Beatle

Going 14 days in mid October, actually 2 travel days, so 12 full days. Debated with 2 or 3 islands but am leaning toward 3. Here's the "tentative" plan- Oahu-5 days, Maui-4 days, Kauai-3 days. BUT I've been reading so many great posts about BI, wondering if I should substitute BI for Maui or Kauai- love to hear opinions on that.(couple in mid 50's, nightlife not a priority, scenery is.) Also, should I make my interisland flight reservations soon?- I was going to wait to see if any specials came along, but wasn't sure how quickly they fill up? Thanks

Cicerone

Just FYI, the Ironman is being held on the Kona coast of the BI on Saturday October 13. I am going (as a volunteer, I am not nearly that fit…) This is my first trip to Hawaii, but I hear that traffic can be quite hectic on the Kona coast for the week leading up to that day, and of course ON that day you won’t really be able to move around Kona or environs as major roads are closed and are being used for the biking and running. You will also probably find hotels somewhat booked up at this point for Kona and that area with contestants, press and people like me …. Just something to keep in mind if you are considering the BI and your dates fall around Oct 13.

Beatle

Cicerone-I'll probably be at Oahu until the 15th, but appreciate the heads up on the ironman.

MerryTravel

I think Maui is great if you only want to do one island, but if you're doing three I think you're better to do Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island. Maui is kind of a "best of" Hawaii, but you can find taller mountains, better beaches, nicer shopping, etc. on the other three.

dfr4848

Beatle - this is really subjective. BI is by far our favorite island; Oahu our least. If I were spending time on 3 islands, I'd pick BI, Kauai and Maui. If Oahu stays on your list, I'd allocate less time to it and more to the others. Again, just my opinion.

MaureenB

I would recommend only 2 islands. Choose the two that look best to you (totally subjective) and enjoy them at a slower pace than checking into and out of hotels, going to and from airports, etc. Wastes too much precious Hawaii beach time IMHO.

p.s. My favorite two would be the Big Island and Kauai.
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kerikeri

you sound like an active type traveler, so i would say substitute maui with big island.

maui is a nice relaxing sit on the beach vacation, but as an above responder noted, other islands are more dramatic in terms of scenery.

honestly, if i had 12 days and thought i'd never be back, i would do as many islands as possible.

if you think you'll be back, do two islands this trip, two islands next trip.

if you haven't already, you should look into the possibility of flying into one island, out of another. with 2 days travel time you're obviously doing a stop somewhere, so that gateway (lax? sfo?) will have direct flights to more than one island.

start on one, finish on another.

fly into big island, "do" it for 4-5 days. fly direct to kauai, "do" it for 4-5 days. finish off in oahu. i love oahu, but you really only need a day for touring and nighttime on waikiki, unless you're gonna drive all around, then 3 days is enough.

so:
BI - 5 (half volcano/ half beach)
Kauai - 5 (half princeville must see scenery- half poipu beach)
Oahu- 2 (arizona, waikiki)
= 12.

kerikeri

ilndlvr

Beatle, We love Hawaii and "discovered" Kauai several years ago so typically go back now every year or two. We alternate new Caribbean destinations with Hawaii as it is our "coming home" vacation. We've spent time on Maui, Kauai, Oahu and 1 day on Big Island (did a day trip from Kauai to see the volcano in action -- that was fun) and now typically come back to Kauai. It is very beautiful -- the oldest and thus lushest, greenest of the islands and the most laidback but still plenty to do.

I agree with the other posters that if you will not be back that you may want to hit all 3 -- 5 days on Oahu is way too many, though (IMO). My husband was upset that we spent 2 days there last year after being to Kauai -- he said 1 day would have been plenty! If you will be back, however, I would pick 1 or 2 islands and then you can always tag on a few days at beginning or end of trip to see other islands. Good luck!

Penny

Beatle

Thank you all and you've helped me decide on Oahu, BI, and Kauai. Cicerone, or anyone- due to the Ironman, would we be ok coming into BI on Mon. Oct. 15th., or better to wait until the 19th? Thanks..

lcuy

cicerone- You're coming to Hawai! Unfortunately I'll be at the Boston GTG on the 13th, or I'd try to have a GTG on BI with you. How long are you staying?? And will you be in Honolulu at all? Lots of Asia Board people here!

Beatle

Actually we're now leaning toward going from Oahu to Kauai, and from there to BI, so that will put us at BI on Thurs. 10/18.
Also, are there any bike rides on BI similar to Haleakala in Maui where they take you up in a van/bus and you ride back down? Thanks..

carolyn

I just want to vote for lots of time on Oahu. It's my favorite. We spent two weeks there last year and didn't get to do everything I wanted to.

trippinkpj

With scenery as a priority, I would pick two islands: Maui and Kauai this time. Then go to Big Island and Oahu next time.

adnil1962

I didn't really like Oahu. I felt like I was in the middle of New York City. There were lots of high rises & hookers, the beach was small. I think there were other places that may have been more enjoyable but we stuck close to our hotel.

We then headed to Maui for several days and really enjoyed our stay. This is more what we pictured when we booked Hawaii.

Beatle

In Oahu we're looking for moderate priced lodging on the south end of Waikiki toward Diamond Head. Any suggestions? Thanks..

MerryTravel

Try the New Otani Kama'aina Beach Hotel.