Help me Pick an Island Please!

Hi - I am planning a trip to Hawaii next year for husband%26#39;s 50th b-day. We have never been. (we actually wanted to go to Ireland, but the dollar is so weak there - it%26#39;s too expensive). We have always wanted to go to Kauai. However, everyone has an opinion about where we should go and now I can%26#39;t decide. We are not big shoppers, we like historical stuff and nature stuff and good food. Can you all please narrow this down for me? Thank you, Thank you!

Help me Pick an Island Please!

I think Oahu has all that you have listed. Lots of history on Oahu -- Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Mission Houses Museum, Bishop Museum, etc. Go to the windward side and North Shore for nature. Plenty of good restaurants in Waikiki and Honolulu. It is the most crowded of all the islands, and Waikiki is just jam packed with hotels, but look beyond that. Stay in Waikiki for the biggest choice of hotels, but go elsewhere for nature.

Also, you can try the survey ';Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best?'; in the about.com website.

Help me Pick an Island Please!

Caralex,

It depends on what you want to do and experience on your vacation. Traditionally most people go to Oahu on their first trip, then Maui, then Hawaii or Kauai and the really adventuresome to Lanai and Molokai.

Expect to rent a car and drive to beaches and restaurants on all the islands except Oahu, if one stays in Waikiki it is possible to not need a car.

Below is a highly edited version of BrightonBill’s thumbnails for each island, which I have added my comments to.

Oahu - Honolulu is the big airport there (HNL). Oahu is the most populated. It has Waikiki beach, tons of shopping and nightlife and also tons of attractions to visit or tour. It has the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor. Usually the cheapest island to visit. Much to do and it is worth exploring out of the Honolulu area. About ¾ of Hawaii’s population on the third largest island

Maui - Kahului Airport is the main airport (OGG). Maui is probably the second most populated island. It too has lots of shopping and nightlife with some very spectacular sightseeing. Bit like a “Disney” version of Hawaii, it has the most condos and timeshares, I believe more than Oahu even.

Kauai - Lihue Airport (LIH). Kauai has somewhat limited shopping and nightlife but probably the best hiking. Very lush and good for seclusion, more true Hawaii feel.

Hawaii (Also called the Big Island) Either Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO) are the main airports. The island offers an active volcano, black, white and green sand beaches and tons of places to sightsee with amazing variety and drama. Overall it is larger than all the islands combined. This island has something like 11 of 13 microclimates on the planet, and has the best snorkeling of all the islands. Also more laid back and offers a true Hawaiian feel.

Molokai - MKK is the airport there. Molokai has some of the very best beaches but offers very little in the way of tourist activities other than sight seeing.

Lanai - LNY airport. Lanai has two resorts and a small hotel. There are virtually no tourist activities, little shopping and no nightlife. Lanai is for those who want total peace and quiet for the most part.

Do some research, check out some books from the library (stay away from the “revealed” books) and once you have decided, this forum will be very helpful in getting your questions answered to have the best trip.

Good luck and happy travels!

How long can you stay? It would be great if you could visit two islands ... you%26#39;d need 10 days ... or more?

So if you can swing the time, I would recommend visiting Oahu and Maui. It%26#39;s a great combination for first-timers and has all those elements you are looking for.

More to see %26amp; do on Oahu than any other island.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862…

DH and I have been visiting Hawaii for 25+ years. When we decided to buy a condo we bought in South Maui. We are there every year for the month of February. Why? Because it offers tropical beauty plus man-made comforts.

BL_BL asked how long you planned to stay. I%26#39;d also ask at what time of year you plan to visit. The islands are loveley most of the year, but Oahu and Kauai tend to have cool, windy, rainy weather in winter and early spring, and Big Island gets hot early, especailly along its dry, largely open lava portions.

A great introduction to Hawaii is to stay Honolulu for a few days. Then rent a car and tour Oahu. If you have more time, visit another island.

Maui ... go to the maui thread and read what us Maui lovers think. I went there for my 50th borthday and fell in love. Great beaches for snorkeling and swimming and because you love nature the road to Hana is a must. There are tails that led to waterfalls and black sand beaches.

The resturants on Maui are world class be it a gormet dinner or a fish taco.

Check out the maui thread called ';Let the meeting begin.';

Thank you Thank you Thank you. This is why I love Tripadvisor. Everyone is so helpful. We are thinking of traveling at the end of July or beginning of August. We will probably be there 10 days to 2 weeks. Waikiki Beach is not necessarily on our list except that we will be able to say we went there. I can%26#39;t wait to start planning. And I will read the other posts.