I'd do The Big Island of Hawaii and either Maui or Kauai.

There is much more history and culture apparent on Hawaii- Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, petroglyphs, heiaus, Place of Refuge. Plus the Merrie Monarch Festival of Hula is in Hilo.

You need to fly between islands.

If you are really into history, you should actually visit Oahu. That;s where all the great museums are.

Kauai and the Big Island is my recommendation. October is my favorite month. Weather is perfect, less crowds and less expensive in general. I don't know how many flights there are direct from Lihue to Kona, but it's probably a 45-60 minute flight. Get a car on each island. Kauai is the garden of eden and the Big Island has everything but is the most Hawaiian of the major islands. Never used the Marriots, but the one in Poipu, Kauai is gorgeous.

Most first-timers stay on Oahu + Kauai (best in summer months) or Maui (IMO best in winter because it is whale season).

Big Island is really BIG, and you have to drive *around* the mountains in the center. It's a 'two stay' island -- Kohala area and Hilo area for the volcano. This is the only island on which we reserve a mid-size or larger car because you drive farther and faster. It is probably my favorite island, but needs more time. You might like five nights Oahu and the rest on Big Island.

Try to fly nonstop to HNL and back on widebody aircraft. A good bet would be Hawaiian Airlines from JFK. you could also book your interisland flights with them -- no problems if there should be a schedule change. You may want to fly into Kona and out of Hilo.

You need a rental car everywhere in Hawaii outside of Honolulu.

I own at the Kauai Marriott Beach Club in Lihue and have toured the one in Poipu, both are lovely, the one in Lihue is half hotel and half timesharee whereas the one in Poipu is almost totally timeshares and has more limited services (also most are two bedroom units). The one in Lihue has a lovely huge pool with 5 jacuzzis with waterfalls and good restaurants onsite (be sure to eat at Duke's) and quite a few others within easy walking distance. I like the grassy lawn area between the pool and the beach.

Gee . . . any way you can stay longer? :)

I think for less crowds/lower costs I would either come in May or in the Fall after school is in session, but before Christmas.

I would say you would have to visit Oahu - Pearl Harbor, the Palace, the museums and even the PCC . . . if you want history, you would need to go there. I also like the ancient things on the Big Island - it is amazing as well. For natural beauty, Kauai would be my first choice and then the Big Island, as it is so diverse, but it does take awhile to see it all. Not sure if that helps at all. www.gohawaii.com. Good luck! :)

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