Someone just asked some simple questions about visiting the islands; I figured I’d post it here since I’d already typed it up, in case anyone is planning a visit (I know at least one of my readers is!).

Important question: What kind of vacation do you want? Relaxed or busy?

Oahu is the busiest island. Plenty to see/do, but it’s (to me) crazy busy. I was there several months ago on an assignment and I prefer the quiet atmosphere of the North Shore. BUT, that’s my opinion. Downtown Honolulu/Waikiki is the hot spot for visitors, with night life, street performers, lots of water activities, hustle, bustle, etc. It would be worth it to stay for a few nights in Waikiki to see Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, if those things interest you.

Outer islands are less busy.

Before moving, I visited a number of times, often with a package deal - it never included food or any constraints; it was basically just hotel/air. Look for condos to rent, as you’ll be able to do some cooking/eating there if desired. Or, if you plan yourself, consider ATA Airlines, Hawaiian Air and Aloha, and maybe a B & B for a more authentic visit.

To see different islands, I’d plan to stay on each of your chosen islands. Moving between islands is easy, though it does eat up a small chunk of your day, so it doesn’t make sense to go back to where you came from. You need to know that Hawaiian Air and Aloha use Honolulu as their main hub. You can’t fly directly between the outer islands; if I want to go to Kauai from the Big Island, I must stop in Honolulu. It’s fast, though. Half an hour from HNL to outer islands. Exceptions: I believe Mokulele Airlines has some more direct flights (I think they only have prop planes). There are direct flights from the mainland to Maui and Hawaii, as well as Oahu.

My tendency for vacations is to get out and explore, hike, hang out on the beach (sans beach boy with the umbrella drink - I prefer less people and a cooler ), and discover. I might spend a day doing the usual tourist routine. If you’re looking for that kind of vacation, I’d recommend Kauai and the Big Island. Lava’s flowing right now on the Big Island, though at the moment it’s not accessible.  If you just want to hang out by the pool, ANY of the islands can provide that!