One island or two
 

Our family (two boys ages 8 and 10)is planning an 8-day trip to Hawaii over the Christmas holiday. We have 5 nights booked in Maui (Marriott). I am wondering whether it is too much of a hassle to spend the remaining time in Kauai. My initial instinct is to see as much as possible, especially given the long flight over. I have heard such wonderful things about Kauai that I hate to miss even a few adventures, including a helicopter ride. However, I am not familiar with the toll of island-hopping, and am looking for some input from those that have done it before. An option is simply to stay at another location on Maui, perhaps Wailea. Thanks for any input.

There is plenty to do in Maui for 5 days, I wouldn't want to waste one travelling to Kauai. If you are dead set on seeing another island, maybe a day trip to Lanai might be best. That way you at least save the time of packing/unpacking, checking in/checking out.

The islands are relatively close togther so the toll is not physical. <BR>It really is a question of travel time. If you can get a direct flight from Maui to Kauai, I would say go for it. <BR> <BR>However, if you need to connect in Oahu, you'll ned to be at the airport at least 1 hour before. Factor in 45 minutes scheduled flight time to Oahu, a minimum of 45 minutes waiting time in Oahu and 45 minutes flight time to Kauai. You are probably looking and 3.5 hours at a minmum. Do you want to take the time out of your trip for the airport? <BR>Personally, I think Kauai is worth it. But you know your family. Aloha <BR>

Bridget: <BR>We just honeymooned back from 5 nts Maui and 6 nts Kauai, with a day trip from Kauai to Oahu (to visit a friend and Pearl Harbor.) <BR> <BR>Maui is more commercialized, hence, more things to do. Kauai is quieter, prettier, greenier (in my opinion, don't flame me.) Oahu (Waikiki & Honolulu) is very commercialized. I am from NYC, so I wasn't thrilled to see those tall buildings. But in any case, I did enjoyed all 3 islands. Didn't want to leave Kauai. You'll see what I mean. Words really can't explain those feelings. <BR> <BR>The time it takes to unpack, check out of Marriot, drive to the airport, check out car rental if needed, get another car, check in a new hotel will definitely take you half a day, or more. <BR> <BR>We got our inter-island Hawaiian flights to Oahu from Sheraton Kauai 2 days prior for $69+tax 1 way per person. Left at 8:40a, returning to Kauai at 7:05p, even though our return tkt is for 7:45p (last flight.) We literally got on the plane 5 mins before departure. <BR> <BR>Enjoy and have fun. <BR>DC

bridget-- <BR> <BR>i think u shd go to kauai too. 5 days is a good amt for maui, and 2 to 2 1/2 days will be good for kauai. u can ck interisland air schedules at alohaairlines.com, where u'll see that even if u need to transit honolulu, hnl-maui is a 35-minute flight (20 min actually in the air) and hnl-kauai is abt a 17-minute flight. there are so many flights that sometimes u'll show up at the airport for ur scheduled flight and be offered an earlier flight that's boarding and not full.

You DEFINITELY have enough time to go and enjoy Kauai and I'd strongly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity. <BR>I'm always amazed at the people who chime in with comments like, "if you only have 10 days in Hawaii you can't see more than one island". <BR>Huh?? <BR>Yes, it takes a half day from room to room to get into a new hotel on a different island, but if you don't live in California and can't get to Hawaii conveniently, I think you should make the most of your trip. Kauai is VERY different from Maui, much prettier. Maui is still my favorite overall, but I think it's a shame when people go to Hawaii but miss out on seeing Kauai.

I echo with Carol-- <BR>in 9 days we did,3 nights each, oahu,maui & kauai-- was great & realized which we preferred for return visits.. <BR>do not miss maui& Kaui .. <BR>I also echo oahu to comercial..(yes we did find the out of the way palces there too) <BR>to each his own liking tho <BR>Aloha <BR>you can't help but to enjoy!

Just returned from Maui--8 nights. Stayed in two different hotels on Maui and felt like I had changed islands, so that might be an OK option.