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!!

Night dive/snorkel with Manta Rays - NOT TO BE MISSED
http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/cha...mantanight.htm

Here are some other sites:-
http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hikes_day.htm

http://www.greenwellfarms.com/

http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/captcook/

Thanks for everyone's help!

I agree that 7 days on Kauai is better than 7 days in Virginia :) Perhaps you can reconsider. We are going to 10 days - 5 nights in Oahu and 4 nights in Kauai.

I live in southern California and I find that Maui and the Big Island (Hawaii) are very similar to our landscape. I don't find either island to be particularly lush and tropical.

I do like Oahu and Kauai because I find them to be the most Hawaiian in feel. There is so much to do on Oahu (both history and beach going). Kauai is laid back, very lush, quiet, and there is a lot of hiking and outdoors stuff to do.

Have to disagree with nanabee saying TBI isn't so lush or tropical. Try the east side of the island. We are getting ready for our third trip in May this year. We are only there 10 nights and are doing 3 islands - not recommended if this is your first trip. But if you can do 9-10 nights, pick 2 islands. For a first-time visitor I vote for Oahu and the Big Island. Regardless of what everyone says, you shouldn't miss Honolulu. The USS Arizona memorial is a day in itself. Waikiki is fun- don't take everything so seriously! If you want to snorkel, you MUST got to Hanauma Bay. Check out Waimea Valley on Oahu. In May, the drive to the North Shore's not really worth it. 3 days on Oahu is about right.

The rest of your time should be devoted to being active on the BI. I've never seen any place that could have so many different environments. If you land at Kona, you think you're landing on the moon. If you can swing the $, take the Blue Hawaiian "Big Island Spectacular" helicopter tour. You'll cover a lot of the island and be kind of prepared for what you'll see at ground level. Also, Kilauea is quite active these days and you'll see something that will stick with you the rest of your life - a live volcano! Then move over to the village of Volcano (stopping to see the black and green sand beaches along the way) and stay at Kilauea Lodge. (Try Tutu's place.) You are staying in a rainforest. Bring warmer clothes and rain gear. At the least it'll be misty. Check out Volcanoes National Park web site. I'm so excited to be going back! And make sure you stop in Hilo. I see there are a number of new attractions, shops, and restaurants since our last time there. And you HAVE to see Akaka Falls. Just watch out for the tour buses- it can get crowded.

May and November are the best times to go. I think you may be late to make a decision for May of this year, as airfares are headed upward. I don't know if you have flyer miles or anything like that. But you know, you might be able to make up some of the difference if you can get the right deals on lodging. (If you don't mind being off the beaten path, I recommend the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Honolulu. Just east of Waikiki, almost at the foot of Diamondhead (oh, yeah, another "must-do" if you're in shape for it!)

Anyway, my humble opinion

MomDDTravel-if we had 10 days, we would have gone, but we were locked in. Enjoy!