My beautiful bride informed me the other day that for our 15 year anniversary we are going to Hawaii and it is my job to make it happen.

I can take a hint, so it looks like I have a vacation in Hawaii to plan... The good news? Our 15 year anniversary is 2 years away: late September of 2021. So I've got plenty of time to save and plan.

After doing some research it seems that I need to settle on the island that we want to go to... The problem is having never been there (her either), I don't know which island best suits us.

I imagine we will look to be there for at least a week, no more than 10 days (as we will be leaving the kids behind). We are middle of the road active people... meaning we'll want to go snorkeling, maybe a hike or two to find a nice waterfall, that sort of thing. But we certainly will want to spend an equal amount of time relaxing on the beach and doing nothing.

Overall, I think we'd prefer quiet solitude over crowds and "touristy" areas. She'll want to stay in an actual hotel as opposed to a AirBnB or condo type thing. She likes the daily housekeeping service and all that. We would like to see a volcano, but it isn't the highest priority.

I've talked to a few people and most of them said Maui sounds like a good choice for us, but another person was adamant that we should choose the "other side" of Oahu (I guess not the Honolulu side) or Kauai, so I'm still very unsure.

Thanks for helping me make an informed decision!

I vote Maui as well. Any reason not to do more than one island?

we stayed at the Waikoloa village ( kona coast) on the big island it was nice in the resort but outside it was nothing buy lava rock as far as you could see felt like we were on the moon.

My preference is Kauai

I spent 5 winters in Alaska and 2 winters in Canada so it's no coincidence that I've been to Hawaii 7 times.

Here is how I rate the Islands:
#1 - Big Island
#2 - Maui
#3 - Oahu
Distant 4th - Kauai

Big Island is larger than the other 3 islands combined so it has the most coast line which means it has the most opportunity for something amazing to form that is awesome to snorkel. Since it has the most land, the costs tend to be a little lower since land isn't at such a premium (e.g. my first trip was 1/2 Maui and 1/2 Big Island. I stayed at Marriott on both islands and it was 30% less on Big Island. I used the same rental company on both islands and on Big Island got a convertible Camaro for less money than a Chevy Impala on Maui.). I've stayed at the Marriott, Marriott Courtyard, and a 1 bedroom condo I found on VRBO.

Hawaii has had a rental market longer than other vacation destinations so an older website such as VRBO tends to have more condos/homes for rent than AirBNB.

One thing to note that is unique to Big Island is that if you're a scuba diver there is enough elevation change on the island where you need to plan your trip carefully. For example, you cannot go to Volcano National Park, Mauna Loa, etc. within 24 hours of scuba diving or you could die. Also, helicopter tours need to be planned 24 hours after diving since they likely include flying over VNP.

quote:

Originally posted by matai:
My preference is Kauai

Me too!

Check this thread out!

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...6031561/m/9930009393

I think Maui is the best for me, because it has a bit of everything. Lahaina had the night life and shops, Kaanapali for the beaches- lots of snorkeling/scuba, and you can go east toward Hana for the rainforests/waterfall trails.

Maui but a one day trip Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and maybe walk the strip where you can do a bit of shopping is worthwhile. Little plane ride is about 20 minutes.

On Maui we stayed two nights at my wife's cousin's place up in the mountains and then 4 nights at Sheraton Maui Resort, Lahaina. Loved it and only regret we didn't do the "Road to Hana" scenic drive. We did do the day flight to Oahu as I particularly wanted to visit my old Naval duty station at Wheeler AFB (now Army) which they allowed us to drive around to our hearts content. Brought back memories for sure.

You'll have a great time. Just don't worry about money... resign yourself that you will spend a goodly amount and just enjoy.

quote:

Originally posted by matai:
My preference is Kauai

Yes, go to Kauai. Maui is very touristy also, especially on the West side of the island. It's nothing but tourists and most of them elderly. You'd break your brain trying to count the convertible Mustang rentals. I just went and traffic was abysmal, and the traffic wasn't due to locals.

Kauai, you'll be more isolated. I have a friend that has timeshare on Maui and Kauai. He goes to Kauai probably 3X as much. When I go back next year I'll go to Kauai for the bulk of the trip, only going to Maui for a few days to surf with my friends that live there.

My preferences:
1. Big Island volcano, Hilo, Kona, good times.
2. Kauai most laid back and sleepiest.
3. Maui mix of touristy Lahaina and laid back elsewhere.
4. Oahu is worth dealing with touristy stuff (Waikiki, Pearl, etc.) for a few days then going to a different island to relax. Never been to the North Shore though.

The top three are fairly close for me. Figure out what you and the wife prioritize.

Another Kauai vote.

I've been to all the islands a person can normally get to, including Lanai and Molokai. For me, Kauai is the best:

1) Its nice and slow, not a ton of nightlife - more family oriented since this is my life now
2) Has a lot of environments (desert and canyons and lush rainforest and waterfalls)
3) the chickens are friendly
4) the reefs are better for snorkeling
5) three words - rum distillery or coconut rum, I can't tell my favorite two word phrase. Koloa Rum

BUT:

Maui has whales in Jan-April (March is best). THis is incredible if you are even a bit whale-centric. It also has a lot of night life and is more young couple oriented.

Hawaii is big, and has active volcanoes, and is a lot like Kauai BUT is very lunar in places and the reefs aren't as old or as coral-ey (a lot more lava-ey).

Oahu has Pearl Harbor and isn't the worst I guess (Jeez, I lived here for five years and would never go back BUT I do recognize that tourists LOVE it)

The others are really for locals only really.

When I went a few years back, I stayed 5 days on three islands.
Big island reminded me of California on steroids. Lots to see and do and room to drive around and explore.

Maui was very touristy, a volcano to visit, great beaches.

Kaui was much more laid back. Easy to drive around in a day. Not much to do after a few days except sit back and relax. Grand canyon of the Pacific there.

Biased as lived on Maui for about 7 years after one on Oahu.
If you have to pick one for a week or 10 days, Maui has the most variety (beaches, upcountry cattle ranches, Haleakala Natl Park, drive to Hana) AND as noted above, humpback whales, best January to March.
Variety of places to eat; helicopter rides; shows in Lahaina; Maui Ocean Center our favorite touristy place.
Do take the road to Hana, take your time and stop at waterfalls, Keanai Peninsula, the arboretum, an ancient Hawaiian stone temple out near Hana.
Get the book Maui Revealed and look for what interests you.
Maui has lots of tourists, but it is not crazy urban like Waikiki.

What do you like to do ? Veg out on the beach/snorkel ? Night life ? Natural geology? Human history of the islands ? Wife and I went to Kauai last September for our 15th anniversary with no kids. It was great sleeping in late with just the sound of the of the ocean waking me up. Not kids. Then going to the beach then going to a museum or other interesting place Only a handful of things to do on that island. But it’s so chill there and relaxed. Several very nice restaurants and many tiny mom and pop shops. Very cool if your into the natural beauty of the island. Have also been to Oahu and Big island. Big island was also nice with 2 extremes in weather.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Check this thread out!

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...6031561/m/9930009393

The very first thing I did as far as research was concerned was do a search on SigForum. That is one of several threads that I read before posting this. Awesome write-up by LDD.

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
Maui but a one day trip Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and maybe walk the strip where you can do a bit of shopping is worthwhile. Little plane ride is about 20 minutes.

You'll have a great time. Just don't worry about money... resign yourself that you will spend a goodly amount and just enjoy.

I had read somewhere that island hopping really ate up a good portion of a day due to airport security and all that and therefore wasn't really worth it. Is that not your feeling? I would love to see Pearl Harbor if we can work it in.

Budget wise, I'm just going to max out my COMP time bank at work to cover the trip... I'm not sure what it is going to cost us yet, but it looks like flights are around $1000 for both and decent looking hotels around $200/night. For a ten day trip that would still leave a lot for "things to do".

quote:

Originally posted by Prefontaine:

quote:

Originally posted by matai:
My preference is Kauai

Yes, go to Kauai. Maui is very touristy also, especially on the West side of the island. It's nothing but tourists and most of them elderly. You'd break your brain trying to count the convertible Mustang rentals. I just went and traffic was abysmal, and the traffic wasn't due to locals.

Kauai, you'll be more isolated. I have a friend that has timeshare on Maui and Kauai. He goes to Kauai probably 3X as much. When I go back next year I'll go to Kauai for the bulk of the trip, only going to Maui for a few days to surf with my friends that live there.

Kauai has all the typical "Hawaiin vacation things" like snorkeling and beautiful beaches and waterfalls and such, right? Is there a volcano worth visiting?

One item to consider is: how are you getting there? It's not possible to drive or take a train, so that leaves flying or a cruise. A cruise would eat up your away time, so I assume you will fly. I'm not a travel agent, but I think virtually all flights to Hawaii land on Oahu, so your will likely be on that island, at least for arrival and departure. That island is definitely "touristy" but there are several things there worth seeing: Pearl Harbor (USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial); Punchbowl (military cemetery); and the Polynesian Cultural Center come to mind. (Unlike berto, I have been to the North Shore of Oahu, in 1965, and my recollection is that is much like the north shore of the other islands.) Here are some photos of the Polynesian Cultural Center (in 1965): https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631716786079/.

I'll let others discuss the merits of each island for snorkeling (I don't do it).

In 2008 I visited several of the islands, and my major stay was on Maui. Haleakala NP is very nice, with its crater and observatory. On the north shore I observed many windsurfers enjoying themselves--also some just surfing. The Road to Hana is very interesting--many, many curves and gorgeous scenery. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157608502187153/. For history buffs, the grave of Charles Lindberg is along the Road to Hana. I did go to Kauai but did not do a lot there that trip.

In 2012 I was back and this time spend most time on the Big Island and Kauai. The big attractions on the Big Island are Mauna Kea (big observatory!) and Rainbow Falls. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631618432853/. Kauai is different--not as crowded and a lot of natural beauty. One of the major attractions is Waimea Canyon and another is the Spouting Horn blowhole. Many folks also visit the Kauai Coffee facility there. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631673896829/.

If I had 10 days in Hawaii, I'd probably allocate 2 days to Oahu (arrival and departure and Pearl Harbor), 3 days to Maui, 2 days to the Big Island, and 3 days to Kauai. If that is too "busy" for you, you still will have 2 days on Oahu and I'd split the rest between Maui and Kauai.

flashguy

If you've never been to the islands, I would suggest a short stop in Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and visit Waikiki, the later of which will teach you why you should appreciate where ever you go to next.

Then off to where ever really suits your purpose for going.

For what you are looking for, I would definitely suggest Kauai (my review is already referenced in this thread).

The Big Island has a lot of natural beauty, but it is very spread out (less seeing, more driving). Maui is nice too, but more developed and IMO, geared for water sports. Maui is also bigger than Kauai, so driving between attractions becomes an issue, but to lesser degree than the Big Island.

If you are looking to relax, unwind, and slow down, Kauai is your best bet. There are still ATV, zip lines, helicopters, kayaks, beaches, waterfalls and hiking, but overall the pace is slower than the other islands.

I would not recommend island hopping to more than two islands given a 7-10 day window. With that kind of schedule, you won't get to see anyplace for very long. Consequently it will likely be a waste of time because you won't have enough time in any one place to really get the flavor of that particular island. Also, figure at least half a day for transit between the islands. Flights are extremely short (45-30 minutes depending on which island you take off from and land on), but returning your rental car, security, etc is just time you could be spending doing something you really want to do.

With your schedule, I would do 3 days in Oahu, 7 days in Kauai. If you really want that old style ass-end-of-nowhere-but-still-on-a-beach feel, spend a few days at Waimea Plantation. It's romantic and isolated, perfect place to do nothing. Downside is you are far from most of the food on Kauai, but getting away from it all means getting away from it all.

One thing you may want to consider is a cruise around all the islands. Last year we took the Norwegian Cruise Lines "Pride of America". Starts in Honolulu and touches Maui, the Big Island (twice) and Kauai. Wife gets the benefit of the housekeeping, you don't have to unpack or waste time traveling by air, and you get a good taste for each of the islands. Lots of excursions to choose from to get in the snorkeling, hiking, etc. It was a great experience for us. And the time on the boat is relaxing in and of itself.

Another big advantage (for us) was we got to see the volcano eruptions, and the Na Pali coast, from the sea. We took a helicopter excursion and flew right over the volcano, which was spectacular.

quote:

Maui

This.

I copied my post below from another thread about Hawaii:

I was stationed at Wheeler AFB for 3 years on Oahu.

Oahu:
1. Pearl Harbor: The Arizona Memorial and the Bowfin submarine tour. Add in a visit to Punchbowl Crater for National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
2. Diamondhead (tough little climb with lots and lots of steps, bring water and a great camera...view from the top is spectacular).
3. Hanauma Bay; great snorkeling. One time we were there, three of us swam and played with five dolphins for about an hour.
4. Polynesian Cultural Center
5. North Shore: big waves Nov to Feb, calm water for snorkeling, swimming the rest of the year.

Being military meant we had access to Bellows Air Force Station, great uncrowded beaches.

Maui:
1. Beaches, beaches, beaches. Fantastic beaches.
2. Snorkeling and scuba diving
3. Whale watching tours (depending on time of the year).

I really liked Maui, did a bunch of 3 days/2 night trips there with various girlfriends. More laid back, not as crowded, not as expensive as Kaui was at the time.

Kaui:
1. Top resorts and great beaches, called the garden isle for a reason. If Eden still exists on earth it is on Kaui.

Top resorts with inclusive things on property (swimming with dolphins, etc), lots of really rich people have houses on Kaui. It was nice but much more expensive than Maui.

The Big Island:
1. Volcanoes and lava flows......Hawaii is the only state that is still growing. Big Grin
2. Beaches with different colored sand; white, black, and green.
3. Home to home to 8 of the 13 climate zones in the world.

For any of the islands you can add some ocean trips: booze cruises, fishing, or my favorite-learning to sail as in a sailboat.