Planning a trip - does this sound solid?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 110
Planning a trip - does this sound solid?
Hey all - planning a first time trip to Hawaii for my wife and I. I am thinking that we will hit 2 islands. Big Island (staying at Hilton Waikoloa on points) for 5 nights, then Oahu for 4-5 nights to see Pearl Harbor etc. Is that a decent amount of time on each? Also considering Maui over Big Island but can always do a separate trip later for that one.
#2
Community Director Emerita




Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 35,632
That sounds like a great introduction. You can't go wrong visiting any of the 2 islands over a 10 day trip. In the future, you'll want to visit the ones you skip on this trip as they each have their charm. Enjoy.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 110
Thank you my friend. I plan on return trips to Kauai and Maui. It seems like there are flights that aren't too expensive to either for me. Could do a 5 day trip on Maui at the Grand Wailea once I have the points saved up.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 27
Hey all - planning a first time trip to Hawaii for my wife and I. I am thinking that we will hit 2 islands. Big Island (staying at Hilton Waikoloa on points) for 5 nights, then Oahu for 4-5 nights to see Pearl Harbor etc. Is that a decent amount of time on each? Also considering Maui over Big Island but can always do a separate trip later for that one.
I went to Hawaii last year, Oahu specifically, I'd say theres a lot of stuff there that's worth skipping or finding alternatives. I can go into it more if you want
#6
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums


Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,736
Your allocation of nights looks like a nice trip.
I like to recommend visiting two islands on trips of 10 or more days. Three or more islands in one trip crosses my line of how much schlepping and packing/unpacking I want to do. The Big Island is large enough that you could only spend your time on the sunnier Kona/Waikoloa side without going to the Hilo/Volcano side or you can allocate at least a full day or two days and an overnight for the latter.
Something to keep in mind is that HNL has, by far, the most flights to/from the Mainland and also the most operated by widebodies and lie-flats. When flying inter-island, Hawaiian has some limited code-sharing with some of the major carriers but otherwise is stand-alone for a frequent flyer program and interline and checked baggage perspective. Southwest is it's own stand-alone but doesn't charge for checked bags.
I like to recommend visiting two islands on trips of 10 or more days. Three or more islands in one trip crosses my line of how much schlepping and packing/unpacking I want to do. The Big Island is large enough that you could only spend your time on the sunnier Kona/Waikoloa side without going to the Hilo/Volcano side or you can allocate at least a full day or two days and an overnight for the latter.
Something to keep in mind is that HNL has, by far, the most flights to/from the Mainland and also the most operated by widebodies and lie-flats. When flying inter-island, Hawaiian has some limited code-sharing with some of the major carriers but otherwise is stand-alone for a frequent flyer program and interline and checked baggage perspective. Southwest is it's own stand-alone but doesn't charge for checked bags.





