10 day trip to Big Island. can we squeeze in Oahu

Question

we are planning a 10 day trip to Big Island and are wondering if we can squeeze in a 2 day trip to Oahu since it is just 45 mins away by flight.

here's what a possible itinerary could look like

1st Aug - land in KOA at night

2nd, 3rd and 4th - explore Hilo and VNP

4th evening/night - KOA ->HNL

5th and 6th - explore Oahu

7th midmorning - HNL ->KOA

8th, 9th, 10th and 11th - explore Big Island west coast.

how does this sound?

or we could back end the Oahu trip.

so,

1st Aug - arrive

2nd -7th Aug - Big Island

7th - KOA -> HNL evening

8th -9th - Oahu

10th - HNL -> KOA afternoon

11th return home

please advise

Answer

Your itinerary options for a 10-day trip to Big Island with a 2-day Oahu visit both sound feasible, but there are a few factors to consider to help you decide which one would be better suited to your preferences and travel pace.

Option 1: Big Island, Oahu, and then Big Island again (First Oahu, then return to Big Island)

In this itinerary, you have 2.5 days to explore Big Island before heading to Oahu, and you would return to Big Island for your remaining days.
Flying between islands is quick (about 45 minutes), but keep in mind that you will need to adjust to the travel time, airport check-in, and security. This could be more exhausting than you anticipate, especially if you’re moving around a lot during your time on both islands.
While in Oahu, you would have 2 full days to explore the island. Oahu is packed with attractions, including Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and North Shore. Two days can give you a nice taste of the island but may not allow for a deep dive into everything it has to offer.

Option 2: Big Island first, then Oahu at the end (Back-end Oahu trip)

This itinerary allows you to spend the majority of your time on Big Island, giving you 6 full days to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions, like Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Hilo, and the west coast beaches and resorts.
By scheduling your Oahu trip at the end, you avoid the disruption of switching islands mid-trip and could spend a more relaxed final 2 days in Oahu. You’ll also have a more leisurely pace on Big Island, which might help if you want to explore the beaches, parks, or do any specific activities like snorkeling or diving.
On Oahu, you’ll still have 2 full days to explore. Since the flight from KOA to HNL is short, you can easily enjoy Oahu’s main attractions, though Oahu is busy and popular, so expect crowds.

Things to consider:

Are you okay with the transition between islands? If you want a more relaxed vacation, spending the bulk of your time on Big Island first might feel less rushed.
Do you prefer a slower pace, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Big Island, or are you more interested in seeing both islands in a condensed period?
Flights between the islands can get busy, especially in peak tourist seasons, so make sure to book your inter-island flights early and be prepared for possible delays or last-minute changes.

Both options are doable, but if you prioritize a relaxed experience on Big Island with a bit of time in Oahu at the end, Option 2 might work better for you. If you’re eager to check out both islands early on and then unwind on Big Island, Option 1 is also a great choice.

10 day trip to Big Island. can we squeeze in Oahu

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