My fiance and I are planning a trip to one of these three islands for our honeymoon next spring. We are confined to stay at one of the Marriott resorts, and all sound appealing, but my TRUE curiosity lies in the comparison of activities in these areas.... does anyone know where the BEST snorkeling is, what beach/sunset is the most beautiful, where to go for the most romantic activities (horseback riding, etc)? While I see many posts re: quality of resorts, I have been unable to find much about quality of recreations... thanks!

Rob, the true question is, "what do you want out of your vacation?" The islands are very different (Maui, IMO, is overpopulated, traffic-laden, overdeveloped, LA-ish, and an island I wouldn't rush back to. Kauai is more sedate, laid back, lush and tropical, and an island I've fallen in love with and can't wait to go back to (255 days). Once you've answered that question, everything else will fall into place. The activies on each island are good. You'd be more apt to pick the wrong island than the wrong snorkel company. Have a wonderful honeymoon.

Couldn't agree with Katie more.
She nailed it - it's totally about what you want.
IMHO - Kauai does have the better helicopter experience, more romantic feel
Maui has a great sunrise at Haleakala but a much busier feel - more city than tropical
Oahu has a very busy city feel. We went for 1 day and that was enough. There's plenty to keep you busy for a week - but it was WAY too crowded for our tastes. At least the Waikiki area was.
Maui and Kauai both had great snorkeling, boat rides, some fabulous restaurants, and beautiful drives.

We preferred Kauai more for the overall experience - not specific activities.

People, people, Maui is fabulous! You can find secluded beaches and quiet corners all over the island! If you want great restaurants, hiking, golf, horseback riding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, you have that too! I don't think any of the islands is as beautiful or diverse as Maui.

Rob not sure what your looking for and how you define "quality recreation". I just spent two weeks on Kauai and never sat still for a minute. I did not rely on bus tours, dune buggies or commercial luas for activities. I hiked hiked some more, snorkeled, Kayaked, went swiming.

I find the best activity on Kauai is hiking but that takes reading on your part. It would cramp my style to have a guide or restricted tour on most trips but would really find this intrusive on a honeymoon. There will be a dry winter this year on Kauai not sure what the spring will bring but it is usually wet until summer. Boat rides along the Napali coast line are fun as is horse backriding etc. There are many rivers to Kayak on also.

Sunsets are fickle some times volcanic eruption promise great views but this year they were not so great. Don't think anyone can pinpoint "THE BEST" beach, changes every year for me and my gang. How long are you going for, we spent two weeks this year on Kauai. Other trips I always split that time with other islands and regretted it.

Thanks for the responses. We are really heavily leaning toward one week in Oahu, to stay at the Ilahani Marriott resort, and we are considering the second week in Kuaui (over Maui) because everyone says it is the "true" Hawaii experience. I am all about the activities, though, and I am curious if anyone knows if horseback riding is available on Kuaui, or if anyone knows where I can get a good listing of all the things to do on the North Shore of Kuaui. Thanks agian.

Rob,

My wife and I spent a month in Hawaii. It was wonderful. We stayed at the J.W. Marriott Ilhani resort in O'ahu. It is wonderful. You will enjoy it. There is lots to do in O'ahu. We spent a week in bot Kauai & Maui. We stayed at the Renassiance Wailea. A Marriott property also. It was wonderful. Not as plush as the JW in O'ahu but still splendid, we upgraded to the Makena beach club which is ocean front and spereate amenities. It was worth. Uula beach is right there and it was tremendous snorkelling. We spent aweek in Kauai also. There are fewer nice restaurants but the island is much more rural than Maui. We enjoyed both islands.... have a ball I would go back to beach es in maui in a heartbeat, but that is just me...

Rob, for planning a trip to Kaua'i your best resource is the Ultimate Kaua'i guidebook. It gives a mile-by-mile description of the island. The north shore is beautiful, but I am not aware of many organized activities. As Sarah and others have said this area is wonderful for hiking,etc. There is pretty good snorkeling at Ke'e beach at the end of the road.

Rob, there is horseback riding in Kauai. When we arrived at the airport, I noticed folks on the periphery. So maybe near the airport? I'm sure there are other spots as well. There is also Kauai Underground Guide that might be helpful.

go on line there are many websites dedicated to commercial ativities on each island. I think Kauai has it's share. Just remember the commercial activities are helicopter, horse back riding, not amusement parks or cheesy Polynesian reviews.

Rob,

I agree with all the posters about Kauai! We enjoyed hiking in Waimea Canyon, Horseback Riding at Princeville Stables, Fishing on a small charter boat, & of course snorkelling in Poipu.
Also, if you aren't a certified diver, I would recommend maybe SNUBA (air tank floats above you) or an Intro-Dive. We did SNUBA when we there & had a blast.

Have Fun,

Christina

PS My hubby & I were married in Hawaii. We had planned to stay a week in Oahu, but it was so busy & toursity, we packed up the next day and flew back to Maui. If I wanted that...we would have stayed home.

Where are the secluded beaches in Maui?! I didn't find any....

Kauai is for nature-loving honeymooners!

Rob,

Despite the development there is still a lot to do on Oahu. Honolulu is crowded (but so is Maui). Waikiki is a fun place and there is no beach elsewhere in Hawaii like it. You can get away from the crowds on all of the islands by going to the more secluded parts. On Oahu this is the North Shore. On Oahu enjoy the Arizona Memorial and the buildings from the days when Hawaii was a Monarchy ruled by kings and queens. Diamond Head is quite accessible and makes for an interesting morning hike.

Do a Circle Island tour and include the Pali lookout in that. Spend a half-day at Hanauma Bay. Do a luau. Luaus to Hawaii are what a rodeo is to Wyoming or the Statue of Libery to NYC. A little commercial but gives you a flavor of the old culture.