Hi, I've done two multi-island trips, many years ago, and am about to return to Hawaii in July for a week's vacation. It will be the first time for my sweetie to Hawaii! Anyway, I want to do just one island, as the packing and flying between islands was a big drag on both my other trips. I am trying to decide between a week on Maui or on the Big Island. Here's a quick peek at us: we are mid-range travelers $$$-wise - no $300 rooms, and no hostels. We want to snorkel, hike, ride horses, see sights, have some nice meals, are not big into the nightlife anymore. What do you veterans out there have to recommend? Thanks so much! Aloha, Peter

i've never been to Maui but i absolutely adored BI - the varied climate from one side to the other, all those gorgeous beaches to choose from, and the volcano was the most amazing thing i have ever seen in my life.
you can see about specials from hawaii.com - i got a really good air/car/hotel package there last summer.

I've been to both and love both, but I have to say Maui, especially for a first time Hawaii visitor. It's much more lush and typical of what you think of Hawaii, and the beaches are great, there's a lot to do.
The BI is not as lush and the beaches are rockier and some people who imagine Hawaii get disappointed by that. I loved the Volcano National Park and the lava and stayed at a great place when I was there (Hualalai), but I still think I'd suggest Maui.

Would you ever think of just taking a day trip over so you don't have to pack/unpack? We did that to Kauai..

Maui without a doubt, more of everything you listed. Also i agree hop over to big island for the day, but yes it will cost you about $200. , for air and auto. 7 days to much time on big island for most visitors. nick

I think that for what you might be looking for I would recommend the Big Island. I have been to both. Last year we spent 4 days on BI and 6 in Maui and wish it had been reversed. Maui is more of what you typically expect of Hawaii, whereas we thought the Big Island had so much more diversity...volcanos, horse ranches, coffee plantations as well as the lovely beaches.
I think you already realize that you practically lose a whole day just traveling from one island to another.
I vote Big Island,especially if you're not into nightlife or the luau scene.

RIGHT ON!!! hoosiertravler.....

dabblingman....sounds like BI fits your criteria....but you have to be the judge....let me influence you a little...
Stay in Kona....not Waikoloa (23miles up the coast)...perhaps the Keauhou Beach Hotel. Anywhere in Kona depending on your budget.

Drive around the island...you can do this on BI...it has roads for this. Take you time and see the sights you want.

Possibly stay a night in Hilo...good idea if you want to see "Lava" at night....awesome....check out Dolphin Bay Hotel....John Alexander will advise you how to go see the lava at night...good person.

Hiking....Waipi'o Valley, Polou Valley, and South Point....if you want to go to the green sands beach. Volcano Natl Park to see lava. (the 1600' waterfall in the Waipi'o Valley is beautiful)

Snorkel....check reviews about snorkeling around Capt. Cook Monument, and City of Refuge. (Both close to Kona)

Horseback riding....Waimea...up around Parker ranch

Nightlife in Kona....ha!...But, Don't miss going to the Lamplighter Inn in Kona....a local watering hole....go about 10p.m.....locals go there for Karaoke after work....and boy can they sing...and nice people too...coke and coffee is fine.

Make a stop at Bay View Farms....and see the Kona coffee....taste the brews...and ask to see the roaster...and look at the view from the roaster trailer!!!!

While in the Hilo area....drive thru the Puna District....this is Hawaii at its best....

Sorry guys for being so opionated...but have been to all the islands and BI is my favorite....do you homework and pick the one that best fits you...all the islands are wonderful....

enjoy

Having been to both more than once, I would lean towards Maui because one of you is a first-timer to Hawaii. Two major differences between these islands is that you must drive quite a bit on the Big Island. There are very few good swimming beaches, the best one being at the Mauna Kea/Prince hotels, possibly more than your budget allows and a long drive up from the cheaper Kona hotels. If you go to Maui, you can stay in a pleasant condo and do easy, short drives to wonderful sandy beaches, great restaurants, hikes, take the boat to Molokini for a day of great snorkling.

Kona hotel area is rather claustrophobic to me, too many people. But I think the Big Island is wonderful, just not as right as Maui for your needs.

Hi everyone! Thanks for your input, and *drumroll please* here is what I'm gonna do! After much thought, and talking with my CostCo travel agent, we are doing 7 nights on the BI! Flying into Hilo, getting there in the afternoon and going to stay one night. Start with the not-so-hot side and check out the lava that first night. Then head over for 6 nights at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort. I am so psyched that it is right next door to that great snorkeling beach! We are going July 16th, so I have time to prepare and get psyched. I'll post some trip reports when I get back. Thanks for everyone's input! Peter