u/Vand3598

I am looking at visiting Hawaii in July 27 for 10-14 days and am planning on staying in Oahu first and Kauai second. I am struggling with flights from Kauai back home (Detroit). I usually fly delta as DTW is a hub of theirs and direct flights from Detroit to Honolulu and back. Coming home deltas only options are flights from Lihue at 9:30ish to a city on the east coast and then Detroit. I am not sure why they are not offering an earlier flight from Lihue to Honolulu and then the direct flight back that I came in on (Honolulu to Detroit leaves at 3pm). I am considering just booking the direct flights between Detroit and Honolulu and on the day of the return flight going with another airline (probably haiwaiian airlines) to get back to Honolulu.

Does anyone have any experience or advice concerning this?

If so, how long would I need in between flights at the airport? I’m a little uneasy about having to get my bags, leaving the airport/re-entering, rechecking bags and going to security again. Also, does anybody know if the airline will directly transfer my bags if it’s from one airline to the next?

Or should I book 9:30pm flight to the east coast or possibly get from Lihue to Honolulu the night before the flight and stay one night at a hotel near the airport.

I am in the planning stages of a trip to Hawaii in April 2027 or July 2027 with my niece who will be 18 and am hoping for some guidance on an island. I am planning a trip to Oahu for approximately 5 to 6 days. We would like to explore a second island for 4-6 day, but are having a difficult time choosing between the big island or Kauai. From an activity standpoint I feel like the second half of our trip we will need some relaxation days with a few activities.

We both like adventure and would enjoy some small hiking trips that would take a couple of hours and are not too strenuous. I know we will do some snorkeling and they attend a luau, but I figured that could be done on any island. We will not be into the bar scene or sitting on a beach for more than a few hours. Here are some points of interest that I have found that are must dues on each of the islands should we choose it.

Kauai- Nāpali coast tour, hiking and enjoy the amazing view is see lots of photos of.

Big island- Thurston lava tube, active volcano (I realize the chance of seeing an eruption is low), and black sand Beach (even if briefly).

I know you all will not recommend it, but I am considering taking a one-day trip to whichever Island we do not end up staying at.

Currently I am swaying towards Kauai and doing a one day tour (to avoid stress on me) to big island.

Here are a few details I am planning on: -Approximately budget- 10K? -Travel in July? Or possible April (spring break- but will have to miss school). Still TBD -Oahu- staying in Waikiki, may do a one-day car rental to travel to the north end of the island in place of booking a tour to the north end of the island Second island- will book a rental car the entire time. Will want to stay some place with nice views.

Thanks, I know the post was long.