Hawaii - pick 2 islands?

[Susie]

Calvin & I are thinking of going to Hawaii in January.  I've only been to Oahu, and he's never been at all.  I keep meaning to research, but not finding time.  So, Travel board:  out of Kauai, Maui, and the big island, which 2 of 3 would you pick?  We're thinking ~2 weeks and 2 islands.

We're not particularly connoisseurs of luxury hotels, and are more likely to do a vrbo condo or townhouse, or possibly a B&B.  We're active and relatively adventurous, although that could possibly be tempered by results of TTC between now and then.  Part of me would like to visit Kona to see the course where Ironman world championships are held but that's not a good enough reason on its own to do the big island!

Any suggestions of your favorite things to do or PIPs on your nominated islands would be much appreciated.

[Deleted]

I've been to Oahu and your three choices, and I vote DEFINITELY Big Island. The landscape there is so cool.  

If I was doing this trip, I would do Big Island and Maui, because I honestly wasn't super wowed by Kauai. It was pretty, but really quiet. And not all that much prettier than Maui, and I really liked Haleakala. That said, if I were *you* I'd maybe do Kauai because of the hiking opportunities.

I'll PM you albums, if you'd like.

[wanderlustfoodie]

I actually like Oahu because it is the island with the most sophisticated food and has a lot of historical significance but since you've been before, I agree with v: Big Island and Maui. Good mix of beaches, hikes, food, water activities, etc. Kauai is gorgeous but it's best for people who just like hanging out by a pool, which is not me.

[Susie]

v, yes please!

I am also looking at flights to see if that may contribute to the decision.  It looks like we could fly in/out of KOA on the big island pretty easily, which might make it a good idea to be one of the two?

[rootbeerfloat]

I would recommend Big Island and Maui since Oahu isn't on the table. The Big Island is my favorite.

[chicago]

I've only been to Maui and Kauai, but I loved them both. If you to to Big Island I'd probably do Kauai as your other island. I think BI is pretty big and you'll do lots of driving, exploring. Kauai is definitely more laidback with "less to see", but you can still do a lot of adventurous stuff like hiking or tubing, etc. Another benefit, if you do wind up pg, you might want a slower pace.

[mdgirl]

Since you've been to Oahu, I'd say the BI and Kauai. I think Maui is OK, but the other two islands will basically give you everything Maui can give you plus other cool stuff. I'd allot more time to the BI since it is indeed huge and there's so much to see. I have a bunch of blog posts about Hawaii, and check back because we're headed back to the BI and Oahu at the end of September (hooray!).

[daisypaloma]

Big Island and Kauai.

You can spend a few days on Hilo side and then a few days in Kona. 

Kauai because it's all about the outdoors (we loved the Waimea canyon)

Maui is great and there's a lot to do there, but the other 2 I think will fit your lifestyle best.

[Deleted]

I've been to the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. I loved BI and Maui - they were very different but we had a great time on each.

On the BI, we stayed at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano and it was perfect. They have the main b&b, and then separate house rentals which is what we did. It's minutes from Volcano National Park (great volcano hike) and about 30 minutes from Hilo.

On Maui, we rented a condo in Wailea right on the beach a few doors down from the Fairmont and it was gorgeous. Lots to do - sunrise bike ride down Haleakala, water sports, hikes, etc.

[GilliC]

I'll throw in another Big Island vote. Because I love volcanoes.

[phillyrunner]

I've been to Big Island, Maui and Kauai and I definitely recommend Big Island and Kauai. I love both of those islands because of the hiking. Maui to me was nice but I didn't feel as adventurous there for some reason.

In Big Island we enjoyed staying on both sides for 4 nights each. We spent basically 2 full days in Volcano National Park hiking a bunch of the trails. We loved exploring all of the different beaches throughout the island.

In Kauai, we also split our time, a few nights in Princeville area and then a few nights in Poipu. We like doing that since it does take a bit of time to drive back and forth between the areas, and I think both areas are worth visiting for a few days each. Waimea Canyon and Kokee State park are beautiful, and we loved hiking part of the Kalalau trail.

[Susie]

Thanks everyone! I am convinced on the Big Island Just have to decide between Kauai and Maui for the 2nd.

[magdala]

We honeymooned on the Big Island and loved it. The landscaping (Volcanoes, green sand beaches, black sand beaches), the hiking (Iao valley and Volcano National Park), the food, (Tako Taco, Hilo Bay Cafe, Sushi Rocks, Thai Orchid). We stayed north of Kona but drove all over the island. We went up to the observatory one night and spent hours looking through telescopes at stars that were like diamonds just out of reach. Pack coat, hat and gloves as it gets cold at 12k+ feet. Pick up the Big Island Revealed book for great hiking trails and fruit markets. We had so much fun. I want to go back for our 10th anniversary in a few years.

[ashap]

Unlike the others, I really didn't like the BI at all. It was ok, but nothing I was dying to go back for.

My vote would be Kauai for your second island.

[Alyssa]

Kauai is the one that I would recommend.....put that one at the top of your list.

[hazel]

I agree on the Big Island (even though it is my least fav). I think you'd really enjoy it.

I love Kauai because it's exactly as I always imagined Hawaii. It's also nice because it's fairly fast to drive around the island. There are amazing hiking trails and the scenery is gorgeous. I adore Maui. I find everyone so friendly there and I've never been ready to leave. It's beautiful, relaxing, and I think there's lots to do. Although, I do understand why people often say it's very touristy. With all that said, I think you should choose Kauai if you're going to the Big Island too.

I also agree with the recommendation to buy the "Revealed" tour book (for both islands). Those books are so helpful!

[keweenawlove]

We loved Kauai for the hiking/backpacking and I think you would love it too. I can PM you albums from our trips if you're interested. We did Maui on our last trip and we liked it but it didn't come close to Kauai for us. Maui had better snorkeling but the hiking and beaches in Kauai were so far and above anything we did on Maui. If we do 2 again, I'd probably do Kauai and the Big Island. Seeing the Ironman course would be really cool.

On Kauai, we did the Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast ridges, and several other hikes, the Na Pali Coast boat tour, botanical gardens, and a ton of snorkeling. On Maui, we did the Pipwai and Lahaina Pali hikes, Road to Hana, snorkeling on Molakani and Lanai, and the Haleakala sunrise.

[Susie]

Aug 1, 2014 14:00:56 GMT -5 keweenawlove said:

We loved Kauai for the hiking/backpacking and I think you would love it too. I can PM you albums from our trips if you're interested. We did Maui on our last trip and we liked it but it didn't come close to Kauai for us. Maui had better snorkeling but the hiking and beaches in Kauai were so far and above anything we did on Maui. If we do 2 again, I'd probably do Kauai and the Big Island. Seeing the Ironman course would be really cool.

On Kauai, we did the Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast ridges, and several other hikes, the Na Pali Coast boat tour, botanical gardens, and a ton of snorkeling. On Maui, we did the Pipwai and Lahaina Pali hikes, Road to Hana, snorkeling on Molakani and Lanai, and the Haleakala sunrise.

Thanks!  If you don't mind I would love to see them.  I am a very visual person

[dearprudence]

Another vote for Big Island and Kauai. I was bored on Maui, but the other two had lots of outdoor entertainment. And between the two you will see all the really unique aspects of Hawaii - volcanoes, black sand beaches, hidden waterfalls. And Kauai is breathtakingly beautiful - more tropical than the other Hawaiian islands.

[babsbunny]

With 2 weeks and all there is to do on the Big Island, I'd recommend 2/3 your time there and 1/3 on Kauai. I was on those two islands in March while I haven't been to Maui in 10 years. Kauai is trying to build bike paths all along the coast and already has a decent one on the east side (maybe 4 miles). Definitely do some whale watching on any (or all) islands you visit (bring binoculars).

Maui is closer to the Big Island, so you might consider it if it's easier to get to. From BI to Kauai, we had to connect in HNL.

[mrssandro]

I vote BI and kauai!

[CloudBee]

Oahu - must do, IMO, especially for a first timer

Big Island - does he like the idea of seeing active lava flow? If yes, you can pair that up with great snorkeling.

Kauai - I would only go here if he's up for an extended period of pure relaxation and water sports. There's little shopping, not much night life, and far fewer restaurants.

Maui - snorkeling experience of a lifetime.

So ask what his gut says. He must have an urge to a specific set of activities.

[moreace01]

Aug 4, 2014 12:22:19 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Kauai - I would only go here if he's up for an extended period of pure relaxation and water sports. There's little shopping, not much night life, and far fewer restaurants.

Maui - snorkeling experience of a lifetime.

I've only been to Kauai (2x) and Maui (3x) and I agree with this assessment. If you are into the water, Maui is a better bet than Kauai. Both times I was in Kauai (September and November), the water was too rough to snorkel. 

I get why people love Kauai - it is more rustic and laid back than Maui. But to me, there is less to do. Definitely less in the way of shops, nightlife and good food. There is hiking and hidden waterfalls in Maui. Plus amazing snorkeling and surfing. For me, I'd pick Maui over Kauai. And if you like it more rustic, just don't stay in Kaanapali, Lahaina or Kihei.