hawaiian island hopping, which island and in what order?

Question

going to hawaii for two weeks and would like to know some opinions for which islands i should hit up and in what order? mid 20's couple likes to do all the sights and tours helicopter, horsebackriding , golfing, and most importantly snorkeling and etc.....why do you think this is the best order? and secret anyone can help me with? and 2 -3 days at each island should i rent a car? or just taxi everywhere? thanks for any other info i forgot to ask about

Answer 1

2 -3 weeks for island hoping is not as relaxing. I understand you want to make the most of your time there, but I would try to pick a couple of spots and stay there. Packing and unpacking isn't fun.

Which island depends on what you are looking for.

Oahu: Big city feel, pluses are great food and nice beaches
Maui: Has it all. Golf, all the water sports and great beaches, the down side would be it more tourist there.
Hawaii (Big Isle): slower pace, lots of space, Kona is the place to be, vocano is the hug plus.
Kauai: small island feel, slow pace, best beaches, not as crowded, less touristy feel. if you like the out doors, this is the place for you.

Rent a med size car. No econo box. Trust me. Taxi is great for dinner maybe, but you should have a car.

e-mail me if you really need more, but you can get lots of info from the web. Be careful for the bargins. Sone times there are bargins, but in general, if you don't want to be diappointed, go with known companies.

Answer 2

As a multiple time visitor to Hawaii I want to point you away from the 2-3 days per island idea; I think it would be a big mistake. You'll need more time per island to see the important stuff plus you want to enjoy yourself, which involves a little rest and relaxation. Two to three days is too frentic a pace in my opinion. Besides, everytime you change islands it involves packing up, driving to airport, turning in the rental car, waiting for your flight, the actual flight, reclaiming luggage, renting new rental car...get the picture? Half a day wasted. It gets old quick. You don't want to do that 5 times.

You definitely need to rent a car on each island, unless you plan to stay on Waikiki the entire time, which I would not recommend anyway. Most of the stuff you are going to want to see is not in taxi range anyway. By the way, check with your auto insurance before you leave to make sure it covers you in Hawaii (most but not all do). And be prepared for incredibly long waits to get your rental car...lines with 20 or more people at the counter are routine, unfortunately. I never had a problem renting compact cars and am not sure why the other poster suggested otherwise.

On Oahu (where Honolulu is) you're going to want to see the Arizona Memorial. Big hint here...get there EARLY as tix are first come, first served, and they often run out by noon. Also recommend going to the north shore for nicest beaches and more relaxed atmosphere, also nice to do snorkeling and golfing and horseback riding in the Turtle Bay resort area.
Rooms are expensive there but a couple of days there shouldn't break the bank. Beaches on the north shore are great for snorkeling. Gotta snorkel whenever you can.

On the Big Island (Hawaii) you are going to want to spend some time on the Kona Coast. I enjoyed staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Captain Cook town that was on a coffee plantation close to the coast...in town you can rent a kayak and paddle across the bay to the Capt. Cook memorial for great snorkeling and exploring. If you are lucky as we were you might see spinner dolphins during your paddle time.

South part of the Big Island is Volcano National Park...nice B and Bs in the town of Volcano. Lots of cool hiking in the national park. The Thurston Lava Tube Hike is especially cool...bring a flashlight.

I also enjoy Maui; there's a tour group that does bicycle rides down Mt. Haleakala at sunrise...very fun but you have to get up very early.

Above are just a few ideas and I'm sure others will give you other good ones as well.

Other hints: bring bug repellant, hats, and suscreen. Oh, and LOTS of money.