Best Island ?
 

I'm having 9 nights in Hawaii next April and would like to know if there is enough to do in Oahu where we will be based or would we be better having 6nts in Oahu then 3 in Maui or Kauai ? <BR>If so, where would be the best area to stay in Maui and Kauai ?.

I'd suggest that you spend 3 days on Oahu and the remaining in Maui. The Wailea area is the area to stay in Maui. On Kauai you'd be best in the Poipu area.

At most spend 4 days on Oahu, most of it away from Honolulu seeing the better parts of the island. <BR>Maui has much more to do than Kauai if you get bored easily. Wailea is nicer than Kaanapali with slightly better weather, but the Kaanapali to Lahaina area has more shopping and restaurants. Kauai is quieter than Maui, but prettier in terms of foliage, greenery and unspoiled coastline scenery (up northwest in particular)

Spend as little time as possible on Oahu. Once you've seen Maui, you'll wonder why you wasted ANY of your precious time on Oahu. Don't get me wrong Oahu is ok, BUT you are only 30 minutes from the #1 favorite island in the world. Get there as quick as the rest of your family will allow. You won't regret it.

Maui - the #1 Island in the world - you've got to be kidding! Kauai is so much better unless you like the high rises, the masses, the traffic congestion, crowded beaches. Need I say more.

I'm with John, Kauai IS paradise! (hyatt Regency can't be beat) <BR> <BR>Aloha

John, <BR>Really now ...high rises on Maui??? What hick town are you vegetating in now?

I have the old Conde Nast Traveler ranking lists in my desk. <BR>Maui has been the WORLD'S top rated tropical island destination every year going back to 1995. That's as far back as my file goes. <BR> <BR>Kauai is usually second. <BR> <BR>Of course rankings mean nothing if you're not the 'average' person. If your thing is peaceful, lush scenery, and you have no need of shopping, lots of restaurant selections, etc, then Kauai will be number one on your list and to heck with what anyone else thinks.

All the above posts have given you the best insight of all about the Hawaiian Islands, You can not see them all in 9 days!!!!! Have a great trip,again and again.... Lee in Austin,Tejas

Just Back from Hawaii, <BR> <BR>13 days! 7 days on Kauai, 3 on Lanai and 3 on Oahu. <BR> <BR>Right now the tourism is down, so Oahu was much more peaceful than expected. We love Maui and Kauai. On Oahu, the north shore is the place to be to experience the old Hawaii, Pearl Harbor of course and Waikiki is good now, but I am sure it must be miserable with the usual tourism. It is a great time to be there. Dinner Res's easy to get awesome restaurants. But don't spend too much time there. 4 nights max.. We have also been to Maui 2x and Kauai 3x now. All in the past 4 years. Our recommendation is definately Kauai, if the natural beauty of Hawaii is your thing. There is definately more to do in Maui and some night life there, but Kauai has plenty to do. <BR>Snorkeling, kyaking, Waimea Canyon, Napali coast cruise. If you do a helicopter tour, Kauai is the island. <BR> <BR>We have stayed at the Hyatt Kauai 3x now and there is not a hotel that can beat it (Halekulani or Manele Bay included). <BR> <BR>If you are looking for a different experience than a larger hotel, you might try a B&B on the north shore in Hanalei. Cool old town. We stayed at B&B literally 100 ft from Hanalei Bay. <BR> It does rain more on the north side of the island but it is an experience. Definately worth a day trip. When out there be sure to eat at The Dolphin or Definately at Postcards. Postcards was Excellent!!!! Possibly cocktails at the Princeville. Sunday brunch at the Princeville also FANTASTIC&gt; On the south shore Roy's (ask for Manny as waiter) and The Beach House are GREAT!!! <BR>The Beach House at sunset. <BR> <BR>Good Luck, you might get some really good deals right now because their occupancy is hurting big time. Particularly on Oahu.

Lee....I would go again,again and again but it's rather expensive from the UK. <BR> <BR>Cheers..

Mike, what was the name of the B&B overlooking Hanalei Bay? We are looking for something different, perhaps a B&B or a private home...(have our sights set on Gloria's Spouting Horn in Poipu, but might want to split the time on Kauai between north and south) <BR>Thanks very much! <BR>Joan

The B&B we stayed at was the Plantation Guest House. It is owned by Carolyn Barnes. She also owns the Bed, Breakfast and Beach and other properties. <BR> <BR>This place was great. The only problem we had was that the housekeeper, Cloud, was quite short with us. I think she had a bug up .....about something. Anyway, I told Carolyn about our problem and she was quite good about it. She even offered us a free night next time we are on the island. But she did say to let her know if we'd like to come back and that she would see to it that we were taken are of. <BR> <BR>I really appreciated it and think she does a great job. I would not let this deter you from the property. i believe her e-mail address is [email protected]. Let her know that you spoke with Mike Sullivan. We paid about $135/night. Great way to know the north shore. But I agree with your plan, definately stay a few days on the south shore as well. I too, looked at Gloria's. It is a great location (Near the Beach House-great restaurant). Otherwise look into the Hyatt. Trya travel agent for agreat rate at the Hyatt. Good Luck!

Thanks, Mike, I'll check it out!

Best island--something different on each one. <BR>I had been to Hawaii several times before taking my partner to Oahu, Kiaui and the Big Island last year. This year he said he wanted to go back and I suggested we spend the entire time on one island; he surprised me--HE PICKED OAHU--a place I would never have considered going back to. His reason: We can get a reasonable oceanfront hotel on a terrific beach great for people watching, and it will be halfway between the two gay bars so that we can stumble home at night. Guess where we will be going for Thanksgiving??!! <BR>We take four to five international trips a year, so we are not hicks, mind you. It's just that each island offers something different--my choice would have not even been Hawaii, but rather Tahiti again. And it is almost as cheap. Maybe even as cheap from England, Les.

Definetly do Maui!!! We just got back yesterday, LOVED it!!! Did Oahu for 1 day did not like it. Do this one for the least amount of days as possible. To overdeveloped in Oahu. <BR>Once you go to Maui, you won't be sorry!!! TRUST ME!!! <BR>Very nice, we stayed in the Kaanapali area. Nice area, close to the entertainment. If you do go to Maui, I definetly recommend the Old Lahania Luau. The best Luau on the island. Order your tickets early, it tends to sell out.

I don't understand the constant beratement of Oahu. Admittedly, have not seen any of the other islands (trying to choose now for next trip in 18 mos) but did Oahu in August for 10 days and absolutely LOVED it. Stayed on North Shore: affordable, peaceful, lovely, friendly, enough shopping and restaurants (lower end type) for our kind of vacation. Did Wakiki and Honolulu as day trips. Drove windward shore several times - as georgous as I imagine Tahiti must be! No problems staying busy for 10 days. I think too many people just see Wakiki for 1 day and decide they're an expert on the entire island of Oahu.....

Thanks for the info. Linda. I'm glad soemone has come out in favour of Oahu. I was beginning to think I'd wasted my money in flying to Oahu - going by some of the comments, but it all helps in choosing the right hotel. <BR>

There is a ton to do on Oahu but I would head for the outer islands namely the big island that time of year. That of course is if you purpose in coming to hawaii is about natural outdoor beauty.

Linda, <BR> <BR>I don't think people are berating Oahu, but once you 've been to the other islands, you get a better appreciation for each of them. <BR> <BR>They each have something different to offer. I have been to Kauai and I haven't found the beauty of the other islands compares, but that doesn't mean that they aren't beautiful. <BR>It all depends on what you are looking for. But they're all terrific in their own way. <BR> <BR>I personally like Kauai, Maui, Oahu then Lanai. 100 other people will have 100 different ideas. But enjoy, (twist my arm) I'd take any island. <BR> <BR>Mike