sf7307

There is very little in the way of hotel accommodations on Oahu that is not in the Honolulu area - no hotels in the Kailua area, only Turtle Bay on the North Shore.

Tomsd

The first time I visit someplace - I like to see as much as possible (which is energizng to moi) - and then - should I return - visit different areas for longer periods of time.

I think your original plan is still very doable - depending on how you feel, etc. When you get to Big Island - you could always consider stopping in Maui for a couple of days on the way back to Oahu - whatever.

If you flew into Hilo - and then drove up to Akaka Falls, etc - and then to the Volcano - and on to Kona, you could take second look at your schedule and decide if you want to stop off at Maui on the way back to Oahu.

I always try to have somewhat flexible reservations in the middle part of my schedule when I travel - just so I can do something else if the whim/energy level permits.

It just takes a lot of Google time and contacting some of the places to see what you can arrang, but you usually also find the best deals that way.

And there are nice B & B's over in the Kailua/Lanikai area.

nanabee

I think your itinerary sounds perfect and tomsd's suggestions sound reasonable as well.

I've been to all the islands (except Molokai) and from a tourists point of view I think Oahu is a wonderful place to visit. It has the urban, cool shopping, fun nightlife of Waikiki, and the real old Hawaii feel of the North Shore. This is an island that has a long history and you get to experience it with the many tourist destinations (Pearl Harbor, Doris Duke Estate, the beautiful Bhuddist Byodo-In Temple, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palance, Hananuma Bay, and I think Oahu has (along with Kauai) the best beaches. You'll also notice it is a more diverse island than the others, giving it a more native Hawaiian, and Asian feel to it.

I like the Big Island for the diverse landscape. It is not (at least to me) as tropical as Oahu, but it has such interesting volcanoes and landscape. It is a much newer island and is still developing.

tifa2276

I went to Oahu and Big Island for a 10 day trip this past June. Here are some suggestions:

On Oahu, I think you have been given plenty of wonderful information here, and info is readily available on the web. As for your request for sushi restaurants: Sushi Sasabune, Tokkuri Tei, are more traditiona sushi restaurants with wonderful sushi. Sansei sushi is more of a fusion type sushi place. If you love fish in general you can also check out Nico's fish market where they have a fish auction early in the a.m. then you can eat the wonderful catch at his casual restaurant. If you are into food, then you should definitely check out the KCC farmer's market on Saturday mornings, and I think also on wed night. Great selection of fresh fruit, produce, local products as well as prepared foods. My whole family loved it! For example, we ate fresh grilled abalone that was super tender and nothing like the abalone that I had eaten before. Lanikai beach is a must for me! It's so pretty and not crowded like the beaches on Waikiki.

On the Big Island, if you're staying in Hilo, if you happen to make the drive up to Hawi, you can check out Sushi Rock, a cute place which has interesting combinations in their rolls. I didn't really eat in Hilo so I can't really recommend any restaurants, but we did go to the farmer's market in Hilo, although I liked the KCC one much better due to their abundance of prepared food. If you want a special local treat, go to Two Ladies Kitchen for some japanese mochi (pounded rice cakes with filling). Their specialy is a fresh strawberry and red bean mochi. Sooo good! If you're pressed for time on the island as well, you can maybe do a helicopter ride? We did Blue Hawaiian helicopters which departed from Hilo and it went over the volcano, out to where the lava flows into the ocean, and also over some waterfalls in Hilo. It was great! Have a wonderful trip!

charnees

I am prejudiced, because we spend a month every year on the Big Island, but I would spend more time there. After Hamakua/Akaka Falls day and a day and night at the volcano, go on around the south end of the island for a beautiful drive, ending in Kona or Kohala for a day or so. Then fly out from Kona.

However you plan your Big Island trip, be aware that picking up a car in Hilo and returning it to Kona airport will mean dropoff charges, according to people on this board. Of course, backtracking and staying an extra night just to avoid the charges would be more expensive. So I still recommend this plan because it allows you to stop at a coffee plantation if you wish.

Get the book, "The Big Island Revealed" for thorough information on what to see and do. Although it will make you want to stay longer!

Tomsd

While you are on Oahu on the 4 days of business - you could see some of that island (maybe go early to snorkel at Hanauma Bay before your meetings start - and this is one of several web pages to offer info http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/hanauma_bay.html ) - and maybe spend another day or two when you return for your flight home.

Other than that - I would encourage you to see not only BI but possibly also say Maui - or even our favorite - the Garden Isle - the greenest - but since you will be in Paradise during the end of "winter" - it should be fairly green most places.

Think flying into HIlo is great - and stay up at the Volcano for a couple days - then drive north from Hilo - visiting Akaka Falls - and then up through Waimea town over to the sunnier/warmer/drier side - as suggested by ChiSue.

Tomsd

But then again - as Nanabee notes - Oahu does have a lot to offer. Check VRBO for private listings on the North Shore - in addition to the Turtle Bay Resort. The North Shore is like getting away to an outer island.

Oh - and the Garden Isle is Kauai - which I didn't specifically mention.