Hi--we're a mid-twenties couple planning our first trip to Hawaii--8 days, 9 nights. We're flying into Honolulu from LA, where we don't need a place to stay, but we'd love suggestions for outdoors stuff to do, including camping.

What we're wondering is, if there's absolutley one island to go to besides Oahu, which one is it, and for how many days? Any other suggestions on cheap ways to get around once we get there, where to stay (anything w/a private bedroom, including a hostel) and must-see outdoors stuff...we're thinking volcanos, rain forests, snorkeling and FOOD (as much as we can cram in would be great!)

Aloha Christina -

Well, you're in for a real treat! Now, I'm very biased, as my husband and I have been longtime timeshare owners on Kauai, but as far as we're concerned, after having visited all 4 of the major Hawaiian islands, look no further than Kauai! It is the least developed, and therefore, the least spoiled of the islands - the zoning ordinances are such that buildings cannot go higher than 4 stories. There's no other way to get around than by car, so you'll need to rent one for sure, as there's only one main road that goes around the island. As far as places to stay, there are many condo rentals available if you're looking to go a little cheaper than the big hotels, and there are some nice condos to be had. There are too many must sees and dos to list in this posting, so feel free to e-mail me separately and I'll be happy to give you more detailed info. As it is, my husband and I are leaving this Saturday for Kauai, so I'm sure I'll have much to report when we return. Good luck!

P.S. If you're looking to divide time between Oahu and Kauai, I'd suggest at least 4 days on Kauai - you won't regret it.

Hi Christina,
The only island that has a live active volcano is the Big Island. There is a lot of hiking to be done at the national park and other spots on the island. I suggest that you get ahold of the book The Big Island Reveled. We prefer Maui to Kaui. Kaui is more quiet and layed back. I feel Maui has the perfect mix of nature and man made activities for a first trip to the islands. You really can't go wrong which ever you choose. If you are like us you'll be back again and again to discover your own favorites.

We stayed 3 days in Honolulu and then 7 days in Kauai and it wasn't enough REally no matter which other island you choose, it will be a wonderful trip. You might try The complete Idiots guide to Hawaii or another guidebook for help in deciding, as they outline which island is best for which activities.

I visited the Hawaiian islands a few years ago. What a difference for each island. The Big Island is like landing on the moon - an expanse or black lava rock sprinkled with "graffiti" which is small white rocks used to write messages on the rocks. It is awesome to see firsthand the destruction and also beauty that an active volcano leaves behind. Maui to me was very much a resort island. If you want a comfortable American vacation with familiar resort atmosphere, this is it. I found it a little too man-made in the resort areas but the beaches are very beautiful. Kauai is probably closer to what many feel is a real tropical island - lush with palm trees, resorts not to close to each other, very small island feel. I had fun just experiencing the different environment each island offers.

In Oahu, rent mopeds, We had a great time going to diamond head and Waimea Bay. The traffic in Waikiki is 25mph in most places so it is safe and the mopeds are so easy to drive anybody who can ride a bike can ride a moped.
Have a great time
do

If you want a total camping experience with style, visit the molokai ranch on the island of molokai. Although fairly expensive, your per nite cost around $290/nite for two (Adventure package when avail)includes all meals, activities (hiking, biking, cayaking, horseback riding, and much more) and lodging in a tent-a-lo (large two room tent that sits on a wooden platform, includes ceiling fan and outsided cooler filled daily with soft drinks)

Also, they do have breakfast only rates that does not include activities. Although cheaper, you need to purchase everthing ala carte. Like I said, this is camping in style, no cooking facilities and two beds in each tent-a-lo.

If you are looking for fun nightlife, the only place to go is on the Island of Oahu. For instance, Aloha Tower, Restaurant Row, Mai Tai Bar, Pipeline Cafe, Diamond Head Grill, and many more.

We were on Maui 2 years ago. Bike ride down Haleakala with Aloha Bike tours is VERY VERY CLASSY. He ends the ride at a winery for lunch. He advertizes only on the internet. Drive to Hana is long but well worth it. Go past Hana to the "7 falls" a beautiful hike.