I have, for some reason, never visited the Islands, but am leaning toward doing so next May. (I love planning early ... what can I say?!)

Is it easy to get around on the Islands without renting a car, or would that be necessary?

I'll have about eight days to spend on a "flash" tour, but just know very little about Hawaii.

Would you say a cruise would be a bad way to see the Island, as I would presume?

Sorry for the bad questions and lack of information, I'm just clueless about this future trip!

Renting a car is a practical necessity on most of the major Hawaiian islands, except for Molokai and Lanai.

As for your other question, it depends on what you mean by "see" Hawaii. To get a feel for any of the islands requires at least a few days, and for the larger ones like the Big Island requires a week or more. And even then you won't really scratch the surface. We've been going to the BI every year for the last 15 years and we *still* haven't seen it all!

There is a new cruise doing the islands - starts July 2004. It is Norwegian cruise lines "Pride of Aloha" and it has fulfilled all the US regulations so that it does NOT have to sail outside the Hawaiian waters. Looks like a good option if you just want a flavor of all the islands - then you can decide which island you would like to go back to for a longer trip. Look at it on www.ncl.com

If you do choose a land trip instead, agree you will definitely need a car, except in Oahu. If you stay on or near Waikiki, a car is a liability - can get everywhere by walking or by city bus. However if you stay out by Ewa [which I wouldn't do on a first trip], a car would be helpful.

My advice to you is not to do a "flash" tour. It is totally contradictory to the spirit of relaxation that overwhelms you when you arrive. Our first trip to the islands was two years ago. We had two weeks on two islands. You'd be better off choosing one island and really getting to know it than trying to cram too much in too little time and coming home exhausted.

Oahu has Waikiki of course and this is the only place you won't need a rental car. But you will want one to visit the North Shore and its marvelous beaches and coves. Maui has the most variety (i.e. nature vs. luxury) but parts of it, esp. the Kihei area were familiar, kind of like Florida. I thought Kauai was the most exotic. It really grabbed me. Haven't been to any of the other islands yet - we are going back to north shore Oahu and Kauai in about a month. We are renting vacation homes in both locations.

Part of the charm of Hawaii is the perfumed air and the laid-back feel. I believe you would miss that if you took a cruise. Most people I have talked to regret not sleeping on the islands vs a cruise ship.

Planning a year ahead is not too soon. The good places book up quickly. If you plan to use FF miles this is the time to book your flight. We booked our FF flight last August for this August.

I agree with the gist of what's been posted - don't go crazy trying to see too many islands.

What I'd suggest for first-timers is a split between two - (Oahu and either Maui or Kauai).

The reason I say this is that the trip can be debilitating (particularly if you're flying from the East Coast - you'll want to "crash" as soon as you check into your first hotel).

Both Kaui and Maui have alot going for them - Kauai retains more of the original Hawaiian ambiance and its topography (particularly the north shore is breathtaking. Great place for R & R.

Maui has its physical attractions as well - Mt. Haleakala and Hana to be sure. Lahaina - the main town mixes a peek at what early Hawaii must have been like and combines it with tourist kitsch. Kaanapali (sp?) is the main beach/hotel strip, but not as touristy as Waikiki a less frenetic alternate would be Wailea, but it's kind of off by itself in terms of other things you might want to see.

On Kauai or Maui a car is a must - spring for a convertible if you can.

Much to see in Oahu, but the Waikiki area, pretty as it can be is loaded with tourists, part of a b-i-g city and is replete with hustle, bustle, crowded sidewalks, traffic and premium parking costs.

By all means, get out into "the country" to get the flavor of Oahu, (some great, less crowdeds beaches and but you can get to just about anyplace in Oahu on a whim via "The Bus" - so by all means explore the Island (we found Pearl Harbor, decades "after" a very moving experience).

If you decide to get a car, rent it by the day and return it each evening because off-street parking in the hotel areas, particularly around Waikiki is expensive (and that's an nderstatement).

A last thought - if you're from the East Coast, don't do what we did on our first trip, and "red eye" home.

My suggestion is a stop in SF for a couple of days - then the jet lag has a lesser affect.

Have a good trip.

Aloha Chris,

I could'nt agree more w/ the other posters about really savoring the islands and not cruising them.

Maggi, can't wait to read your trip report upon return... just love that no shore on O'ahu and Kauai.... aaaahh.