The Big Island of Hawaii

Brian K asked:


I will be going to Hawaii on vacation. The plan is to visit two islands, the Big Island and Maui. The duration of my trip will be 10 days. I have been to Maui before, and would like to explore that island more as there are things that I wasn’t able to do/see last time I was there. I have never been to the Big Island but have read and heard that there is much less to do and see there (volcano’s, some waterfalls, some snorkeling, and the mountains – thats about it). I was wondering how long I should book my stay there for? Is it worth splitting the vacation between the two islands evenly, 5 days Maui then 5 days Big? Or should I split it maybe 6 and 4 or 7 and 3? Just looking for some advice.

Thanks,

6 Responses to “Going to the Big Island in Hawaii, how long should I stay?”

1. J H Says:
   November 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 am

   I went to the Main Island and the Big island and I liked the Big Island a lot! We did exactly everything you mentioned. I liked it because it wasn’t crowded and it was a wonderful place to relax. By the Airport it’s like a desert and not fun at all, but on by Kona it’s so peaceful. The Volcano park was fun to see and the snorkeling was the best. We did a small raft ride while snorkeling and the dolphins came right up besides us and stayed there the whole time!

   I would think 3 or 4 days would be sufficient time to see everything there is (assuming you don’t have lazy beach days)

2. sarge927 Says:
   November 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm

   It all depends on what you like. If you’re into the posh resorts and shopping, Maui is your best bet. There isn’t quite as much to do on The Big Island, but it’s definitely worth spending three or four days there. Have you been to Kauai? My wife and I love Kauai best of all because it’s not as heavily trafficked by tourists but there are all kinds of things to see and do on Kauai. Many movies have been shot on Kauai, like Raiders of the Lost Ark, South Pacific, Six Days/Seven Nights, the ’70′s version of King Kong, and Jurassic Park, just to name a few. You could easily spend a week on Kauai doing two tours/excursions per day and STILL not see it all. If you go to Kauai and you like Japanese food, do not miss Restaurant Kintaro in Kap’aa. BEST Japanese food and sushi to be found on the islands…

3. Hawaiian Dee Says:
   November 26th, 2008 at 7:14 pm

   I would spit 5 days on each so can get the full effect of the islands and what each have to offer..

   offer about $40 bucks for interisland flights..

   ENJOY

4. Linda in Lancaster & lovin it! Says:
   November 28th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

   I’m prejudiced . . . . and I would just spend my time on the Big Island! I’m a native and love the variety of things to do. From the freezing temperatures at the top of Mauna Kea, to the shores of the black sand beach, you’ll have more than enough to keep you busy there. I love the Big Island!!!

5. David S Says:
   November 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

   Big Island is big wish my website was fully done, but there is some good tips in it check it out.http://www.bigisland-bigisland.com/Volcanoes-in-Hawaii.html

6. Broken... Says:
   December 3rd, 2008 at 10:12 am

   It all depends on how much you want to see and do while your on the big island. If you want to go to the beach you should definatly go to the alamoana beach and mall. The mall really isnt just shopping its more an exploration. Also you can go to the aquarium (forgot the name srry ) Theyres so much to do there if you’re going to mostly relax enjoy the beach.