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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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).

I get sortof restless staying in the same place for 5 or more nights.

Either way would be fine. I'd avoid Maui and choose Big Island though.

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.

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,

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.

Honeymoons should not be spent rushing around....that's what weddings are for!

Either spend more time to enjoy more than one island or just stay put and enjoy not only the island, but each other.

Have Fun!