Lina

Sorry for the hasty post...we just won a trip to Maui for one week and need to decide ASAP if we add on another week (at our own expense) to a different island. I always read volumes on the forums but don't have time...we have to decide by tomorrow in order to secure flights by the travel agent. What do you all suggest? Maybe the Big Island? We like to hike, kayak, see waterfalls and volcanos, shop very little, eat well, take photos...

This will be our first trip to Hawaii. Thanks very much for any advice you can offer. I will still read volumes because Fodors travelers are the best!

JohnD

You can experience an impressive dormant volcano on Maui as well as many waterfalls. IMHO, from your interests this narrows things down to the Big Island or Kaua`i. If you don't mind driving and would like to see an active volcano, and some nightlife and restaurant variety go to the Big Island. If you are looking for a smaller, very scenic island with less driving alot of sandy beaches and more in the way of river kayaking go to Kaua`i.

bonniebroad

Big Island .... congratulations! I am beyond jealous!

TravelTess

Congratulations! Where are you staying? I'd either spend two weeks on Maui, where you can experience, Hana, Haleakala and the rest of the beautiful island or Maui/Kauai. Kauai is much more lush than the Big Island. It's truly paradise.

dusty56438

Oahu is the best. There's more to do than all of the other islands combined.

Lots to do on Oahu. Most of the websites are good for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831

Maui:

www.mauihawaii.org

www.visitmaui.com

Big Island:

www.bigisland.org

Kauai:

www.kauai-hawaii.com

www.kauaidiscovery.com

alanwar

As much as I love Kauai, I'd have to recommend going to the Big Island to see the lava fields and volcano. If it were me I'd skip Maui and so Kauai and Big Island. I don't like Maui because there is too much traffic, too many people and too touristy. Maui does have awesome beaches at the resorts, but Kauai does have very nice beaches too. There are nice beaches on the Big Island too, but there are fewer of them. No matter where you decide it will be the right decision.

Alan

Lina

Oh no...the votes are split! Thanks for your input, though. Maui is a given since that's the destination of the trip we won. We haven't committed to flights yet. Perhaps it's best to just add days to Maui and leave the other islands for another time. I assume all US flights come in/out of Oahu or Maui...yes?

bonniebroad

Lina, you can't go wrong, whichever other island you choose, believe me. With it being my first visit to Hawaii, I wouldn't confine myself just to Maui ... With that much time, I would definitely visit a different one, as well! You'll want to go back again, and can hit the others "next time" ...

Pis_Pistofferson

And all this time, we thought you had to decide by the 23rd...

Pis

alanwar

Lina, There are flights from the mainland to all of the major islands - maui, kauai, oahu and kona on the big island.

Alan

sceneisle

Lina - I've been to all the major islands and, for what you like to do, I'd opt for the Big Island. Plenty of hiking in Volcanoe's National Park (and a volcano, of course) and great kayaking, especially at Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument). If you're into snorkeling/diving, I'd rate the Big Island the best.......turtles spotted at almost every beach we visited (just returned from a two week stay). Whatever you decide, enjoy!

Candy210

Kauai!!!!!!It was unreal! We will definitely return. Best wishes!

OldSouthernBelle

Lina: What did you decide?

Belle

Lina

We decided to visit the Big Island in addition to Maui! Thanks for all your input. I'll have a lot more questions after I do some research.

OldSouthernBelle

I'll be anxiously awaiting your trip report!

Have a ball!

Belle