Hawaii-first time-May
 

Looking to go to Hawaii for our first time in May for 7-10 days. We are 61, well-traveled, active, enjoy moderate hiking, snorkeling, B&Bs, and don't need to see Pearl Harbor. Any recommendations welcomed!

Virgina, where exactly are you going? Hawaii is both a State (with many islands) and an Island. Will you be going to Oahu where Pearl resides or another island in the chain? Everybody has there favorite island so help us help you.

We are looking for suggestions of which (probably) 2 islands on which to focus. Does that make sense? Starting to read about Hawaii as we speak. Seems the Big Island will be one.

For 7 days, stick to one island. For 10 days, you could do two islands, 5 days each.

Big Island is very big. It wouldn't be difficult to spend the entire time on TBI.

The BI is a great choice for those who like the outdoors. In my opinion the best snorkeling is on this island because is has the fewest beach. With 10 days you can really explore the island and do lots of hikes and snorkels on both sides of the Island.

I stayed last May at the b&B call Aloha Junction in Volcano Village. Nice place and close to the park. If you want suggestion where to hike, resort or snorkel just ask.

Somme people will disagree with me, but we have found "The Big Island Revealed" (we call it the Blue Book because is is bright blue) to be the most informative. Some find the layout confusing, which it can be, but it still has the best info. It's well worth getting if you are going.

Some of the best snorkeling is on the west side. Kealakakua Bay (where Captain Cook met his demise) is stunning. You can kyack it or take a boat from Kona. The problem with kyacks is that you aren't supposed to get out on the shore near the Capt. Cook monument because people are destroying the coral there, and the bay is a nature reserve. But people do it anyway. We go on the Fairwinds boat cruise. It's a 5 hour day, with lunch served on board as part of your fee, and about 2 1/2 hours of snorkeling. The water can get chilly if it's been raining because fresh water springs flow into the bay, and their water is cold! So the couple of hours is plenty before you get chilled.

There's also other good places which you will read about in the Blue Book.

Rent a condo or house if you stay near Kona somewhere. There's a zillion of them available online, starting at VRBO.com. The blue book also has evaluations of condo developments.

My husband would wave the flag for Maui - his very favorite vacation destination. We have been there at least 8 or 10 times and like Maui and the BI best. Don't be so quick to write off Pearl Harbor - it is a very moving memorial and if you are in Honolulu, a must IMHO. We have stayed all over Maui and prefer West Maui north of Lahaina. On the BI we like Kona area best. A night is lovely up in Volcano NP but Hilo is not my cup of tea. We have rented condos from VRBO.com as mentioned above when going for 10 days to a month. For 5 days in each place, a hotel or inn may be fine. It is an expensive destination and food is pricey, but you have to eat and how you do it is up to you. Definitly agree with abvove suggestion of BI Revealed and also, Maui Revealed for good information and ideas. Enjoy, it is a beautiful place.

Definitely Maui and the Big Island are the two best choices for a vacation in Maui. Like "charnees" said, purchase a "Maui Revealed" and "the Big Island Revealed" books. They are wonderful to help plan a trip, giving you hidden gems all over the island.
There are many hikes, beaches, & snorkeling spots that are unknown to the traveler, but with these books, you find many that are gems. It also gives tips on drives, places to stay, etc... that help greatly.

Maui...great mix of different areas from the "moonscape" at Haleakala, the rain forest on the road to Hana, great beaches, the mist over the west Maui Mountains. Great snorkeling off shore (we never go on the big boat trips) and really great dining! I agree...get Maui Revealed to find your own snorkeling spots, they direct you to some terrific spots. We adore Chez Paul, a French restaurant in what used to be a little store or gas station, Sanseii for sushi, Mama's Fish House for just all out Hawaiian dream experience. It's in the greatest little cove and it's everything you would expect in Hawaii! We prefer Wailea but also love the Kaanapali area, as well. The spa at the Four Seasons is so special!

Chez Paul closed.

With 7 days, I would choose just 1 island. If you can stretch it to 10 days, then either 1-2 islands. The Big Island is, well BIG, and if you choose that you could easily spend all 10 days there, splitting your time between the two sides.

I think Maui is a gorgeous island for a first trip. I'm also a big fan of Oahu (there is a lot more to it than Pearl Harbor and Waikiki).

yes, we have come to the conclusion that if we have 7.5 non-travelling days in Hawaii, we should stay on one island. We are between Big Island and Kauai. Our dilemma is -- since the airfare is coming close to $1000. and the trip takes 16+ hours, should we wait and go when we have a bigger window of time available...

One of the things I love about Hawaii is that it only takes 5 hours to get there from here. 16+ hours is a long time to travel for 7-1/2 days. Where are you coming from?

Those are my favorites. Both are the least populated and with great outdoor possibilities. Hawaii is far superior for snorkeling. Kauai, on the northshore has that prototypical Hawaiian look. Kauai has excellent hikes, I can't say that it is bettr than the BI but I would give it the nod in the moderate hiking category with heavenly views.

May I also suggest with ten days that you consider renting a house or condo. So for example on Kauia, maybe 7 days on the northshore and three around Poipu. For the big island 7 days around kohala coast or kailua-kona and three up in volcano or hilo.

Let us know what else you need to know.

well, this is a hard decision. we are coming from Richmond, VA.

Honestly for me yes I would probably wait until you have at least 2 weeks. It's a lot of money and a long way to travel for just 7 days from your location. I go for shorter trips, but I'm only coming from Seattle, so a $325 plane ticket and a 6 hour nonstop flight.

Keep a close watch on airfares. We are hawaii addicts from Boston, so know all about the long journey. I think 7 nights on Kauai would be better then no nights on Kauai. Unless of course you have another trip that calls you equally and fits into the timeframe. I learned when I was 18, not to put off travel and dreams for retirement, when my dad died at 49.

Kealalani-I totally hear what you are saying and, hence, we have done lots of traveling with that in mind. My father also died at 49 and I was 13. I understand.

I thank all of you for your good advice and heartfelt help, as per always on this site. We decided to find a time when we can be in Hawaii for longer..hopefully in the near future.

totally sad about Chez Paul!!