Maui or Big Island in April?

Our family is trying to decide between going to Maui or the Big Island in April, and since I%26#39;ve only been to Oahu I know nothing about the other islands. Im not sure if there are a lot of beaches that arent swimmable during that time of year (like Oahu). Which do you think has the best snorkeling AND swimmable beaches during that time of year? Thats the main concern when picking the island right now. Recommendations of specific beaches are welcome as well (on either isladnd). Were looking to rent 3 different condos in the same building for all of us if possible so recommendations for that are welcome too! I tried VRBO, but since its by owner its hard to find condos in the same building. THanks for any input.

Maui or Big Island in April?

Big Island is a %26#39;younger%26#39;[ island, in geological time, so the erosion process that builds up beaches is not as advanced. Also because of that and other factors, like active volcanoes, the terrain in many areas of Big Island is not as accessible.

However ... since you are on the MAUI TA site ... and we are perhaps a bit biased ....

On the other hand - Maui is consistently rated - here at TA, in travel guides, at Fodors, Frommers, and many travel shows and sites - as having some of the best beaches in the world - south Maui in Kihei and Wailea have 8 to choose from south Kihei heading north to Wailea, many with very good beach access for snorkeling. West Maui, from beyond Lahaina - Ka%26#39;anapali to Kapalua, have some great ones as well. Many reports of good snorkeling near Black Rock.

There are also north shore beaches like Baldwin. And for wind surfing, kite boarding, boogie and body surfing, and, of course, long boards there is the FAMOUS Ho%26#39;okipa where the tournaments are held. As well as beaches in the Maalea area, and on east Maui near Hana, check out Homoa for sure.

April is a good time of year to go to Maui, altho there are not really any bad times. It is a relatively small, yet very diverse, island. If water or surf or snorkel conditions are not right in one area, hop in the car and head south to Kihei ... which is almost always sunny.

Check this site for many recommendations for both south and west Maui condo accommodations, esp. via vrbo. If you contact one owner, they probably know the folks who own the neighboring units and can put you in touch. Several prop mgmt firms handle condo reservations too.

Maui Revealed guide book is a good source of info and comparisons on all the beaches.

Maui or Big Island in April?

aloha I would have to pick maui over big island. alot of the good beaches on big island are at the resorts. alot of beach at hawaii are rocks. maui has better beaches imo I would try the beaches from kam 2 all the way to makena staying at the kondos around kam3 would be great

April will be fine on either. If beaches are a big requirement, choose Maui.

Big Island is a fascinating place, and a HUGE island, with many micro-climates, but it%26#39;s not known for its beaches and you%26#39;d be doing a lot of driving to get around to see them all. Best lodgings are all in the NW corner too.

You need to decide if you want to stay in South Maui or West Maui, and possibly stay a night or two in Hana if you want a more relaxed look at the sights along the Road to Hana.

South Maui (SW coast) has less expensive condos in Maalea and North Kihei, but better beaches and condos are from the Kamaole area of South Kihei through Wailea and Makena.

West Maui (NW lobe of the island) has touristy Lahaina and high-rise Kaanapali, but also quieter Kahana, Napili and farthest north, Kapalua. It is also a tad farther to the rest of the island because it%26#39;s in that NW corner and has only a two-lane connector road.

Both areas are very nice and one can drive from Wailea to Lahaina in 45 minutes. Maui is a small island.

I prefer the Big Island but I think Maui would suit you. It is a less challenging destination, smaller, more sand. Also there are more condos and more places with condos near the water.

yes, I think Maui too ... but I suggest you do some more reading about both, there are lots of differences ... if you want condo right on swimming beach for less than a fortune, that would be Maui, as on Big Island only very high end places are right on the rather scarce great beaches.

April is iffy for water conditions, especially early April, can be rough. Or not. May is a lot more reliable. Last time I went to Maui it was April and raining on Napili beach, and the water was cold too, so you never know. You will have a good time, no doubt, just there may be a little rain with the shine, still warm and beautiful.

Actually my wife%26#39;s two favorite beaches are on Big Isle. Hapuna for swimming and boogey boarding and Kahaluu for snorkeling. but distyances there are far. Think you might find Mauai best for you. We have enjoyed the beaches in Kihei. we stayed right across street from one

we were at Kihei Akahi which we got through VRBO. was nice because it had a few extras, like beach chairs, small portable cooler. we usually take our own cooler but this was better than the one we take. we went across street every evening and watched the sunset fro the beach sipping a cold one while sitting in the lawn chairs.

we took kayak tour from S Kihei to snorkel. we stay this time at Kaanapali for first time, except one night several years ago.

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thank you for everyone%26#39;s suggestions. Looks like we will go with maui. I will definitely look into the areas everyone has mentioned. I think im going to try and convince my dad to change it to May as well. Since we dont have anything booked, id rather change it to a time where the weather and beaches will be a bit more calm. Thanks again!