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If you only had between 7 and 8 days for a vacation what islands would you visit in Hawaii? This will be my first visit and it may be a long time before I get back?

Everyone has their ideas about what the best island is. Each island has something to offer different than the other. Having been to Hawaii about 25 times and to all islands, except Molokai, my preference still remains Maui, particularly the Lahaina-Kaanapali-Kahana area.

You might get better responses if you give some more information about what your interests are and what you may want to experience there.

Well, I have 3 kids 7, 4, and 2 so the trip will be for some much needed R&r. I of course would like to visit Pearl Harbor and such. Not much of a hiker but am willing to try some short hikes. Basically my husband finally gave in and I'm running with it before he changes his mind. I'm looking at next April, May so I have time to figure it all out.

If you have 8 nights, I would suggest 3 on Oahu (so that you can visit Pearl Harbor) and 5 on Maui. I also like the Lahaina/ West Maui region.

What about a cruise that hits the highlights of all of the islands?

NCL's Pride of America goes from Honolulu to Hilo, to Kahulu for two nights then to Kailua, then to Nawillwill for two nights then back to Honolulu. You can also add a day to the beginning or the end. This way you do not have to choose or have the hassle of getting from one place to the next. Your hotel goes with you.

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More to see & do on Oahu than any other island.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34812564

With 3 kids, I might opt for just Oahu, or just Maui -- either will keep you plenty occupied for 7 or 8 days, and the hassle of relocating 5 people should be taken into account. On the other hand, since you say it may be a long time before you get back, I'd probably split my time the way trippin suggests - 3 days on Oahu (time to see Pearl Harbor, drive around the island, and spend time in Waikiki), and 5 days on Maui (Kaanapali, so you're near Lahaina, which gives you options for kid-friendly eating, shopping, etc., and Whalers Village). On Maui you can beach, shop, eat, snorkel, drive to the volcano, etc. -- or you can just "veg", which is what I do when I'm there! I'd highly recommend you rent a condo rather than a hotel so you can have breakfasts and snacks without going out.

are the kids going with you? The cruise suggestion is a good one~you'd get a taste of each island. I did that cruise and would have a tough time~Kauai was lush and gorgeous, had the best shave ice in a shopping center near Nawilliwilli harbor, and offered a fabulous kayak/hike tour. Oahu has the history~Pearl Harbor, the Palace, Diamondhead, and Punchbowl Cemetery. The Big Island has Volcano National Park. Maui has beautiful beaches and Lahaina. A helicoptor tour over part of the island showed its diversity. Enjoy~I am envious!!!

My recommendation would be 2 days on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and the North Shore and then on to Kauai for some R&R. No better place in my book for R&R.

We have been to all major islands and Kauai is my favorite by far for many reasons...one being it is the least commercial. There are really nice beaches to snorkel or just sit and enjoy the day, Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) is there and you can do some easy hikes there and also many other places on the island to explore.

You really can't go wrong on any island as they all have their own personality and palces to explore.

Enjoy paradise!!!!!

"You really can't go wrong on any island as they all have their own personality and palces to explore."

beth nailed it~just figure out which island's personality fits yours!

The kids will not being going with us. There is just so much to do and see that it is hard to grasp paradise!

"If you only had between 7 and 8 days for a vacation what islands would you visit in Hawaii?"

Maui
5/6 nights Wailea, 2/3 nights Hana.

The Big Island is one of the most amazing places on earth with snow on the mountain tops, a dry-arid region, a rain forest and an active volcano. During one of my visits, I stood as close the the lava as the heat would allow. The beaches aren't as pretty or plentiful as Kauai or Maui, but there are some pretty ones if you are willing to hike a bit. The volcano national park is really incredible. I love hiking the crater - one almost feels like they are on another planet. If you love lush green islands with gorgeous beaches, I would recommend Kauai. Jurassic Park was filmed there as well as many other movies.

I am going to Molokai in March so I share your excitement. You can't go wrong no matter which island you choose. Hawaii is a magical place.

I would take a cruise. We did this two yrs ago on the NCL Pride of Aloha which I would not recommend!!!
Maybe the Pride of America is better. We spent one week on big island at the Hilton Waikolala Village and it was awesome, then went on cruise, should have stayed on big island!!! Whatever you do stay on an island long enough to see it. A cruise is great but you have a short time at each port.

We just returned from our first trip to Hawaii - 5 nights on Oahu, 4 nights on Kauai. Take the time to see Pearl Harbor and then head on to Kauai to see the real Hawaii. The Grand Hyatt is wonderful and you'll love every minute of it. Kauai is small so you can spend about 3 days and see it all and have time left over to relax and enjoy your time together.

I have a friend who went on a NCL cruise in May and reported that it was pure chaos. She said the cruise line was changing ownership and the employees were upset and not enjoying their jobs. The food was bad and the general atmosphere was terrible. You might want to check into that further before booking a cruise with them. When you get to Kauai, you're gonna wish you had more time there anyway! Aloha!