Well, someone has to defend Oahu! Judging by the responses here, it seems that many stay in Waikiki, do the obligatory trip to Pearl Harbor, and then bolt for another island having never left the Honolulu area. I'm not saying all of Oahu is paradise - far from it - but I think if you are willing to explore a bit you'll find something to your liking.

Topping for lery about Waikoloa Marriott construction noise.

we loved Oahu...you need to explore...so much to see..great beaches on NOrth Shore...Get away from Waikiki!! Marriott on Koolina is beautiful and I could have spent a week there!! Beaches on East coast were also beautiful with great snorkeling...golf was great....we would go back there for sure!!

Yes Waikiki can be very crowded and "touristy" but if one thinks that is all that Oahu is then one is sadly missing a truly great island. Driving north to the Dole Plantation and seeing the Bonzai Pipeline and all the great surfers to picnicing at a deserted beach on the eastern shore to living it up at a great club in Honolulu. C'mon Oahu is a lot more than Waikiki

I would stick to only 2 islands for an 8 day trip. You waste so much time going thru airport security these days, when you could be by the pool with a Margarita or in the ocean checking out the fish. I have only been to Oahu, and the Big Island. I didn't mind Honolulu, but would rather be on the B.I. If I had 8 days, I would spend 3 on Oahu, 5 on the B.I.
Have fun!!!!

I agree with the others 3 islands in 8 days is too much,we did 2 in 10 days and I thought it was fine, cos you do lose the travel day. We flew directly into Maui and out of Honolulu. It is your choice what to do last. if you like the big city feel then HNL will not be a letdown. personally I liked it and would include it as the last stop again. This is where you shop if you are so inclined. Nice outlet mall. The walk up the volcano, now dormant ,cannot remem,ber its name, Pearl Harbour, The drive to Polynesian Cultural Centre and spend a day there if its your first visit are all very enjoyble. You may also want to spend some time on the beach.HNL is a busy city but enjoyable city .I did not find it as tedious as some have described. Again its what you like to do.

Where are you coming from? If you are coming from the hustle & bustle of a big city (New York, Chicago, LA etc) often it is a good idea to stop and detox on Oahu first before going to another island (Maui, then any others). I say this because I live in Honolulu and if I am wound up from a stressful week or something, when I visit the other islands the slower pace can be like culture shock. And yet, people say our pace of life is slower (even in Honolulu). Oahu is a good place to clear the palate before going on to an even more peaceful place.

I'm also planning for June 2004, 20th anniversary + graduation gift for best friends daughter. Taking her whether parents get to go or not. Great kid.
Thinking about: Austin, Tx to Honolulu 6-4 leaving for Kauai same day. Kauai-6 nights leave Kauai 6-9 for Kona, BI 8 nights split stay between Kona and Hilo. Leave Hilo 6-16 for Honolulu 4 nights depart for Austin 6-19. Any better ideas?????? Would skip oahu altogether been there done that and would goto Maui instead but friends have not seen oahu/pearl harbor diamond head punchbowl etc...