Hawaii - 1st time - which island?

[JDY]

Anyone have any suggestions? Planning a trip for DW, DMIL, and myself....

Thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

It has been a long time since we were there, and of the Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (the big Island), we enjoyed Hawaii the most. It seemed the most pristine of the 3 we visited. All were truly gorgeous though. You can't go wrong. Enjoy.

 

[SPAGo 98]

Maui or the Big Island for the Real Hawaii. Oahu for the tourist version (but it does have good stuff - Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor)

 

[minniepumpernickel]

It's been awhile since I've been there, but I like Kaui. It has higher altitude areas, beautiful jagged rocky beaches, and pretty soft sand beaches too. It is the Island of Orchids, and they had a beautiful Horticultural exhibit. It used to be less comercial, and touristy. You could also probably take a day trip here from one of the other Islands! Have fun!

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

I went to Hawaii as a freshman in highschool and loved the Big Island (Hawaii). It was so lovely and if I EVER get the chance to go back, it would definately be that island. Sixteen years after the fact, I still look back at my pictures and remember how it seemed so different from how I ever pictured it.

 

[Michelle]

If you can do more than one island, I'd recommend Maui for the beauty and Oahu for the history (Pearl Harbor, etc.). I haven't been to Kauai or the Big Island but both get high marks as well.

There are some good Hawaii guide books out there that will help you decide. Good luck, we're going back to Hawaii for the first time in six years next summer, and I can't wait.

 

[ugadog99]

I have been to Kauai and Maui. The islands are so beautiful and each offers its unique entertainment and beauty. Maui has more to do and is more "touristy". I loved Kauai and look forward to going back soon. The north shore of Kauai is incredible!!!

 

[Sharon A.]

We just went on our first trip to Hawaii in August and we went to Maui and absolutely loved it. I don't think you can go wrong with any choice though because it seems like everyone has a different favorite island. I just can't see any place being more beautiful than Maui.

 

[shortbun]

Well...I'm really opiniated on this one. The Big Island, Hawaii,
hands down is the one I'd pick. I've been to all the Islands,
including Molokai. Molokai would be my 2nd choice. I liked
Maui but most of it is very touristy and traffic is a real mess
most of the time. If it's shopping you're after-Maui or Oahu
would be the place. Want to see the authentic Hawaii-go to
the Big Island! I've spent a couple accumulated weeks there-
taken a helicopter ride over Kilauea-the erupting volcano and
walked on the black sand beach. The Volcano National Park is
facinating and I'd recommend one night at the basic but
centrally located Volcano House hotel if you have the flexibility.
We've ridden horses, discovered
wonderful native artists and explored the Kamehameha's
history. Kailua Kona is the major town on the south west coast
and worth a visit-catch the pier around 4pm for the big fishing
boats bringing in their catch. Hawaii is one of the premier
spots for sports fishing. The coast north of Hilo is one of the
most scenic spots on earth. We helicoptered in to a small
beach and had a picnic followed by a one of the most memorable
sightseeing flights I've ever taken through fern covered valleys
and shooting out over dramatic cliffs. The accomodation choices
are numerous-cheap to some of the most luxurious in the world.
Condos, suites, basic rooms and villas. Lots of golf on this island
too. When you land on Hawaii(the Big Island) you could swear
you had landed on the moon. Lava flows everywhere you look.
It's stark on the Kona side and lush on the Hilo side. the Kohala
coast north of Kona is also fairly lush with all of the luxury hotels
located here. Mauna Kea is my favorite hotel, Kona Village is
unique-huts, luxury huts. There are many more choices-I like
the Kona Surf for condos or the Kona Islander. Both are
inexpensive and well located.
One last thing-many will disagree-skip Honolulu if at all
emotionally possible. It's merely a big city on a beach. If
that's your goal-go to Miami; much cheaper and a shorter
plane ride!
have fun. Feel free to PM me.
mimi

 

[Judy from Boise]

I love Ohau ( living there for 4 years might help that) so much to do and see, and lots of history as mentioned. But, I might save ohau for a family vacation.
We went to Maui this summer, and it was nice.....but for my money I would go to the big island. It has a little of everything ! Any chance you would stay at the Hilton Waikaloa ? great place !

 

[JDY]

Thanks for the replies...(more the better)
Any opinions on the OHANA KEAUHOU BEACH RESORT?

 

[kathymc]

JDY - just got back from a 2 week trip to the islands. We went on our honeymoon and returned for our 5th anniversary. Did the Big Island for 2 nights - stayed in a B+B in Hilo, enjoyed the volcano park and seeing the lava but probably wouldn't return here. Then to Kauai for 5 nights - this is our favorite island - absolutely gorgeous, more low key then the other islands but wonderfully relaxing. Then to Maui for 5 nights - I think if you go to one island this will be the best choice - has the beauty and relaxing but also the nightlife/shopping etc. then we went to Oahu for 2 nights (Waikiki Beach) just for Pearl Harbor. I'm sorry, but I just didn't like that place at all.
Sorry - no info on that hotel - let me know if you have other questions?

 

[fklhou]

We really like the Big Island. There is a ton to do and if you are lucky there may lava flowing on the surface at Volcano National Park.. I still remember my then five year old DD scrambling over the lava bed to get to the observation point to see the lava flow into the ocean. It was really a spectacular sight.

One way to expierence all of the islands is the American Hawain Cruiseline. You spend a day or more at each of the four major islands and get a good overview of the islands.

Have fun.

 

[Towncrier]

We have only visited Hawaii once. We spent 3 days on Maui and 3 days on Oahu. The whole time we were on Oahu, I wanted to go back to Maui.

So I can only give you my opinion in regards to those two islands. Stay on Maui. Visit Oahu only long enough to tour Pearl Harbor, visit the Bishop Museum, and get a shave ice from Matsumoto's General Store.

 

[mamajoan]

Judy and I are agreeing on this one.. we lived on Oahu too.

There is nothing wrong with doing the touristy things in Hawaii especially on Oahu. There is more nightlife in Oahu. If you are going for peace and quiet you would prefer another island. Everyone has told you lots about the different venues on other islands with great descriptions. I will say rainy season is in January and February.
It rains everyday in the islands.. just those months it seems to rain all day, everyday....

If you are looking for a little bit of a local taste... try the Bento "box lunches", shaved ice from Tat's on the windward side,
zippy's local drive in's, kite flying, wind surfing and boogie boarding at the beaches of the Windward side and North Shore.
Bishop Museum is a great way to get to know Hawaii's history which is diverse and colorful.
Have a great trip.

 

[MBD1215]

went a few years ago, Kauai, and Maui. Kauai was breath taking, but they rolled the sidewalks up at about 8pm,Maui was just as pretty and had more night life.never made it to Oahu, wish I had. to be out there and miss the history was a shame. Maybe next time-----My inlaws are there now, landed last night.

 

[loisg1]

DH and I were lived on Oahu 29 (count 'em...) years ago when we were first married. Because his Navy tour was only one year and we were expecting three, we only had the chance to visit Oahu. Definitely agree with mamajoan about the rainy months of January and February. Our apartment was flooded (DH was out to sea, of course). If we ever have the opportunity to return, we'd go to Oahu for at least a few nights but would visit the other islands as well.

Hope you all have a great time!!