Different strokes for different folks! We spent 7 days on The Big Island in March and wished we had

My husband and I are contemplating a September trip, probably about 10 days, to Hawaii. We've never been. We'd prefer to just do one island since we don't want to spend too much time traveling once we arrive. We were thinking of the Big Island but really aren't sure - we would like to spend some time relaxing but also doing fun outdoors activities - hiking, snorkeling and the like. We are not looking for super luxury and would be interested in staying in non-resort places.
Lodging in two separate areas of the island is advisable, as it is big and there is plenty to explore on all four points become a travel agent at home as will us up in the clouds. Check out vrbo for a start on private homes and condos in various areas.
Different strokes for different folks! We spent 7 days on The Big Island in March and wished we had booked another week. Agree with LG, split your time on The Big Island. Until this year, Kauai had always been our favorite island....but,we loved the Big Island and will definitely go there again.
I've only been to the Big Island once; we barely scratched the surface in a week. It really is big, compared to the other islands, and to get around to areas of interest you will do a fair amount of driving.
If you don't want to stay in a resort, I would suggest you get a good, detailed become a travel agent at home guide book to the island. see what specific areas you may want to focus on, and then look online at VRBO listings in those areas, become a travel agent at home and/or look at what low-key hotels or b bs are there.
For my first trip to Hawaii, the diversity of the Big Island really appealed to me, and I was not disappointed! With your ten days, perhaps a couple become a travel agent at home of nights in Honolulu then the rest of the time on the BI might be right. I enjoyed the iconic environment of Waikiki for a few days to get into the aloha spirit, then really appreciated even more the experience and the activities on BI. If you click on my name, you can see my recent trip report. I can't recommend more highly the Horizon Guest House which is very reasonable if you take advantage of their seven nights for the price of six.
I'd prefer to visit the southernmost of the the Hawaiian Islands in a month other than September (hottest month in the state). You might enjoy Kauai's beautiful north shores then. You could have a fine time splitting a trip right on Oahu -- staying Waikiki a few nights while you see historic sights, then spending a week or more in a condo on the north shore.
But ... then I went to Kauai's North Shore and LOVED it. For me, that's my idea of the lush, tropical South Pacific become a travel agent at home paradise I imagine when I think of Hawaii. No comparison. But I know people who love the BI.
As others have said, there's no "right" answer. I'm guessing you'll have a great time whichever island you choose. become a travel agent at home They all have beautiful become a travel agent at home beaches, snorkeling, amazing places to hike ... but I'm stickin' by my fave--Kauai!
Until I visited and spent some time on the BI I, too, thought Kauai was my favorite outer island. (I still like Oahu best, and spend time there every year, usually in September.) Now that I have spent more time on the BI exploring both Hilo and Kona areas, I have to say, the BI is my favorite outer island now.
As Chi Sue raised the weather issue, become a travel agent at home that was a concern - which is the best island to visit given we're going to be there in September? I'm fully hoping this is not our last trip - but the last we'll have without children for a long time.
Oahu has so much in the way of history (Iolani Palace, become a travel agent at home Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, Chinatown, Byodo Temple etc.) and beautiful locations (Diamond Head, the North Shore, the most beautiful white sandy beaches, Hananuma Bay (the best snorkeling), etc.
There is a real feel to Oahu and Kauai of historical Hawaii. Both islands have long time families of Japanese and Hawaiian families. Kauai is stunningly beautiful (especially the North Shore) with lush landscape become a travel agent at home and waterfalls. Both seem more tropical and lush to me.
Hawaii is fairly far south (although not on the equator) to be pretty warm year round. become a travel agent at home Their climate doesn't change much throughout the year. The north south shores of each island are similar (regardless of the time of year). It will be more rainy on the north shores and drier on the south shores. However, even if it rains it will be warm and beautiful. The rains just keep everything clean.
Lois-dc, I wouldn't worry about the weather. The southern tip of the Big Island is only about a couple of hundred miles south of the north shore of Kaua`i. I think September is a great time to visit. To get to a cooler spot, you can go up to a higher elevation. Normally the tradewinds will be blowing so there is always a nice breeze. But if you have lodgings at sea level, you may want to be sure you have air conditioning become a travel agent at home for sleeping at night. Otherwise, i would not worry at all about the heat!
We like/love all the islands - and Kauai is our favorite with BI being 1-A. Be sure to snorkel at Hanamua Bay if you spend a couple days on Oahu, which gives you a bit more of the whole Hawaiian experience.
The heat on Big Island isn't just because it is farthest south, it's also because it is largely bare lava -- AND there is often vog from the volcanic gasses. People who LIVE there try to escape in September.
Thanks for all the advice everyone, very much appreciated. We have settled on the following (partially dictated on the free flight options we had available using United miles): Arriving around 2pm in Honolulu Sat. Aug 31. Spend 2 nights in Waikiki (we've never been, figure we should see it and adjust). Fly to Kauai early Mon. then spend 8 nights on the North Shore.
Great decision. Sorry, I can't help with condos, but a lot will depend on your budget and criteria. People here seem to like Sealodge (on a cliff overlooking the beach with beautiful views, in Princeville) and Hanalei Bay Colony (which looks sensational to me).
Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville is very nice, two pools and a paved path down to the beach (if you do not want to walk back up they have a phone and will send a golf cart for you). The Hanalei Colony Resort looks nice, about 10 minute become a travel agent at home drive from Hanalei with a nice onsite restaurant, but the beach there is not swimmable, too rough most of the year. It is in Haena.
When you land in Honolulu, there is a stand of several individually owned beautiful hand made fragrant leis. You need to drive there (it is within the airport area) I'd suggest you go there and choose several leis.
Kauai in september is awesome! summer crowds have greatly diminished meaning all the choice little shoreline cottages are wide open, to be within walking distance of ocean and town. VRBO/Homeaway/airbnb all direct to what resonates with you. Plenty of deals in the offseason with fully stocked cliffside condos over looking the ocean and reefs where the trades cool all day... placed friends become a travel agent at home and family become a travel agent at home in alot of them. do good searching! Hanalei bay resort in princeville has nice time shares as stated above. (Big Isle is epic wide open adventure...can spend hours suggesting Hamakua coast, become a travel agent at home volcano cottages, etc..) ...back to the Garden island..
Kauai soothes. September is hottest time of year allowing become a travel agent at home for epic hikes, ocean savoring, quiet shoreline lingerings....IF IF decide on Hanalei, hit the haraguchi's hawaiian lunch wagon for plate lunch with daily kalua'd pork/homemade hanalei poi kulolo(taro and coconut milk). We grab fresh off the boat sesame ahi poke and crab rolls from the Dolphin's fish market and pack it up for a day at any number of secluded quiet beaches... the fun of Kauai is spontaneity = just flow. Get up early for Hanakapi'ai hike(first beach into Na Pali trail), snorkel the abundant reefs of Anini and Haena..journey to Waimea canyon and south side for a day..
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