Aloha! 8 days may not be enough to see everything, i'm serious. Island hopping is very common for vacationers as there are many daily flights to almost all the Islands. Flying to Oahu directly will be the cheapest as the majority people live here and its capital of Honolulu.
On Oahu there is much to explore, hanauma, pearl harbor,, palaces, and most of the rich history that is Hawaii, but no active volcanoes. Honolulu and Waikiki is MUST see for any first timer, although its huge compact population, tourist traps, and share of weirdos you wont be disapointed.
In contrast to Oahu I'd suggest Kona on the Big Island. There is snow there at elevation many times during the year(you would rather not hear that im sure
) yet a few miles away and at sea level is sun, sand, and surf. Amazinginly diverse the Big Island is fricken BIG! Nature lovers cannot get bored here, with help from one of two active volcanoes.
My suggestion would be to see both of the above. Flying into Oahu to live it up then 5 days on the Big Island to settle down and explore.
www.gohawaii.com/ I prefer Hawaiian Air
www.hawaiianair.com/ for price, service, stress management, and I have flown them all.
No i am not a travel agent and i dont play one on TV! I have however been to all the major Islands and hope you have a great first stay with us