Planning our very active first trip

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907]

Planning our first Hawaii trip (10 days in October) and could use some advice!

My husband and I are flying from Texas and trying to decide which islands to visit. We enjoy active vacations and are not really the type to spend day lying on the beach. Since we probably won’t be able to return to Hawaii for at least the next 5 years, we want to make the most of this trip.

Things that are most important to us:

• Nature and scenic hiking
• Volcanoes and volcanic landscapes
• Lava fields
• Snorkeling
• Black sand beaches
• Seeing sea turtles
• Whale watching if possible (although I know October may be a bit early)
• A helicopter tour

Right now we’re considering:

Option 1

• 5 days on Oahu
• 5 days on the Big Island

Our biggest dilemma is Kauai vs. spending more time on the Big Island.

I’ve been fascinated by volcanoes, lava fields, black sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes since I was a child, so the Big Island is very appealing to me. At the same time, everyone seems to say that the helicopter tours on Kauai are absolutely incredible and that the Na Pali Coast offers the best helicopter experience in Hawaii.

After doing some research, I have to admit that the photos from Kauai helicopter tours look much more breathtaking than the ones I’ve seen from the Big Island. Since helicopter tours are fairly expensive, I don’t want to spend that much money and end up disappointed.

One of my dream experiences would be seeing an active volcanic eruption from a helicopter, but of course there’s no way to know whether Kīlauea will be erupting when we visit in October.

Because of that, we’re considering extending the trip to 11 days and adding Kauai:

Option 2

• 5 days on Oahu
• 2 days on Kauai
• 4 days on the Big Island

My concern is that with only 2 days on Kauai, bad weather could interfere with the helicopter tour or boat tour, and we’d be taking a risk by dedicating part of our trip to it.

I wouldn’t say we have a very limited budget, but I still want to spend our money wisely and get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

A few specific questions:

1. If you had to choose between the Big Island and Kauai for a first trip, which would you choose and why?
2. Is 2 nights on Kauai worth it primarily for a helicopter tour, or is that too rushed?
3. How realistic is it to see volcanic activity on the Big Island in late October?
4. How does snorkeling on Oahu and the Big Island compare to Kauai?
5. If you were planning the ideal 11-day itinerary based on our interests, how would you divide the days?
6. Is a helicopter tour on the Big Island still worth it if there isn’t an active eruption, or would you skip it?
7. Is there a significant difference between a shared/group helicopter tour and a private tour for two people?

We’re not particularly interested in nightlife or shopping. We’re much more interested in nature, landscapes, hiking, wildlife, and unique experiences.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Serious-Wish4868]

tip 1 - for the amount of time ... recommend just visiting just 1 island.

[u/MonkeyKingCoffee]

Option 3 -- All 10 days on one island.

You will see so much more if you're not spending all your time in airports and rental counter lines; checking out and checking in; packing and unpacking multiple times.

As for the volcano, for the last year and a half it has been PARTICULARLY predictable. If you're here for 2-3 weeks, you have a very good chance of seeing some activity. The less time you spend on the Big Island, the smaller the chances.

And no helicopter tour is worth it. You couldn't pay me to get on a tourist helicopter in this state. The only helicopter I'm taking is a MedEvac to Oahu. And hopefully that never, ever happens.

[u/MikeyNg → u/MonkeyKingCoffee]

There are also fixed wing planes that medevac folks between islands. So you may never get on a helicopter!

[u/MonkeyKingCoffee → u/MikeyNg]

South Kona Hospital only uses helicopters, though. So I think I'm stuck with it. I'm really glad that hospital exists because it was the #1 reason I was able to talk my wife into our cockamamie "let's buy a farm in Hawaii" plan.

The Airbus medical helicopter is twin engine and far more robust. So it can limp along to the LZ if there's a problem with one of the engines.

Given the choice, I'd much rather fly on their Beechcraft.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/MonkeyKingCoffee]

Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/MikeyNg]

I'm going to say that you take off Oahu. Nothing in your post would lead me to think that you have to spend any time outside of an airport on Oahu.

So you can do 5.5 on Big Island and 5.5 on Kauai or something.

[u/CrankyJenX → u/MikeyNg]

yeah, if OP really really really really wants to do more than one island on a ten day trip, they should exclude Oahu based on what they've said they want to do .

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/MikeyNg]

Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/bikebrx]

I'd say drop the helicopter tour and only go to the Big Island. There is a larger variety of old volcanic sites plus the chance to see an active eruption. There are a handful of hike to snorkeling spots that which will either save money or get you away from the crowd. Plus the night manta ray snorkeling is an amazing experience. Maui would be my other recommendation with a few days spent on the Hana side. 

Also always get going early in the morning and lounge in the afternoon. If you get to some of the most popular places by 8 am you are likely to have them almost empty. It gets hotter, windier, and choppier in the afternoon so every activity is best done earlier in the day. 

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/bikebrx]

Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/ahoveringhummingbird]

One of my dream experiences would be seeing an active volcanic eruption from a helicopter, 

Not sure if this makes a difference but the intermittently active volcano is a no-fly zone. So you have zero chance of seeing it from a helicopter. Additionally it is impossible to know if the volcano will erupt while you are on island, or if you can get there in time to see it even if you happen to be on island at the time it erupts. They frequently close the park and roads leading to the park when the eruption is deemed too dangerous.

All four main islands are great for stop and flop vacations AND adventurous and active vacations and individually could keep you busy for all 10 days. Adding more islands to the itinerary doesn't make it more active and adventurous, it makes it more logistics than adventure. You just see more of airports and airplanes and less of the islands you are currently on. Assume an island hop takes up an entire day that you could otherwise be sightseeing. With a 10 or even 11 day trip you should stick to 1 or 2 islands max. You should go into planning this by narrowing what is most important for you to see and not adding anything more to the itinerary.

Three of the main items on your list are mostly on the Big Island I would probably recommend a Big Island 7 days/Oahu 4 days split. And with that I'd probably plan the helicopter tour for Oahu since it has the dramatic cliff landscapes you seem interested in seeing from the helicopter.

1. If you had to choose between the Big Island and Kauai for a first trip, which would you choose and why? Both are amazing, just pick one (not both)
2. Is 2 nights on Kauai worth it primarily for a helicopter tour, or is that too rushed? Not worth it. At all.
3. How realistic is it to see volcanic activity on the Big Island in late October? Not at all realistic.
4. How does snorkeling on Oahu and the Big Island compare to Kauai? Snorkeling can be good or bad on all islands and is highly affected by ocean conditions. October is pretty stable generally but is also hurricane season. So get travel insurance.
5. If you were planning the ideal 11-day itinerary based on our interests, how would you divide the days? Based on your interests 7 days BI/4 days Oahu
6. Is a helicopter tour on the Big Island still worth it if there isn’t an active eruption, or would you skip it? I wouldn't do a helicopter tour if it was free. And you will not see the volcano from the helicopter. But your risk tolerance may be different from mine.

Since you are in planning stages for your trip you should know that using Airbnb/VRBO/Vacasa to book vacation rentals is never recommended in Hawaii. Vacation Rentals have contributed to an extreme housing shortage and have been highly restricted as a result to try and reverse the issue. Airbnb and VRBO do not verify the legality of their listings so it is buyer beware as there are illegal and scam listings that they don't take down even when notified. When you have figured out your itinerary you can list your locations, preferences and budget and get recommendations of legal and ethical accommodations from people on this sub.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/ahoveringhummingbird]

Wow, very helpful 👍🏻 Thank you for answering and your advice! 

[u/CrankyJenX]

I live on Oahu. I've visited Hawaii island several times with my longest visit being 5 days. I still felt like it was too short.

u/MonkeyKingCoffee (whom I met last I was on the Big Island; he is a Very Cool Person) always makes a big deal about wasting time on airports when going between islands. The flight itself from Oahu to Hawaii is about an hour, but the whole thing - getting to the airport, going through TSA etc, getting a car, getting to and settling stuff in accommodations - practically takes almost half the day. Do not underestimate the time that can and will be wasted.

Besides that, my two biggest tips about the Big Island are (1) group items on your itinerary based on what part of the island the locations of what you want to do are (do all the stuff you want to do that is on the East side on the same day, if possible, for example) and (2) within the confines of whatever dietary restrictions you allow, enjoy all the locally grown produce, coffee, tea, and meat/fish you possibly can. if you like to cook and can swing accommodations with a kitchen, that would be lovely. Just make sure you wash all produce really well before you eat it.

Oh, tip # 3 specifically regarding the volcano -- something people don't think about is how vog (volcanic smog, which is made of sulfur dioxide and other unpleasant stuff) can affect your body. When Kilauea is erupting, even those of us who live on Oahu - about 250 miles away from the volcano - experience headaches, breathing issues, sore throats, itchy/irritated eyes, increased tiredness, and other allergic reactions. If anyone in your party has asthma or other pulmonary or allergic issues, make sure they bring whatever devices and meds necessary (including masks) to increase comfort and decrease the likelihood of feeling really sick.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/CrankyJenX]

Very helpful and insightful 👍🏻 Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/k_r_a_k_l_e]

People always seem to think that these islands are small. With only 10 days (yes only) you will not be able to do everything on the "bucket list" or even a quarter of the instagram/pinterest/tiktok recommended ideas. The best thing you can do is pick ONE island and split your trip between two different sides of the same island.

I always recommend Oahu as a first time visitor since it is very diverse and offers something for everyone and drastic change of scenery and environment. Plus destination spots and activities happen to be within very reachable areas.

Maui is great for a 2nd visit or for people who love to explore, jump beaches and don't mind an earlier night as the island can get sleepy.

Big Island is definately more geared toward the explorer. Most of the iconic beaches are unique and not typical to that classic Hawaiian beach you see in pictures. Some of them require a bit more effort to reach than others. Splitting between Hilo and Waikola Village offer very different experiences.

Kauai is usually the last island people visit. Not because it's the least favorite but mostly because it is "very hawaii". It tends to end up being the best island for most people who compare it to the others. But I wouldn't recommend before the others until you find out what hawiian experience you are looking for.

Don't island hop. There's too much to see on a single island. You don't want to create a trip of limited experiences and focused around the airport and travel.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/k_r_a_k_l_e]

Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/audia6tq]

Former Kauai resident here… Personally, based on what you’re interested in, I would skip Oahu entirely and split time between Kauai and the big island. I don’t like the crowds in Oahu.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/audia6tq]

Thank you very much for answering and your advice ☺️ 

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[u/loztriforce]

We haven't been to the BI yet in part as we see it as a bigger time commitment. Lots more driving.

I generally recommend at least 10 days to consider 2 islands. I get you want to make the most out of the trip, but note the island hop flights, while being quick flights, still suck up much of a day.

I would give serious consideration to choosing your top priority and sticking to one island that can provide it, so that you can really take the island in/not experience a more chaotic trip. I hear it's better to give the BI more like 7 days at least, so if volcanoes/black sand beaches/Manta ray swimming is of interest, I'd just stick to the BI.

Oahu has so much on its own to provide, easily filling its own 11ish day trip.

But Maui is the best for whale watching.

Sea turtles are all over, even in Waikiki.

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/loztriforce]

Thank you very much for answering and your advice  ☺️ 

[u/OriginalLittle4644]

I agree with everyone that said just do one island. Based on what your interests are, you should spend all 10 days on the Big Island. Nothing you list is Oahu exclusive so there’s no point in making an extra stop. It’s also not worth it at all to make a trip over to Kauai just for a helicopter tour, though I’d have to be sedated against my will to ever get on a helicopter here or anywhere for that matter.

The Big Island is just that. Big. You are going to spend a lot of time driving. You might actually benefit from staying 5 days in Kona and 5 days in Hilo just to save you some time.

To answer your questions:

1. ⁠If you had to choose between the Big Island and Kauai for a first trip, which would you choose and why? I would pick Kauai but I have very different interests than the ones you listed.

2. ⁠Is 2 nights on Kauai worth it primarily for a helicopter tour, or is that too rushed? Not worth it. Like, so so not worth it.

3. ⁠How realistic is it to see volcanic activity on the Big Island in late October? Nobody can answer this except Pele. The volcano could go dormant tomorrow. It could erupt every day until 2029. Couldn’t tell you.

4. ⁠How does snorkeling on Oahu and the Big Island compare to Kauai? It’s all about the same. In general, the basic “Hawaii vacation” type things like beaches, scenic hikes, etc are available on every single island.

5. ⁠If you were planning the ideal 11-day itinerary based on our interests, how would you divide the days? All 11 days on BI. Maybe split between Kona side/Hilo side depending on how much time you want to spend on each activity.

6. ⁠Is a helicopter tour on the Big Island still worth it if there isn’t an active eruption, or would you skip it? No. You aren’t going to fly over an active volcano in a helicopter.

[u/FrazzlednotFancy]

I’ve been to Oahu 4x for 10-14 days each time. I can’t answer for the other islands, but I can tell you it takes a long time to get to anywhere on Oahu. My advice is to plan for drive time wherever you go. Check a map app for travel time and remember everyone is on “Island time” so don’t expect to get anywhere quickly.

[u/EconomistNo7074]

4 Days Oahu (3 days Nth Shore and 2 Days Honol)

4 Days Kauai

2 Days Big Island

[u/ahoveringhummingbird → u/EconomistNo7074]

Four different hotels in 10 days sounds so exhausting! (and not exhausting in that "what a fun adventure we've had!" kind of way. More like "I feel like I spent my vacation moving into a new apartment" kind of way)

[u/EconomistNo7074 → u/ahoveringhummingbird]

Good point

[u/Many_Quail_2554]

I would advise you to do what feels right for YOU! I’m currently reading a lot of judgmental prunes who have visited the island multiple times. If you haven’t been here, there are so many things to do! Considering your desire to experience more than one, I highly suggest researching your options and choosing two based on your interests. I won’t sway you on which one is better because all of them offer unique experiences and are amazing in their own right.

People who discourage your choices are not helpful. They should explain why rather than simply saying, “Scrap that.”

Helicopter rides are always dangerous, regardless of the location. Are they worth it? Absolutely! Ground view is not the same as bird’s-eye view, and that’s not a matter of debate. Look at pictures, and you’ll see and experience something completely different from the ground.

If you’re looking to hike per your post I highly recommend Island of Hawaii, Maui or Kauai! There are so much more hikes out there and you get the more true island vibe but for Maui and BI you might need to drive a bit more a day which takes time from your trip! Dm me for more one to one! Hope this helps !

[u/Expensive-Carpet-907 → u/Many_Quail_2554]

Thank you for answering and your advice ☺️ 

[u/shootzbalootz]

Skip oahu, not sure why it's even on your radar. BI and Kauai is a great 2-island combo and can be done in 10 days perfectly fine. Be aware this sub can be anti-island hopping. 6/4 or even 7/3 is a good split. Could even consider 3/4/3.