Between those three I would chose Oahu.
I think Maui is too similar to southern California for my taste. And the Big Island is what you've described.

Oahu (for me) has more diversity, feels more tropical and historically old Hawaii.

You might consider Kauai, as it is nice, quiet, lush, tropical, has beautiful beaches on both the North Shore and South Shores. There is hiking, snorkeling, and beautiful beaches.

Maul is too "LA ish" for me and Oahu (atleast waikiki area) is very Miami like with a bit of Rodeo drive thrown in! Kauai is our favorite but cannot speak to the night life. Really have never looked. I'm sure there are bars that would fit your needs however. Kauai is so lush, more low key than Maui or Oahu. BUT Oahu on the north side of the island is very different than Honolulu side. Waikiki does, however, have lots of nightlife but for tropical paradise, I'd pick Kauai, for beaches and snorkeling and Hawaiian beauty.....

Kauai is scenically gorgeous but there is not much to do at night. For me Maui has a good balance of great beaches, excellent snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and lots to do at night.

I' agree with Monterey Bob.

Maui first...

Oahu second...

save Big Island and Kauai for your future family trip... or your retirement...

Thanks for the replies, I think we are going to split our trip between Oahu and Maui! In Oahu, is it worth it to just stay in Waikiki and drive up to the North Shore and the other areas for the day? Any lodging recommendations there? Also we are planning on using hotel points in Maui at the Grand Wailea which I heard is one of the best hotels there. Any other suggestions or things we should not miss while there will be appreciated!

There aren't that many accommodations outside of Waikiki (Turtle Bay in the north, the Kahala (formerly a Hilton) closer to Diamond Head), so yes, stay in Waikiki and take a couple of day trips (Kailua, Hanauma Bay, the Pali Highway, Haleiwa, north shore beaches, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor). Best of both worlds.

Is 7 nights enough time for both Oahu and Maui??

It's not ideal, but it's doable. Ideally, you'd give each island at least 5 days. But you could do 3 days on one island, then early the next morning travel to the second island for 3-1/2 days.

You can easily do two islands. Suggest you spend 3 days on Oahu - snorkeling at Hanamalu Bay and driving around the island - and of course - hitting the clubs.

Then get over to Maui - and we prefer the area around Kapalua/Napili - but you are closer to Lahaina and the clubs if you stay at Kanapali.

Oh - missed the part you have points for the Grand Wailea. There are also clubs down that way too.

For Oahu - get a good deal for 3 nights - Waikiki is fine - and then one day - leave early to snorkel at Hanamalu bay (20 minute drive from Waikiki) - and continue around to Kailua - and there - either continue up the east side and visit the North Shore -by way of Turtle Bay and then down the middle of the isle - or from Kailua -h ead back to Hono through one of the tunnels in the Koolau's - and do the North Shore another day - perhaps via the shorter route of going up thru the middle of the island.

Here is a driving map of Oahu for your planning:

http://www.honolulupublishing.com/OahuMaps/oahu_map_island.html

Geesh. It's Hanauma Bay on Oahu - and Hanamalu Tea House on Kauai. see: http://tinyurl.com/746kw36

As for Maui - plenty to see and do there and if you are out clubbing late - and one of you hasn't imbibed too heavily - you might just drive up to the top of Mt. Haleakula to greet the sunrise.

Take sweaters or beach towels as it can get chilly at Oh Dark Thirty up at 10,000 feet.

It depends on what kind of vacation you want. If you want a vacation with lots of relaxation, then a whole week on only one island will accomplish that. If you want a trip that is a bit hectic but packs in the maximum things you can see in a week, then 2 islands in a week works for that. The Grand Wailea is a fabulous resort on one of Maui's best beaches. In Waikiki, very few of the many of hotels there are actually on the beach. My favorite one on the beach is the Moana Surfrider. Two other good ones on the beach are the Outrigger on the Beach and the Royal Hawaiian. And day trips from Waikiki are a very good way to see Oahu. Have fun!

I agree, you can do two islands. You've been given great advice in previous posts.

Yes, definitely Waikiki!! The Hilton Hawaiian Village is great, as it is a tiny little bit away from the busier part of 'downtown' Waikiki (not a long walk at all) and has a more 'private' beach that is lovely. No beach is 'private' but the HHV beach is at the 'end' of Waikiki, more or less, so less foot traffic going by all the time.

I also like the Princess Kaiulani (Sheraton) and the Marriott Resort. These two are across the street (the busy Kalakaua Avenue) from the actual beach, but very EASY to get to the sand. The PK is in the heart of the shopping area. Marriott is in the direction of the HNL Zoo, but still in a lively area.

DO rent a car at least one day and drive around Oahu. The scenery is awesome (especially the east coast) and then stop by one of the various shrimp trucks to eat lunch. OMG the shrimp is just fantastic!! You'll feel like a shower when you are done eating, but it tastes SOOOO GOOD.

The local sight seeing buses (trolleys) are a good way to get around the main areas of Waikiki/Honolulu. I usually buy a one-day ticket and hop on/off to various locations that are not within walking distance to Waikiki Beach.

Maui is not my favorite outer island, but I do believe it has what you are looking for.

I am heading back to Oahu in late August. Can't wait!

Aloha

Tomsd, we don't really want to club too much haha, but would like bars and the like to go to. Thanks for the great suggestions, it's nice to know we can do 2 islands in one trip. Montereybob, I think we want more relaxation than anything, so than you think we should just stick to one island? It sounds like everyone here prefers Maui to Oahu, but is there enough to do in Maui for one week? Again thanks everyone for the great suggestions!

maui has the beaches, the culture, Lahaina, the water sports, snorkeling, nature, great food and fun at night... Old Lahaina Luau is generally rated one of the best on the islands and there's plenty to keep you busy...

I think Maui closest fits what you are asking for. Stay not right in, but somewhere close enough you can get into Lahaina for dinner and a show or something. Maui to me is the most what I thought Hawaii would be like.

Personally I love Oahu but that's because I like being in a more urban environment so choose Waikiki most often.

Absolutely there is enough to do on Maui for one week. You won't even scratch the surface. Don't miss Haleakala.

You can hang on Maui for a week and have a good time - but hey - it's not that big of a deal to fly from Oahu to Maui - 30 minutes in the air, and the Honolulu inter-island airport is easy to maneuver - and on Maui - it's an even smaller airport.

Up to you if you want to see and do more - 2 islands - or kick back on one island.

Moi - I prefer to see as much as I can the first time and then have a better idea to spend more time when coming back.

believe it or not, even the nice resorts on the Big Island have bars, lounges, entertainment and even music! And there is a fun club in Kailua-Kona that is hopping nightly. Then there's the volcano, rainforest, farmer's market, waterfalls, Hapuna Beach etc. etc. and far less people/traffic than you'll find on Oahu and Maui.

So we've decided to do both islands with most of our time on Maui and just a couple days on Oahu. Now the hard part, choosing a hotel in Maui, Wailea to be exact. I found a good deal at the Fairmont, but could use hotel points at the Grand Wailea. I've heard there are more kids at the GW, but since we're going at the beginning of September, kids shouldn't be an issue right? Thoughts??

Use the points... the difference in quality of resorts in Maui is very slim... the joy is that paradise is just outside of everyone's door.... we stayed at the Four Seasons but got up and out every morning and could have saved hundreds on the room...

<<<the joy is that paradise is just outside of everyone's door>>>

Great line.

The most kids are on Maui with their families during school holidays. If you go when most schools are in session, there will be very few school age kids.

With seven nights, I would stick to one island.

Use the points - no Q. In Paradise - other than taking a swim in the pool or maybe a jacuzzi - we might enjoy the view with coffee and fresh fruit on the lanai in the morining - or sip a couple beverages and munch on some pupus - before heading out to dinner, or even cooking in - but rarely do we spend that much time at the resort.

And yes, great line - which says it all: The joy is that paradise is just outside of everyone's door.

One week = One island. Tne nights = Two islands. Where are you coming FROM? How long is the flight? Can you easily fly into either HNL or OGG and home again?

Have you visited Hawaii before? Most first-timers stay Oahu. Most people with at least 10 nights add Maui, but you could enjoy either one for a month!

Oahu is a beautiful tropical island that happens to have a small city on its' southern shore. You could split a stay between Waikiki and Turtle Bay and think you'd been to two different islands. (You may be 'homeless' between checkout and check-in.)

On a short stay, I wouldn't waste half a day traveling between islands. Interisland travel is just as much a hassle as every airport -- get there 90 minutes early for TSA, etc. Don't just look at the 30 minutes in the air; that's *nothing*. You have to get TO the airport, do the shuffle, wait for your flight, wait for your luggage, get a rental car, find your hotel and check in. This is a big bite out of a short stay.

Grand Wailea is a kid magnet. They'll be there even in September. You may have points, but...this hotel is infamous for gouging guests; *everything* is an extra charge. (It's also not very "Hawaiian" -- well, maybe Vegas Hawaiian.) Food is expensive on Maui.

How about a resort condo in Wailea, S. Kihei, Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua? Quieter and less expensive than a hotel.

You need a rental car everywhere outside of Honolulu.

I (and I know tomsd) respectfully disagree about the hassle of changing islands. Preferable not to do it - sure. But if you want to see two islands, it's not that big a deal, you can be on the second island and eating lunch at the pool by noon.

I don't think switching islands is that big of a deal, either. I go to Hawaii for work and go from Oahu to Maui all the time. It's pretty simple but will take about half a day by the time you return your rental car in Oahu and get one in Maui. If you only rent a car in Oahu for one day, then return it early and take a taxi or shuttle to the Honolulu airport. That will speed things up a little.

I would say if you have points, stay at the Grand Wailea. The beach in that part of Maui is beautiful. It is a pretty quiet area but there are bars, etc in the hotel. Food is expensive there but you can walk over to The Shops at Wailea. They have a Tommy Bahama's restaurant, Cheeseburger Island Style, Ruth Chris Steak House and a couple of other restaurants. You absolutely must have some Lappert's Ice Cream.

There are other restaurants in Kihei which is a short drive and their prices are more reasonable. Some of my favorites there are 808 Bistro, Sansei, Cafe O'Lei and Pita Paradise for great pitas and salads.

If you are going in Sept after Labor Day, I don't think the Grand Wailea will be too overrun with kids.

Hope this helps.

Good post Paula and hey - even from sf7.

Here is what I would do: Fly into Hono - and that afternoon - walk down Waikiki beach - take a dip in the ocean and explore around.

Also get some snorkeling gear if you don't have it - you can rent it fairly inexpensively for a week (check the Snorkel Bobs of this world) - and make sure you can turn it in on Maui.

The next am - bright and early - (your body clock will be an hour or more ahead of local time) - get thee to Hanauma Bay - and after that - drive the south end of the island - past Sandy Beach to Kailua. There - if you feel good, drive up the east side of the island - 45 minutes or so to get beyond Turtle Bay along the fabled north shore beaches - and 15? minutes later - stop at Waimea State park. Pretty waterfalls, etc.

From there - it's a short jaunt to Haliewa - and a cool shave ice - and then 35 plus minutes back down the center of the island and back to your hotel for an late afternoon/evening dip in the ocean, whatever.

The next day - 3rd day - maybe late morning - head over to Maui and kick back for the rest of the time. You can always come back to Oahu on a package deal and explore more of it another time.