Maui waitlist thru - questions?

[Cinderella]

My maui waitlist just came thru for next november for Maui Schooner. I did read on these boards that it wasn't the best value for points but we did get one week in a two bed for 144 points which i am v happy with.

We are doing 14 nights - and i am unsure how to spend the first seven. Our flight to the west coast would be 11.5 hours, then i am thinking it would be another six to Maui - is this right?

We have not been to the west coast before. Would it be better to do one week on the west coast then the next on Maui, or 2 nights san francisco, 5 nights big island (mauna lanai) then maui - or one week big island, then one week in maui. Would be grateful for any suggestions. This is for honeymoon. Thanks.

 

[Mark099]

Yes, it is about a 5 1/2 to 6 hour flight to Hawaii from SF.

I have been to 4 of the Islands. My favourite is still Oahu -- mainly because I like the mix of concrete and paradise. Cheap rooms. Lots of stuff to do and can walk or bus almost everywhere. Maui is very nice. A little more expensive. Lots of stuff to do, but need a car for everything. Hawaii is huge. Very expensive and not as much to do. Kaui is nice and quiet and great for a couple of days of R&R unless you are the type of people that can make a whole vacation out of lying in the sun.

SF is a great city. I am not sure how enjoyable it will be in November, when it can be cold and wet. Perhaps a couple of nights in Napa Valley and some winery tours would be a nice option?

 

[dianeschlicht]

My favorite island is the Big Island. I wouldn't bother with the west coast. I would go all the way through to Hawaii. Spend the week on Maui, but maybe add a couple days on Oahu at the begining and end of the trip with a few days on the Big Island inbetween. We have spent quite a lot of time on all four major islands. While they all have some great features, we usually spend the most time on the Big Island followed by a week in either Maui or Kauai (our next favorite) and use a day at the begining and 2 days at the end of the trip on Oahu. There is a lot to do on Oahu if you have never been there before, and it is a great way to get used to the time change on both ends.