Hawaii

Did a week in Maui a few summers ago.

Definitely do the sunrise on Mt Haleakala. You’re going to have to get up super early but it’s worth it to see the sun rise over the clouds when the weather is right.

Try to get a reservation at mamas fish house. Books up months in advance. Really great ocean side spot with great food.

Road to Hana is an all day affair that you’ll either love or hate. Some on here say it was the best thing the did and some say it’s not worth the commitment it takes and the roads are to sketchy. We went about halfway and turned back and really enjoyed it. Stopped and swam in a lot of water falls and a lot of other cool spots. Didn’t have any issues with a jeep on the narrow roads, not counting my wife freaking out. They can get backed up in spots, though.

Snorkeling at Molokini crater was also great.

We stayed on the east side of Maui close to Kaanapali beach and the sunsets were absolutely amazing. It’s the main thing I remember from Maui. People lined along the beach for the sunsets. Enjoy

Hawaii is a very special place. It may be my favorite place on earth. The vibe there is a real thing.

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would love to explore Hawaii in about 8 days

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Not enough time to see everything. You'd probably want at least 3-4 nights on each of the 4 islands to experience them...and that would be really rushed. I'd do a week and half or two weeks and visit two islands. I've been to the big island, O'ahu, and Kaua'i. Loved all of them. Kaua'i may have been my favorite. Loved Hanalei beach and just the beauty of this island. And I didn't even get to do the famous trail. The big island was probably my second favorite. I have a thread on it here. O'ahu has the big city stuff in honolulu. But I did not stay in the city...it's not my thing. The rest of the island has lots of great things to see all over.

Stop at every fruit stand you see and grab some of the apple bananas, ice cream bananas, lilikoi, mango, and other tropical fruits. The tropical stuff just tastes SO much better there. White pineapple is amazing, but very expensive. If you find one cheap, make sure to buy. I'd get it anyway, at least once.

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Kaua'i may have been my favorite

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Perfect timing following my post.

This is almost always what you hear from people who have been.

Kauai and the helicopter tour of the Napali Coast

I spent 17 days on the main island and didn't get to experience everything I wanted to. I was able to rent a car (turo) for 4 of those days, but even exploring, I felt like I was missing things.

Recommendations:
- underwater scuba tour
- helicopter tour over the volcano
- Dole Plantation
- Pineapple tour
- Duke's on a Sunday and listen to some vibes
- Hawaii Zoo

Been to Maui twice and Oahu & Kauai once (and currently planning trip to Big Island for next year). It all depends in your interest as to which Island to go to. We only do 1 island a trip and stay for a week so if you were to island hop I’d say you need to stay at least 10 days and shoot for 2 weeks if possible.

We love Maui and have stayed In Kanapalli both times we’ve been but we go to see the whales (which you will be on the back end of their season or might miss altogether). Lahaina looks to be getting back somewhat. Hana is a good trip for those that haven’t done it but I don’t really need to do it again. That said, the black sand beach is pretty cool. The beach in Kappa (I think that’s where it is) is where you want to go if you want to see sea turtles. We’ve gone 2-3 times and there are usually 40-50 turtles just hanging on the beach. Believe we’ve seen a monk seal there too. Black Rock is good for snorkeling. Halekalla was amazing but very cold so be prepared. We wore hoodies and beanies and were still freezing as it was very windy. Think the car thermometer said it was 36 degrees. Go the first day after you arrive as you are going to wake up super early due to the time difference. You’ll probably want to get there at least an hour before sunrise and it’s a bit of a haul to get there. Think we left the hotel around 3:15.

Oahu was fun but you you have a lot of folks in Honolulu which means a lot of traffic. Once you get away a bit there is a good bit to see and do. Pearl Harbor is a must. Been about 17 years since we went so my memories are a little hazy.

I’ll echo the sentiments from above in that Kauai is probably my favorite island (unless you go to Maui in February/March for whale watching). It was very relaxed and lacking some of the amenities of Maui & Oahu but it was beautiful. Amazing beaches and a good bit of outdoor stuff to do besides just going to the beach. Saw monk seals and turtles both (Salt Pond Beach I believe is where we saw them).

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Two islands only if you have 8 days.

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Yep. Absolutely no more than that. There's so much to see and do that there's zero reason to skip over to other islands to see and do other stuff over there. Pick two.

We have been to Maui and the Big Island twice. Big Island things to do: South Point: Green Sand Beach, Jump off South Point.
Other: Two Step snorkel, Night snorkel with Manta Rays, Volcano National Park, Hilo, Kona
We always rent a car and explore.

Maui: House of the rising sun, Big Beach, A luau, Road to Hana

Haven't been to the other islands. have fun!

If you just want to go lay on the beach at a resort, pick Maui. It has the best high end resort on the islands. Other than the road to Hana and haleakala , it’s relax and take it easy. Oahu, has Waikiki plus other areas on the north shore if you want. Big Island I’d find a place on VRBO or Airbnb. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the rental vehicle, but it’s worth it. Kauai I’d do the same. Spend some time on the north shore and then do a few days down south.