More time on Oahu or the BI?
 

Hi everyone,
I am having a blast planning my honeymoon for August, but am having trouble making some decisions! We are going for 13 nights in August, and want to have a mix of traveling and vacationing...that is, be able to sightsee and experience new places and landscapes, but also have plenty of time for relaxation as we are coming a long way from Boston. I think we want to spend our last 6-7 nights on Maui, relaxing on the beach and by the pool, but we are unsure of how to spend our first 6-7 nights. We are flying into HNL and out of OGG (cheapest flight combo from BOS.) Although I hope to get to Kauai one day, 4 islands is too many in 13 days, and we both really want to see Volcano National Park, so we decided on the BI for our first island. My questions is this -- should we spend more time on Oahu or the BI, or split it equally, say 3 and 3? I go back and forth, and believe me, I have researched this trip like crazy and know how different they are. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Aloha beachgirl,

I've been to both BI and Oahu, and I would opt for the 3/3 on both, especially if you want to see VNP.

Many great options for both of those islands in 3 days each... and you know,
once you visit for the first time...
you'll "BE BACK"!

It's nice to get a flavor and then plan to come back for a little more exploration. Personally, I prefer Oahu, especially the north shore... I enjoy some time up front in Waikiki for all of the sights, restaurants, etc... then on for some relaxation and low key that the noshore offers...

Pick up R. Sullivan's "Driving and Discovering Hawaii, Oahu". It might help in narrowing down your decision.
Whatever you decide... much aloha!

I think 3/3 is fine, but having been to the islands and honeymooned there, I would spend my time on the more intimate island of ((R))Kauai((R)) over Oahu.

I believe 13 nights is plenty of time to cover the islands and usually find better prices flying roundtrip to HNL. Also, interisland flights can be redeemed with partners of Hawaiian Air for around 5000-10000 miles. Would suggest roundtrip to HNL then connect on to Big Island or Maui, 5 nights Maui, 5 nights Kauai, 2-3 nights on the Big Island. On the last morning, take the first interisland flight back to HNL where you can spend the morning hiking up diamond head or visiting Pearl Harbor, followed by a drive along the coast to the North shore, then back to HNL for return evening flight back to Boston. Congratulations on your Honeymoon! :S-

BI is my favorite island and it's so incredible, there is SO much to see, that I'd suggest more time there. (Call me nuts but I love it so much that I'd cut short time on Kauai or Maui to spend more time there!) Anyway, at least give yourself one extra day on the BI at the expense of a day in Oahu. You won't be sorry. It's a spectacular and underrated island with the BEST resorts in the WORLD!

I just re-read your plans. I adore Maui, it's wonderful, but it's much smaller than the BI and you can see it in 5 days. I would consider doing this split of your time:
5 days BI
5 days Maui
3 days Oahu
Trust me you will NOT be sorry about staying longer on the Big Island!

I second the vote for more time on the Big Island. It's my favorite island. We just returned from our eighth trip there in three years and we still have not seen everything we wanted to see. Remember, it's really a lot bigger than the other islands. It takes about 2 1/2 to drive from one side to the other.