BEST ISLANDS IN HAWAII??
Mar 4th, 1998, 09:24 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
BEST ISLANDS IN HAWAII??
Which islands are the most beautiful, least spoiled and least commercial in HawaiI? Is it really worth an 11 hour trip to get there. Do you need to stay in a fancy hotel to appreciate and use the nicest beaches, areas , etc? I'd love to hear from you.
Mar 5th, 1998, 04:19 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sue,
Hawaii has a "best island" depending upon your interests. All have scenery that is beautiful in its own right, and all have lovely beaches, but different islands have different personalities. If you're into activities and pristine, calm blue-water beaches, then it's Mauai. If you want a laid-back atmosphere that is not commercial, with the most spectacular scenery of any of the islands, then I'd recommend Kauai. If you couldn't imagine going to Hawaii without visiting a live volcano, then you'd better go to the "big island" (the island actually called "Hawaii"). If you'd like to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach (the beautiful - but crowded - beach in a postcard setting with Diamond Head in the background), and an eclectic multi-cultural city (Honolulu) then it's Oahu. I can't speak for the others, as I haven't been to them. Also, there is a certain amount of overlap; for instance, Mauai and the big island also have many quiet spots that are not commercial, but you just have to cover a little more ground to find them. We're a laid-back couple who enjoy the mountains and forests as much as the beaches, and my wife and I both agree that Kauai is our favorite island.
Many people who go to Hawaii, especially for the first time, take in multiple islands. Travel between islands, if thoughtfully arranged ahead of time, is relatively inexpensive (maybe $100 per flight on top of what the rest of your trip costs) and involves short one-hour or less flights. You can spend a few days on one island, get up one morning at a reasonable time, catch a flight to another island, and be in full swing by noon with no jet lag.
Hope this helps. If you have other questions, let me know.
Hawaii has a "best island" depending upon your interests. All have scenery that is beautiful in its own right, and all have lovely beaches, but different islands have different personalities. If you're into activities and pristine, calm blue-water beaches, then it's Mauai. If you want a laid-back atmosphere that is not commercial, with the most spectacular scenery of any of the islands, then I'd recommend Kauai. If you couldn't imagine going to Hawaii without visiting a live volcano, then you'd better go to the "big island" (the island actually called "Hawaii"). If you'd like to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach (the beautiful - but crowded - beach in a postcard setting with Diamond Head in the background), and an eclectic multi-cultural city (Honolulu) then it's Oahu. I can't speak for the others, as I haven't been to them. Also, there is a certain amount of overlap; for instance, Mauai and the big island also have many quiet spots that are not commercial, but you just have to cover a little more ground to find them. We're a laid-back couple who enjoy the mountains and forests as much as the beaches, and my wife and I both agree that Kauai is our favorite island.
Many people who go to Hawaii, especially for the first time, take in multiple islands. Travel between islands, if thoughtfully arranged ahead of time, is relatively inexpensive (maybe $100 per flight on top of what the rest of your trip costs) and involves short one-hour or less flights. You can spend a few days on one island, get up one morning at a reasonable time, catch a flight to another island, and be in full swing by noon with no jet lag.
Hope this helps. If you have other questions, let me know.
Mar 5th, 1998, 04:54 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Been to the isalsnds 6 times in the last 12 years and am now planning trip for next winter. Agree with previous post that each island is distinctive and unique. IMHO Oahu is the least desirable. New York City with a beach. Crowded, crime , etc.
Our favorite is Maui. It has everything although it is more commercial than Kauai or the Big Island. Kauai is beautiful and Hawaii is spectacular. The volcanos are something that must be seen.
Due to health problems of our parents we have been reluctant to making the trip -14 hours and done a couple of vacations in the Caribean in the last year including Grand Cayman and Aruba and they don't compare to Hawaii. Also, with the weakness of the japanese economy, Hawaii costs are not increasing. Not real cheap but less than what I've paid in Carib. I suggest that you do 2 islands because moving generally causes 1 lost day. Do Maui and either Kauai or Hawaii. Contact the Hawaiiian Visitors Bureau- they have toll free 800 line- call information.
Our favorite is Maui. It has everything although it is more commercial than Kauai or the Big Island. Kauai is beautiful and Hawaii is spectacular. The volcanos are something that must be seen.
Due to health problems of our parents we have been reluctant to making the trip -14 hours and done a couple of vacations in the Caribean in the last year including Grand Cayman and Aruba and they don't compare to Hawaii. Also, with the weakness of the japanese economy, Hawaii costs are not increasing. Not real cheap but less than what I've paid in Carib. I suggest that you do 2 islands because moving generally causes 1 lost day. Do Maui and either Kauai or Hawaii. Contact the Hawaiiian Visitors Bureau- they have toll free 800 line- call information.
Mar 9th, 1998, 06:48 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
I just love Hawaii. I love to just to float in the waves and snorkle. I just love Maui. Ive gone first class and last year in Sept. got a condo in Kehei. And stayed 14 days..I could stay forever. I went to Ohau and was busy and enjoyed it but needed a rest after a week. Still some stuff I want to do there and would go back in a minute. Then there was a day trip to Molakai. I have friends there. Beautiful but a place to just disapear. Iam planning to go to the big island next. For me the flight is worth it. But it's not as long from Vancouver B.C. I live in northern B.C. Hawaii is for me!!!
Mar 12th, 1998, 10:27 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
The best island is Molokai if you want seclusion, tranquility and to catch of glimpse of what Hawaii was like before the invasion of the white man. (I'm white, so no racism intended). Kauai is the most beautiful, I think, but more developed than Molokai. Maui is also beautiful, and there are some secluded spots left, particularly if you go to West Maui, out to Hana.
