FrankP

OK. Just beginning to plan for next winter. We're planning on being there for two weeks. Thinking about doing two or three islands. Which ones? Also, where to stay? We don't need a fancy resort, but appreciate good accomodations. More interested in experiencing the culture than the glitz. Suggestions?

aloha

If you've never been to Hawai'i before, I suggest getting a book such as "Hawai'i for Dummies" as it has a good section on choosing islands. I suggest spending a week on each of 2 islands rather than rushing. You can learn about the Hawai'ian culture and history on O'ahu at Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, etc. If you go to the Big Island, don't miss Pu'uhonua O Honaunau "city of refuge", a national monument with reconstructed buildings and carved images and ancient stone walls.

Pumpy

I used to live in Hawaii and would suggest somthing like the following :
1. Oahu for 1-2 nights max (musts on Oahu- snorkel Hanauma bay & visit Pearl Harbor)
2. Hawaii (big island) stay on Kona side for 4-5 days and spend at least 1 night (two days) on volcano side of island
3. Kauai rest of trip

EmilySD

We went to Hawaii for our 5th anniversary for 10 days and visited 3 islands. It was a bit rushed, but I think you could do 3 islands in 2 weeks. We went to Maui (which we had been to before), The Big Island and Kauai. They are so different from each other it would be a shame to miss any of them.

We mostly like to snorkel and soak in the natural beauty all around. Kauai was our favorite, it is so beautiful! Visiting Volcano Nat'l Park was amazing also. And Maui has the Road to Hana, Mt. Haaleakala and Iao Needle was interesting too.

Have fun researching! And have a great vacation!

Miranda

I think you can easily do three islands in two weeks without feeling rushed. I like all the islands and it's hard to choose. I'd probably do Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, but it depends on your interests.

SueH

We did:

3 nights Oahu (that's 2 full days, as we arrived late in the evening)

6 nights Big Island (3 on West Coast, 3 at Volcano to explore the volcano and the East Coast)

5 on Kauai.

Ideally we'd have liked another night on West Coast of Big Island but we really didn't feel rushed.

I'll mostly leave it to others to recommend accommodations but must mention a lovely B&B at Captain Cook on the Big Island (near the City of Refuge mentioned above, also amazing snorkeling in the bay by the Captain Cook Monument). It's the Areca Palms. Check out their website at www.konabedandbreakfast.com. If you like a B&B you'll love it there!