DH and I are heading to Hawaii for our third trip next summer, already booked tickets to Maui via FF miles.

We have 14 nights, and are now torn on visiting Oahu or BI along with Maui. (We have been to all three islands before). Originally, the plan was BI, but I stumbled upon a great deal at Outrigger Waikiki (which we love) that got me thinking about Oahu again.

The great thing is, we are also planning on going once more in summer 2007 (before looking at houses, starting a family, etc...) when I finish graduate school. We will do Kauai then, and whatever island we don't do with Maui.

Part of me thinks BI is a better compliment to Maui, and we love staying and snorkeling at Hapuna. But the other part me really wants to try 4S BI for a couple nights after Hapuna, and maybe that is better for after grad school as a special treat when I know I am in for a big raise But doing Oahu and Maui seems like the 2 "busier" islands together, and BI and Kauai seem like the 2 "quiet" islands.

I am so indecisive when it comes to island choosing Aaaahhh!! What would you do??

Beachgirl. Hey there. If I may ask, what's the great offer at the Outrigger? We have reservations for next June, one night free. Did you find something better than that?? My family had the same problem that is plaguing you, deciding which islands to visit. Think about the purpose of the trip. Is total relaxation in order, or will you be geared to non-stop activities? That's what we had to do and decided on the BI and Oahu. The great thing is that this is a win / win situation. You can't go wrong with whichever island you choose. Good luck.

I know you are right, Sherrie! All 3 islands we have been to have been equally amazing! It is so hard to pick one to go back to.

We did BI and Oahu last summer, and you will love it! The deal I found for the Outrigger was on www.travel-hawaii.com, and it was 5 nights in an ocean view room with free breakfast for 2, all taxes, and a free night. It was about $1600, which is a good deal. We've stayed there the last 2 summers, and haven't done that well, deal-wise.

Where did you find your deal with the 1 free night?

Beachgirl. I first found the room with one night free on Expedia. I have never reserved through Expedia before so I called a TA friend. She was able to get me the same one night free deal through a consolidator. We have five nights Partial OV in June and room rate averages to $291/night. However, after reading your post, I poked around the Outrigger web page and found that now POV rooms are $279/night (at least in June). Now I'm in a quandry. Outrigger (direct booking) is cheaper than consolidator, but I would have to pay a cancellation fee, so I think for now, I'll keep my reservation as is. UGH.

That's a really tough one since you've been to them all before. I usually pair my old standby - Maui - because it feels like home to me with an island I haven't been to in a long while or has a lot of things I didn't get to see before... So that way I have one island with a bunch of "must sees" and one island that's more "hang loose"! If you look at it that way, which would you choose? If you plan on doing a lot on Maui, maybe Oahu would be more fun/relaxed for you?

Sherrie: Thanks for that info.!

Crazy: I know, you're right! You are lucky because you have a clear favorite in Maui. We love Maui, BI, and Oahu all equally for different reasons, so it makes it so hard to chose each summer! We only knew we wanted Maui this coming summer because we didn't go there last trip....1 down and 1 to go...

It's been SUCH a long time since I've been to Oahu - and then spent most of my time in Honolulu. I'm looking forward to visiting it again someday. For me, Maui is more familiar and has certain places that feed my soul. BUT that doesn't stop me from longing to see the others again - and I've not made it to Molokai at all yet. So you see, I could visit many times and still feel the pull to go back. I'm gonna have to break away and see some other places! Going to Alaska last summer - which was beautiful - took all of my willpower! Going totally the other way to Europe or - Yee gods! - passing OVER the islands on my way to Australia or New Zealand will be tricky...

You must go with your gut on this one. Or let an incredibly great deal sweep you off your feet. I get so obsessed about feeling like I've got to plan everything RIGHT NOW! I've banned myself from booking anyplace or anything else for our May/June trip until after Christmas. You have some time too, so maybe it will come to you...

Just to muddy the water... Why not a Maui/Kauai combo next summer? You haven't been to Kauai yet, which is so unique! It's hard to know what curveballs life might throw between now and summer 2007.

Crazy, As usual, you give me great things to think about, so thanks again!

I asked hubby if he wanted to do the Maui/Kauai combo this summer, and his answer was "no". His logic is that since summer 2007 will be our last trip for a few years to Hawaii (we are hoping to look for a house and start a family in a few years) and he wants to save the NEW island for that trip. He thinks that will make it special. Since he rarely has opinions on traveling (besides the fact that he loves Hawaii and leaves everything to me), I am granting him his request!

I think BI calls to me the way Maui calls to you, but Oahu is fantastic, too. We are like you, too.....going anywhere else is VERY difficult for us. We went to Vegas for a long weekend last June, and are going to Aruba for 5 nights in April, but those are just quicky trips. We haven't been able to pick a different summer vacation destination yet Alaska is definitely somewhere I'd love to go, along with anywhere in Europe, and Australia and NZ are a couple of my dream destinations for BIG trips. But like you said, I gotta quit Hawaii first!

I am also like you, I get OBSESSED and plan WAY ahead of time. We aren't going until Aug. 4, and I'm already consummed

Okay, it's settled. Maui and BI this time; and Oahu and Kauai next time. That way for your 2007 trip you can do the "speediest" island and the "laid-backest" island for the ultimate (last one for awhile) Hawaii experience!

Hey Beachgirl! I daresay, seems lots of people on the board are "obsessed" with Hawaii tonight, one way or another!!
On a past post as you pondered these choices, I suggested Kauai, and you replied then that DH had already nixed it for this particular summer's trip. That gives you something really great to anticipate as you complete your grad school studies.
So then, for 2006.... agreed! BI and MAUI!! I LOVE Oahu, as you know, BUT if the main reason for indecision now is the great offer from Outrigger Waikki---I'm sure there will be another good deal closer to 2007. Maybe there's a way to phone them and be put on some kind of email list for good deal notification? Lots of hotels have those now, but unfortuantely haven't seen a specific one for Outrigger Hotels. Maybe you can start something by suggesting it to them. I'll call tomorrow and add my voice!

Crazy: I like your reasoning, that was our original reasoning, too, before the deal at Outrigger! DH and I are going to talk about it this week, and try to make a final decision. Thanks, as always!

CaliNurse: Wow, you have become quite the infamous Hawaii poster these days And I think you are right, Outrigger will probably have this same early bird deal for summer 2007 as well...

Have you ever consider staying in a private condo? We just returned from BI and stayed in a 2 bedroom condo, ocean front, full kitchen all beach toys etc right in Hilo, for $150 a night. Now that is a bargain. Go to any one of many websites VRBO is a good one but just search rentals by owner on Google to find and amazing variety of places and prices.