Thinking about a trip to Hawaii, need some help.
 

Hawaiian Airlines has bought out some discount air fares from Auckland to Hawaii, AIr NZ has now matched them so seriously thinking about a trip May/June next year.

I know it is the dry season, and there will be high humidity which I am not used to at all. Is this actually a problem or it is just me?. We would also have to rent a car, which again is a bit daunting as we would have to drive on the other side of the road. DH has said well it is probably a lot different driving there than in say NYC.

Not sure whether to do 10 or 14 days. The only reason I am wavering on the 14 days is the additional accommodation cost for the extra days.

It has been a dream of mine to visit Hawaii so I should just take the plunge and do it, even through it is an 8 hour flight from NZ.

It has been suggested that if we stay for 14 days we could do three islands, if we only do 10 it would make sense I guess to only do two.

Any thoughts and suggestions welcome.

Driving in Hawaii is probably the easiest driving I have done in my travels. The only part that scares me if driving on one lane roads near the cliffs with no guard rails. I have been to Hawaii 20 times and I am almost 29 and have been to every island and still love going. It is about a 6 hour flight to Honolulu from here in Seattle and it goes by so quickly. If you emjoy city life Honolulu is the best bet. The big Island has the volcano, captain cooks bay(best snorkeling spot in all hawaii), cirt of refuge and ipen air folk musuem showing the ways on the ancient Hawaiins. Also has a wonderful black sand beach and a really nice lava tube. Maui is my favorite island, has tons of snorkleing spots. Haleakala mounatin. The Io needle park is also worth a visit. Kauai is very reaxing with lots of beautiful natural scenery. Waimea canyon, Napali coast, Opaekaa and Waialua falls. If you need some help. let me know!

Think of it this way, one week, one island. 14 days two islands. Travel between the islands, while they are short flights, can take up the better part of a day between getting to the airport early, dropping off the rental car, etc. Look for condos in order to keep the costs down. Much less expensive than hotel rooms and you get lots more space, ability to self cater a bit, washers and dryers, etc.

Have fun exploring.

My advice?

Go!

For as long as possible :) I'd recommend a max of 2 islands for 10 to 14 days. Spend less time island hopping and more time enjoying Hawaii.

If you pick Big Island then you'll need at least a week preferably more as it's, well BIG. Our first trip there was 11 days and we loved it so much we back the next year for 12 days..
So much to see and do plus relax.. it's Hawaii after all..

The driving in most of Hawaii, with the exception of Honolulu where you don't really want a car, is not difficult, but some roads are narrow and twisty in certain areas along the ocean, so you have to pay attention. We haven't driven in NZ, but we have driven on the other side in the UK, and it's probably comparable to parts of rural England. That said, changing sides of the road can be very stressful depending on your age and how easily you adjust to things. My husband found it quite stressful (he was around 52 at the time), so he tended to not want to drive around as much as we normally would. And definitely don't try it with jet lag! Recipe for disaster.

Look into the Wailea, Maui area. You can easily get to a lot of places from there without having to drive too far, and the beaches are very good. I wouldn't try the drive up to Haleakala; take a tour bus instead. It's a scary drive even when you're used to driving on the right.

You could combine Maui with Oahu (where you wouldn't need a car if you stay in the city), or combine Oahu with Kauai.

The driving is pretty simple, as most times the speed limit is pretty slow and the roads are mainly two lane, at least on Kauai. The only place I remember that did not have any guard rails was when we drove around North Maui, that was one scary drive with the one lane road part of the way. Luckily we did not meet any other traffic. I use this site to book my cars:
discounthawaiicarrental.com - they rent from the majors, last time I had a nice car from Avis.

Thanks everyone. I think driving will be okay, NZ has narrow winding roads too!! Will humidity be a problem?

I don't consider Hawaii to be that bad on the humidity scale of tropical locations. Try to stay as near to the beach as you can for breezes in the condo. Try to get air conditioning if you can, which is widely but not universally available. And on most of the islands, of course, higher elevation is cooler.

We are interested in a New Zealand trip sometime from Seattle!

Thanks voyager61 it's sounding better all the time.

We have only been once (10-12 hour flights from here), but are so glad we did. We split 9 days between Maui and Kauai and thought that was a good mix. I agree you may not want to try to do 3 islands as travel takes longer than you'd think (especially if there is adverse weather on your travel days like happened to us). Also agree that driving is a piece of cake.

We travel from the east coast of the US to see Hawaii. So, it is a long day from here and never seem to get a direct flight!
I would definitely choose two islands and take the full 14 days. I would recommend renting a condo to save on the hotel costs. With a condo, usually the rates are weekly and it gives you the kitchen to eat your breakfast and some meals in. It will be a great savings and give you more room.

Since I live in a pretty humid area of the US, I have never noticed a high humidity in Hawaii. (have been twice, once in Dec and once in March).

I would recommend the Big Island for being the most unique island with lots to do and great snorkeling. It is just very different from the rest. You will have no trouble driving. I would not rent a car in Honolulu. You could easily stay there for a week and possibly rent a car for a day or two excursions. Oahu would have the city on the beach feel with lots to do and see and some nightlife. But Maui and Kaui are both quite pretty *haven't been to Kaui yet, but have been to the rest.
Any time I fly more than 8 hours, I think I need two weeks. We flew to Hawaii and had 12 days and two of those days were travel days and of course the one day in between for flying between the islands. So, 3 days were lost for travel. You will be happy you took the 14 days!

I say take the plunge! I'm in Seattle so for me it is an easy 6 hour non-stop flight. I've been 6 times so far (5 to Oahu and once to Maui). I'd live there if I could figure out how to swing it.

I'd stay 14 days, just look for cheaper/basic accomodations. And don't drop a bunch of money of fancy activities like helicopter rides, sunset cruises, luaus, etc. You can eat cheap by doing your own food (grocery stores, farmers market, plate lunch, shrimp trucks, etc.)

Oahu is the only island you don't need a rental car (or at least not for the entire time). There's very good public transportation there, especially around Honolulu/Waikiki.

Do come! Many people visit Hawaii and drive 'wrong side' every year. The passenger may need to remind the driver to 'stay right' on turns and to 'look left first' when crossing a road. (Pedestrians also need to remember to 'look left' first.) You can do without a car within Honolulu, but I'd get one anyway. You don't want to waste time waiting for a bus. At least hire a car for a day to drive Oahu's pretty east and north shores. (You could even split a stay right on Oahu, staying Waikiki and North Shore.)

If you want a second island I would push on through upon arrival, going on to whichever other island you want without leaving HNL airport. Then you can go back and 'do' Oahu last. Most flights to AU depart early morning, meaning you have to be in Honolulu the night prior. Many visitors from your part of the world also want to take advantage of lower US prices; makes sense to shop last.

I like a hotel in Honolulu and a condo on any other island. "Home from Home" is perfect in casual Hawaii. You need to reserve a rental car for airport pickup on your 'other' island. Then you can DIY tour, try different restaurants and beaches.

May is a great time to visit, before the US mainland schools are out and families flock to Hawaii. Everything will be in bloom, and you can enjoy every part of every island. Trade Winds keep Hawaii cool -- except when they die. I wouldn't book anywhere if A/C was not an option -- and we visit (Maui) in January-February.

This site has aerials and reviews of almost every lodging in Hawaii: www.hawaiirevealed.com You may get slightly lower rates in May; they go up over all mainland holidays.

I want to say that nothing compares to the humidity of East Coast USA summers...Hawaii was wonderful in comparison. The ocean breezes were great. Note that every island has a drier and wetter side so you can experience different climate zones. I vote for Oahu and Maui or Kauai. I would do Big Island but for at least a week or longer. Enjoy your trip! 8 hours is nothing! I travel 10.5 hours every year just to go to Hawaii!

I think you have convinced me!!!! Might consider May though instead of June. Better for me work wise too. Good idea about going to the other islands first, although the Air NZ flight gets in at 10pm so probably would have to stay the night anyway.

OK, you'll stay in Honolulu at first. What time do you depart HNL for home? Maybe you'd do Oahu first, then go to Island #2. I was trying to keep you from having to leave the airport and return to it well in advance of your flight to a second island. While 'air time' is short, every hop is a typical US airport experience with TSA inspection, etc. Maybe you'll do a 'sandwich' with your other island in the middle of two stays on Oahu.

now you know how we americans feel when we drive in the UK or in NZ. get an automatic can as it will be easier - you won't have to think about which way to shift with the opposite hand.. 2 island for 10-14 days. Islands depend on what you like, busy or laid back? busy would be Oahu and Honolulu, laid back is Kauai but still plenty to do. checkout VRBO for condo availability. same price as hotel and lots more room and option to eating in, grilling something or going out. Personally I cannot eat every meal out for that long and I do enjoy the extra room that a condo offers. Lots of trade winds keep things comfortable. Have been there when there were no trade winds and it was pretty sticky but that is rare. get yourself a good book at the book store on the islands. they will have plenty of ideas on things to do, etc

Hi Nelsonian --

Aloha from Kauai--where I am right now. I'm so in love with it that I've been spending four months each year--when I'm not visiting NZ ;-).

First, I'll address the humidity ... at this moment it's horribly sticky and humid--but that is very unusual. It's because the trade winds have stopped blowing--and as Shar said, that's pretty rare. If you stay in a location that typically receives trade winds (i.e., facing the ocean), it's like having natural air conditioning much of the time. I'm staying in a VERY upscale condominium. It's exquisite with no expense spared in the architecture and decorating, perched on a cliff above the ocean--and it has no air conditioning -- because it is so rarely needed.

I prefer a condo, but if you stay in a hotel it will likely be air conditioned. But even when it's humid and breezes stop, it's nowhere near as bad as some of the REALLY humid places I've been--i.e., Puerto Rico and some of the Caribbean islands.

I strongly recommend Kauai as one of your choices, and would probably stick to 2 islands, although you could cram in three. It depends on the kind of trip you want. If you want to go nonstop and check things off your list then do three islands in 14 days. But that's not Hawaii is about for me.

Waikiki on Oahu is like a cross between Beverly Hills and some of the Los Angeles area beaches. Crowded, high-rises, designer boutiques, fancy restaurants, etc ... It also has lots of cultural and historical attractions. Oahu's North Shore is much more scenic and laid back. I "like" the Big Island--and for me, the main reason to go there is if you're interested in volcanoes. But bear in mind that the lava may not be flowing. But while I "like" the Big Island and Oahu, I "LOVE" Kauai--especially the North Shore.

I've never gone to Maui because my friends tell me I wouldn't like it--too developed for my tastes. I'm sure it has beautiful places and more nightlife and excitement than Kauai. But I come for the scenery--and for me, Kauai's Napali Cliffs, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels beach, Waimea Canyon, Ke'e Beach, and Maha'ulepu can't be beat for sheer beauty.

Come to Hawaii. There are few places where the driving is easier. On Kauai there's basically just one main road circling the island. You'll love it. It's one of the few places that can rival New Zealand's beauty--but in a completely different way!

you are over thinking it.....just go.

oh yeah....The islands are mountains and they most always have a dry and a wet side.

Many hotels at Waikiki Beach have kitchenettes, so you can have some meals in if you like. We are not usually big breakfast eaters and eat in most mornings--except for going to the St. Germaine French bakery, or Lulu's for banana/macadamia nut pancakes, or the Shorebird for the buffet eaten by the rail in the open air looking at Diamond Head, or at the beautiful Hau Tree--you can see a pattern here, I think. At any rate, the kitchens have pots and pans, dishes, and flatware, as well as dishwashing liquid and dish cloths, for your use.

We never tire of Oahu.

Here is a first draft of my itinerary. Have changed dates to early May 2014.

Fly into Honolulu arrive 9pm Friday 2nd May

Stay on Ohau until Monday morning 5th May, fly to Kauai.

Fly to Hilo Big Island Friday 9th May, stay two or three days, drive to Kona stay until 14th May, fly back to Ohau 15th May, fly home 11pm 16th May.

Comment welcome!!

I think you should stick to two islands. Four days is not very long at all for Kauai and you probably need more time on the Big Island as well as it is, well, BIG.

I think it's too much rushing around.

You'll lose at least 1/2 a day each time you change islands (check out of hotel, taxi to airport, wait for flight, take flight, taxi/car rental to next hotel, check in). And you're doing that 8 times in only 14 days!

1. HNL to Waikiki
2. Waikiki back to HNL
3. Kauai airport to hotel
4. back to Kauai airport
5. Hilo airport to hotel
6. Kona back to airport
7. HNL into Waikiki
8. Waikiki back to HNL

On the other hand, you will have a better idea of where you want to stay when (not if) you come back.

Pick an island, get a comfy vacation rental, spend two weeks and don't worry about what you missed on the other islands.

I can not imagine visiting any island other than Kauai. We spent two weeks there last May and I could easily have stayed another two weeks. We stayed on the north coast about 2-3 miles from the "end of the road" in Haena. We rented a house that was a block from the beach and spent most of the time snorkeling, walking the beaches, swimming and sunbathing.

I am not interested in staying in big cities and when I travel I like to stay put for at least a week ( in Europe) in four difference areas of the same country.

it seems a waste to spend all that time traveling from place to place.

I'm with Songdoc, I love kauai.

I am in the stick to two islands camp as well. Too much rushing around. I would condense all your Oahu time into the front or back end of your trip. Don't do it twice. So either fly directly from HNL to ITO or stay put for 4 days and see all you want to see on Oahu before moving on to the BI or Kauai or wherever you decide to go next.

If you go to the BI, 2 nights max on the Hilo side (stay in Volcano in a cute little inn there) and then drive via the Hamakua coast to the Kohala district. Rent a condo there and use that as your camp for the rest of your stay.

Have a great trip.

People keep returning to Hawaii to get on Island Time and soak up the Aloha. It's not a 'check-list' experience. You might 'sample' four islands' highlights with the NCL cruise. It departs Honolulu every Saturday afternoon and visits Kauai, Maui and Big Island. It's a good 'sampler' and the only sane way to see that much, that fast, without spending dreadful hours in airports. You can take the ship's tours or hire a car at some ports for DIY touring. You'd have another week to enjoy staying put on Oahu (or another island). This is not a deluxe cruise, but adequate.

Since your flight home leaves late, you could fly into HNL from another island that same day, through-checking your luggage to home, and just stay within HNL security until your flight departs for home. Allow two to three hours between arrival from Other Island and departure to home. This saves you going into Honolulu, overnighting, returning to the airport -- which is fine IF you want shopping, etc. in Honolulu.

Probably the least enjoyable part of a trip to Hawaii is the time spent at the airport.

The cruise idea might fit your wish to see everything if that's more important than enjoying one or two islands.

taitai's plan would be a good choice as I presume you have to fly into Oahu.

<I am not interested in staying in big cities>

You can still go to any of the islands. Just don't stay in a city. Every island has lesser developed parts.

Just echoing everyone else...three islands is too much for 14 days and you will hate all that transfer time; just do two islands...there is enough on each one to keep you busy for a long time. And for the Big Island, I would choose the Kohala Coast, not Kona or Hilo, and just do day trips from a condo there.

If you wanted to see several islands and not worry about changing hotels, you might consider a multi island cruise.
http://www.hawaiicruises.travel/hawaiian_islands.htm
You may or may not want to rent a car while on Oahu.

I second the notion of staying on the kohala coast of the big island, which would mean flying into Kona and staying there.You can day trip to the volcano area. We did with young kids and one day was plenty. So many great resorts and condos to relax on the kohala side of the big island!

I would fly into HNL and spend a couple of nights in Waikiki. It is unique and has lots to see and do. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a nice resort.
I would then fly to Kona and book a week there in a condo or resort. You can rent a car and travel around the island from there.
If you want to see Kauai, then fly to Kauai for 4 or 5 nights. You can fly back to HNL to leave from there. Flights are usually in the PM.

Girlonthego I like your plan, but there is no direct flight from Kona to Kauai that I can see, so have to go through HNL anyway. But in saying that I think this is a possibility.

If you have to go via HNL anyway then into KOA and out of Hilo would work best as I think you do need to spend one or two night in or around Hilo to see and do all that side of the island offers.
It's a very long day trip ( about 5 hours round trip drive time alone) with no opportunity to see the lava glow at dusk or relax.
Take a day to drive over.. visit the Botanical Gardens, Akaka falls, stop for a smoothie, views, etc and visit the volcano if you have time and energy that evening. Hike a trail at the volcano the next day, visit more waterfalls nearby, soak in a naturally heated hot pool, etc.
Drive back a different route to the airport

I would not plan a 'day trip' from Kohala Coast to view the volcano. You'd be on the road six hours total. Also: A) It's too far to drive there and back in daylight and have time to SEE anything. B) You do not want to drive Big Island in the dark. C) You won't have time to see anything *else* along that side of the island. D) You won't see any 'red glow' at the volcano until after dark. If VNP is a must, just stay Volcano two or three nights, flying in and out of Hilo (ITO), and skip Kohala Coast.

BTW: Oahu is a beautiful, typically tropical island that has a small (800K pop.) city on its' southern shore. East and North shores are rural.

ChiSue, Thanks for your last paragraph. So many people seem to think Oahu is only one huge city for some reason. Couldn't be further from the truth. And yes even Honolulu is not that large, plus has tons of interesting and historical things to see and do.

I think the fact that you cannot fly direct between Kona and Kauai is another reason to limit yourself to only 2 islands. You will lose an entire day just in transit. Your days are too precious to waste them in that manner. Either Oahu and Kauai or Oahu and the Big Island. Both really isn't practical with your time frame.

If you go to the Big Island, I agree you need fly into one side and out the other. A day trip to VNP from Kohala is not advised for all the reasons ChiSue mentioned. I suggest flying into Hilo, spend one or two nights there in Volcano and then drive the Hamakua Coast route to Kohala stopping at all the places Sassy_cat mentioned along the way.

Have a great trip.