Originally Posted by
woofster
EasternTraveler, fantastic posts.
What do you guys think about this general itinerary:
Day 1, 2 & 3 - Lihue (Kauai)
Day 4 & 5 - Waikoloa Village (The Big Island)
Day 6 & 7 - Kahului (Maui)
Day 8 - Honolulu/Waikiki (Oahu)
We'd fly right into Kauai the first evening and stay 3 nights. I plan on doing the helicopter tour...or should I do the heli-tour on the Big Island instead? Most of Kauai will be relaxing and unwinding on the beach. We are big foodies so trying foods and savouring local delicacies is high on our priority list.
On the Big Island, we'd be interested in seeing the volcano and maybe driving around in a rental car, going for some walks, do some surfing and diving as well.
I plan on renting a Jeep or a convertible in Maui and driving to Hana for one day. Plan is to stay 2 nights at a local, quaint B&B. Catching the sunrise would be a perfect morning in Maui before heading back to Honolulu for day 8.
Three days on Kuaui, acceptable.
The rest is ridiculous IMHO. Now let me explain. You can find post of some of my RUSH itins and see that I whirlwind tour often. I am spending 20 days from the time I leave my home until I am back in my bed. I will see Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands.
Drop Maui, Kuaui will give you plenty of romance and relaxation along with beauty and food. I did not mention the Puki Dog stand where they sell tanzanite.
Helicopter on Hawaii will get you the same as Kuaui plus the Volcanoes. But if you are going to spend more days (TBI needs 4 days min to 7 comfortable). It takes from 6am to 9pm to JUST drive around the island. Done this many times. So you will need a full day to drive around, see Hilo and The Volcanoes National Park. You will need another day to go to the Northwest point. you can hike down a park trail to the bottom of a waterfall and to a very very private secluded beach from here. You will need a full day in Kona. You will need 2 to 3 days at the HWV and you will need a little time for something else. half day heli and then luau or soemthing else.
Maui is NOT a must see. REALLY! If you had two full weeks then yes. But you don't.
A convertible is great on any island and you are right to do the Heli on Kuaui if you are going to drive to the VNP. There is excellent diving on both islands, check out the catamaran dives on Kuaui.
But trust me on ditching Muaui and adding to TBI. 2 days on TBI is not worth the trip. REALLY!