Tabernash2

Forgot to add we've also visited Molokai. Next time we go to Hawaii, I'd like to explore Oahu. We've only just flown through Honolulu. Am interested in the north shore mostly.

suze

I've never understood the comparison between southern California and Hawaii. The two places do not look, feel, or smell the same. Locals are nothing alike. Local culture diverse both places but completely different in the ethnic mix. There's certainly no Haleakala at sunrise in Los Angeles.

DanM

We have visited Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. We like Maui, but it is our least favorite of those four. If I never go back, I will be okay. If someone asked me to go tomorrow, I would be happy to do so.

I tend to refer to Maui as the resort island. That may not be fair, but it seems to be the palace with the most resorts and the most resort like vibe. I could certainly see my wife and I returning to the FS for a few days, catching a couple of days in Hana, and then heading home or to another island. The kids would probably be just fine for a few days as well, but the other islands would be a much better choice for us.

My favorite island to visit is Kauai. The kids prefer Oahu or the Big Island. If I moved there, I would probably take a hard look at Oahu for some of the same reasons ChiSue picked Maui.

You will not be unhappy with Maui. It is kind of like an NYC fan will not be unhappy with Boston. There are different things to do, a different feeling, and a different pace. Go and enjoy it. Heck, all of the islands have something different to offer, and I would not hesitate to go to or recommend any of them.

suze

If (and when) I move to Hawaii, it will be to Honolulu.

ChiSue

I have zero plans to ever live permanently in Hawaii, but if I did, I'd choose Oahu too. Meanwhile I 'live' a few months in winter in South Maui -- somehow we just grin and bear it!

tifa2276

I've never met a Hawaiian island I didn't love - and for different reasons. My husband and I love the Big Island because there is so much to do, we also stay in the Kohala area when we're there and love the hot dry weather. What we don't love are the long driving distances between everything but then again we never encounter much traffic if at all.

We love Maui because it seems to be the one island with a little bit of everything that we love about a Hawaiian vacation - great resorts, beaches, shopping, and restaurants. Yes there are lots of luxury resorts, and some of them can be zoos but we just stay clear of them (so no Grand Wailea). We love to try new restaurants, food trucks, hole-in-the-walls, etc. We love food and we find there are more options on Maui. However, you said you didn't care much for dining out so it won't be as important for you. I would go to Maui because it's nice to experience something new and then you can say you've been there and maybe that will just reaffirm how much you love the Big Island even more!

I would not stay in Kaanapali and the large resorts and condos there because that area has a lot of people. Wailea, Makena, Kihei, Napili, etc, have a little more space. Wailea has large resorts but they are a bit more spread out and the area itself is swanky and seems to have more "seclusion" overall than Kaanapali, but not isolated. Kihei may be a little too "strip-mall" centric but it's definitely low-rise and convenient. We've never had to fight for parking at any beach - and we've only paid for parking when going to Kaanapali beach because we have to park in the mall lot.

We really enjoyed sprawling Big Beach in Makena as well as the little beach just north of it where we snorkeled with turtles. Also Honolua Bay near Kapalua up north is supposed to have great snorkeling but we have not been. As for resorts and condos, I guess I would start with the usual, vrbo.com etc. to find something. I also am liking the Hotel Wailea's recent renovation into condo suites...looks gorgeous!

There are fun "towns" in Maui that have their own character. I like Paia for it's bohemian surfer vibe, Makawao for the chic art galleries and cowboy(paniolo) town feel. I would definitely do the Road to Hana drive and stop along the way at places of interest and visit the Oheo Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools. We love how the windy road takes us through a rainforest-like setting - it's quite different from the rest of Maui! I would also do sunrise or sunset at Haleakala - then spend a day upcountry, either visiting local farms (like the Ali'i Kula Lavender or Surfing Goat Dairy farms) - or maybe ziplining?

Weather-wise south Maui tended to have the best weather when we've been - hot and dry. Have fun and I'm sure you will be happy regardless of whether you pick the Big Island or Maui.

Tabernash2

Good point, tifa, "I've never met a Hawaiian island I didn't love - and for different reasons."

You really can't go wrong when you visit Hawaii. Each island offers a great experience.

I felt that Maui reminded me of SoCal, because of the traffic and the number of tourists that gave the same vibe I feel in SoCal. This is my own personal reaction. DH's, too.

It was our first visit to Hawaii, and I think Kauai would have been a better choice to match our expectations of tropical alone time. We went with Maui based on our friends' advice, but they love to party on vacation. We don't. It just wasn't the best fit for us.

This is not to disparage Maui. Only to say that each island has a different vibe.

We have spent several vacations on the Big Island. Mostly due to conferences DH attended. We'd stay one week at the conference resort, then spend a second week in a condo on our own. I will say I'm not wild abut a lot of the scenery on the Big Island, but it offers a little bit of everything, if you don't mind driving. We liked the northern parts with ranches, for instance.

suze

It just depends where you stay on Maui. The entire island is not about resorts, partying, traffic, and tourists. There are quiet, isolated, rural areas there too, same as any of the islands.

volcanogirl

If you do the sunrise at Haleakala, be sure to pack something warm to wear. Our guidebook said, "No matter how many clothes you have on, it won't be enough." There was ice on the ground when we went, and we saw a lot of people wearing shorts! I'd recommend long pants and a jacket or at least long sleeves.

Tabernash2

Yes, suze. I think most people know that.

suze

You didn't seem to, since you insisted it's just like southern California.

Tabernash2

Please read more carefully:
"I felt that Maui reminded me of SoCal, because of the traffic and the number of tourists that gave the same vibe I feel in SoCal. This is my own personal reaction. DH's, too."

I didn't "insist"on it.
It's my opinion.
Also, I did not say it's "just like" SoCal.

Try not to read into my posts and twist the point. Just read my words.

suze

Yes Tabby, I think most people know that.

Tabernash2

And that, my fellow Fodorites, is what's wrong with the Lounge:
poster who picks apart and argues with everything; then calls names when she doesn't have anything smart to day.

Yawn.

Tabernash2

Smart to say

taitai

I am one of those people for whom Maui reminds me of Southern California. It isn't my cup of tea. Too built up, too many hotels and condos no the beach, too much traffic, etc. I get where others find it paradise, it just isn't for me.

I like the open spaces, the beaches with few, if any, buildings on them, the lack of traffic that is the Big Island. To each his or her own.

suze

taitai, Do you live in southern California? I'm curious because I grew up there (Los Angeles) and just don't see the Hawaii comparison that comes up so often by others on this topic.

Tabernash2

We lived in SoCal. DS lives there now.

logandog

I've lived in Southern California for nearly sixty years and I have visited Maui at least a dozen times.
I don't know what the heck you are talking about.
Maui is a completely different world than Southern California.

suze

many mahalo for chiming in, logandog. it's often said but i've never understood it.