I love hiking, photography, and am looking for natural beauty vs. beaches and shopping. I burn easily, and get bored shopping.

Which island is the best for me and any hotel or cabin recommendations?

That's easy - Kauai is the place for you. Lots of beautiful scenery and great trails, and not much shopping (or nightlife). Try the cabins in Kokee State Park, above Waimea Canyon, where it's often cool and cloudy.

Are you referring to Hawaii or anyplace in the U.S.? Your post suggests you'd do better in the San Juan Islands (WA state) than Hawaiian islands...

Kauai or the Big Island. Kauai for more "tropical paradise", the Big Island for more spectacular scenery.

Wherever you go, bring serious sunscreen... the sun is strong at Hawaii's latitude.

Agree: Kauai is the spot for nature lovers and hikers!

Try Iceland !!

If you are looking for suggestions on Hawai'i, I too think Kaua'i is a good choice. You'll find hiking and lots of beauty. The Big Island of course has the volcano and much beauty also. I also am very fair, and try to be in shade from 10 to 2. A sunproof shirt has worked well for me. Use good sunscreen and hat as well. The north shore is likely to be more cloudy, and it seems to me it's often more cloudy in the fall and winter--though still warm and tropical.

San Juan Islands or Vancouver Island actually sound like they might be the best match for your requirements. Something you might want to look into before booking your flight.

I admit that Iceland (or really Greenland) or San Juan may be better for my skin, but I have already been to most cool climate locales, and would like to visit a tropical island for a change in scenery. Looking for that lush green environment. Pity to waste nice beaches, but they just don't do much for me.

For anyone else interested in a nice quiet cool island, I spent a week in Petersburg and Sitka Alaska--gorgeous!