How should we split up 14 days between Maui and the Big Island?
Genelle G asked:
My husband and I are planning to go to Hawaii for a two week honeymoon. We have narrowed our trip to two islands; Maui and the Big Island, but we are not sure the best way to split up our time. We are looking forward to spending some time relaxing on the beach (my husband has never been on a vacation) but also want to take in some activities such as snorkeling, luau, bike tours, Volcano park, ect. We were thinking of spending a week on each island but are not sure if this is too much (or too little) time on either island. Any advise would be great (i.e best places to snorkel, best luau, or any “must do” activities). Thanks!!!
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My husband and I are planning to go to Hawaii for a two week honeymoon. We have narrowed our trip to two islands; Maui and the Big Island, but we are not sure the best way to split up our time. We are looking forward to spending some time relaxing on the beach (my husband has never been on a vacation) but also want to take in some activities such as snorkeling, luau, bike tours, Volcano park, ect. We were thinking of spending a week on each island but are not sure if this is too much (or too little) time on either island. Any advise would be great (i.e best places to snorkel, best luau, or any “must do” activities). Thanks!!!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:31 am
I go to Hawaii for 2-3 weeks every year for 12 years. I’ve stayed on most of the islands and love it. On the big island, you must go to Volcano National Park. Also drive the road from Kona to Hilo at night, the stars are incredible. It’s very dark, so drive slowly. I suggest 3-4 days max on the big island and the bulk of the time on Maui. Maui beaches are incredible. You can zip line on Maui (make reservations far in advance), hike in a bamboo forest, and lots of other great hikes. The drive to Hana is a must do at least once. I’ve stayed in Hana and won’t do that again. You can go to Jaws and see 30′ waves in the winter. You can snorkel at incredible places – I won’t tell you my secret place, but I WILL tell you to go to the fishbowl. If you go in the winter you can whale watch. We’ve done it all. You can go to really nice restaurants in Wailea or have great food in Kihea. There is a brewery (Maui Fish and Game) where we enjoy getting a beer at least once a trip. The absolute BEST luau is the Feast at Lei Lei. We loved it. Best of luck in your marriage, I hope it’s as happy and wonderful as mine is. I wish you both many good, healthy years together.
January 30th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Maui only takes 3 days to see everything and so some activities…
Big Island takes longer to enjoy!! It’s the biggest of all the islands!
Enjoy
January 31st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I live over here on the Big Island, and I love it, but honestly it is not the best time to come here. We have been having hazardous conditions occurring from the volcano. I don’t know when you were planning your vacation, but this has been occurring since the middle of March, and it has not shown signs of slowing. For videos, and recent volcano activity information go to
.
I am pretty adapted to the vog, and I have been having issues.
For now, unless you really are intrigued by the volcano, go with Maui. It is beautiful.
That site also has information about beaches, accommodations and so forth.
Aloha David
February 1st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I live in Honolulu and I would say you should spend at least 3-7 days on Maui at the Grand Wailea Resort. Then the rest visiting the Volcanoes on the Big Island.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I can see you have gotten all kinds of opinions. Personally, I prefer Maui hands down. I spend three days on the Big Island and I wasn’t thrilled. The VOG was bad though and it gave an overcast feeling to the place.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:19 am
A week on each island is pretty good.
I love it when people say “you can see the whole island in 3 days.” What…if you drive really, really fast and take pictures out the car window? LOLOLOL! I lived on the Big Island for a year and didn’t come close to seeing it all. There is a lot to do there and it is a BIG island! Most of the decent swimmable beaches are in the Kohala area, so you could spend the first week on the Big Island doing a luau, hiking at the volcano, sight seeing, snorkeling, etc. Then spend your second week on Maui relaxing on the beaches and shopping.
Get copies of Andrew Doughty’s books (Maui Revealed and Big Island Revealed) at Border’s or Barnes and Noble; they’ll help you out a lot.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Checkout this website to check between the two islands.