After visiting friends in Calif..I am looking at a couple of escorted tours to the Hawaiian Islands. One tour includes Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Two number 2, obviously more expensive, includes Kauai with the rest. Is Kauai worth the extra $ (around 1,000) and time? Would you pick Kauai or Big Island? (This choice is another option) I am an senior citizen, and organized tours work the best for me ! I realize this is a subjective opinion, but all thoughts are welcome. Thanks, Gail

Does the more expensive tour also include more nights? We are huge Kauai fans but love BI and the other islands as well.

And just read the 2nd comment. Years ago - a lot of hippies did in fact live on the north shore of Kauai - (some trust babies/surfers still do) - some of them growing pot (pokalolo) - and were "flushed" out by one very wet winter.

Actually - if the 2nd tour includes more nights - the extra time you would have in going to Kauai would be a bonus IMO.

I visited Kauai for the first time last October and had a great time. What is included in the tour?

I know you don't want to hear this, but I would NOT take a tour like that. The Hawaiian islands are each amazing, and you can't go wrong choosing any of them. I suggest you choose two islands and spend a week each on them, instead of a 'drive by' tour. Just my opinion. We have been to all the islands except Lanai. I am now craving a return to Kauai. Have been to Big Island the most.

How long is this tour, I hope it is at least a month, cause you need at least a week (5 days would work on all but BI) for each island. Hope it is not a big bus tour as they will not be able to get to two of the most beautiful places on Kauai due to the width of the roads. Namely you cannot visit the Kalalau lookout north of Waimea Canyon and you cannot visit the end of the road and a couple of the most beautiful North Shore beaches again due to narrow roads and a few one land bridges.

I am also a senior female and agree with PeaceOut, pick two islands and spend a week on each, very easy driving, two lane roads, slow speeds, etc.

Great suggestions, however gailellen clearly stated she likes and prefers organized tours and that too should be respected as a travel style.

No one is being disrespectful of that. The OP says, "all thoughts are welcome".

duly noted

I too would vote for bagging the tour and going to a couple of islands - such as Kauai and Big Island (or substitute Maui, whatever) - and you can find a lot to do for the equivalent price of a tour. Think if you google away - you can also take day tours once you are on an island if you want someone else to do the driving, etc.

Or - some of the resorts/hotels also have tour desks/concierge who can arrange things for you.

One of my favorite "tours" is stocking up on good beverages and fruit and snacks, etc - and enjoying the view (morning, noon or night) from the Lanai outside of my/our big picture window.

I love Kauai, but I have the same question as bigtyke, what is included for the extra $1000?

Google "Road Scholar+Hawaii" and you will find a lot of escorted tours of Hawaii. This used to be called Elderhostel. I have never been on any of their tours but I have friends that have really enjoyed them.