which I'm not). But while in a way, Maui was not as "pretty" I stayed in three different areas and probably could have stayed a few more days than my twelve because there is a bigger variety of things to do there. And on that subject, I think the Big Island is the most diverse of all and you could spend the most time there as it is several vastly different landscapes with much to do.

There certainly is no general agreement on Hawaii. In fact, many people are astounded that I'm not itching to go back. I had a great time, but it's no longer on my "must do" list, unlike a lot of places I could go back to again and again. Don't ask me why.

Well with over a dozen trips to the islands under our belts, we have yet to leave the airport on Oahu, so I will leave that week to those in the know.

What would I do, haven experienced all the other areas many times. . . well I'd

Spend a week on Northshore Kauai in a rental either Princeville or Hanalei
Spend a few days on the Poipu/West side. If I recall, Kauai does daily car rental system rather then weekly system.

On Maui, I'd either stay Napali or Wailea area and make sure to spend at least 3 nights in Hana.

On Lanai, I would splurge for a resort stay and plan the days to whatever their latest specials are - 3rd or 4th night free. We have stayed twice at The Lodge at Koele and adore sleeping upcountry, breakfasting and dinner in Lanai city and days lounging hiking and snorkling at Manele.

I'd spend a couple of nights on Molokai and do whatever it takes to visit the East Coast and Kalapalua.

One of our trips was 4 nights Lanai and 4 nights Molokai in which we flew in and out of Oahu, but there are also ferry's avialable.

Some places are weekly rentals, others have daily, so with cleaning fees, see what you can waive and make work for you. Owners and agents are willing to discuss your personal needs and accomadate and negotiate in some instances. Others, not so much.
Good luck planning.

Oh and other then perhaps a possible partial week rental in Oahu, Lania is the only island you won't need a rental car, unless you choose to rent a 4x4 for a day of exploration.

<<<Oh and other then perhaps a possible partial week rental in Oahu>>>

I can't imagine that you'd want to spend a week on Oahu without a car!

I was saying, it is quite possible to stay on Oahu, and rather then pay for a weeks rental and parking, rather rent by your lodging for say 3 days to explore the rest of the island.

Hence the words, 'partial week rental'

But again, I haven't stayed on Oahu, that would just be my plan if I was visiting on a budget and parking was at a fee where I was staying in Waikiki area.

Sorry, I read your post wrong -- I thought you were referring to a partial week rental of a place to <i>stay</i> :-)

Interesting question. I'll answer it from the perspective of someone who has lived in Hawaii their entire life. I personally would not leave out the Big Island even if you have been there before as it is the most diverse, it is the strongest culturally, it has the widest range of activities for non-tourist that you can participate in, it is the most "non-touristy" of all the islands (this is good and bad so be careful), and it is the largest island! However, I do acknowledge that the BI is weaker in terms of arts, museums, theatre, number of good restaurants, and a few other areas. If you have not seen the lava from the helicopter tours, then this is a MUST do, but pray for good weather.

So instead of a breakdown by weeks, perhaps a breakdown by days (35 total days) and geographic area on each island may be helpful. It is in no specific order. Oahu time can be split up and not for 12 days straight (in fact I don't recommend that at all!). Honolulu airport is the hub in Hawaii so time on Oahu can be split easily and economically.

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Oahu: 12 days total

Waikiki/Honolulu area/Leeward side - 5 days
North Shore/Turtle Bay - 4 days
Windward Side (Waimanalo/Kailua/Kaneohe/North to Kahuku - 3 days

I recommend that the home base be split, using Waikiki/Honolulu area as one and North Shore and/or Windward Side as the other(s). Do not recommend one home base as traffic is absolutely horrible and it is going to waste a whole lot of your precious time. If one home base is desired, then I suggest Kailua and especially Lanikai (!!!!). BTW, Kailua is where President Obama stays.

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Maui: 11 days total

Wailuku/Kahului/Pukalani/Hakeakala - 2 days
Kihei/Wailea - 3 days
Lahaina/Kapalua - 3 days
Hana - 3 days

I suggest staying at Maalaea as your home base, except for when you travel to Hana. Maalaea is located in a central area and all areas except for Hana are easily within driving distance. Other option is to stay at multiple locations, mainly Kihei/Wailea, Lahaina/Kapalua and Hana. There are many choices to stay in these "tourist" areas and some are not too nice in person so check with someone who lives in and knows the area well ~before~ you book. Rooms/VRBO/timeshares within a building complex can be vastly different so be aware.

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Kauai: 7 days total

Lihue - 2 days
North Side/Hanalei/etc. - 3 days
South Side/Waimea/Kokee - 2 days

One reviewer suggested staying in Lihue as a home base and that is an idea with merit. If not, use Lihue as base for your time in Lihue and South Side, then move up to stay up on the North side. In that case, I would do 3 days Lihue/South Side and 4 days North Side.

Note: 2 weeks on Kauai is too long. You may run out of things to do and then you run the risk of doing activities that are more difficult without realizing that the activities are higher risk. Enjoy, but please be careful.

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Molokai/Lanai: 5 days max. Probably less if lying on the beach/bed and doing nothing or fishing/hunting is not your idea of fun. However, if you want to do nothing and money is not a problem, then 5 days is good or increase number of days to 6 - 8 or to how many you can stand to do nothing at all.

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end

Hiloboy - WOW, your advice is so detailed and hepful. I hate moving every 2-3 days, so I might combine a couple of the towns that are close to each other to make it every 4 days. But this really helps to know the best towns to research and combine. Thank you, so much !!!!!

Kealalani- you said you spent 4 nights on Lanai and 4 nights on Molokai, do you regret staying that long, others say, closer
to 2 or 3 max. Thanks for confirming some of the other towns,
like Hana and Hanalei.

NeoPatrick- Thanks again and I would LOVE to know where your
other places are that you could go back to, again and again.

THANKS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!

(Note: 2 weeks on Kauai is too long.)

For me ... two YEARS on Kauai would not be long enough ;-). I return twice a year for 3 - 4 weeks each time.

I've been to Oahu and the Big Island and enjoyed both. But for me, Kauai is paradise. No contest. But everyone has different tastes and preferences.

If you're someone who wants to sightsee and see something new every day a week on Kauai would allow you to see the highlights: Hanalei; Ke'e Beach; the waterfalls; Spouting Horn; Waimea Canyon; and a boat ride to view the Napali Cliffs. Of course if you want to zipline, kayak, visit the lighthouse, go horseback riding, snorkel, visit Botanic Gardens, the coffee plantation, etc ... you might want more time.

But I don't go to Kauai to rush from one tourist attraction to the next. For me, it's about long walks on the path near Kealia Beach; watching the sunsets at Hanalei Bay; swimming at Anini Beach, etc ...

I don't want to go to Hanalei Bay and check it off my list. I love it there and want to return every day.

It's all about what you enjoy and the kind of vacation you want. I'm guessing that whatever you decide will be great. It's hard to lose with Hawaii :-).

It's so interesting to hear everyones' different opinions - we're going for 5 wks this time (our 6th visit) & we're staying in Wailea for the whole time. We love Maui and the south beaches so that is why we chose this - last year we stayed 3 wks in Maui & 10 days in Kauai and personally, we preferred Maui although Kauai is beautiful (have been there 3x. But the weather is not as consistent - last year we stayed in the middle on the East close to Lydgate State Park and drove every day down to Poipu because of the sunny weather down South. It's really up to an individual - my husband and I love being at the ocean so that is our main reason for loving Maui.After being in Hawaii so many times, I think we just want to walk, relax and enjoy the sun without having to spend a lot of money experiencing new things. Have a wonderful time, and you will, no matter where you go!

<<<my husband and I love being at the ocean so that is our main reason for loving Maui.>>>

I had to laugh at this -- I'm curious, does Kauai have less ocean than Maui?

I think once you have been to Hawaii more than once or twice then you are going to know what island/areas you really enjoy and then you can have extended stays in your favorite areas. Ehovis had only been to the Big Island so perhaps she may want to get a wide range of exposure to a lot of different areas.

Kauai is a slightly different animal than the other islands and the difference is real subtle that most non-locals and even the locals may not embrace. It's a much smaller island (as compared to the BI) and it has way less of a supply of activities than compared to Oahu and Maui. Thus for the neophyte, the supply of simplier, safer activities runs out way faster than the other islands. If you are comfortable with doing risker activities or visit often, then it may not be so much of a problem. But for new visitors, it can be a problem. Again, enjoy but be careful.

Kauai does not have less ocean, it just has less beaches that are easy to access or that are ~safer~ ocean fronts or that are "pristine" beaches. Kauai and the BI have a higher percentage of beaches that newer visitors should stay away from (ditto for trails btw). Just look at the Na Pali Coast on Kauai and the South Point/South Coast of the BI. Heck, 90% of the BI coast is not suitable for ~anyone~ that is not a strong water person and that ~includes~ the locals. Again, enjoy but be careful. Aloha!

Thanks HiloBoy - you said it better than I. Kauai is beautiful but it has fewer beaches that we feel comfortable going in so my wording was just not as clear as it could be. It 'makes me laugh'when people like sf7307 have to put in little innuendos like this when the intent of what a person is saying is clear..... and yet has nothing else to say. I just don't think it's necessary to be sarcastic when people are just trying to help. Like I said before - you will enjoy your islands, no matter where you are. My husband and I love the air that seems different in Hawaii, and with Maui especially we love the soft breezes that feel heavenly!

<<<It 'makes me laugh'when people like sf7307 have to put in little innuendos like this when the intent of what a person is saying is clear..... and yet has nothing else to say>>>

It was sarcastic, and I apologize for that, but your intent wasn't at all clear.