My DH and I thought we had our dates all planned for our upcoming February trip:
Maui - Sunday through Saturday - 4 nights at Hyatt Maui, then 2 nights at Fairmont Kea Lani
BI - Saturday through Weds at Fairmont Orchid
Kauai - Weds through Monday at Grand Hyatt
I got the Fairmont credit card specifically to get the two free nights at the Kea Lani, as I really wanted to stay on "both sides" of the island per a few friends' recommendations, but I waited too long to book the Kea Lani as once the free nights posted to my account, there were no longer any rooms available (not surprised as it's Valentine's Day, but the nights were available just two days earlier when I checked).
So I could use the two free nights at the Fairmont Orchid instead, and just switch my inter-island flight from Saturday to Thursday. My husband thinks I'm going to be disappointed that I've shortchanged my Maui time, but everything I've read says we need at least 5 days to really see the Big Island, so I think this way might be better? I don't know, I'm having a hard time deciding.
If I do decide to keep my flight plans the same and spend 6 nights on Maui, then I have to keep my fingers crossed that something either opens up at the Kea Lani where I can use my Fairmont free nights, or something opens up at the Hyatt and I can use points there. Right now that is totally booked as well.
Big Island or Maui for 6 nights?
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Also, we've never been to Hawaii at all.
Both islands are great but we prefer Big Island, and I would go where you have the most free time. The Fairmont Orchid is very nice - and a good base from which to explore.
Forgot to mention - our favorite is Kauai - with Big Island 1-A - but we really love them all.
I'd prefer a week *minimum* for Big Island if you want to see Volcanoes National Park. It's at least three hours each way there from the west side of the island -- without stopping. You don't want to drive after dark. You'll have little time at the volcano. Of course, you could take a helicopter tour out of KOA and not drive across.
Best plan for touring Big Island is to fly into KOA and out of ITO or the reverse. The town of Volcano has nice lodging; Hilo, not so much. Hilo is also an hour from the volcano. Big Island is the only island where we routinely rent a mid-size or larger car because the distances are greater and you are driving faster in some areas. It's also *safer*.
There's little point in moving from Kaanapali to Wailea on Maui in your short timeframe. They are 40 minutes apart. If you were staying at in Kapalua, maybe. If you wanted an overnight in Hana, maybe.
Any time I have almost a week on an island, I stretch to the full week and rent a condo. Slim pickings now though.
Would fly into Hilo - and then tour a bit north of there (Akaka Falls, Botanical gardens perhaps) - and wind up at Volcano Village for a night or two - and then enjoy the nice drive over to the Kona side, and fly out of Kona - where there are more flights available.
And I think you can see plenty on the Big Island in 6 nights - and still have four nights on Maui- and the rest of the time kicking back on Kauai.
Everyone has their favorite island, depends on what you like. I have visited all the islands. I, too will be on Maui for Valentine's Day (happens to be my 32 wedding anniversary). After, we will fly over to the Big Island (our favorite). We rented a house in Kapoho for a week. We love the "real" Hawaiian vibe of the area. The Big Island has a lot to offer...Kona area, Hilo area, Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea.
You will have fun no matter were where you stay. You need to hang loose.
And at Volcano Village - the Volcano Village Lodge http://www.emmaspencerliving.com/volcano-village-lodge/ is a very romantic place to stay - located in a Rain Forest (formerly an artists' retreat) - but they may have a two night minimum and may or may not have availability.
My wife and mother in law enjoyed receiving massages there - and also enjoyed the good Thai restaurant in the Village.
The Thai food place is good. We also enjoyed the Lava Rock Cafe in Volcano village.