Eric Pettis

Hello Travelers,

I was wondering if you can help my fiance and I decide where to go and stay in Hawaii. Let me tell you our initial thoughts. 2 days on Oahu, 5 in Kauai & 5 on Maui or 2 in Oahu and 10 in Maui. I would truly appreciate as much feedback as possible.
Thanks.

Russ Evans

Eric,

Need more insight on what you consider an ideal vacation. Each island has strengths and weaknesses. Are you looking for the nightlife? Or perhaps secluded tropical beaches? Are you looking for loads of activities or just swimming and laying under a tree along a secluded beach? Also what time of year are you planning on going since rain can be a factor on some islands.

Bruce Klein

We just returned from Hawaii from our honeymoon. We did 5 days in Kauai and 6 days in Maui. If you give more information on what you like to do, and when your are going, I could give you some information

Kat

Preferences differ, of course, but I'd skip Oahu to maximize time on the other islands, specifically the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui and Kaui. If you can only do two islands, then the Big Island ought to be one of them since it is so very different from the others.

On Maui, I recommend the Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton. On the Big Island, the Four Seasons at Hualalai is very special indeed.

The Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai is wonderful and Lanai sort of counts as Maui as there is a ferry and it doesn't take long.

Ann

I will be going to Maui for 8 days this month and staying at the Hyatt. I am considering visiting some of the other islands and would love any suggestions on where to go. Since you just got back from Maui let me know some of the fun activities and restaurants you would recommend. Thanks!

dan

My wife and I spent two weeks on four of the islands for our honeymoon. Four on Oahu and Maui and three on Kauai and Hawaii. As stated by others, it depends on your preferences. If you want to see the sites of Oahu (Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore, etc. and spend time on the beaches, even four days was too little). I saw most of all four islands in two weeks, but my wife thought there was not quite enough beach time. If I were to pick two islands for a beach vacation, I would go to Maui and Kauai (whatever the combination I would go to Kauai - it is truly beautiful). To see a diversity of what Hawaii is like (history and land), I would take Oahu and Kauai. If you are more interested in seeing interesting natural scenery and spending time on the beaches, I would take Kauai and Maui. If you get lucky like we did, you may see a volcanic eruption on Hawaii. Hawaii is a very different island. It is mostly lava, has a desert (even cactus), large cattle ranches, live volcanoes, two mountains as high as any in the Swiss Alps, and black sand beaches. Make sure to see some of the waterfalls there too - great ones on Kauai and Maui.

dan

I just realized I didn't completely answer your question. If you are focused on what you want to see and do on the islands, I think you can do pretty well with 3 on Oahu, 4 on Kauai, and 5 on Maui. I also think you could do pretty well with 4 on each. Whatever you do don't give only two days to Oahu, unless you mainly want to see the Waikiki and maybe a short city tour.