Hawaii (State of) Travel Forum

Hi,

We are a married couple visiting beautiful Hawaii for the first time. Our main interests are to explore the amazing scenery of the islands, hike, do some activities like snorkeling, sail plane/gliding rides (is it worth it??) and definitely check out the Volcano National Park. We would also like to relax on some of the beautiful/peaceful beaches...but we are from San Diego...so do not want to spend too much time on the beaches there and instead want to check out some aspects unique to Hawaii. Below is an itinereary I have put together and I am struggling between trying to explore as much of these beautiful islands and at the same time not making the trip to hectic by packing too much into 8 days. We are travellign between Dec 5 and 13 and (as just mentioned) have 8 full days in Hawaii.
I will be thankful if you could comment on my itinerary and suggest any islands/places to leave out/must add -

december 5th, 12:40 PM landing - OAHU - waikiki beACH, WALK AROUnd AND RELAX
December 6th OAHU - SNORKELING, KAENA POINT hike
December 7th OAHU - Gliding/Sail Plane Ride, Diamond Head Crater
December 8th MAUI - drive along hana highway
December 9th MAUI - haleakala crater sunrise, kihei coast
December 10th MAUI - pipiwai trail, relax and eat well
December 11th HAWAII'I -volcano national park
December 12th HAWAII'I - tropical botanical garden, Punalu'u Beach Park
December 13th OAHU - Pearl Harbor ,Polynesian Cultural Center fly back night

Fun! I went to Oahu two years ago and have went to Maui a few months ago. I have lots posted on my Oahu and Maui pages. Look at my Haleiwa page for snorkeling info on Oahu. We snorkeled in a couple areas on Maui. I have lots of pics and tips posted on that. Enjoy your trip!

Keep in mind that even though it might be 80 when you start up Haleakala, it could be below freezing when you reach the top. But if it's clear, sunrise is an incredible site. Also, if there's been any rain it could be very icy up there.

According to the itinerary, you go to Maui the same day you intend to go to Hana. That is not a good idea. Hana will take a whole day. Probably should stay in Kaanapali and spend the rest of the day in Lahaina. Next day. go early to Hana, and enjoy it fully.

Could add a lot of ideas, but without knowing you approximate age, and where you will stay, - and times of island flights, it is difficult to speculate.

You packing too much in one trip. We also did 4 islands on our first trip. I think you will enjoy more if you just pick 2 islands. You will also spending a lot of time just traveling between islands. Two of our last 3 trip back was only 2 islands and the other one was 3 islands.

The Hana trip is a whole day trip and I suggest start early. Do you really want to get up early the next day for sunrise after driving a whole day the day before?

I think the best part of Polynesian Culture Center is the night show and you are going to miss that by flying back on the same day.

I find snorkling better in Maui or Kauai.

I completely agree, I was going to add that you should pick either Maui or The Big Island. Unless the Volcano Park is essential to you, I would stay on Maui. Split the time you have and spend more time on Maui than Oahu. Having lived in Lahaina, I am somewhat biased, - but rushing through the islands, defeats the purpose. Hawaiians take three days to get through one day. Slow down. Relax. Chill! It is a great way to extend the lifespan...eh?

I agree with the comments above about trying to drive to Hana. I personally wouldn't want to do that right after a flight. It is a narrow road and you will be stuck in your car for a long time, even though you can stop along the way. There are many things to do on Maui and activities to appreciate that won't wear you down as much.
A few hours at Big Beach (Makena) or up in Kaanapali ....

THank you very much for all your suggestions.
Based on your inputs, it does seem like we packed a little too much. Moreover, I researched and foudn that the inter-island flights are also not available at the exact times to match the itinerary (we have to fly in the evenings to avoid situations like driving the Hana highway the whole next day).
SO we are now thinking of covering only Oahu and the Big Island with more time on the Big Island. This might also give us time to enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center which everyone has indicated is quite amazing! We are really sad that we are missing out on Maui but might keep Maui and Kauai for our next Hawaii trip :).
My wife is really keen on Volcanoe National Park..hence the insistence on Big Island.
Any suggestions on good places to cover on Big Island other than Volcanoe National Park and Punalu'lu beach that I found online?

I would suggest along with a ground visit to the volcano park, that you consider a heli ride over the area. It is quite fantastic.

Check these out:

http://www.hawaii.volcanoes.national-park.com/map.htm

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&;view=text&hl=en&gl=us&q=Hawaii+volcanic+park+helicopter+tour

http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?source=s_q&view=map&hl=en&gl=us&q=Hawaii+volcanic+park+helicopter+tour&ie=UTF8&sll=20.725465,-157.233428&sspn=3.085646,5.265060

Ouch! Three islands in 8 days? That's very aggressive and leaves little time for relaxing. My wife and I have done three Hawaiian islands in 14 days and still felt a little rushed.

Your Maui itinerary is a little mixed. You are doing the Hana Highway one day, then Haleakala sunrise the next and then Pipiwai Trail the next day? The Pipiwai Trail should be hiked on the same day of your Hana Highway drive. If you are a stong hiker, Pipiwai will be a breeze. If you're an average Joe, this trail will leave you tired and yearning for rest the next day. The logistics of traveling to the Hana side on two separate days means you'll spend a lot of time in the car - instead of enjoying the place.

Your Big Island plans are a little rushed as well. Which airport are you flying in and out of? If it's Hilo, you'll be close. If it's Kona, seeing the sights you list will mean many hours in the car on this time-limited trip. I would suggest that if you are going to Punalu'u JUST to see a black sand beach, I would skip it and just be sure to see Wai'anapanapa State Park in Hana, while on Maui, since you'll be right next to it. Wai'anapanapa is a much more beautiful black sand beach than Punalu'u and driving to Punalu'u on the Big Isle is in the middle of nowhere.

As someone who has done what you are trying to do here, I can say that you will find yourself feeling tired and in need of rest after this trip. A vaction from your vacation may be needed. For only 8 days, I would do 2 islands max - and that would be pushing it. I do not like raining on your parade, but I've done this and it is not fun. However, on the flip side, to each his own. You may like the fast pace. I just thought I'd share my $0.02 worth.