Hawaii Island Hopping?

Island hopping is very easy to do with Hawaiian Air. They are a very large airline that flies not only throughout the islands and to California but as far as Japan and NYC. You can book cheap tickets to island hop for as little as $35/person. Usually the cheaper flights are pretty damn early. I think I never fly latter than 8am. Usually the cheapest option was a flight at like 6am.


Oahu

Oahu is far to crowded in Honolulu and Waikiki but I know you're going to end up there anyway so knock that shite out of the way. I'd also like to add Diamond Head, Koko Head hikes, Manoa Falls waterfall, and Hanauma Bay to that list. See it, do it, get out.

Pear Harbor is a must do if you visit the islands. Again, very crowded but so surreal. You can feel a somber feeling surrounding you as you walk the grounds and tour the memorials. If you just go to the Arizona you could be out in a few hours. If you want to tour all the sites it could take up to 6 hours. Last I heard they offered free tickets if you went early enough in the AM. They potentially could sell out of tickets early in the day.

Must Do's:

North Shore / Historic Haleiwa Town

Visit the North Shore beaches and historic Haleiwa town. Haleiwa town is like Hawaii's version of main street USA and the beaches are far less crowded and host major surf competitions. Get you some shaved ice from Matsumoto's.

I'll continue writing reviews on these spots later...I have a lot to say

(Kaena Point, Chinaman's Hat, Wiamea Bay, Waimano Falls, Pink Pillbox, Mermaid Caves, South shore drive and rock tunnel, Lanikai Beach.)




Big Island
- Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
- Volcano National Park
- Visit Black sand Beaches

Maui
- Drive Road to Hana
- Snorkeling
- Relaxing on the Beach
- See the sunrise at the volcano

Kauai
- Napali boat tour
- See the Canyon
- Helicopter tour

Also, we are realizing this is going to be an expensive trip. Any tips to save money would be appreciated.

Headed to Kauai, Honolulu then Maui in mid May. I’ll be checking in to this thread.

Sounds like fun. We have split a trip between Maui and Big Island and it was easy.

Big Island has lots to do. Southpoint to jump in ocean, 2 step for snorkling/diving, green sand beach is cool. Volcano park....

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Maui - Drive Road to Hana - Snorkeling - Relaxing on the Beach - See the sunrise at the volcano

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The road to Hana is easily at least 1/2 day and the sunrise at Haleakala usually requires a meetup at like 3am so plan those days accordingly. You could do them both in the same day but youre going to need nap and do the road to hana in the afternoon and won't be able to stop very often.

I think you can skip at least one of the islands on this trip and go back to them another time. For example....on the big island, you can see black sand beaches when you do the road to Hana and go snorkeling anywhere...no need to hop to the big island for that.

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No way. We hit Hana highway at daybreak and had a partial drive back down in the dark, and that was with the pools closed.

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Im not advising to do them both in a day but it can be done but like I said, you will miss out on some of the stops on the drive. I think they're much better served staying on Maui longer, eliminating one of the islands and doing them both on separate days,

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Was okay, not life changing. People jostling for position was annoying. Dress warmer than you think you’ll need - it’s COLD up there. Think I had 4 layers and I was miserable. We parked up top then drove back down for the restroom and the lot filled up during that time so we were not allowed to go back up.

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I totally disagree....it was probably one of the coolest things Ive ever done. We didnt drive down though, we rented bikes (unguided tour) and rode down stopping at the little towns along the way for coffee, snacks, etc. Because we were bike riding down we dressed warm as hell and just took off layers as we went down. One of the most majestic and funnest things ive done anywhere in the world.

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Big Beach at Makena Beach state park

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Best beach I saw when there.

When driving there keep going to the wildlife refuge. The road is near the water and it's a good view.

There is a little cove not far away from there. Kanahena cove and that's a great place to go snorkeling on your own.

At night I went in that area and parked the jeep right on the rocky beach and watched the stars and listened to the water with a cooler of cold beer.