Now that we have decided Hawaii...which

[Deleted]

2 islands would you suggest?

[sarahbear]

Maui and Kauai (with Kauai being a must).

[krista]

I agree that Kauai is a must.
Maui would be my last choice. I just didn't think it was anything special. I lived on Oahu for 3 years and would definitely recommend it, but it depends on what you want to do during your vacation. I also loved the Big Island because it was completely different from the rest of the islands, so I would highly recommend it over Maui.

[Deleted]

The 2 places we have picked are the Big Island (observatory!) and Kauai (family is there but it's so beautiful and I must see the Waimea Canyon).

[magdala9]

The Big Island.

It was my favorite of the two we visited. The other was Maui. Where else can you go to see the world on fire (Volcanoes National Park). Also we had the most amazing meals. Hilo Bay Cafe in Hilo, Tako Taco in Wailea, Thai Orchid in Kona and Sushi Rocks in Hawi. We spend an evening at the observatory that was totally amazing. The stars were like jewels just out of reach. Pack warm clothing as it gets cold at 14,000 feet.

What ever island you pick, get a copy of the Hawaii Revealed book for that island. These books helped us find great restaurants and great hiking trails that we would have otherwise missed.

[mdgirl]

Aug 9, 2012 13:24:56 GMT -5 krista said:

I agree that Kauai is a must.
Maui would be my last choice. I just didn't think it was anything special. I lived on Oahu for 3 years and would definitely recommend it, but it depends on what you want to do during your vacation. I also loved the Big Island because it was completely different from the rest of the islands, so I would highly recommend it over Maui.

Ditto this (and I lived on Oahu for a year). We're actually going back to Maui this fall to see if the last trip that made us dislike it was a fluke, but I just don't think the vibe of it can hold a candle to the other islands.

[jewel]

Have you ever been to any of the islands?

I'd say Oahu and Kauai. I think this will give you a variety of the best of Hawaii.

[keweenawlove]

DH and I could only fit in one island and Kauai was by far our top choice.

Here's my review if you're interested-
pandce.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=trav&thread=19445&page=1

[krista]

Aug 9, 2012 14:30:11 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Aug 9, 2012 13:24:56 GMT -5 krista said:

I agree that Kauai is a must.
Maui would be my last choice. I just didn't think it was anything special. I lived on Oahu for 3 years and would definitely recommend it, but it depends on what you want to do during your vacation. I also loved the Big Island because it was completely different from the rest of the islands, so I would highly recommend it over Maui.

Ditto this (and I lived on Oahu for a year). We're actually going back to Maui this fall to see if the last trip that made us dislike it was a fluke, but I just don't think the vibe of it can hold a candle to the other islands.

LOL! I will return to Oahu and Kauai over and over again, but I have no desire to ever try Maui again!

[vegas]

I prefer Maui and Kauai. I grew up on Oahu and I liked it, but not as much as some of the other islands.

[Deleted]

I have been to big island only he has not been to any. There seems to be a big difference of opinion on maui...lol

[love1999]

We did Oahu and Maui last time. This time we're doing the Big Island and Maui. We loved Maui!

[Deleted]

We loved Maui and Kauai was not for us. I think that is because we are not very active people (hiking, strong swimmers, etc. and the food options there are limited). Maui had beautiful sand beaches whereas Kauai was more rocky. If I go to Hawaii again, I would go to Maui and the Big Island.

[chicago]

I love Maui and Kauai. Maui is great for snorkeling, driving the Road to Hana, driving up Haleakala to see the sunrise, going to a luau. There's a great little "downtown" area in West Maui with art galleries and lots of restaurants. It was the first island H and I visited.

Kauai was totally different - way more laidback, lusher, more rugged, and less crowded. We spent a good amount of time by the pool at the Hyatt (which I totally recommend) and just randomly exploring.

The two are a good contrast but both excellent on their own.

[cricketwife]

Big Island and Maui. Boo to all the Maui haters! We loved it!

[jewel]

Aug 9, 2012 18:39:02 GMT -5 cricketwife said:

Big Island and Maui. Boo to all the Maui haters! We loved it!

LOL...such are the opinions of Hawaii travelers!

I say boo to all of the Oahu haters. It's my favorite island, by far!

Hawaii just has so much to offer. It really depends on what you'd like to do on your vacation.

[basilosaurus]

I love them all, but they're very different. It kind of depends on what you want to do. Though I live on Oahu and really enjoy it, I'd probably say it's my least favorite overall, especially for the types of vacations I prefer.

Maui is awesome. Maybe that's because it was the first island I went to, but we did go back for our anniversary and still loved it.

I think I'd recommend Kauai and Big Island. The newest and the oldest. So you'll get a huge variety, from rainforests and canyons to volcanoes and black sand beaches. Plus food and resorts are excellent on both.

[iheartrice]

It really all depends what you are looking for. If it's your first time? I recommend Oahu and Big Island (I'm not sure why Oahu gets such a bad rap).

[frangoldsmith]

We spent a week each on Oahu and Maui; Oahu was family vacation and my husband's friend lives on Maui. Oahu is great for touristy stuff. I'd never been, so I really wanted to see Pearl Harbor and many of the Lost sights. I think people might give Oahu a lower rating because it is touristy. I think it is worth seeing, but it depends on the vacation you want. We loved Maui because of all of the hiking. I loved seeing all the different colored sand beaches. Maui seemed more laid back. When we were there, Maui was pretty dry, but still beautiful. Oahu seemed more lush and there were always rainbows while Maui was windy and arid.

[shorty20]

I didn't read the rest of the responses, but if it's your first time there, I would definitely do Oahu. Tons of stuff to do, lots of history with Pearl Harbor, etc, shopping, water activities, hiking spots, etc. DH and I love the North shore, it's totally chill up there.

We also went to Maui, and we loved it, so I would recommend it.

We actually were on the Big Island, but just for one day, so I don't really count it b/c we just went to Volcanoes National Park, so we didn't get to explore enough of the rest of the island for me to give an opinion on it.

[fakejew]

In order of love, Kauaii, BI, Oahu and way far down is Maui. I don't get all the Maui love. I feel like whatever you can find on Maui, you can find it better on another island.

[april37]

I've only been to Maui... I absolutely loved it.

[phillyrunner]

I have been to Maui and Kauai and loved them both for different reasons but just because I loved them doesn't mean you and your husband will love them. It all depends on what type of vacation you want.

Maybe try this!

gohawaii.about.com/od/hawaiivacationplanner/a/island_scores.htm