If I could only pick 2 islands...
 

I have never been to Hawaii but am planning to go soon. I will have two weeks to spend. Realistically, if I had to choose 2 islands which should I go for. I should mention that I love scenery and natural beauty, hiking and swimming but I also like to be relatively close to action if I choose to participate. <BR> <BR>THanks.

I can't see how a first-timer can go without seeing Waikiki - all the stereotype Hawaii stuff is there, so I'd say Oahu and Maui (you sound like you'd love Maui. However, my advice would be a few days (maybe 3) to see Waikiki and Oahu, then most of a week on Maui, then the remainder on Kauai or the Big Island to see somenthing different. I know some will say that's too much "island jumping", but I don't think so.

I agree with Bill. 2 weeks is more than enough time to see more than 2 islands. Of course there are those who prefer to relax and do water sports. If you are a bit more energetic of adventurous, I would suggest you do Oahu, Hawaii and Maui in that order of preference. And, you should still have time to choose another island for a short trip. Each island is different and each person likes different things so it all depends on what you like and what kind of a traveler you are. I am the type that will never lie on a beach as to me it seems such a waste of time. Others, however spend a lot of time doing that.

Skip Oahu. We did the Big Island,Kaui,and Maui. Kaui was my favorite - great beauty,beaches and quiet. Big Island was the most unique - the Volcanoes National Park was fascinating. maui had the most activities but was my least favorite - A little too busy for me but I did love Haleakala. So it really depends on what you like.

We have been to Hawaii 3 times. I liked a little of Oahu (the North Shore). My favorite was Maui, then we spent some time on Kauai. Kauai is more layed back but we love the Poipu area. We were on the Big Island last year. Stay at a beautiful resort, but it was my least favorite. All the Islands have their own beauty!!!

I concur with sveral of the folks above. Here's what I'd suggest: <BR>1. 1-2 nights Oahu (USS Arizona, snorkel Hanauma Bay, Waikiki Beach, hike up Diamond Head <BR>2. Go to Kauai & Big Island

I have been Hawaii twice and actually got married there. Never been fo Ohahu here it is very commercial. I have been to Maui, Kauai and Big Island. My favorite is Kauai and Big Island.

I love the Big Island. I'd avoid the big resorts, though (strictly a matter of personal preference, I realize). We stayed in the mountains at a B&B on a coffee plantation. My feeling is that to a certain extent you miss the "real" Hawaii, especially on the Big Island, if you stay at the large resorts. It largely depends on what interests you.

Kauai & Big Island. I would skip the "action" the beauty is well worth the sacrifice. I can't imagine not going to the volcano at night and the North Shore of Kauai is to die for. I also like Kokee park & Waimea canyon on West side of Kauai. <BR> <BR>Think about how much time you have. I had two weeks this past summer and found that I should have concentrated on one island. I divided my time looking as you seem to be at nature and nightlife. <BR> <BR>I lived on Oahu so I knew what I was getting into. I really enjoyed Oahu but my guests were very disappointed leaving the beauty of the North Shore. I would hike, swim go to two islands if you must. I would not suggest this. If you have never been you might get rapped up in the beauty. I don’t think Hawaii is best discovered by touring but by relaxing and participating in outdoor activities you mentioned. Touring is for Europe, Asia and elsewhere IMO. <BR>

Wow, thank you for all those responses. I think that while everyone has different tastes, the verdict on visiting Kauai is virtually unanimous. Will probably spend some time in either Maui or Oahu just because of flights. I appreciate your feedback!

First, Oahu for its nightlife and for easing into the Hawaii lifestyle. (Keep in mind that Honolulu is a CITY.) Then Maui for a closer look at the real Hawaii. Finally, the Big Island for the volcano and its wonderful local people.

My vote is <BR>#1 Kauai(the prettiest of all) <BR>#2 Hawaii (Big Island) <BR>I'd skip Maui, but might consider a night in Waikiki because it is fun. <BR>Jill

Kauai is a must see!! Do a helicopter ride. I went with Jack Harter helicopters. Also did a sportfishing charter with Kauai Sportfishing. Only way to see the Napali coast. You won't regret it!!!

My favorite Island is the Big Island. Such a diversity of climate and scenery.Volcano is a must see. Lush tropical north and dry sunny Kona and in the center of it all you can even go snow skiing ! Would choose Kauai as 2nd Island. But those 2 choices are for scenic beauty , for being near "action". I'd go with Oahu and Maui,but then with nightlife comes commercialization and crowds and traffic and a real loss of natural beauty; of course Maui and Oahu are not without natural beauty but not in Honolulu or Lahaina where the "action" is.

"FIRST" THEY DON'T CALL IT PARADISE BY MISTAKE.I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF GOING EVERY YEAR. MAUI IS GREAT THE SUNRISE FROM THE TOP OF "HALAEKALA" IS SOME THING YOU WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE AGAIN ANYWHERE, IF YOUR INTO BIKING TRY THE SUNRISE MAUI DOWNHILL TRIP. THEY PICK YOU UP AT ABOUT 4am TAKE YOU UP TO BE THERE BEFORE THE SUN WAKES UP THEN YOU TAKE A LIESURELY 38 MILE DOWN HILL RIDE WHICH ID ALL DOWN HILL EXCEPT 400YARDS TOWARDS THE END OF THE TRIP YOU STOP AT A MOUNTAIN SIDE RESTURANT FOR A NICE EASY BREAKFAST THEN CONTINUE.THE TRIP IS NOT AT ALL STRENUOUS OR DEMANDING YOU COAST DOWN AT A NICE PACE TO TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS.IF YOUR INTERESTED A GREAT COMPANY THAT I HAVE USED A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS IS "MAUI DOWNHILL" 1-800-535-BIKE.AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE SEEING THESE ISLANDS FROM A HELICOPTER. NOW THE "FLOWER ISLAND" KAUI IS VERY LAID BACK COMPARED TO MAUI BUT FOR SCENERY YOU CAN'T BEAT THE NAPALI COASTLINE FROM A HELICOPTER THE ONLY OTHER WAY IS BY CATAMARAN WHICH WILL TAKE YOU UP THE COASTLINE TO HOOK UP WITH ZODIAKS THAT TAKE YOU INTO THE WATER CAVES ANOTHER EXPEREINCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET OR YOU CAN HIKE THE GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC WIAEMIA CANYON.YOU CAN GO EVERY YEAR AND STILL NOT DO EVERYTHING YOU WNT TO BUT YOU CAN DO THE THINGS YOU LIKE TWICE ALOHA JOHN FITZPATRICK

ATTENTION: JOHN FITZPATRICK------URGENT <BR> <BR>Your CAPS KEY is stuck.

If you only have two weeks go to Kauai. One week on the North Shore One week on the West Shore. Important not to tour Hawaii it keeps you from absorbing the tranquility.