Which island should we visit? We have to cut our honeymoon short from 12 nights to 9 nights (due to costs), and have to alter our orignal plan of Maui(6 nights), Kauai (3) and Kona (3). We want to keep the 6 nights on Maui to relax, and do the other 3 on another island. Is it even possible to do a day trip to Kauai from Maui - we understand that the helicopter rides are fabulous.

Thanks!

Kristen -- I have not been to Kona so I can't compare that. But with only 3 days it seems to me that Kauai, being a much smaller island than the Big Island, is much more doable in a short time than the Big Island would be.

I would not try to do Kauai as a daytrip from Maui. Theoretically it is POSSIBLE to fly there and back in one day, but there is a lot to see and do on Kauai (Waimea Canyon, the NaPali coast, lots of gorgeous beaches) and in one day you would hardly get a taste of it. In fact, we liked Kauai better than Maui.

Hi Kristen -

Having been to both Hawaii and Kauai, I would suggest Kauai. The Big Island is wonderful. In fact, it is our favorite after Kauai, but we think Kauai offers more for us. Kauai has breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the Napali Coast to Kauai's beautiful North Shore encompassing Princeville, Hanalei, and all in between. The South shore at Poipu usually has the best weather - especially if traveling in the winter months. You can hike in Kokee or the Napali Coast. The snorkeling is wonderful and the helicopter ride offers the most spectacular views of all the HI islands. The island also has two of the 5 (I believe) National Botanical Gardens in the United States. Save the Big Island for another trip when you have more time. It also has much to offer. I think you are wise not to try to do three islands is nine days - much too hectic because you pretty much lose a day when you island hop. That's just my opinion, Kristen. Good luck to you both. These are good decisions to have to make.

Hi Kristen,
Good recommendation above--having been to all 3 places a couple of times, whatever you do DON'T try to do Kauai on a day trip. You'd just be frustrated. The Big Island is just that--big. It needs more time. You can get more out of Kauai in a shorter time. The helicopter ride is breathtaking--our clan likes Air Kauai. Sunset cruise on the Blue Dolphin out of Poipu is also fun and a great way to see a good bit of the southern coast in an evening. Have a lovely time and don't miss sunrise on Haleakala!

Kristen

Go to Kauai! The big island is great, very interesting with much variety but Kauai is absolutely the jewel of the Hawaiian islands. It is the real deal - the way you always imagined Hawaii to be. The same can't be said for Maui. But it is way too hard to do a day trip. I would suggest cutting short on Maui by one day so you can have four nights in Kauai. Since you are looking to just relax anyway there is nowhere as relaxing as Kauai. Poipu has the best weather and probably most activities while Princeville has the incredible scenery. You could stay in one and do a day trip to the other.

Thanks for all of the feedback, it is very helpful, and I think we will do Kauai. Though, my one concern is that I heard the beaches aren't that great. We prefer the beach over the pool, and so that is also a factor. What do you think?

Agree with above to cut Maui by a few days and add those days to Kauai. And i love the BI, but you'd need more time, and on the Hilo, not kona, side of the island. (In fact, i'd skip Maui entirely,but that is just my opinion.) The beaches on the North Shore of Kauai, from Lumahai to the end of the road at Kee, are exquisite, water clear as crystal, sand white and soft. lsuh trees to near the water's edge. BUT what time of year are you going?That will affect how swimmable those beaches are!

Rebecca,

We are planning a week (6 nights) on the Big Island in March. Right now we are planning 2 nights on the Hilo Side at the Kilauea lodge and 4 nights somewhere on the Kona side. Do you think 2 nights on the Hilo side is enough? What all would you do there and how was your weather when you were there?

Kristen -- I don't know where you heard that the beaches on Kauai aren't that great, but boy do I disagree. I thought the ones on the north shore were particularly gorgeous (Hanalei, Ke'e, Tunnels, etc.) -- golden sand with turquoise water, lots of pretty fish swimming around even in the shallows, and hardly any people.

Lisa-
We are going in May, and a travel agent told us that the beaches aren't that swimmable. I also think I saw some other posts about beaches on Kauai that indicated the same. Hopefully they will be nice!

The swimability of the beaches in HI can be very much dependent on the season. Be sure to get the necesssary info. and heed all warnings.