Hi, Everyone,

How is visiting the Big Island vs. the others for a first time Hawaii vacation? We are spending our first week in Oahu and have tentative reservations in either Maui or Kauai. Now, I am seeing how beautiful the Big Island is and I am getting confused as to which island we should use our second week for. Does anyone have an opinion? We plan on staying put on one island once we get there because my husband is going to want to use a few days for scuba diving.

Thanks for your input.

If you are looking for an island that is very different than Oahu (considering that you'll have been in Oahu for a week) either Kauai or the Big Island will offer the most contrast.

The Big Island (in Kona) is generally known to have the best diving of all the islands. Also has the manta ray dive, which you can't do on any of the other islands.

I personally prefer the Big Island, but mainly because of the diving. Kauai is very quiet and relaxing also.

Personally I would choose Kauai - VERY different from Oahu but the Big Island is wonderful too (and different from Oahu).

The Big Island is incredibly interesting and they don't call it the Big Island for nothin'! The difference if topagraphy from one side to the other or according to the elevation is just amazing. I think someone said there are like somewhere between 11 and 14 different micro climates. There is tons to do and see as well as snorkling, diving etc. You can also get that fabulous Kona coffee, and visit a chocolate factory..locally grown chocolate, the volcano, the Parker Ranch and on and on. I find it is just a totally different feel from any of the other islands and I think it would be a good choice. On your next visit, try the other two islands.

Daisygirl: As you can see from the responses so far, it's a judgment call. If you're looking for a remote South Pacific/Bali Hai kind of experience I'd recommend Kauai over the BI. More of the island is what most people associate with Hawaii: lush, green etc. If you're looking for Hawaiian history & culture, a diversity of activities, and/or scuba diving is high on your priority list the BI is a better choice. Pretty much the entire west side is barren lava flow, with the north/east sides much more like Kauai.

We just got back from our second trip to Hawaii, and spent 8 days on Oahu and 5 on the Big Island. It was an incredible vacation, and I felt like these 2 islands were an excellent compliment to one another. My trip report is about halfway done -- search under my name...