Anyone do JUST one island?
 

I am going on my Honeymoon in January and don't want to do a lot of running around. I was considering doing 10 days in Kaui. We are flying from NY and I thought unpacking once is more ideal. But everyone says "you have to do 2 islands." Has anyone done just Kuai and regretted not seeing more? We are getting married right after christmas and are going to be in severe need of R&R.

2 years ago we spent 7 days on just Maui. Did not regret it one bit. Last year we went to Maui again, but spent 1 day on Oahu. Did not like Oahu like Maui. Maui is pure paradise and I'm glad we stayed there. Remember you can always visit another island for a day. They have flights going to all the islands every 1/2 hr. I think the cost is $50.00.<BR>Hope this helps!

Hi KT,I spent 2 weeks on Kauai and loved it.Lot's to do and see.It's my favorite of all the Hawaiian Islands.<BR>Definitly rent a car for your stay!<BR>Have a great trip!!

Having lived in Hawaii for three years, I guarantee you that you could stay for a year and not see all the things that ALL the islands have to offer. I had friends who thought Kauai was the best island; some liked the Big Island. Even my husband and I split on our favorites - mine was Maui and his was Oahu. But I also liked Oahu a lot (those who never leave Waikiki will be very disappointed with Oahu), and the Big Island for all the open spaces which you miss after living on an island for a few years.<BR><BR>I do think you should visit at least one more island, and I would suggest Oahu since it's the closest to Kauai and because Kauai is one of the quietest islands and you'll appreciate the "action" on Oahu for a day.

I agree with above about Oahu --if you are flying in and out of Honolulu you could go first to Kauai and get rested and then spend a couple of days on Oahu before you go home and won't be doing any more flying than you would have anyway.

I would suggest two islands in 10 days. Since you are flying all the way from NY you really never know when you will get back to Hawaii. The weather in Kuai in December may be rainy and you may be disappointed because of this. I agree with the above post, go to Oahu. There is so much to see there. Pearl Harbor alone is an inspirational experience and not to see Waikiki Beach! I advise you to buy a travel book on Hawaii. My recommendation is, "The Unofficial Guide to Hawaii." You are going to be spending too much money not to at least see the main attractions. Good Luck and God Bless your marriage.

I agree with the other post regarding visiting Oahu or at least another island. If you are coming from the East Coast, most flights connect to the other islands in Oahu and there are plenty of things to do there. I just spent 8 days in Kauai and 7 days in Oahau in Sept and I was ready for the more active night life that Oahu has to offer. Get a rental car and visit the North Shore....visit Pearl Harbor....and many of the other sights that the island has to offer. I don't think that you will be disappointed.<BR>Congradulations on your upcoming wedding.

I have been to Hawaii six times (for 7-10 days per trip) and never done more than one island per trip. If you are the sort of person who has to be "doing" something every minute (not that there's anything wrong with it), then I guess you need to plan another island. But if you want to relax, just stay put and get onto island time. Kauai is beautiful. There is plenty to do if you enjoy the beach, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, etc. <BR><BR>I can (just barely) understand wanting to cram in London, Paris, and Rome in 10 days, but Hawaii is not about checking the sights off a list. It's about watching the sun set. Don't let your friends guilt trip you. Slooooow down and enjoy yourself and each other. If you get bored you can always change the plan.

I saw you on The Knot! =)<BR><BR>Spending all your time on one island is fine. We spent 5 days on Oahu and 5 days on Kauai and even then I felt like we blew nearly an entire day traveling to the other island. <BR><BR>Doing Kauai only sounds good to me - just unpack once and relax! Which side of the island are you staying on?

kt, are you loking for sun on your vacation, because January is one of the wettest months in Kauai; the garden island. Consider spending half of your time in Maui in the dry southern area of Wailea, which is also very laid back. Last Jan we vacationed in Wailea for 9 days and had sunny skies every day. When we went to Kauai (Poipu, southern dryer area) we had rain 2days, sun 3 days , and cloudy weather 3days. Although even when it rained it was off & on and temps. were still in the 80s, when the sun is out everything is more cheerful. Pick up the ultimate guide books for Kauai and Maui. It has tons of info regarding everything you can think of for planning your trip. Also look up Maui news on the internet. Click on Weather and then daily narative with Glenn James, and you can find out a lot of info. about recent and future weather. You can email him with questions and he'll answer back promptly. Good Luck! Also if you do island hop schedule a direct nonstop flight from Kauai to Maui. Going through Honululu wastes an extra hour or two!

We stayed 2 weeks on the beach at Waikiki and were never bored and never missed visiting other islands but my dad and nephew stayed 10 kaui and loved it. Do rent a car though!

You will be disappointed if you go all that way and not see any sights. You don't have to see everything but you will do yourself and injustice not seeing a few things. Oahu and The Big Island are full of sights to see. I think if you go to Hawaii and do not see Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach you will regret it later. Expecially coming all the way from the East Coast. Your young and although Hawaii can be very restful, it is full of must see sights.

When we go in May, it will be the only time we have "done" 2 islands in 1 trip. About 8 years ago we went to Kauai for 2 weeks. Never left the island. That was a little too much for me, I was getting kind of bored. But, my wife loved it. 10 days would be OK. <BR><BR>Any other time we have gone (5 total) we have just gone to 1 island.<BR><BR>I can agree with the others though, if you are flying through Oahu, by all means stop there for a couple of days. I say stop there on your way over, that way you'll spend the last part of your vacation relaxed on Kauai.<BR><BR>Don't let anyone talk you into going to the other islands unless you want to. You don't want to come back feeling that you were rushed.<BR>Duane

KT, I vote for spending all your time on Kauai as well. There are so many different beaches and lovely places to explore. We were there 7 nights and hated to leave to go to Maui. I did not feel Maui, even the Wailea area, was "laid back" after our stay on Kauai. I was jarred by the traffic and commercialism. If there is some rain, you can always drive to a different part of the island. We had a little rain on our first day only, but it was so gentle and sporadic, it didn't interfere in our activities. Congratulations, and just relax and enjoy! You will need it after all the festivities.

We spent 2 weeks on Kauai in August of this year and really enjoyed the relaxation and slower pace that came with staying on the same island. <BR>We decided to spend one week on the south shore in Poipu and one week on the north shore in Princeville and this worked really well. During our "south week" we explored both the south and west shore beaches, Waimea canyon etc., during the "north week" we had a very relaxing week on the north shore with hiking on the Napali coast and some excursions to the east side as well.<BR>If you need R&R I would strongly suggest doing just one island and maybe splitting your time between the south and north shores.<BR><BR>You don't have to do two or three islands. Do what feels right to you.<BR><BR>Congrats and enjoy your honeymoon.

My vote would be just one island. It is a hassle moving hotels and you'll consume a half-day doing that. You will have many chances in your life to go back to see the others. You say that you need R&R so take the rest.<BR><BR>BTW - the advice on January being rainy season is correct. Also the ocean water may be a bit cool for your swimming tastes. Still, Hawaii in any month of the year is OK.<BR><BR>Congratulations to you

Stay on Kauai, RELAX and enjoy ! You might consider splitting accomodations between north and south (or midway - Kapaa), but even if you don't you'll have a wonderful time. It's a wonderful place.<BR>Today's stressful lives almost make us feel guilty about chilling out and I've found it takes a few days before my system says it's OK just to lie around on the beach etc without feeling guilty about not driving all over the place every day "doing" something !<BR>Have a great trip.<BR>p.

KT,<BR>I always stay on one island ( I only visit for about 5 days , though). I've stayed on Kauaii and the Big Island and love Oahu. Don't like the pack and unpack routine.

I've been to kauai twice and the big island once. Both trips I stayed on only one island. Never regretted it. There is plenty to do and see on Kauai. You will love it. Don't worry about the people who say it rains too much. It never rained more than once on either of our trips, and we went in January both times. (We stayed in Poipu, on the sunny side of the island).

I just got back from two weeks on Kauai. First time visit, I'm from midwest so it took 15 hours, but still I loved just going to one island. Very relaxing, lots to see and do, could have stayed another week or two. I loved that island. Many different ecosystems and all complete with rainbows. The natives told us they watch whales breeching in January from south shore beaches. They were all friendly and welcoming. I loved Whalers Cove.

I have been going to Hawaii for about 7 years now. This past summer was the first time that I spent two weeks on one island. I loved it. I always thought the islands were small (save for island of Hawaii)and you could move about comfortably in a short time. <BR><BR>Now I can see how that was not the right strategy for me. I am very well aquainted with Kauai but loved spending the entire two weeks on that island this past year. Spending two weeks really allows you to explore the interior. I go in summer though. There is a fellow fodorite (Kal) who goes in February to Kauai each year and loves it.<BR><BR>I would prefer Maui in February. Many whales congregate there and I always understood it to be the best for whale watching. It also is not as rainy as much of Kauai is outside of July and August, early September. You still have many tropical areas like the road to Hana, Hamoa beach and surrounding regions, diversity in landscape (front and back side of Haleakula. I also think no matter how the tourist industry promotes the island tourist traffic things are quieter in winter as compared to summer. I like that.<BR><BR>I love Kauai for koke National Park, Waimea Canyon and the North Shore. Much of these areas are innundated with rain in winter (Nov-May). Not sure I would want that on my vacation but the waves do kick up on the North Shore so that has got to be gorgeous. Also the condors return to the Kauai. Kal has had good experiences going in February if you want to up this post closer to afternoon time west coast when he has been known to sign on. <BR><BR>If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking/snorkeling, kayaking then you want two weeks on one island exploring the areas. Can't really see the interiors in 3-5 days. You are only driving and stopping off to swim when you spend that short amount of time on one island, maybe a helicopter tour. For many that is enough, you will know if that is you.

PS I am an east coaster as is Iza<BR>I like the direct flights that leave from San Francisco. You leave Friday eveing from work, sleep over at SF (Embassy Suits has breath taking bay views at very reasonable prices, Hyatt Regency is also nice but we did not get a view), then take a 9am flight that gets you into Kauai at 11:40. It is a tad more expensive but the good breakfast you will have time for at whatever hotel you stay at and arriving in time to enjoy your first day is well worth it. <BR><BR>Otherwise the continental direct flights from Newark into Honolulu are great!

A huge second to the idea of overnighting on the west coast. It is a long flight and worth the dough. We did Maui and Kauai for our honeymoon in '96. We went to Kauai and the Big Island in '99 and the Big Island alone last year. And we're doing the same in December. Obviously, we've found our favorite place. But I don't think two islands in ten days will detract from your relaxation too much. I really like the Maui-Kauai idea. If you stay in west Maui you'll get a more developed resort feel and plenty of sun...then Kauai will give you all that beautiful green and a little more "old Hawaii". We loved the Ritz on Maui--removed from Lahaina but close enough to access. For Kauai, Princeville would be great if they've remodeled since '99, but you'd have to be ok with a little rain. But it is so beautiful. For some reason, two attempts to review the Hyatt on Kauai have failed to post--we were very critical, but very honest. It is a spectacular facility, but we had severe service and insect problems, and you'll find more kids there. Plan a helicopter tour and or/ sailing for scuba or snorkel, and be flexible for everything else. You've had months (or maybe a lifetime) of agendas. You won't need one there. Peace.

We have been to four islands but did each one at a time. I don't regret it at all. I'm with you - unpacking one time and relaxing sounds ideal. Each island has a unique beauty, but all have excellent snorkeling, which is what I truly enjoy, and excellent restaurants, etc. Kauai, in my opinion, is the most beautiful. You will love it. Enjoy and relax!

I don't get the unpacking deal...its HAWAII!!!! Throw in a couple bathing suits, shorts and tshirts and you're set.<BR><BR>We did three islands in 9 days in August. Total interisland travel time (inc. checkout/car rental etc) was about 7 hours. However, we got great flights over the islands (window seat).<BR><BR>I get sortof restless staying in the same place for 5 or more nights.<BR><BR>Either way would be fine. I'd avoid Maui and choose Big Island though.<BR><BR>Coachboy

not so difficult Coach think about it is Hawaii wouldn't you rather enjoy it than hop a plane looking for the next perfect view on some other island.<BR><BR>You do loose a good portion of the day especially if you have to connect in Honolulu for an outer island. The packing and unpacking is disorienting and if you like the better restaurants you are packing more than just bathing suits and hiking boots.

We did just one island (Oahu) last year and I wouldn't do it any other way. We never felt rushed to "see it all before we leave", had plenty of time for both relaxing AND sightseeing (we were there 10 days), and felt we could have stayed ANOTHER 10 days and not seen all the island had to offer. Planning on doing the same thing on Kauai next year.....and Maui in 3 years.....and the BI in 5 years.....

For our honeymoon in June we did 5nts on Maui and 5nts of Kauai. We flew from Massachusetts. To do it over again we would have done all 10 nts on either island. Both were fantastic. I would as others have suggested, stay on the both the north and south shores of Kauai. On Maui, we stayed in Wailea. We never got to see Kapalua. We would have liked to split the 10 days between those areas. Even with a direct flight between the islands we still lost most of the day traveling. We flew Hawaiin Air from Maui to Kauai. Their claim to fame is that they scan every piece of luggage. That sounds like a good idea until you have to wait in that line. That took us over two hours. When we finally got to Kauai, we had to wait about 40 minutes at the car rental due to a shortage of cars. We got checked into our hotel at 4:00 that afternoon and were exhausted. The only thing we regretted was splitting our time and losing the day. You won't be short changing yourself by just seeing one island.

Hi kt, we've been going to Hawaii for over 25 years and have hit every island except for Lanai. I have to say our favorite island is Kauai. You will have plenty you can do on the island and the scenery is beyond description. You are right, don't spend your time packing and moving around. You will love the island..and congrats on your upcoming marriage. We were married on the beach in Kauai, unforgetable.

Dear KT,<BR><BR>My husband and I stayed 10 days in on Oahu and Maui for our honeymoon. It was not enough time in one place to truly relax and enjoy the fabulous surroundings.<BR><BR>Honeymoons should not be spent rushing around....that's what weddings are for!<BR><BR>Either spend more time to enjoy more than one island or just stay put and enjoy not only the island, but each other.<BR><BR>Have Fun!