Need suggestions! My husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii in June. We would like to visit 2 islands. We are looking to do plenty of hiking and exploring. We do like the beaches as well, but really want to be active with hiking, possible zip lining, helicopter tour, etc. Would anyone have suggestions as to which 2 islands would be best for this trip? Also, what hotels would you suggest in the 4 star range? Thanks in advance for your help!

This is our FIRST trip to Hawaii so all suggestions are welcome! THanks!!

In general, you need a minimum of ten nights in Hawaii to stay on two islands; two weeks is better. My DH and I have spent two to four weeks on each of the four major islands, but we come to escape winter weather at our home near Chicago.

If you can come in May and very early June, you'll find lower rates and more availability. As soon as mainland schools let out, families head to Hawaii. Weather will be fine all over the islands.

I would 'prescribe' a few nights in Honolulu and the rest of the time on any of the other three major islands. There are many flights in and out of HNL, and many first time visitors want to see the historic sights of Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl, the Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum. Outside of the city, Oahu is a beautiful, typically tropical island.

Big Island of Hawaii is great for adventuring. You'd have largely vog-free beaches along the Kohala Coast (NW). Volcanoes National Park is SE. Save re-crossing the island by flying into KOA and out of ITO.

"Four star" doesn't help us as much as your nightly lodging budget in US dollars. You might look at this site, as it has aerials, reviews and rates for almost every lodging in the state: www..hawaiirevealed.com The "Dummies" series has a quick read to help you choose 'your' islands. It's "Hawaii For Dummies".

Day One in Hawaii is largely adjusting to the time change. Every transit between islands takes up almost half a day, door to door. You may be able to fly into one island and home from another, limiting you to only one interisland flight. (Hawaiian Airlines is the preferred carrier.) You need a rental car everywhere outside of Honolulu proper.

Good advice from ChiSue, you need to provide info such as how many nights do you have, what is your lodging budget per night in USD, looking for a hotel or condo?
Everyone has their favorites, mine is Kauai, followed by the Big Island.

I would suggest a trip to the library and check out all the Hawaii guidebooks that are available. Look at the photos to see what each island offers.

I personally suggest Oahu & Maui for 1st timers. But others would think Kauai and Big Island were "better". Or any other combination! You need to pick for yourself.

THEN once you figure out where you are going, start looking for lodging. It's too much work getting suggestions of ALL the places you could possibly stay on ALL the islands

aloha, suze

All the major islands have the activities you are seeking. I agree that at least ten days is best to do two islands. If you have less, do only one.

Thank you all for your responses. This helps tremendously! I think we have narrowed it down to Maui and Kauai. But we were trying to do these in 7 days. It seems we may have to stretch it to 10 days from your recommendations. I will check out the website for reviews on where to stay, as suggested from Chi Sue. Thanks again!!

Looks like we have decided to only do one island for 8 days. Since it's our first time, would you recommend Maui or Kauai? help!

IMO Kauai has the edge on good hiking and helicopter tours while Maui has better snorkeling and beaches. Both have ziplines.