John

I'm looking to go to Hawaii with my girlfriend but have no idea which island is the best one to go to. We would be looking to relax, not necessarily go crazy at night. I heard that the big island was a bit too commercialized.

xxx

Kauai. And perhaps Maui. Kauai has very little nightlife but that may be what you're looking for.

Molly

John, I've only been to the Big Island, so I'll leave the comparisons to others, but I didn't find the Big Island overly commercialized. It does - or did have a Walmart, and some resorts, but even Kona, the side that seemed to me to embrace tourism, didn't have a commercial feel. If anything, my husband and I liked that there were some modern conveniences, but that there was vast opportunity to experience nature, culture, island beauty and history.

april

Maui is the best...in my opinion. I'm a 28 year old women who was just there for her honeymoon and it was wonderful. Also, I hear on Hawaii, the Hilton Wiakoloa Village in Kona is just wonderful too.

Russell Farquer

John...Usually people refer to Oahu as being "more commercialized" as 80% of Hawaii's population live there, and a vast amount of the tourist only get to that island.

As far as to which island to relax on....all of them ....you can go at your own pace...

If you do want to sightsee and do activities, then particular islands may be more condusive.

Big Island -Hawaii- a live volcano, one of the tallest mountains, Kona Coffee plantations,

Maui- Beautiful Hana, Haleakala, wonderful white sands beaches.

Kuaui- Napali coast, Waimea Canyon

Oahu- USS Arizona, Diamond Head, The
Pipeline(surfers),

Molokai- Mule ride to the leper colony.

Just to name a few....they all have something particular..what do you like best

enjoy

Jon

John, I suggest you hit your local bookstore, when there get a few guidebooks on Hawaii, read about each island and chose the island or islands that appeal the most to you.
personally, I would chose Oahu's north side.

As you see so far these islands were suggested:
Oahu
Kauai
Maui
Big Island

Of course depends on your interests but Lanai and Molokai may be suggested as well.

a

John

Jon has it right. All the islands are fun. Buy some books, read about the islands and activities and then take your choice. Whichever island you choose you will have a good time.

Nova

John when you said that you heard that the Big Island was to commercialized I think you got your islands mixed up. The Big Island is Hawaii (an island, not the state). Oahu is the "main" island (most populated, most visited). I think that you probably heard that Oahu was commercialized, not the Big Island.

A first timer to Hawaii should spend some time on Oahu (outside of Waikiki if you don't want "commercialized"), and one other island (probably Maui). Oahu is the most visited island and Maui is second. They have the widest appeal and they are the safest bets for a first timer. Kauai and the Big Island are much quiter and have far fewer visitors. Unless you are absolutely sure that you want peace and tranquility, then you are taking a chance by going to Kauai or the Big Island.