My husband and I are looking to go to Hawaii in September. We would like to keep it romantic. We have about 8 nights. I was thinking three nights in Oahu, one night in Molokai and the rest in either Kona or Maui. Any advice? Where are the best beaches? I don't know if we will sightsee too much, just looking to relax. We can't pick the islands we should go to. Help?

Nice thought but way too many islands for such a short time. I'd recommend one maybe two islands (max). You will easily lose 1/2 day each time you switch islands (flight time, check in, rental car drop off or even cab etc. I recomment going only to Kauai (very romantic and lush).

First trip to Hawaii?
Why Molokai?

I agree with David. Too many islands and skip Oahu. I've been there twice but doesn't compared to the other islands. Too busy there to be really romantic. We stayed at what used to be the Royal Waikoloan on the big Island. Has a very private beach with hammocks stretched between the trees. Right next door to the Hilton Waikaloan Village. Also have stayed twice at the Maui Hyatt in Kaanaplai (sp). Once without kids once with. Both times were fabulous. Lots to do on Maui. We're going to Kauai in Sept too. Can't wait!

Lauren,
E-mail me if you want a great package put together. I am a Hawaii specialist and lived on the islands for many years. I can recommend great places to stay and visit while in Hawaii and put together a fabulous package for you with air, car, hotels and activities.
Lisa

Thanks for all of the good advice! I was thinking Molokai for just one night because it just seems so serene and private. I really would like to see Pearl Harbor, so that's why I want Oahu but I am stuck on another island!!!
And I wish that the travel agent lady would stop trying to get business on a chat site!!!!!

Lauren,
You are right not to want to see Pearl Harbor! It's not to be missed although Ohau is not my favorite island. Also, is you have the time, plan to tour Iolani Palace...the home of Hawaii's last King and Queen. Reservations are needed in advance. I think I would skip the one night in Molokai... the time spent getting there for one night doesn't seem worth the trouble. I'd spend most of my time in Maui...in Wailea... I've been to Hawaii 14 times... to Oahu 3 times, Kauai 3 times, The Big Island 5 times and Maui all 14 times. I'd be happy to help you make plans or answer questions if you want to e-mail me.
Laurie

Here's my non-professional advice (however I used to live on the Big Island).
1. Spend one (max 2) night(s) on Oahu do the following: A. USS Arizona (get there early), B. hike up diamond head (I was skeptical till I went this last summer)C. Snorkel Hanuama Bay (probably best snorkeling in all of Hawaii
2. Go to other island (I recommend Kauai for peace,romance, etc)

Here's MY advice:

Lisa if you don't keep your pathetic shameless advertising off this board you will regret it. Advertising here is deemed POLLUTION and it's against Fodor's regulations and it RUINS this board.
Opinions are welcome. Solicitation will NOT be tolerated!!

David, thanks for all your help. I was actually convinced to shorten my stay on Oahu and get rid of Molokai. However I am still up in the air with where to do the bulk of our stay. I was only leaning towards the BI because my husband can get a free room at the Hilton Waikola Village. But I don't want it if that isn't where we should be. I think I am leaning towrds Kauai. Thanks a bunch!

Don't get me wrong, the big island is my favorite. However, understand, I used to live there and am a little biased. While I am not a fan of the Waikaloa, (read other threads on this line regarding Hilton Village) I would certainly not turn down a free room. If you decide on the big island (good choice in my book) I'd suggest the following: 1. Snorkel Trip on Fairwinds Cruise out of Kona to Keakakeua Bay (fairly inexpensive and extrememly fun), spend day driving over to Volcano Park (this is pretty much an all day adventure), go to city of refuge, go to Hapuna Beach (one of best in Hawaii). The only reason I suggest Kauai is that it is probably the lushest and least crowded of the major islands. My assistant was a little let down by all the vast "moon-like" landscape of the Kohala area. I don't think you can go wrong anyway you choose!

Thanks Dave! I was just wondering where the best spot in Kona would be?

I wanted to tell you what a Great time I had on Kauai! It looks as though many others have already beat me to it. Oahu was very nice, but Kauai was simply the very best vacation spot I've ever been to in my entire life. When I went, it was September, and the weather was absolutely perfect. (I guess that's kind of a DUH anytime of the year.) You may not know that much of that gorgeous scenery in Jurassic Park was actually shot on Kauai, as were many scenes from South Pacific. But, incredible, awe-inspiring beauty aside, Kauai is the most laid back place I've ever seen. Something about the air there that makes you just want to slow your pace. My sister got married there, and I learned that quite a few people go for that very reason. Very romantic.

Here's my 2 cents:

We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village about a year ago. We also stayed on Hilton points. I loved it! It wasn't crowded, the hotel was beautiful, there was a lot to see and do at the hotel and on the island. This is what you need to be prepared for at the Hilton: you will have a few minutes' walk to and from your car unless you valet park each time (we didn't mind the walk); you may have a walk or boat or tram ride to your hotel room, which bothers some people but we found it to be fun (walking in the museum hallways is really neat); the Hilton doesn't have a beach on the ocean--it has a lagoon (complete with sea turtles and other fun things for snorkeling). There is a beach just next door at the next resort which you can use. Those are the worst things I can think of about the Hilton, and they're not bad at all. They have great pools, rooms, restaurants, and a spa. The decor in the public areas is amazing. I can't wait to go back there again. In short, I would highly recommend it. If you do go to Kona, be prepared for the lava flow landscape, which grows on you after the first day but can be a surprise at first. Go to all the sights David mentioned, and go to Waimea and eat at the Parker Ranch Grill--it was really great food.

We also went to Oahu and Kauai on that same trip. On Kauai, we stayed in Hanalei and had such a nice time just driving around the island and visiting beaches here and there. We also went on a helicopter ride which was just incredible and worth the cost.

On Oahu, we went to Pearl Harbor, and it was worth it. We only stayed on Oahu one night--we flew in, went to dinner and to bed, got up and made an early trip to PH, then to Diamond head, then caught our plane to Kauai.

For your 8 night trip, I would recommend doing 2 nights in either Oahu OR Kauai, and then 6 nights on the Big Island (I'm assuming the Hilton deal is the 6-night deal). Remember that you will very possibly go back to Hawaii again so you can see whatever you missed. You don't have to see everything this time. I would also plan your Kona leg last so you can enjoy those 6 relaxing days without worrying about the next part of your trip. Let us know what you decide and have a wonderful time!

Kauai is the real Hawaii you are looking for - I would suggest four nights in Kauai and four nights in Maui. If you can't do Kauai, the Big Island is nice too. However I am also not a big fan of the Waikoloa area - too dry and windy with uninteresting scenery. As far as Oahu and Pearl Harbor consider doing what we did on our first trip to Hawaii. We scheduled our return flight routed through Honolulu. We scheduled it so that we would fly from Maui to Honolulu early morning, and then from Honolulu to California that evening. We checked in our luggage for our return flight to the mainland when we arrived in Honolulu and then had the whole day to explore. We did a boat tour of Pearl Harbor and explored Waikiki and still had time to spare. We rode the buses and saw enough of Honolulu to never have to go there again - without having to waste a night.

I think I would be tempted to do Oahu for 2 nights just because you haven't been there before...do Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbour,etc. Look into perhaps the Sheraton Moana Surfrider here...then I would head to either Maui or Kauai. If you think you will go back one day, do Maui this time, Kauai next. The Waikoloa Village is a terrific property but the Big Island would not be my second island of choice. Maybe you could stay at the Four Seasons on Maui, or if you go to Kauai it is still the dry season on the north shore until October...look into the Princeville.

We just returned from a wonderful, magical, awesome week in Maui.
I would suggest one island, definitely Maui. Lots to see, beautiful beaches, sunsets, real paradise. Recommend Kaanapali Beach.

Hi, The US Army was nice enough to send me to Tripler Med Cntr. in 1973. I fell in love with the islands and have been there ever since. I have lived on the BI,O'ahu, and Kaua'i. I love all of the islands. Here goes: First time visit to O'ahu - In addition to USS Arizona Memorial go to the polynesian cultural center( 1 whole day). The pali lookout is a beautiful scenic look at the other side of the island. Always choose to go to the Arizona early. Waiting times get longer later on. There is just so much to choose.That is not a very relaxing vacation but very educational. It is a wonderful place to visit and for more ideas I know the chamber of commerce offers a vacation planner for free on the internet. I think it's at Hawaii.com. Mauai brags about being picked as the best island to visit the last three years by some travel organization. I forget which. It is a beautiful island. Moloka'i and Lana'i is like traveling back in time to about the 40's. Very good if you want to relax. Hawai'i has it's volcanoes national park, fields of wild orchids, and Kona is one of my favorite places to visit. Kaua'i is the movie island. Seems like every time hollywood wants to come to Hawaii they pick Kaua'i. It is one of the most lush green places because it rains the most there. To choose one of the islands other than ohau, maybe choose what decade you want to visit. Ask for some of the free materials from each island you would like to visit. Maybe that will help. All of the islands, even Oahu, have plenty of uncrowded beaches.More than once I went to Papohaku Beach on Moloka'i and was the only person there. This may only confuse you but I don't think you will be disappointed whatever you decide.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Eke

thanks for all the great advice. I can't wait to go. I think we will stick with the Hilton in Hawaii. Has anyone ever stayed at the Waikiki Parc?

we once did 9 days - 3 islands--3/3
oahu -maui & kauai - it is doable & you get a real flavor of the islands-- 2 for oahu to see would be ok)
if you fly into oahu-do kauai next& maui last perhaps you can save some air time -by leaving straight back from maui-
also a great way to do it -fast pace-slow pace -a little back up again-
oahu not my favorite- to busy comercial-
kauai & maui in my opinion are the best-
tho if someone gave me free hotel ANYwhere in HAWAII it would be hard to say no--and if you can return to see more soon makes for a tuffer decison..
For romantic & relaxed tho maui & kauai get my vote-kaanapali in maui - & in kauai I like poipou(dry) &(wetter) hanalai(sp)you absolutely can not go wrong in hawaii-ALOHA!