Advice on Touring Individual Hawaiian Islands
 

Plan on flying into Maui in February, staying there for 5 days, then visiting 2 other islands for 5 days each. We will get a place to stay on each island, and use it as a base to tour. Are there good tour companies that offer, perhaps, a 1 day tour of "one end" of each island, and if so, we would tour the "other end"another day. If "end" is the wrong terminology, then substitute "side"(smiles). Any information would be appreciated. Also, since we would be visiting just 3 islands, any suggestions for the other 2? We aren't ones to sit on a beach all day, but prefer 1 day down time, then a day exploring, then a day browsing the local town, then another day exploring, then down time. That would be the normal 5 day cycle.

With only 5 days per island, you should probably make Oahu and Kauai your two other islands. Big Island is fabulous but it is BIG and you need at least 7-10 days there, plus most people stay a couple of nights in Hilo or Volcano and then move to Kohala Coast or maybe Kona for beach time, snorkeling, trips to Mauna Kea, etc.
I can't think of any reason to take a tour other than possibly Road to Hana, so everyone gets a chance to see the sights en route. I have seen Valley Isle Excursions mentioned favorably on another forum for that trip.
Only "tour" I have done on Kauai is a Na Pali Coast boat tour.
Oh, first trip to Kauai was a work reward trip and we did take a Roberts tour to Waimea Canyon, was just OK, only stopped at the main lookout, bus was too big to travel to other places.

I take it you are a first-timer to Hawaii?
Will you be renting a car on all islands?
Is that 15 nights you are staying, as opposed to 15 'days'? This is important to know, with your plan to do 3 islands in about 2 weeks.... and coming all the way from the east coast.
While it is do-able, 3 major islands in 2 weeks is ambitious.
I think you should visit Oahu first, and pick one other island that interests you most (OK, or 2). Each island has plenty to keep you busy!
And keep researching...

Probably best to rent a car and drive to the best sights. On Oahu, drive around the island stopping where you like, but be sure to include Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, Kailua beach, Byoda-in Temple, Mac Nut Factory (for samples), Turtle Beach, Sunset Beach, shrimp trucks, shave ice at the Haleiwa General Store, back to Waikiki passing Schofield Barracks.

We did full bus tours of each island through grayline... Well worth it if you have the time... They make several key stops, offer running history and commentary, and eliminate driving ... We then had a better feel for the island and went back to further explore the favorites...

Carolyn has given you a great list for Oahu-- I will add that the drive across the island from Kailua to Haleiwa on the H3 is truly spectacular. Oh, and you might want to add Diamond Head to her list.

Thanks everyone. We will fine tune our expectations based on your replies,and may then ask for some further advice before booking. One concern is the time spent at inter-island airports. I assume the time spent getting each airport, then checking in,etc., the flying and getting to the next hotel...would be substantial? Probably a full morning or full afternoon?

Yes, I would count on a half day of travel from your hotel on one island to your hotel on the next island (take an early flight and you'll get where you're going by noon!).

Yes, I agree that two islands would be better.

15 days is plenty of time to see three islands...

I agree - I'd do three islands in 15 days too (I once did four). I'd personally choose to do Oahu, Kauai and Maui.

It is purely personal preference and travel style. I myself would stick to two islands because it takes me awhile to slow down and get on island time.

OK - change in timing of our visit. We were going to do it in February, but will be heading to Florida instead. So, what is the best month in the fall (of 2017) to visit "weather wise" and also, with the least amount to tourists (= smallest crowds but still with warm weather)?

Isn't the fall hurricane season in Florida?

Start a new thread since you are now asking about Florida rather than Hawaii.

My understanding is that you are now going to FLA in February, and Hawaii in the fall. Correct?
You mentioned that you want warm weather.... for us Canadians, there never is anything but warm weather in Hawaii!

Yes, fall is hurricane season in Florida. The weather may cooperate, but one never knows. You can go then, but take out travel insurance just in case if you weren't going to anyway. If you can hold off until early December, that might be preferable.

I was in Oahu and Maui in late Oct/early Nov and we had fantastic weather, with quite minimal crowds.

I think 2 islands would be ideal for 15 days as others have suggested but it depends on your pace/travel style.

Technically, Nov. is hurricane season in FL, but the chances of a 'cane are low, especially toward the end of the month. In fact, the weather is generally nice then, and that time prior to the real tourist season.

The best time to go to Florida? Or the best time for Hawaiian islands? I'm confused!

(You might want to start a new thread and tag it "Florida")