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I posted this in reply to Beachgirl86's question on another post and I'm feeling so nostalgic for Hawaii that I thought I would post it on its own. That and the fact that I've had a chance to review all of my experiences lately because my mom and I are going to Hawaii in the fall for her first trip to the islands...so I get the exciting task of figuring out which island would be the best for what she's looking for.

I've always struggled with the question of which island is my "favorite", there's so many things I love about each of the three islands I've visited.

Obviously, I LOVE the north shore of Kauai, with the achingly beautiful waterfall streaked mountains that are seen with no effort at all, simply by driving along the highway or rolling down to the beach. One of my tastiest memories is of floating in the water at Tunnels Beach and not knowing which vista to gaze at first. That and the unforgettable kayak trip up the Na Pali coast, surrounded by the electric turquoise water, immense green spires, and waterfalls plunging into the sea...me, out there, a little speck next to the grandeur of a part of the island that only those who truly seek it out can be intimate with.

I love Maui for the string of golden crescent beaches of Wailea (with the stunning views of neighbor islands), some of which we found empty for our early morning snorkel jaunts. I also love the ease of access to the Hana area's waterfalls and jungle hikes. Kauai's waterfalls are not nearly as accessible and swimmable.

And finally, I love the vastness of the Big Island, the ever-changing landscape punctuated by hidden gems like black sand beaches, warm pools, and steam rooms (to say nothing of the glory of Mauna Kea beach, which makes you feel like you're living in a picture book). The BI had a peacefulness that I found was different than the other two islands, deeper and more subtle, maybe more zen, as though the island is waiting to embrace you with a warm wind and whisper an ancient secret in your ear when you are ready to hear it.

For how much I am awestruck by the north shore of Kauai, I always think that it's the Big Island that calls to me the most, in a far off, ethereal way that I can't exactly explain but can't ignore.

What is everyone else's favorite?

love
roxy

Steph_SEA

I have to agree with you 100% Roxy. I do love Maui. It has so much to offer. BUT, I have fallen in love with the Big Island. There is a warm, welcoming, peaceful feeling that it offers. There so much to explore and the lanscape changes so drastically. I'm dreaming of relaxing on the Big Island right now.... only 43 days until I'm there again.

beachgirl86

Wow, Roxy, I love everything you wrote! Thanks for answering my question in a whole new post

We've been to Oahu (only for 2 nights to see Waikiki and Pearl Harbor), Maui, and the Big Island, and I understand what you mean by loving them all and all of them being so different. They all offer some of their own magic.

We loved the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, swimming and watching Diamond Head. And we stayed in West Maui, and loved watching the sunset on Kaanapali while eating dinner every night. BUT, I agree with you about the Big Island. It's unique in every way, different from how I imagine every other place on earth being.

We have been agonizing over which to pick for our upcoming return trip this summer! Sounds like you'll be doing the same for the fall!

CajunStorm

Roxy - I love you for this post! I must send it to my husband to prove to him that we must visit the Big Island next time we go to Hawaii (instead of returning to Maui or Kauai again)

Momof5

Great post! Kauai by far is our families favorite. We are thinking of returning in the fall we loved it so much, especially North Shore- amazing!

iamq

Roxy,
Thanks for bringing me back to Makua (Tunnels) this evening. It is a very special place. 190 days until I'm floating at my favorite.
-Bill

Gardyloo

Wonderfully put, Roxy. Couldn't agree more. Plus, in our experience the people on the BI are a central attraction, not just the landscapes.

ggrtist

Haven't been to the BI, but of Oahu, Maui & Kauai...Oahu is my favorite with Kauai a close 2nd. I love flying into honolulu, especially at night and seeing all the millions of tiny lights of Waikiki reflecting against the pacific and then waking up to a gorgeous view of turquoise waters and Diamond Head. I love that you can go shopping and people watching in Waikiki beach and in only an hour you can be standing on the white sands of the North Shore, a couple of yards away from a huge green sea turtle, staring at miles of coastline and raging blue surf...I can almost hear it now!

CaliNurse

Agree with ggarticst above, having been several times to each of the four named islands. Most to Oahu The one time of 7 trips that i didn't make it there also, somehow felt lacking. Yes, Oahu the fav,with Kauai a close second. Sooooo much to do on all-encompassing Oahu. And don't forget the most perfect white sand beach and ocean vista in Lanikai, only 35 mins from Honolulu via one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Pali Highway.

ggrtist

CaliNurse, that's another reason why Oahu is my fav...this will be our 3rd stay in Oahu and we still haven't seen Pali Lookout, or the Palace, or the Bishop Museum. Seems you can go there over and over and still find something new. This trips theme will be "Historical Hawaii" and relaxation of course!

PamConlan

Wow!!!!!! What a way to get me more excited than I already am...one week from today we arrive in Oahu for 3 days, then go to Maui (Kaanapali Beach)for 8 days, and then to Kauai for 8 days. It's my first visit (hubby and I love to travel- just the 2 of us) and I will post all of our adventures--thanks for the beautiful descriptions of the islands...next trip will be to the Big Island!!! I'm gonna be the strange person pausing when I get off the plane to inhale all the smells of paradise that everyone has alluded too--while everyone is scurrying by...Pam

turn_it_on

RE: Smells in paradise...

Yes, that is another fabulous thing about the islands, the way the warm, thick, fragant air envelops you when you emerge from the airport and you feel like you've been reborn and are inspired to immediately buy an overpriced lei from the kiosk so you can have the smell of plumeria and tuberose around your neck. That is actually one thing I really missed when I went to Hawaii without my boyfriend last fall--no one to give me a lei and a kiss...although they did give me a plumeria lei at the Mauna Kea (sans kiss). And nothing feels nicer than refrigerating your lei and putting those cool flowers around your neck after a long hot day.

And where is Gyppielou on this question anyway?? Too bad Kal's not here, but I can answer for him: "Kauai? Pssh, no nightlife, too much rain, nothing to do...better keep researching it though, just in case something turns up eventually...I have been working diligently in the 'lab' since beer o'clock..."

love
roxy

turn_it_on

C'mon, G'lou, let's hear from you! Don't tick off Pele.

love
roxy

LoveItaly

For me, getting off the plane in the airport at Oahu is magical (already happy from looking out the window of the plane as we fly in). There is something in the air - to me no where else in the world has the aroma of Oahu. And then Oahu! Something for everyone IMHO.

turn_it_on

LoveItaly,

I've not been to Oahu yet but have flown into Honolulu and have always enjoyed it from the air, especially that lagoon park by the airport! And how can you not love the gardens at HNL??

love
roxy

CaliNurse

Ggrtist, that is sooo true--always loads more to see on Oahu. Recommend Richard Sullivan's book of photos and driving directions for getting arond Oahu (Amazon, and some ABC stores in Honolulu sell it ). Its last few pages have a great mini-circle tour near and through Honolulu that you can do in a day, including passage via the Pali Hwy. You'll thrill to Pali lookout, to the wind, to the view. Look for the painiting that shows the warriors being pushed off the cliff, near the spot where you are standing!
Iolani Palace--reservations needed. While in area, check out Mission Houses Museum
PamConaon and others--now y'all know I LOVE Honolulu, but that frgarnce at airport, or just outside it, is hit and miss. Sometimes heavily fragrant with flowers and ocean breezes; other times, alas, not so. Last time i sniffed in vain, but got mostly car fumes. Wish it weren't so, but don't want anyone arrivng for the first time to be disappointed. Don't worry, once you're off the freeway, or the Nimitz Highway (which I love despite its industrial appearance, as it means "I'm back!") you'll sense that wonderful feel in the air.

juanita1989

Well, here's another vote for Oahu! We've also been to Kauai and Maui, but Oahu is our favorite hands down. So much to do, we haven't even scratched the surface yet in our 3 trips. Flying in over the Ko'Olina lagoons (where we stay when there), I can hardly sit still in my seat! I swear it's the same feeling I had as a kid lying in bed on Christmas morning, knowing that wonderful things awaited me in just a short time. We love that island so much and are just dumbfounded at people who are so dismissive of it. I suspect many haven't spent any time on Oahu outside of Waikiki/Honolulu. Of course, we love Waikiki for its own charm. The diversity of the island is just perfect, IMHO. Quiet, beautiful beaches that look like a postcard, gorgeous green mountains, beautiful places to snorkel, a million places to eat, GOOD shopping (as opposed to have only touristy shops and art galleries, which is primarily what we were limited to on the other two islands), and a jumpin' city to drive into if we choose to. I love the description of putting a cool lei around my neck. I never really thought about how wonderful that is. What a nice thought.

Ahhhhh....I'm getting so excited about going back! 83 days to go!

littletwig

oh no,i can't choose a favorite!! first trip to BI will be this summer.
best Hawaii memories so far:
on Oahu snorkeling alongside a sea turtle at Haunauma Bay early in the a.m.
on Kauai watching a baby Humpback and it's mama from a catamaran against the backdrop of the Na Pali coast
on Maui riding across lava fields in the mist and rain and immense quiet on a paint horse....