How many days for each island in Hawaii?

StephBeanWed61502

My FI and I have decided we'd like to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon, but we're trying to figure out what a reasonable length for our trip is.  We were thinking of going to Oahu and the Big Island, and I'm wondering:

1. How many days will we need to have the best possible experience on each island - is 5 nights/6 days in each place too much?  Too little? 

2. Should we be spending only 3-4 days on Oahu and more on the Big Island, or vice-versa? 

3. Also, if we were to do a 10-night trip, would it be better to have longer stays on two islands, or shorter stays so we can see three islands?

Thanks!

Magdala9

We spent 7 days on the Big Island and loved every minute of it.    I prefer to explore one location rather than island hop.    For which ever island that you pick, get the Hawaii Reveled (Maui Revelaed, Oahu Revealed etc).  That book series helped us get the most out of our island vacations.  

mica178

Figure out what you want to do on each island.  If you mainly want to bum around on a beach, then spend a few days in Honolulu to see Pearl Harbor and climb Diamondhead, and then spend the rest of the time on the Big Island.

I second the Revealed series.

jemmini6

I wouldn't do any less than 4 days on any one island.  I'd say 4 days on Oahu and then 6 - 7 on BI.

Danny&Mel2003

I've never been but I'd say it depends on what your planning to do ... FI & I are looking at Hawaii were flying out for 3 days an then taking 7 day cruise island hopping, but I know that we spend 2 days on 2 different islands an then the others don't know the names though.

FutureMrsPaulG

You don't need to spend 5 nights on Oahu. I'd recommend three or four to see Pearl Harbor, snorkel at Hanauma bay, and maybe hike up Diamond Head if you like that kind of thing. I'd spend more time on the Big Island. It's much more relaxing and slower paced. Oahubis loud, busy, and not the stereotypical "Hawaiian" experience. Definitely go once and don't go back. The Revealed series is awesome...full of great restaurant reviews and out of the way, less touristy things to do. Happy honeymooning!

Jack2012

I've been to Oahu, Maui and the big Island... First, decide what type of vacation you want.. Oahu has the most "activities" if your into shark cages, dolphin swims, shopping, clubbing..  It's very busy but fun if your a young couple

Maui is by far my favorite!  you get an amazing Hawaiian experience plus TONS of snorkeling spots and the Road to Hana is great (Hike to the top of the waterfall you won't be dissapointed!)k  Also If your into horseback riding Mendez Ranch!  First trailride I've gone on where if you want to you can actually break loose and gallop/canter to your own abilities without the group   The whole nose to tail thing is pretty boring..

The big Island for me was by far the most relaxed.. I'm 21 so it didn't have as much going on for me and it is mainly a volcano rock type beach so don't expect as much of the nice layout sand if that's what your looking for.

As for number of days.. I'd highly recommend deciding what "planned activites" you want to do ie: snorkel trips, fishing, horseback riding.. and then plan your days accordingly for the islands your going to..

We just spend Christmas and New Years with the FH's Family (Dec 22-Jan2 on the Big Island and Maui.. 4 days (including flight) and 7 days respectfully) and that was plenty to get in the things we wanted to do and have empty beach days as well.

Happy Planning!