We have about 13 days there and know we want to do BI and Oahu...we are torn about a 3rd Island...Maui or Kauai...any thoughts. It is such a tough choice! Would it be wiser to stay with just two Islands? They both look like they offer a lot to see and do.

Also, is it a good idea to book our interisland flights now? We are going the first two weeks of September.

Thanks, NannyJan

Well, for me, I would stay with just two islands in two weeks. There's so much to see and do, and I'd rather be lounging around on the beach then checking out of the hotel, schlepping to to the airport, etc. to add another island.

My family had the same question and after much deliberation, we decided to stick with two islands, Big Island and Oahu in June. DH and I have been to Maui previously, and wanted to try something different this time. Good luck with your choice.

Much of the advice that you got on your other thread was geared towards staying on two islands and that is what I would suggest as well. Aloha!

-Bill

Now we are looking at the Cruise - Pride of America...September 2nd through Sept 9th...do you believe it?

Anyone done this?

What did you think? Perhaps a good way to first visit the Islands...

Thanks, NannyJan

Forget the cruise.

It will not do Hawaii justice.

You will have only about 1/2 day to explore each island.

OK - the initial planning stage is over. We thought and thought again and have nixed the cruise - many said NOT the way to do Hawaii. So now we are booked six nights on Oahu with a roundtrip planned one day to go to BI to the Volcano National Park. Then it is on to Maui for 5 nights, then 2 nights in San Fran and back to Boston on the 14th day. It is signed sealed and almost delivered. We are all very excited and now ready to plan the details of the trip. Already looking at luau's etc. Thanks for everyone's help. I will be back with questions before Sept 1st, I'm sure!

NannyJan

Congrats on your plan! I'll chime in with a recommendation for the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. My family really enjoyed it.

We just returned from 14 days on Oahu. If you are there over a weekend, check out the beach and maybe picnic at the marine military reservation near Wiamanolo. It is beautiful and uncrowded, it is the next beach east from Lanikai and has parking. It is closed during the weekdays. Make sure you go in the morning as the pm can be overcast. The Iolani Palace tour is great if you are a history buff. We love the Ala Moana mall and the restaurant at Nieman Marcus, Mariposa, offers free popovers at lunch, large, piping hot with pineapple/papaya butter. The lobster club sandwich is great as well. Dinner is excellent but popovers aren't served at night. It is expensive, but food is best quality ever. The other first rate snack is the Beard Papa cremepuffs at the Foodland near Huanama Bay. This is a new Japanese franchise and the puffs are w/o preservatives!!! There is a takeout sushi nook next door. Buy a pineapple and a knife at the Foodland, and take it to the park. The nearest beach to Beard Papa's has great (sometimes dangerous surf) boogie waves and you can watch others spin and twirl. Eat mexican food at Cholos on the North Shore. Walk through Ft De Russy next to Waikikii for an uncrowded walk, there are small grills and picnic tables right next to the beach. Next door, the Hilton has South African penguins at a free display, very cute... Have a great trip, don't make a rigid schedule, and Aloha!

When you are on Oahu be sure to stop by the Halekulani Hotel, have drinks at House Without A Key, and watch the sunset while enjoying the lovely hula.

Nice touch by finishing the trip with a quicky (so to speak) in San Francisco.

-Bill