Hello - I am taking a family trip to Hawaii in March 2007, and am looking for suggestions on which island(s) to visit. We are going with a group of 6 women, one of whom will be 80-years old. I have been to Oahu twice before, and thought that visiting another island would be fun. Which islands and/or activities would you recommend? We are planning to stay for about 8 days, and our budget is no more than $2000 per person. Any suggestions would be much appreciated - thanks!

Strictly my opinion: 8 days is not enough. It will only give you time to see one or two islands (at MOST).
However assuming 8 days is all you have:
My favorite islands were Kauai and the Big Island. Kauai might be a good choice for your group because it is smaller and more manageable and very scenic.
BUT if someone has their heart set on Volcano viewing - then Big Island is a better choice - Volcano National Park is fascinating.
Either way I highly recommend renting your own vehicle. Roads are quite good on both islands and driving around is the best way to see a lot.

I'm not exactly sure what your $2000 budget per person should be including.

Is this strictly for activities/tours only, or should it include lodging, transportation costs and/or meals?

I believe the recommendations you get will vary widely, depending on exactly what the $2000 should cover.

I would suggest Maui for all 8 days.

Why I suggest Maui is it is so incredibly beautiful, yet very easy traveling, not a "rough" as Kauai or the Big Island might be in reality.

There is so much to see and do, activities that are not too strenuous for your mixed group, but satisfying. The crater at Haleakala, various scenic drives, plantation tours, and the like.

In Lahaina there are also several great shows & entertainment options. I would suggest the Old Lahaina Luau as your one "splurge" evening (reserve early if you are interested).

Does you budget figure include the cost of airfare? Or just for 8 days lodging, food, and entertainment?

The $2000 budget is to include everything - airfare, lodging, activities, food, etc.

And you are flying from...?

(Not trying to be nosey but that will affect costs of the plane ticket. Also which island you decide on. Some route you'd be able to fly direct to Maui, for example, others you'd need to connect in Honolulu first.)

Will be flying from Atlanta.

In that case I suggest maybe pricing some packaged travel, say thru Pleasant Hawaiian or AAA if you are a member? Or charters from a travel agent?

I always book my own flights and hotel separately & direct with airlines and hotel for Hawaii, but a quick check on Expedia shows air only at ~high $900's for a non-stop flight Atlanta to Honolulu. With two extra stops it drops down to high $600's but I wouldn't want to fly via Chicago and LAX just to get there.

The Atlanta/Maui flights were even more expensive. There wouldn't be enough for the remaining expenses.

I put in dates on Expedia for packaged vacations (air/hotel/car), 1 week beginning of March, Atlanta to Honolulu, 2 adults per room, and a long list of available deals came up for just under $2000. Take a look!!

Oahu is the best island for you.

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...aii/index.html

You can download a free Honolulu Snapguide from this one:

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...081901179.html

I haven't checked any prices, but recommed Maui as you can get a good deal out of ATL. Delta added non-stop routes earlier this year and often has a sale.

Have Fun!

6 woman - 6 bedrooms?

Are people willing to double-up for hotel rooms? That will make or break your budget.

staceysmoot: If you are able to satisfactorily pull this off, I'd be very interested to know it.
In otherwords, I am skeptical of this possiblity at the price to state. Good luck though!

Hmmm, that's true. The packages I mentioned the ~1,900 figure was per person and only covered air, hotel double occupancy, and car rental. So there wouldn't be any "spending money" left.

I agree with Maui for all 8 nights. There is so much to see and do. Why waste most of one of your precious vacation days schlepping to the airport an hour and a half early, returning your car, arriving to the next island, getting a car, finding your way to the next hotel. Especially with an 80 y.o. in tow.

It'd be so much more relaxing to find a nice place like this (looks nice anyways)

http://www.vrbo.com/85708

setting up camp for the week, and taking day trips to Lahaina or Iao needle, etc. Plus you'd have all of the comforts of home at less than 100 bucks a night per person.

I'm going to jump on the Maui bandwagon, too. 8 days isn't very long and with the time change, you'll just be getting adjusted and it'll be time to go back home. Staying on one island would be the best bet. For me, it's exhausting to do the long flight from the mainland, get to your hotel and get checked in and somewhat settled and in a day or two, repack, get to the airport, get another car, check in to another hotel, knowing in a matter of days you'll be repeating the process. I think, especially with an elderly person along, settling into one hotel would be ideal. There are so many things to do and see on Maui. Two years ago, we traveled with my then 83 year old mother-in-law to Maui. We found so many things she was able to enjoy and she had a great trip. I'm sure wherever your group of 6 women go, you'll have a wonderful time and will be making lots of great memories. Have fun!