I am trying to decide on which island to visit with a group of couples (8-10 people) that have never been to any Hawaiian island. I have been to Maui and Oahu. Most of the people are not into hiking, snorkeling, surfing,,,etc. Undecided between Maui and Hawaii. Which island would be best for people to experience, explore and enjoy. Probably would need chain restaurants (I will eat try anything, as I have lived in Oahu and Japan) they have not. Shopping I know is great in Maui with good restaurants. Planning on going the last week of June 2015.

I'm not the Hawaii expert that some are here, but Oahu would probably work - shopping, beaches, Pearl Harbor, driving around the North Shore, etc.

Lee Ann

Why, exactly, does this group want to go to Hawaii? What do they want to do if not hiking, snorkeling, etc. Knowing what the group desires to get out of the trip will help direct you to the best island to meet your needs.

Oahu has the iconic sights.

Sorry I should have explained that Oahu is not an option. It is for a 50th birthday. Some in the group want to see volcanoes, some want to have the honeymoon that they never had, some actually does want to do water activities, walk the beach. The decision they made to visit is that all but 2 people have never been to any of the islands. I will say its a goal to be able for everyone to enjoy different options.

Well, the only active volcano is on the Big Island but you can't really see flowing lava at this point. You can see the glow of the crater at night. Volcano National Park is great and there are many interesting hikes and walks to do. Not sure if your "no hiking" group would be up for those. The Big Island really doesn't have shopping and the best beaches are in the Kohala District which is removed from Kailua Kona and the chain restaurants you are looking for. It does have the best snorkeling in Hawaii and the Manta Rays at night but that does' seem to be a priority for your group.

It is too bad that Oahu isn't on the list as it could check most of your boxes (no place is going to check all of them). It probably also has the most chain restaurants, has shopping, iconic sites, great beach for walking, north shore for exploring, etc.

Maui is probably your best bet. It won't have an active volcano but it does have the Road to Hana and nice beaches to walk and swim. I have no idea on the restaurant situation. When we have visited Maui we either ate at local places or cooked in the condo. Someone else can help you out there.

Good luck.

I think Maui is a good introduction to the islands as it has a little bit of everything (lots of restaurants, resorts, beautiful beaches, snorkeling excursions, scenic drives, road to hana, and a strong farm-to-table foodie movement) but I also think it's the most expensive island. I think you can get more bang for your buck on Oahu. Kauai and Big Island sound like they don't have enough variety of activities for your group although the snorkelers/hikers will probably have a ball.

On Maui there are some chain restaurants but for the life of me I cannot remember which ones (aside from McDonalds) because I never really looked for them when on vacation. Do you mean chains like Chili's and Applebees? I believe there is a Ruth's Chris steakhouse, Bubba Gumps, and Denny's. Oh there is a Roy's as well, which is probably my pick out of the lot of chains!

Maui has great local food, and fresh produce. And also some Hawaii-only chains like Zippy's, Dukes, or Sansei Sushi. Maybe you can interest them in a nice meal at Merriman's Kapalua, Monkeypod Kitchen, Lahaina Grill, Haliimaile General Store, Pineapple Grill, or even Dukes? Most of these restaurants will have local flavor but you can get standard things like steak and burgers at most of them too. There are many places to eat so I'm sure you'll find something for everyone. I like to sometimes go to a restaurants website and peruse their menu to get an idea of the offerings. That can be something those with pickier palettes can do before deciding on a restaurant.

Enjoy your trip! I'd book soon because I think that's a pretty popular time to go and you'd probably need to reserve a few rental cars/hotels/condos etc.

Based on what you've added, I'd head to the Big Island.

I agree with Tifa2276. Maui has the best assortment of natural wonders and man-made things to see and do. Those who wish can jet over to Hilo to visit with Pele at Volcanoes National Park -- if they aren't prone to lung ailments. Big Island, in general, is not the 'typically tropical' island people picture when they think "Hawaii", with all its bare lava and ranchland. The pretty Hamakua Coast is almost entirely agricultural, and Hilo...commercial port and government town (eternally damp).

On Maui, Haleakala is pretty impressive, and it's not pumping vog; last eruption in the 1700's. The ranches and farms on its flank are interesting, as is the art colony at Makawao. At the shore, Paia is a quirky, aging-hippy wide spot in the road.

Maui has a touch of Kauai along the heavily tropical Road to Hana. Iao Valley is misty/eerie. It has numerous easy-access beaches with good sea life. (Kauai has beaches, but poor sea life. Big Island has the best sea life, but few easy-access beaches.) The Maui Ocean Center is a wonderful place to see sea life without getting wet. There are plenty of excursions to get out on the water -- along the coast or over to Lanai.

Maui has a huge assortment of hotels and condos -- in a wide range of prices -- in both West Maui and South Maui. Lahaina is home to the two best luau in Hawaii. South Maui is most convenient to the opposite side of the island and the airport -- 45 minutes to Lahaina.

What are your best flight options? One week isn't a lot of time if you have to come far. Day One will be adjusting to the time change, and no departure day is a full vacation day.

If you decide on the condo option, separate units in one complex can prevent too much 'togetherness'. All summer months will be very busy with families. Rental vehicles and lodgings book fast. Could you come when mainland schools are in session?

We can help with lodgings if we know the nightly budget per couple.

I would pick Maui, in a heart beat. That comes the closest to what you describe. As long as they would be OK seeing the magnificient crater of Haleakala (rather than an active volcano).

ascientifically speaking, Haleakala is still active and not considered dormant.

Actually, it's dormant, but not extinct.