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

Here are some other sitesbr /> 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!