Looking to honeymoon in mid July 2000 in Hawaii. We are thinking of visitng the big island, maui and kauai in 10 days. Is this do-able or should we narrow it to just two? Which? Any positive words for molokai & lanai for first time visitors? Thanks!

Norie

My husband and I visited Hawaii 2 years ago for our honeymoon. We absolutely loved it and stayed in Maui and Kauai. We were there for 2 weeks and a week in each Island was perfect, of course we wanted to stay longer but we had to get back to reality.

I would highly recommend these two islands, they are absolutely beautiful!! We stayed at the Hyatt on both Islands and it was goregous. If you visit Maui, be sure to have dinner at the Swan Court restaurant at the Hyatt (very romantic).

Happy planning. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Definitely stick to two islands. Almost a full day is lost when you have to travel from island to island, when you take into account checking in and out of hotels, getting to the airport, waiting for your flight, etc.
Which two is a matter of taste. Maui is a little livelier than BI or Kauai, with regard to night life. BI has many great golf courses, and of course the active volcano. Kauai is a garden paradise.
Maybe you should just stay for three weeks and see all three!

Norie: Two islands is preferable for a 10 day vacation; 3 islands will not be relaxing and will be too hectic. You unavoidably lose at least 1/2 day for each inter-island transfer (best to get early morning flights so as to arrive at new hotel by noon, and when you book the hotel, let them know of your intended early arrival, so your room will hopefully be ready). As for which two islands to visit, I'd recommend Maui and the Big Island, although many prefer Kauai to the Big Island. See earlier posts on this very topic.

Went to 4 islands in 14 days on honeymoon (4 days Oahu, 3 days Kauai, 3 days Hawaii, and 4 days Maui). This was fun, but I would suggest two islands instead. For someone who wants to see and do everything it is fine, but my wife could have used a little more relaxation. I would pick Maui and Kauai as my favorites, but Maui and Hawaii would give you more diversity and would be closer to one another.

Two weeks - two islands!
Too much time is wasted traveling inter-island, it eats up a good part of the day believe me! Definately Maui and then either Kauai or Hawaii - the Big Island is a good choice, lots to see and much diversity scenery wise. We've been to the islands 14 times and rarely do more then one island because of the hassle of moving about, but for a first time visit, go for two.

it's norie... thanks for all your input. i think we are goign to narrow it to maui and kauai but dont want to miss the lava at BI - stil deciding... looking fwd to reading more of your responses!!

Norie,

Don't base your decision on seeing lava. Much of the time you can not get close enough to even see any lava, or you may be lucky to see just steam! You could always do a daytrip to BI if you hear the lava is visible while you're there! Two islands are plenty for 10 days, and Maui and Kauai are great! Save the BI for another trip, as far as staying there!

Norie: Lani is right on target! Molten lava is rarely visible and when it is, it usually requires an aerial view from a helicopter. I enjoy the Big island very much but Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, often considered a "must-see", is, in my opinion, nowhere in the "top 10" of Big Island attractions. Have a great time on Maui and Kauai!