First Trip to Hawaii in August

[crocmom]

We are looking at going to Hawaii in late August but having never been are wondering where we should concentrate our time.  We're figuring on a 10 day trip because that is likely what work will allow us and living on the East Coast it will take a day going and coming.  Do we spend our entire time on Oahu or do we split our time between there and Maui?  Any hotel recs or is it more economical to rent an airbnb?  TIA

[dutchgirl678]

I personally would find a second place besides Oahu. Maui was my least favorite island, we prefer the Big Island or Kauai. But it depends on what your interests are. I would only do 3-4 days Oahu and the rest on the second island.

[keweenawlove]

What sort of things appeal to you? I loved Kauai for the hiking and more remote beaches. When we had a 10 day trip, we split time between Kauai and Maui which was a good amount of time to do 2 islands. I haven't been to Oahu because the other islands appealed to me more.

[Deleted]

I couldn't do 10 days on Oahu. It's my least favorite island. We love Maui and Kauai.

[tcu2003]

I’ve only been to Kauai and Oahu, but Oahu is definitely my least favorite. I’ve been to Kauai several times and love it.

Oahu was okay - I liked seeing the Arizona memorial, and hiking Diamondhead, but not much else sticks out in my mind.

[orangello]

Do a few days in Oahu to acclimate to the time change and see the sights, and then spend several days on Kauai. That would be a good mix of stunning scenery, historical sights, and classic Hawaii beach time. Kauai and the Big Island have been my fave 2 islands, but we are giving Maui a second shot over Labor Day this year.

[kpol]

I live on Oahu and wouldn’t spend 10 full days here but with covid restrictions, you may have to rethink it. I’m sure it will be different come August, but as of now, inter island travel from Oahu requires a negative covid test. There has been talk of getting rid of inter island testing/quarantine, but no timeline as of yet.

Oahu doesn’t legally allow many short term Airbnb’s, so to be safe, I’d look for a hotel. Most of the big chains in Waikiki are open but you could consider something at Ko Olina if you want something outside of Waikiki.

As far as things to do:
Pearl Harbor/ Arizona Memorial
North shore beaches, shops, food trucks
Dole Plantation
Diamond head hike is quick and relatively easy
Driving around to the various lookout points
Kualoa Ranch tours

[Wines Not Whines]

Oahu is lovely, but I’d definitely do a second island. I love Maui. When I go back, I want to split my time between Maui and the Big Island.

[goldengirlz]

I think Oahu is generally underrated. It has the best food scene, IMO, but you need to get out of the tourist areas to really experience it.

The thing about Honolulu is that it’s a city; it has the most “stuff” but it won’t really give you the “true” (tourist) Hawaii experience. (It reminds me a bit of San Diego. Not exactly, of course, but in terms of a place that’s both urban and beachy.) You can’t go wrong with any island though; it just depends on what you’re looking for. With 10 days, you can definitely do more than one.

(Since we moved to the West Coast, Hawaii has become a yearly trip for us. We’ve done every island at least once, and I’ve yet to have a bad time there!)

[nancybotwin]

Apr 6, 2021 19:07:42 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

I think Oahu is generally underrated. It has the best food scene, IMO, but you need to get out of the tourist areas to really experience it.

The thing about Honolulu is that it’s a city; it has the most “stuff” but it won’t really give you the “true” (tourist) Hawaii experience. (It reminds me a bit of San Diego. Not exactly, of course, but in terms of a place that’s both urban and beachy.) You can’t go wrong with any island though; it just depends on what you’re looking for. With 10 days, you can definitely do more than one.

(Since we moved to the West Coast, Hawaii has become a yearly trip for us. We’ve done every island at least once, and I’ve yet to have a bad time there!)

We are leaving tomorrow for Oahu. Any food recommendations?

[goldengirlz]

Jun 19, 2021 21:57:43 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

Apr 6, 2021 19:07:42 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

I think Oahu is generally underrated. It has the best food scene, IMO, but you need to get out of the tourist areas to really experience it.

The thing about Honolulu is that it’s a city; it has the most “stuff” but it won’t really give you the “true” (tourist) Hawaii experience. (It reminds me a bit of San Diego. Not exactly, of course, but in terms of a place that’s both urban and beachy.) You can’t go wrong with any island though; it just depends on what you’re looking for. With 10 days, you can definitely do more than one.

(Since we moved to the West Coast, Hawaii has become a yearly trip for us. We’ve done every island at least once, and I’ve yet to have a bad time there!)

We are leaving tomorrow for Oahu. Any food recommendations?

Yes! Mud Hen Water