Hawaii first time - 12 days - need help planning
 

Well here is another what should I do post?! : )
My husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii for December. We plan to be gone for 2 weeks but with flying from Ohio that makes our actual Hawaii time about 12 days. It will be closer to the beginning or middle of the month.
My initial thought was to split our time between Maui, Oahu and the Big Island. I have frequent flyer miles so the cost of the flights is not an issue. I am just trying to decide if I am trying to fit in too much in the amount of time we have. My reasoning is Maui for the beaches, Oahu for the surfing and the Big Island for the active volcano.
My goal for this trip is a few days of just relalxing on the beach and the rest of the time would be exploring (beaches, hiking, drives, volcanos, etc.). I would like to see black sand beaches.
I don't need to "party" at night but my husband and I do enjoy a nice meal and some drinks in the evening.
Well any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

First, know where you want to surf in the winter, and check out the stats.
That's a lot of traveling; you could combine BI for volcano and great beaches (Hapuna, Mauna Kea, black sand, green sand), and the scenery, hiking, exploring (lava tube caves!), and sheer variety can't be beat. And Kona is a good option for dining, bars, etc.
(Check out Waikoloa Beach Resort, though; shopping, restaurants, access to many great beaches along Kohala coast, and many beautiful condo options [VRBO is a great help; right now, you can get a terrific deal for less than the cost of many hotels]; I think it's a good place to stay for access to the rest of the island, too.)

p.s. by stats, I was referring to North Shore Oahu, Jaws on Maui, etc., places you might have heard about that would not be suitable for non-experts in the increased swell of winter.

For me personaly 3 islands in 12 days would be moving around 1 island too many. I'd just do Maui & Oahu. But no right or wrong about it, you could certainly fit in all 3 if that's a priority.

On Oahu, especially right in Waikiki/Honolulu you will have no problem finding wonderful meals and drinks in beautiful locations.

I assume you already know how to surf because that will dictate where you look for surf beaches. Also, as you probably know, swells are fickle and last about 3-4 days, tops. You'll have more luck having them in winter months. Or did you mean you wanted to watch surfers surf? In either case, as sylvia suggests check the stats to know where they might be building. I don't know if I would pick an island just for the surfing since it could be totally flat while you are there and there's not much you can do about that.

Personally, I think 3 islands in 12 days is do-able but tight. We did a VRBO.com rental for BI near the volcano with laundry which worked well. We spent 3 days at the volcano but would have liked 1-2 more in Kona/Kohala Coast. There you would find great eating. We also really enjoyed Hilo which is the rainier side of the island but feels much more like the "old Hawaii" that I knew as a girl. Hilo is only really a day stop though, with Lili'uokalani Gardens being a nice, easy stop after the plane ride before going up to the volcano.

Since Maui has many of the things you list(beaches, hiking, drives), I might consider taking off Oahu unless you are dead set on seeing the North Shore, Waikiki or the Arizona Memorial. I feel once you see Maui and BI beaches, Waikiki will be a snore. Wailea/Kihei on Maui have good eats as do some parts of Lahaina. For shopping on Maui, I suggest forgoing Lahaina trickets and instead check out Makawao(on your way back from The Crater maybe) or Paia (on your way to watch surfing and windsurfing). These are smaller towns (less stores) but perhaps not as gimmicky...well, let's just say that locals shop there too.

<<<I feel once you see Maui and BI beaches, Waikiki will be a snore>>>

Maybe so, but it is different, and the rest of Oahu is still fabulous - Kailua, Lanikai, Diamond Head, Haleiwa, the north shore beaches, the H3 across the middle of the island.

While the beach itself at Waikiki may not stack up in terms of surfing, Waikiki/Honolulu as a city is anything but a "snore" ... the history, museums, restaurants, shopping, activities, etc. there is more "to do" there than anywhere else in Hawaii.

Beatty1000 - It all depends on what you want out of Hawaii; you can get something different on each island. Our 1st trip was for 10 days; we did 5 on Maui near Lahaina, 3 on BI at Kiluea Lodge near Volcano NP 2 travel; 3 islands would have been too much for me. After visiting Oahu years later, (personal opinion) dont feel like we missed much although we're not surfers; did enjoy Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head & Punchbowl. I'm a country girl (Ohio also) who went for the landscape & natural sites on Maui & the BI; fell in love with the Hawaiian people, their history & culture. Have you considered Kauai? Or Molokai?

I apologize, I should have been clear. I do not surf but would like to watch surfers at the North Shore. I hear that is a good time of year for surfing and competitions. I would maybe be interested in a surfing lesson, but definitely not on those waves lol, somewhere more calm. I would be fine tossing out Oahu if I could see great surfing on the other islands but am torn about it because would also like to visit the Arizona Memorial. HHHMMMM Decisions Decisions
I really don't want to be too rushy rushy. I just did 10 days in China and it was rushy rushy. On the other hand, I want to fit in and see as much as possible.
Thanks for taking the time to respond!! : )

eamc:
Kauai is supposed to be rainy that time of year and, correct me if I am wrong, there doesn't seem to be much on Molokai, more just for relaxing? I am sure its gorgeous but I just wanted to see more on this trip. We have been to lots of beaches on trips and I wanted more out of this trip than that, I wanted to see more of the "highlights" if you will. Again, please correct me if I am wrong! : )
I appreciate the information and keep it coming.

If you want Hawaiian highlights, I suggest not tossing out Oahu. It has the icons, you don't need a car while in Waikiki, The Bus is cheap and easy to get around on, and you can rent a car easily by the day to drive around the island. I would suggest splitting your time between Oahu and Maui with a day trip to the Big Island to see Volcano National Park if you are interested. I personally don't find the BI as scenic as the others.

Been watching this thread and really appreciate the clarity of your objectives. Doubt that all of the following will be a perfect fit, but hopefully will complement the ideas you've already received.
**Oahu: Based upon your original, and follow-up, comments, I question whether Waikiki is your cup of tea. Also, if I am accurate my interpretation of your primary ambition, you stand a very good chance of being disappointed by the North Shore. We stay in the Sunset Beach area every third visit to Oahu. Without doubt,the beaches are beautiful + ocean front house rentals are plentiful and reasonably priced. However, big wave surfing conditions are a true hit or miss: we've lucked out twice (standout memories include ankle deep water in our rental & allowing ourselves three extra hours to reach the airport, but missing our plane by 1 1/2 hours due to traffic). However, most of the time (we visit in February) the waves are moderate & friendly to even novice surfers.
As an alternative, those seeking consistent & exciting spectating have much better odds of fulfillment watching the wind & kite surfers at north shore Maui's Ho'okipa Beach. Illustrative YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xHdr8MWJOc
In addition, if you are extremely fortunate (odds even lower than north shore Oahu), you might be there during optimal conditions at nearby Jaws. In 20+ tries, we've lucked out once (three years ago). This video was produced within a couple of days when we were there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKu4UklaPQ. When the monsters hit, the crowds are as unbelievable as the surf; we left our west side Honokowai condo two hours before sunrise and best available parking was five miles away...but 100% worth it.
**Kauai: You are correct on your rain assumptions. Our most recent visit was two years ago and the weather was close to ideal, but as I was unloading luggage from our car, a fellow was packing up to head home. He and his wife had been there three weeks and it was their second day of sunshine; luck of the draw. Chances of sunshine are much better in the Poipu area and hiking the Waimea Canyon is easy & safe in comparison to the north shore's Kalalau trail; years ago, we got ourselves in some serious trouble and we weren't within two miles of were it really gets adventuresome.
**Big Island: My most memorable, and insane, Hawaii experience ever was helicoptering over Kilauea when it was blowing its lid nearly thirty years ago. However, our three most recent visits have been duds as far as lava activity is concerned and even less is going on now. No way of predicting next week, much less five months from now, but here's an off-the-wall idea: Reserve a helicopter tour now and fly over for a day trip if conditions warrant ( official lava info source: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activi...aueastatus.php ). Blue Hawaiian Helicopters would be my recommendation if you're apprehensive; their EcoStar is a fabulous machine & their videos, of your actual flight, are superb. Unlike some competitors, they do not have cancellation fees and there is no penalty as close as 24 hours prior to departure (if of interest, double check me for current specifics). A 10:00 flight time would probably be optimal from a viewing standpoint make for easy interisland connections from Maui...and you'd still have time to rent a car and visit Volcano National Park.
**Lanai: Pretty much a novice; been once, on a boating day trip years ago, and planning on a two -three day return at the tail end of our two month vacation celebrating my wife's retirement in 2013.
**Molokai: At one time, I was a huge fan, but a visit now is more than a 30 year step back in terms of accommodation & dining options + flight service. However, and imo it's a Genuine Biggie, a tour of the Kalaupapa Leper Colony, via the Molokai Mule Ride, is like nothing else in Hawaii. We've recommended to many friends, very few of whom are "horse people", and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; running the gamut from a "real hoot" to "one of the most emotionally moving experiences of my life".
Here are videos that introduce the story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdpzovajDg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_JUH...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lAYz...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyJGtjJlEko
Convenient, but far from ideal, flight connections to Molokai are available from Maui, but an overnight stay is practically mandatory.
**Maui: As you may have gathered, from preceeding comments, Maui is my home base recommendation to you. Not only from a logistical standpoint, but splitting time between the west side and, if you so desire, Hana would be as much of a change of pace as anywhere in Hawaii. If you decide on Maui, I'd be happy to provide condo recommendations in both places.
With reference to dining, Maui has many ocean front options and the prices are reasonable if you choose to opt for appetizers at sunset. Our favorite spot for a combination of excellent food and luau is the thoroughly relaxing Feast at Lele. This video isn't the most descriptive, but includes one of our favorite songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hxEK...eature=related
Hope all the comments you've received will be of assistance, but would strongly recommend that you make your decisions soon; the more desirable condos fill up well in advance and peak season car rentals need to be firmed-up as well.

Well through a little more research and thinking...I don't want to give up the North Shore of Oahu. I think the time of the year is perfect for watching surfing (I understand its hit or miss) but I think I will be bummed if I leave it out. I think I want to spend the majority of my time on Maui. I HAVE to do one of Blue Hawaiian's tours over the BI Volcano. I checked out their site and their tours, THANK YOU FOR THE TIP!!! My dilemma now is do I really want to fly over to the BI just for one day just for a two hour helicopter trip? What would be the easiest most convenient way to do this?? Thanks again!

Geeze (!?!), sometime since February, interisland convenience went down the drain. With reference to Kahului - Hilo flights, Hawaiian has a non-stop that will get you there @ 10 mid-December, it's priced at $91. Departing Honolulu, looks better; there is a flight arrives Hilo a little before 8 & it's 10 bucks cheaper.
Getting to Maui, from the Hilo isn't what it was; latest flight lifts off at 8:20 but connects via HNL & doesn't get to Maui until 10:30. Neither Island Air, nor go, are any help either.
Would spending the night in the VNP area be an option? Such would give you the opportunity to drive down to Kalapana and, with luck, see the nighttime lava flows down the mountainside & into the ocean. If you can get past the musical score, this video will give you an idea what it's about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo2DnqGBj0c We've tried it without a guide &, imo, it's a very stupid idea. There are guides, but you need to be careful; some know what they're doing and others.... I know that the guy we used has given up, due to lack of activity, but a pick-up in flows will resurrect the options.
Two additional nighttime alternatives are by boat: http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/vid...3CAC3668732765
and a small plane that departs out of Kona: http://www.bigislandair.com/
One other option that comes to mind is a Maui based plane tour of the Big Island: http://www.volcanoairtours.com/tours.html (Drawbacks: it's a wing under fuselage design; as opposed to the preferable wings-above, also, unlike helicopters, a plane lacks the ability to hover over highlight viewing spots and there is no video capability; other than diy.)
Finally (well, almost), here is a PBS video, from several years back, that is outstanding (be sure & click on the full screen button at lower right): http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episo...-episode/4825/
All of the above is contingent upon active lava flows. Our most recent chopper flight was a dud (subsequently, we've cancelled two). Lacking lava at VNP, we found a Haleakela/Hana helicopter tour much more enjoyable.
On to other subjects: First, with reference to your interest in black sand beaches, there are several along the highway to Hana. Examples- http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/beaches/OneuliBeach.htm & http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/beache...ksandbeach.htm.
Also, the Humpback Whales begin visiting Hawaii in December. Our first half-dozen Hawaiian vacations were during off-season. Since discovering the Humpbacks, we have always opted for winter time: An upclose encounter on a boat is awesome & even watching from a condo/hotel lanai has been known to set our daily plans back by hours. The Pacific Whale Foundation, among many others, is very professional: http://www.pacificwhale.org/

hhhmmm...if we opted for the Haleakela/Hana tour instead, we could avoid going to the BI at all. That raises a new question! I really appreciate all of your information, it has helped so much.
So I have been looking at resorts and found these to look nice, what's your opinion about the Resort and location?
The Grand Wailea - Maui
Turtle Bay Resort - Oahu
If I left out BI we could split our time between Oahu and Maui however we wanted to, again about 12 days.
Although maybe going to BI for the Volcanoes National Park is still worth it, even if for just a day or two? OH NO...too much to consider lol
Thanks!

For meals on Oahu, check out www.nonstophonolulu.com. actually, Tracy Chan covers nightlife, so if you are looking for hip things to do, she has a list that comes out every Thursday.

I saw this post on another thread, this member is referring to staying on Maui and not staying on another island...
"If you don't want to stay on another island - take an all day tour of Hawaii (the big island) or Kauai. We booked with a small tour co. where a limo picked us up with one other couple, they were going to Kauai and we were going to the Big Island. We left early morning and returned to our room by late evening. The landscape on the big island with Volcanos National Park, the Kona Coast, Coffee plantations and Hilo should not be missed. We did a helicoptor tour of the volcano and coastline, drank lots of kona coffee and spent the afternoon on the Kona Coast. Will never forget this!"...
My question:
this sounds like something I would like to do I just have no idea how to schedule it and who does it, etc. Any help is appreciated.

So I have been looking at resorts and found these to look nice, what's your opinion about the Resort and location and the beaches at both?
The Grand Wailea - Maui (if I could find another resort that looks this nice at a lower rate that would be great, I will pay it if this is the best, but I would have to take the most standard room at almost $500 per night which is at the top of my budget)
Turtle Bay Resort - Oahu (I am finding cottages here for around 400/500, so that seems nice)

Makena Beach & Golf Resort - any comments on this resort in Maui? I read that the beach here is great! Better than Grand Wailea, and much less expensive too. Just worried about location of the places I choose. See the previous post for other questions I had - sorry to be a pain and comment so often. Lol

Westin Kaanapali looks nice too.
Wailea or Kaanapali area?
I think I am set on Turtle Bay Resort for Oahu.

We had the same dilemna and opted for a good guidebook rather than wading through the internet. The one that zeroed in on all the possible activities like the ones you mention was the No Worries Hawaii guide. We picked the islands that were less touristy (Kauai and the Big Island) and never spent on package tours, did all the exploring on our own making choices from their lists. Our backup was the Maui Fodor's that was in our condo and we used it to walk around Kona and Lahaina. We also rode the ferry to Lanai for one day which was well worth the reasonable fare. We each brought two bathing suits and big brimmed sunhats.

No matter what time of year it is, you must have shave ice!!! I've done a top 10 list twice before...here's my updated list for this year.
http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/blogs...ana-shave-ice/