First time - multi island help

Question

We are flying into SFO from the UK day before thanksgiving and have an 11 day window before going to Las Vegas for a family wedding. We are wanting to come to Hawaii. Would like to go to two islands possibly Maui and Big Island and need advice on where to stay. In our late 50’s like sightseeing and bit of relaxing. Looked at the NCL cruise too but think would get a better holiday by diy? We want to maximise our time as will probably never get opportunity to visit again. Many thanks

Answer

With 11 days and your interest in sightseeing and relaxation, a DIY multi-island trip to Hawaii can be very rewarding and more flexible than a cruise, especially since cruises have limited time at each port and may feel rushed.

Here’s a suggested approach for visiting Maui and the Big Island:

Maui (5-6 nights): Stay in the west or south side of the island for convenient beaches, restaurants, and activities. Popular areas include:
- Kaanapali – beach resorts, easy access to shopping and dining
- Wailea – upscale resorts, quieter, excellent beaches
- Lahaina – historic town with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants
Big Island (4-5 nights): Split your stay depending on what you want to see:
- Kailua-Kona area – west coast, sunny beaches, snorkeling, coffee tours
- Hilo or Volcano area – east side for lush scenery, waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Flight connections between islands are frequent with Hawaiian Airlines and other inter-island carriers, usually 30-45 minutes per flight, so it’s efficient to plan one flight mid-trip. Renting a car on each island is highly recommended for sightseeing and flexibility.

Sample itinerary idea:

Day 1: Arrive Maui, settle into your resort
Days 2-5: Explore Maui – Road to Hana, Haleakala sunrise, snorkeling, beach time
Day 6: Fly to Big Island, pick up rental car, settle in Kona
Days 7-10: Explore Big Island – Volcano National Park, Kona coffee farms, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, scenic drives
Day 11: Return flight to Las Vegas via SFO

Tips:

Book accommodations early, especially around Thanksgiving; Maui and Big Island can fill up fast.
Plan your main sightseeing activities in advance but leave room for relaxation.
Consider staying at resorts with kitchenettes if you want some flexibility for meals and a more relaxed pace.
Prioritize what you most want to see to avoid over-scheduling.

Overall, a DIY plan allows you to enjoy Hawaii at your own pace, balance sightseeing and beach relaxation, and experience the unique character of each island without feeling rushed.