Hawaii-Maui/Oahu/Big Island
 

I'm hoping to go to Hawaii Feb 2010 and I was wondering if there are any MUST SEE/DO in Maui and Oahu. I'm up for anything. I'm currently only going to Maui and Oahu, but trying to decide if it would be worth it to head over the Big Island for a couple of days. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

How many nights total? If 10 or under, don't consider a 3rd island.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

Your questions have been answered in many threads. Search this site with words like hawaii, maui, big island, oahu.

There are "must sees" on every island. You'll need to do some research on each island and determine what interests you. And I agree that you should limit your time to one, maybe two, islands unless you are talking about a very extended vacation. But to answer the question: "would be worth it to head over the Big Island for a couple of days"? For a couple of days? I'd so no. You need more.

Discover your favorite island with this survey: http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx

We did 5 days in Maui, then 3 on Big Island and then 5 on Oahu. A lot of time wasted in getting from one island to another [check out, to airport, security, flight, to hotel.

We should have done more time on BI, for sure. It was our favorite and we didn't have nearly enough time.

Deb

On Maui, we liked the sunrise at Haleakala, snorkeling at Molokini, whale watching (seasonal), the Old Lahaina Luau, beach at Wailea, and doing the road to Hana. If you go to the BI, hiking out at night to see the lava was one of the coolest things we've ever done, also loved Hapuna Beach, and Akaka Falls.

10 days..only 2 islands at the most..
everyone has a different take..doesn't mean its the wrong one..figure out what you like to do and go from there..
for instance, some love the sunrise at Haleakala crater in Maui..no one tells you that you have to get up around 2-3am and either drive yourself up the steep zig zag road or the bus ride up..its usually cloudy when the sunrise takes place and its beyond freezing...get back to your hotel..exhausted!
You didn't pack a sweater and you need a parka with gloves..it's that cold.
Molokini for snorkeling, the fish used to be there but its a empty reef mostly..but most people don't know that this is supposed to be the norm.
So just words of wisdom is before you lay out your plans and time, really know what you want to do and get all perspective.
Road to Hana..the locals are passing you on blind curves that can run you and others off the road..if you get the least bit car sick, you will be super queasy from the 8+ hour car ride..
It all sounds really great and sometimes it really is..
Enjoy your time in Hawaii..

We did our research before we went. Our guidebook said that "no matter how warm you dress for Haleakala, it won't be enough" and to bring hot coffee with you, so we were prepared with a jacket and blanket. We did see people in shorts up there - non Fodors types who don't read the guidebook. We did get gorgeous pictures of the sunrise coming up through the clouds. Surprisingly, this was my husband's favorite thing we did on Maui. Getting up at 3:00 isn't bad when you do it the first morning of your trip since your body is still on its own local time.

Regarding Molokini, the sailing trip over and back was just as enjoyable to us as the snorkeling; Trilogy prepared an awesome barbecue chicken lunch right on the boat so we had a great lunch, got some sun, etc. We did not see tons of fish, but we did see some very beautiful ones and still loved the day we spent there.

k, what would you recommend someone do on Maui?