Never been to Hawaii before. Considering going end of August, 2003. Like to hike, snorkel, bicycle, see the sights. No shopping or night life for me. Which island would be best for me? Also, can you recommend a B&B, cottage or condo/studio?

P.S. I'm a 50 yr. old female and will be traveling solo.

Thanks!

Based on what you want to do, you would love Kauai. We spent 2 weeks there a few years ago. Just what you describe. Lots of hiking, great snorkeling, not sure of the bicycle part. We stayed up in Princeville at a condo right at the edge of a cliff. Great sunrises.

But, I might have a different opinion as we are going to the Big Island in May.
Enjoy,
Duane

Based on what you enjoy any of the outer islands would be appropriate. Some of differences between the big island and Kauai are this:

Big Island (orchid isle)vast (compared to other islands), and large. You come here if you want to see the volcano one night(something I could never forget), Mauna Kea under the stars another night, 4wd down to Waipio Valley maybe catch sight of some wild horses, Snorkle in Kelakakua bay, explore parker ranch, also you don't want to skip the ancient forts,heiaus etc around the island.

The draw backs here are the island is big and this involves some driving, beaches need to be located not as plentiful as Maui and Kauai. Often on the big island you are driving elevated and looking down as opposed to the other islands where you are looking out at beaches as you drive on most parts of the island. I think you need two weeks to really appreciate this island inside and out.

Kauai is green, diverse and a shorter distance around the island. North Shore in July and August are at their best with morning and evening rain and bright sunshine all day long. Because there is so much rain there is so much green. This island is the oldest in the chain and in breaking down in nature there is some very dramatic landscape on the North Shore, Waimea Canyon. I have been to this island a number of times but when the volcano is flowing it is hard for me to tell you which island is my favorite. Actually I had two weeks this past summer on only Kauai and it was the most restful vacation I have had in along time. But this was the first year I did not island hop and I think that is why the vacation was so successful. I was active every single day with beach breaks in between hiking/kyaking/days.

I will tell you this. I am 41 I have traveled all over Europe and the Middle East alone. I am the most uncomfortable traveling alone in Hawaii's outer islands. Just don't meet other singles. This past summer was the first summer I explored trails alone but I was with sister and niece on the island. I had no problem on the hikes but that does not mean I was not concerned even if it was irrational when I was deep in an infrequently trafficed trail and two men came my way. Funny the instance I am thinking about, two very tired and on the verge of crying men came my way asking me how much longer until the trail head. I did this trail late in the day so I was alone for a long time this would not have bothered me in Scotland,Ireland or Turkey where I have hiked alone but somehow the U.S feels more unsafe. Although it is worth pointing out that Hawaii has significantly less violent crime than the rest of the U.S. .

You can do tours and pay to have guides take you on a trail. One tour group I found but have not used is "Kauai Nature Trails" has PHD's taking you to the trail explaining terrain.

I love condos but would normally suggest going to a hotel to meet people but everyone you meet will be on some family vacation/reunion, honeymoon or romantic holiday. I have heard on this board that Costa Rica is a great place for single woman believe it or not. Landscape has been compared to Hawaii and it is rich with wildlife. Just an idea. Well not trying to discourage you from any ideas just wanted to be honest about my own experience. Let us know how your planning is going.

This is a tough one - been to both loved both.
BI - is big - I have a friend who tried cycling there and found the distances just too great in the heat.
Snorkeling is wonderful at kealakakua Bay. Puo Honaunau (sp?) Place of Refuge was fascinating - good snorkeling near bye.
We stayed at a B&B near south point - Macadamia Meadows - friendly, off the beaten track, great breakfasts.
Kaui - absolutely gorgeous, some great hiking near Waimea Canyon,lovely beaches some nearly empty,snorkeled at Anini Beach.
Really - it would be hard to decide between the 2.

Thank you all very much for the useful info!