yes I did the research. Had it all planned. 6 days in Maui, $1099 each air and hotel at the Sheraton in West Maui - deal included double upgrade and free buffet breakfast. Now the price went up (waiting on friend to confirm, waiting on mother/ER issues). Hoping by next Wed Expedia sale has it back down to this level. Alternatives are Kaanapali Beach which isnt' quite the luxe experience we wanted, or the Westin which doesn't have the freebies. So now I was also looking at Kauai or Kona.
I've been to Waikiki - and if this was to be my last trip to Hawaii - I'd think I'd want it to be Maui. Can anyone comment about their favorite island/area/hotel? I like hotels, not condos. I know I can get Maui in my price range, but this Sheraton deal was a really great deal. flying from harrisburg, PA April 21-26 (tho dates are flexible).
Any opinions on how long to wait for the price to drop again or changing plans to do another island? Thanks. Although I am a thorough planner, it's hard when you dont' have a picture of a place so it's hard for me to compare Maui with kauai or Kona

What are your plans? Are you planning 6 days of beaching and staying at the resort? Or are you looking to get out and spend a few days driving to see things?

I'm no Hawaii expert, but I like DOING and SEEING things and I think my favorite island would be the Big Island over Maui.

It really does depend as NP said on what you plan to do with your time, as each island is so different from the others. When I'm in Hawaii, I do spend most of my time at the beach, with a little sprinkling of "natural" sightseeing (on Maui, such as Haleakala, the road to Hana; on Kauai, such as Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park). With the exception of Pearl Harbor, we do absolutely zero "cultural" sightseeing (I have been on Oahu on many occasions and have yet to visit either the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and honestly, doubt I ever will....but we have climbed Diamond Head, and kayaked off Kailua/Lanikai...you get the picture I'm sure). Therefore, my choices would be Maui (which is more developed than Kauai and more resort-y) and Kauai (with some beautiful properties and beaches, less developed than Maui, spectacular views and "flora").

Some thoughts from a Hawaii resident:

BIG ISLAND - Its very big. Bigger than all the other islands combined. Not as lush as the other islands. Lots of stark black lava fields. The Volcanos National Park is a "must see" here. Not as touristy as some of the the other islands, although it does have some tourist areas (Kona, Waikaloa). Not known for its beaches.

MAUI - This island gives you a bit of everything: great scenery, great food, beautiful beaches, some (but not much) nightlife, and lots of activities such as snorkeling, downhill biking, zip lines, etc... Also: Haleakala National Park, road to Hana, Iao Needle, Maui Ocean Center, Lahaina...

KAUAI - The most lush of all the islands. Beautiful scenery and some fun activities (kayaking, boat trips...). Small island. Less choices for food and fun. But very restful and awesomely beautiful.

TIP: Pick an island (my suggestion: Maui), then take day trips to the other islands. Aloha!

I am looking for beauty and relaxation. (My normal style is Europe and racing around like a crazy person - seems like Hawaii is the only place I actually relax). Beach, pools (if lagoon style, if plain I would prefer the ocean), some poking about the shops, good coffee, wandering around different hotels with their gardens, Road to hana if Maui, a snorkeling cruise for my friend (I never snorkled but am willing to learn). Not super active but of course want to see the highlights of the island. I'm on a diet so food is not that important to me (other than good coffee) but I can have an appetizer while my friend eats a big meal. I don't drink much either but having a drink at an outdoor terrace would be nice.

I'd say for plain old beauty and relaxation, your best bet would be Kauai, however, when you add in beach, pools, wandering around different hotels, poking around shops, I'd pick Maui, and on Maui, I'd pick Kaanapali so you'll be near Lahaina (and also Whaler's Village). Lahaina is the kind of town you're looking for (restaurant, shops, old whaling village), and Whaler's Village is a small shopping center in the middle of the Kaanapali Beach complex. The only "issue" would be that its a 'development', meaning a row of hotels and condos, but we still love it, it has the perfect mix of development, nice beach, beach path, Whaler's Village with its shops and restaurants, close to Lahaina, etc. for us.