In 8 days, you should really limit the adventure to just one island. 2 islands would be pushing it - and should be 2 smaller islands. 3 islands would not be enjoyable at all. As mentioned, the Big Island is really big, so if you choose it, don't try to squeeze another in.

I know that it is tempting to go to the Big Island because of the lava flow...and it's what drew me in...but once there, after an exhausting drive to the park, driving thru the park, and knowing we needed to drive back, we weren't even up for the somewhat dangerous trek over rough, sharp lava rock to see the lava flow...which is most spectacular at night...requiring the return trek to be in the dark.

As much as I do love the Big Island, it may not really be what you are expecting of Hawaii.

thanks everyone! this is all so very helpful.
so let me weigh what i've been thinking about big island for 8 days against... sharing my time on two of the smaller islands. what two islands and what itinerary would you suggest?

Based on your interests and if you really must do two islands, I would say Oahu and Kauai. You can pick some things to do on Oahu, do a circle island tour, and spend about 3 days there and then head to Kauai. As for Kauai, I don't have enough knowledge to suggest an itinerary. Once you decide on where you are going, you should start with some research, get a good guidebook (I like the "___(insert island name)___ Revealed" books. Once you have narrowed down your interests and decided where you are staying, start a new thread with more specific questions. You'll get the most help if you show that you have already done your research.

We did a combo of the Big Island and Kauai for one of our trips, and it was great. We did Hilo, Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, Hapuna Beach, the volcano area, etc. and then went over to Kauai to visit the north shore beaches, go to the falls, do a sunset sail, and a helicopter tour. I wasn't sure I would like the Big Island, but hiking out to see the lava is one of our most amazing vacation memories ever. One of the others is the helicopter ride on Kauai; the Na Pali coast is the prettiest place I've ever seen. A true nature lover should not miss these spots - they are just so unique. We did Maui as a separate trip and loved that too, but it was a little more developed and seemed more expensive than the other islands.

well now the flight i was gonna book (we have to fly on delta for this trip) was $700 a person three days ago is now $1200. what?!! i am hoping maybe its just higher because its the weekend now. who knows! maybe its because now the trip is less than six months away. i'm so upset!

luluk...Just keep watching the prices...They change frequently...sometimes throughout the day.

They also vary by island...so if you are planning on two islands, keep checking them both.

Hi everyone, I'm baaaaack! No we didn't get to go to Hawaii, we bought a house this fall and had to save for house stuff. But we do have a wedding in LA this summer coming up so I'm thinking, while I'm already on the west coast I should just take advantage of getting to Hawaii finally!
So I'm re-reading all of my old research and I'm back to my old dilemma...
Big Island for a week
Kauai for a week
or combination of one of those islands and Honolulu (for the sake of easier time flying).
We can have 8 nights max on this trip.
Is the weather nice in August?
Thanks in advance!