Hawaiian Islands
 

I am new to this forum and would like advice on how to best spend my time in Hawaii. I have to be in Honolulu for three days on business, but would like to spend another five or six days exploring. I would like to go to one other island in addition to Oahu, but am not sure which one to choose. I enjoy nature and hiking but nothing too strenuous. I would like clean, comfortable lodging, but nothing fancy as I will not be spending much time indoors. Thanks.

Your time frame is often helpful in regards to seasonal weather and surf.

I knew I forgot something. It will be approximately between the 20th and the 30th of April, but I haven't finalized the dates yet.

All the major islands have natural beauty and hiking. What other things are you interested in doing or seeing?

What is your budget per night and will you have a car (you need one anywhere except Oahu)?

You could go to any of the other islands... Maui, Kauai, and Big Island all have what you ask for.

Maybe get a guidebook that covers all the major islands, look at the photos, see which one sparks your fancy?

Or with only 5-6 extra days, you could stay on Oahu and explore that island. There's a lot both within Waikiki/Honolulu and out around the island that many visitors never see.

Thank you for your replies. I have been going on YouTube and watching videos taken by tourists. I have found some helpful ones. ALL the islands are beautiful, as mauibob says. Renting a car is a definite possibility. I think at this point lodging price and availability will be the decisive factor. I would like to spend between 100 and 200 $ a night. I now have a travel companion who will preferably NOT be sleeping in the same bed as I do. I think this will add to the price of lodgings, but that's ok. Perhaps a condo with a bed and a futon would do the trick. Any recommendations?

I'm new too, but thought I would impart some of the things I've learned (some, the hard way)!

http://www.vrbo.com/ Is a great website for searching condo rentals all over the place, including Hawaiian Islands.

My biggest piece of advice is to look and book fairly soon. There are a ton of available options out there, but the really well-priced ones go quickly.

Finally, I'm in a similar boat as you, that I'll be on Oahu for about 3 days and then have another 6 to travel around. I'm choosing to spend the rest of my time on Maui, as it's small enough that I can really cover a good amount of ground and leave feeling like I've really learned the island. That being said, I've never been to Hawaii before, so I can't comment of Maui vs. any other island! Have fun!

Renting a car is essential on all islands except for Honolulu on Oahu. So, factor that into your budget. They sell out during peak seasons and prices can go quite high so work on that soon.

Pick an island and then the kind people on the forum can assist with lodging suggestions. Good luck.

<like to spend between 100 and 200 $ a night>

That will be easiest on Oahu, right in Waikiki. The budget hotels I've stayed at all had 2 beds in the room and were in that price range (Waikiki Sand Villa, White Sands Hotel).

One week = One island. Each transit between islands will take about half a day, door to door. If you're flying in and out of HNL, you'd lose almost a full day just coming and going and have to 'do time' in airports on each end.

I would stay on Oahu. Outside of Honolulu, Oahu is beautiful and 'typically tropical'. You might book a night one the north shore. Reserve your rental car now.

Very good advice, thank you. Is Vog a big concern on the Big Island?

Vog can spread throughout the chain of islands. We've had Kona winds a couple of times during our stay this winter where I ran the A/C in the bedroom to clean the air. The good and largely vog-free beaches are on the Kohala Coast (NW). When the volcano is active -- as it is now -- visitors to Volcanoes National Park may be restricted in where they can go. Sightseeing flights over the volcano are also restricted.

I've never understood the idea of "losing" a half day. Although inter island travel takes far longer then it once did, I've never lost a half day as the journey is part of the whole day. I do plan the time of travel and direct flights and enjoy the commute.

We ve juts been to Maui and stayed in kihei which is cheaper side of Maui but lahaina end would be my choice
Lahaina is a fun town and good place to launch on other roads to adventure
We stayed in condo in kihei but was very expensive..right on water with two bedrooms etc but there's loads of accommodation there

May I just hitch onto the OP's thread and ask if there isn't another way to island hop other than a plane?

Would a boat be more interesting or feasible?

babetteo, you may not advertise on fodors.

There are no ferries between the main island

Oh contrary, there are two ferries that provide transportation from Maui to Lanai and Molokai

I was referring to lack of ferries between the four major islands--Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii,which is what I thought the poster was inquiring about. Sorry for the confusion.

I was referring to lack of ferries between the four major islands--Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii,which is what I thought the poster was inquiring about. Sorry for the confusion.

Does anyone have any experience/information/advice about staying on Moloka'i? Is it realistic to make a day trip there?

Weigh the time and money spent 'getting there' (and back) against the limited 'payoff' -- time you'd have on another island.

I think you are worried there won't be enough to see/do on Oahu, and that's just not the case. I would enjoy the island and not cool my heels in airports or on highways getting to and from them.

People visit Hawaii to get on Island Time, not to dash around, and that's a good thing because Hawaii isn't going to *speed up* for you!LOL

We have visited Oahu, Big Island, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai and Maui. They are all tropical paradises but Kauai and Maui are our favorite islands.

When we visited Molokai it was in the late 90's. We took a puddle jumper from Oahu and I remembered that upon check in they asked you for your weight. I recalled maybe 6 other passengers and we sat right behind the pilot and co-pilot. It was a bumpy flight. I would not recommend going for just a day. Molokai is the least commercial of all the islands.

We were just on Kauai and Maui last month and like to stay in Princeville on Kauai and Wailea on Maui. If you want to visit another island, I would recommend Maui. You definitely need to rent a car (if you are a member of Costco, AAA or have entertainment book compare rates) and make reservations now- you can always call closer to departure time and see if rates have dropped.

I would recommend staying in condo vs. hotel. If your budget allows, go for ocean view condo and walking distance to a beach. They will be more expensive but will enhance your tropical island experience. Have a fantastic trip!

Thank you everyone for your valuable advice. I have decided to spend 4 days on Oahu and 6 days on Maui. I will be sure to let you know how my trip went.