Confused were to stay

Question

Looking to come to hawaii in September from the uk with my husband ,but confused what islands to visit would be looking at 10 day stay have always wanted to go to hawaii and would be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary so want to make it special and memorable .

Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming 40th wedding anniversary! A 10-day trip to Hawaii from the UK gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience more than one island, while keeping the trip relaxing and memorable. The main challenge is balancing travel time between islands with quality time to enjoy each location.

For a first-time visit with a focus on making it special, many couples choose a combination of Oahu and Maui, or Maui and Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island). Each combination has its own appeal depending on your interests — beaches, luxury resorts, scenic drives, cultural experiences, or adventure.

Oahu + Maui – Classic first-time Hawaii experience
- Oahu (4–5 days): Stay in Waikiki or the North Shore. Enjoy iconic beaches like Waikiki Beach, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and historical/cultural sites like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace. The North Shore has famous surf beaches, but also quieter spots like Sunset Beach for strolling.
- Maui (5–6 days): Stay in Wailea or Kāʻanapali. Enjoy luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, the scenic Road to Hana, and sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. Maui is ideal for a romantic, memorable anniversary experience with options for fine dining, sunset cruises, and whale watching (September is just after peak season, so still great weather).
Maui + Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island) – Adventure and natural wonders
- Maui (4–5 days): Same as above – luxury beaches, scenic drives, cultural activities.
- Big Island (5–6 days): Stay on the Kona or Kohala Coast. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, coffee farms, and stargazing at Mauna Kea. The Big Island is less crowded than Oahu and offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique beaches for a more adventurous yet still romantic experience.
Kauai alone or with one other island – Lush and scenic
- Kauai (all 10 days or 4–5 days with Maui/Big Island): Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is lush, quieter, and very scenic with Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and gorgeous waterfalls. Ideal if you want a more relaxed and intimate anniversary trip with lots of nature, hiking, and secluded beaches.

Travel tips:

Inter-island flights are short (30–50 minutes), but consider 1–2 hours for airport transfers and check-in. Don’t plan too many island hops in a short time.
September is a shoulder season — fewer crowds and lower hotel rates, but still warm and sunny. Occasional rain showers are more likely on Kauai and the Big Island.
Book accommodations early, especially if you want resorts with oceanfront views, spa treatments, and anniversary packages.
Renting a car is essential on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island to explore beaches and scenic drives. On Oahu, a car is optional if staying in Waikiki, but useful for North Shore day trips.

Sample 10-day itinerary options:

Option 1: 5 nights Oahu + 5 nights Maui – mix of culture, beaches, and luxury resort experiences.
Option 2: 4 nights Maui + 6 nights Big Island – scenic variety from beaches and waterfalls to volcanoes and stargazing.
Option 3: 10 nights Kauai – full relaxation, scenic adventures, private beaches, and intimate moments for your anniversary.

Ultimately, for a memorable 40th anniversary, think about the type of experiences you want to prioritize: Oahu for iconic landmarks and city vibe, Maui for romance and beaches, Big Island for adventure and unique landscapes, and Kauai for serene natural beauty. Combining two islands is often ideal for a first visit to get a mix of landscapes and activities without feeling rushed.

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