Starting to plan my first trip to Hawaii for mid October 2014.

There will be 6 people on this trip. My parents, my brother and I as well as my aunt and uncle.The four of us are traveling from Detroit to San Diego to meet up with my aunt and uncle who live there and then we are all going to fly down to Hawaii together.
I'm not quite sure how many days the trip will be yet. I believe it will be 2 weeks total with about 10 days in Hawaii.

As most of the threads I have read stated it makes sense to spend time in Oahu since that is where we will be flying into and out of but needed some help with the itinerary.

I'm an open book in terms of suggestions on things to do. I know that we definitely want to go to the beach and do some souvenir shopping other than that I'm not sure.

My mom is not the most active person and walking long distances at a time is not ideal so hiking is probably out.

Which Islands are the best to go to for:

Hawaiian luau shows
beach
fishing
scenery - mountain views and look out points
Zip lining tours

Basically looking for suggestions on things that we need to see while we are there. Another island to visit besides Oahu. Finally, I'm just finishing up grad school and have saved up some money and will have more before we go but places that you think we should see but are affordable.

Thank you in advance!!

So the most important thing about Oahu is that you've got to get out of Honolulu! Drive around the South Shore, stop at Hanauma Bay (snorkel), Eternity Beach, Sandy Beach (not good for swimming, though), etc. Drive up through Waimanalo, check out some of the beaches there, check out Kailua, head on to the North Shore, stop at Malaekahana (don't leave anything in your car--we had a break in there), stop at one of the little shops and buy some smoked marlin around Laie, stop to snorkel at Shark's Cove, get shave ice at Matsumoto's in Halaeiwa, drive back over the Pali, stop at the look-out. (I'm not saying to do this all in one day, but it's possible if you just get your feet wet at the beaches along the way.) There's SO much beauty in Oahu, but you've got to drive some! My other advice for souvenirs is to check to see when the swap meet is, and save all your shopping for that. They have all kinds of great stuff. You can find some inexpensive touristy stuff at Walgreens, too.

I don't know anything about fishing, luaus or zip lining, but in terms of scenery, well, I started to say Kauai, but then I thought, no, Maui, and then I thought, no, the Big Island. You can't go wrong with any of those! Though for amazing scenery, I'd choose Kauai. But if you're willing to drive the twisty road to Hana, then you can't beat Maui. And I've never seen such a vibrant green or as many stars as I've seen on the Big Island. (Or as many sea turtles.)

Oh, I would like to be planning a trip to Hawaii right now! Have fun!

If your mom has mobility issues, might want to check into zip lining, it may not be for her, as it usually involves climbing lots of stairs and some of them, once you start you cannot stop. Sadly I have the same problem.
If you are going to split between Oahu and another island and have 10 days, look into Maui or Kauai. The Big Island is great but really needs all 10 of your days cause it is BIG. Also if you do decide to go to BI, check into when next year's Iron Man Race is (big traiathlon that drives up hotel rooms and very crowded) cause I think it is in October.

You can catch a shuttle at Hanamalu Bay - from the top/parking lot - down to the beach - for those with mobility issues. Also suggest you consider visiting Hanamalu Bay one morning - when it's best for snorkeling - and maybe spending some beach time nd then finishing the drive around the southern end - coming back from Kailua - through one of the Pali tunnels.

Then another day - do the North Shore trip - going up past the airport and Schofield Barracks to Haliewa and checking out that town which is the Mecca for surfers gathering at the North Shore - and on to Waimea Park, Waimea Bay, the Pipeline, Sunset beaches, etc - and maybe taking in the show at the Polynesian Culture Center - and back down the east side and again - across/thru the Pali mountain range.

Here are some other tips for the North Shore tour: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...hu_Hawaii.html and

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...loc:58229.html

and http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/..._Shore_one_day

And in Oct - the North Shore of Kauai (aka - the Garden Island as it is the greenest) - would be beautiful - with good weather. Alternatively- the Big Island is also spectacular - especially if you want to see/drive around a Volcano/Cauldron.

Maui also has much to offer.

Can't go wrong at any of the outer islands, where I would spend the greater part of the trip.

We're on day 7 of our 10 day trip to Oahu and can't get enough of the island and things to do. We decided not to waste time traveling between islands and just keep busy on only one island. Boy have we been busy.

Consider splitting up for some adventures you might want to expierence but not everyone is up for. We did a "cheesey" zipline at Bay View miniture golf and liked it. We rode ATVs for 2 hours and loved it. We went whale watching off the west coast and we're headed to the North Shore to watch the surfers today. We've had some of the best meals and most wonderful time on just one island. Couldn't imagine jumping between islands with such short amount of time.

All the islands offer everything on your list. I think Oahu has the largest selection of the most affordable hotels, right in Waikiki. It's also the only island it's practical to not have a rental car.
suze

You have received lots of good advice, above.
I have to go along with just staying on Oahu, given your time constraints. All the other islands are great, but all are different. You can catch them next time - you will go back!
Fishing is very expensive, you might pass on it, this trip. As are luaus, but you have to go to one. Check the tourist publications (for deals/coupons) that are available at the airport and other touristy places, and do some research online, to get the most bang for your luau buck. Avoid time-share presentations - your time is too valuable. You should have a car part of the time on Oahu, when getting out of town, but parking is expensive in Waikiki, so keep that it mind when you are doing the logistics.
Do lots of research, but leave yourself time to explore things and places that you might "run into". The Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium is a good place for a variety of souvenirs, at good prices. But also do some things that will get you in touch with local people, rather than just tourists, to really experience the sharing of true Aloha spirit! And as nice as many of the hotel restaurants are, you will be able to eat a lot cheaper, if you go where the locals go.
Great snorkeling at Hanauma Bay! And the evening show at Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-see.

In Tomsd's post I beleive he means Hanauma bay, not Hanamalu. It is a marine preserve on O`ahu where you can snorkel. very popular place.

All the things on your list can really be done on any of the islands---well, maybe not ziplining, i really don't know where that can be found. You may want to get a basic guidebook that covers the whole state and it should help you narrow down the island choices. I don't think you will be bored if you spend the entire time on O`ahu, but for more variety you may decide you do want to add another island, and each is different.

re fishing, were you thinking of shore fishing or going out on a boat?

Aloha - mahalo for the correction. Guess I still love Hanamaulu tea house on Kauai, eh? http://www.yelp.com/biz/hanamaulu-teahouse-lihue

And while I have not done it - there is ziplining on Kauai:

http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/guideb...ining-on-kauai

Thank You everyone so far for commenting on my thread. You have given me so much to look into to narrow down my ideas.

@ Aloha ~ I was refering to shoreline fishing, such as catch and release. I'm not much of a fisher but it is definitly relaxing!!

OK, so...ten nights in Hawaii. Two adult couples, plus you (also adult) and your brother (age, interests?).

Are your flights to and from Hawaii already booked? Coming from the west coast of the mainland, you could fly into any of the islands -- and home to Detroit from some other than HNL. Ten nights is enough for two islands, but you could be happy staying only Oahu, perhaps splitting time between Honolulu and the north shore.

We fly Chicago-Maui every winter on AA, connecting via HNL or DFW, checking our luggage through to home out of OGG and staying inside airport security between flights.

Hawaiian Airlines is the preferred carrier in the islands. You will want to reserve a vehicle for use outside Honolulu.

I wouldn't plan to fish -- too much else to see and do. I'd do 'city stuff' in Honolulu and plan snorkeling on Oahu's north shore or, even better, on Maui or Big Island. (Sealife is best farthest south in the chain.) OTOH, Kauai would be a nice contrast to Honolulu and is *small* enough to enjoy during a short stay. Perhaps you and your brother would take a daytrip to see Volcanoes National Park on Big Island -- tours out of HNL.

For a first trip and with 10 days, I'd pick only one island. Obviously personal choice, but I prefer to not "waste" time changing hotels, going to the airport several extra times, etc.

Shoreline fishing is not, as far as I know, a big visitor activity. Bringing the equipment gets pretty cumbersome. There are shops where you can rent snorkels etc and you could maybe rent fishing gear too. Knowing where to go for best results would be a challenge, though I *think* you could fish at any shore area as long as it is not a preserve. There are boats you can go out on for open ocean fishing, very expensive, and some are group boats that I guess are really more of a party than a fishing expedition and less expensive.

My husband has done a bit of shore fishing on O`ahu and Kaua`i and enjoyed it, but he was really into it. If you are looking for a casual relaxing activity, I would say that just being at the beach is quite relaxing. The surf in Hawai`i is amazing and I could watch it for hours. Boogie boarding is a lot of fun and you can buy boogie boards at any convenience store. Also you can easily find surfing lessons in Waikiki and other locations, that would be fun for those physically able. Snorkeling is fun and can be relaxing. (I say "can be" because some people find it anxiety producing to have their face underwater and be breathing thru a tube)

To clarify it would be about 7 days in Hawaii. We are planning to fly out to San Diego a day or 2 ahead of time to hopefully cut down on the jetlag and meet up with my aunt and uncle before flying to Hawaii together. Then spend a day in San Diego before flying home to detroit.

Do you think snorkeling is a good idea for someone who isn't the best swimmer?

Also I agree with skipping the fishing part. It was just a broad idea i was throwing out there to see what the possibilities were.

Are there any good places to go whale or dolphin watching? is there certain times of year that is easier to do?

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is very safe - as there are lifeguards and you can even wade out to where you can see fish - and stand up if you get nervous.

http://www1.honolulu.gov/PARKS/facil...nformation.htm

And for whale watching - it just depends - at least here in SD - if you catch them heading/migrating south (can happen in Oct) and check out Hornblower among others. Even if you don't see whales - you will probably see a pod or two of dolphins: http://www.hornblower.com/port/overv...FU9ffgodOgkAGg

Uno mas - you can also fish from the shore here in San Diego - as well as a half day or 3/4 day boat. Some years you can still be catching Tuna as well as Yellowtail offshore - into Oct, and bottomfish for sure.

Alaska flies non-stop to Kauai from San Diego.

Rent a beach house in Hanalei and let the rest of it fall into place. 8-)

If you only have 7 days to be in Hawai`i, then I would not try to do 2 islands. I really would start by getting a guidebook, read up on all the islands and then decide which to go to.

the best time to see whales is winter, up til March. Dolphins would be in the waters all the time. There are cruises you can take to see them.

Oct. is a good time to go as usually the weather will be great and the crowds will be somewhat less as it is not "high season".

Aloha - yours is sound advice but if they are well rested - and flying from San Diego direct - I would suggest they either just head on from the airport to an outer island - and then maybe spend a couple days on the way back exploring Oahu.