Help Re: Choosing Island
 

I've been doing searches, but I'm still clueless. I'm looking into going to Hawaii next year. I already went to Oahu a few years ago, and it was too touristy for me (although I was in the Waikiki area, so that was why).

I guess I'm clueless about what island I want to go to or even what part of that island is best for us. My husband is a big fishing fanatic, so we will want to do that. I want to stay at a hotel or B&B that's somewhat secluded on or right near a beach, but that we would still not be that far away from areas that have a lot of different sights to see and activities, etc.

I was looking into Maui (which might be too expensive for us unless we stay at an inexpensive B&B) and Kauai. Any suggestions?

Any island is a good island. If you do choose Oahu again, rent a car & get out of Waikiki and see the island.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

www.mauihawaii.org Nice site of Maui Jon

www.visitmaui.com They will send a free brochure

www.bigisland.org They will send a free brochure

www.kauaidiscovery.com They will send a free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

I know every island is a good island :) I meant for what we are looking for. Do you know anything about the Poipu area in Kauai?

Any island will give you what you want.

I stayed near the Poipu area (at a B&B in Kalaheo). I'm not familiar with fishing, although I think it's a great area and should be a good spot. I also like Maui, including the Upcoutry area which has a lot of B&B's. Also, my suggestions may depend on what time of year you are going as weather is different from one side of an island to another.

I agree, Waikiki might get a little touristy, so to experience the island you need to get out to other areas.

Here are some threads that may help you in your search, if you haven't checked them out already:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34801685
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34814135
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34766641

Sorry I can't help you with the fishing, but Kauai can be very reasonable depending on the season. I've been to both Maui and Kauai and felt Kauai was much more scenic, but Maui certainly had much more touristy type stuff to do.

What else besides fishing are you looking for? You might want to pick up Maui Revealed and Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. Read through them and see which island seems like the best fit for you and your husband.

You can get free planners from the state for each island: www.gohawaii.com

For Kauai try http://trykauai.com , she has info on fishing charters amongst everything else.

For Poipu, take a look at www.suite-paradise.com for condo rentals (of course there's many other sites too). We were happy.

Good hunting:)

For fishing ideas take a look at http://www.hawaiifishingnews.com
This is a good starting point and also lists plenty of charter boats on each island.
Kona on the BI has world class game fishing very close in with very calm waters.
The fishing here is vastly superior to Maui and other islands.
There are PLENTY of charter boats there for this reason. Big boats, little boats, new boats, old boats, cheap boats and the more expensive.
Each skipper/boat has different policies but you will find many will happily release billfish (marlin etc) but yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi mahi etc are a prime food source and the sale of these fish keep charter prices low by world standards.
I have only fished with Capt Kevin Nakamaru on Northern Lights. He is a top shelf Capt with a very beautiful boat and the very best equipment. He has world-wide game fishing experience and is friendly and professional.
If your husband is a keen angler (of any type) he (or you both) should try a day or two on the waters here. Even if big game fishing is not your bag it's a great experience and will give you an insight into this particular angling pursuit.
At worst you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and at best you may be hooked yourself and have a whole new world open up!
A trout or bass may never look the same again....
Also look at http://www.fishinghawaiioffshore.com/ for weekly fishing reports.