My husband and I will be visiting Hawaii for the 1st time in January 2002. We will spend 3 days near Honolulu as he has a business meeting to attend. We then want to go to either Kauai or the Big Island for 5 days. Which would you suggest for people who prefer quiet scenic places rather than very commercial, touristy areas? Also what are the recommended places to visit on these islands in the winter if we don't want to be rained on all day? Thanks for your help.

I really think you would be happier with Kauaii, especially the Poipu area. There isn't much to see that isn't outside on either Island.

The rains tend to concentrate in certain parts of the islands (generally north and east). The suggestion of Poipu in Kauai is because it's south, in the sunnier/drier part of the island. But the prettiest parts of Kauai are north, where the rain is. Best plan is to stay in a drier, sunnier area, and pick times of day to visit the other areas of the island after checking the weather.
Big Island isn't nearly as lush, in fact it's very scrubby in many areas, but it has the outstanding Volcanoes National Park area and some great beaches. There's a bit more diversity in terms of things to do and see IMO.
Neither island is touristy or commercialized, and both are the favorites of outdoorsy types who like hiking and natural beauty.
Overall, the 2 islands are a toss-up. One should plan to see both at some point, even if it means a return trip.
Kauai is smaller and easier to 'digest' in a few days.

While I have never been to the Big Island, my husband has many times and he LOVED Kauai (we just got back from 2 weeks in Kauai in May). Kauai is definitely a beautiful island. We stayed up north in Hanalei at the Hanalei Colony Resort for one week and down in the Poipu area the second week. Poipu is definitely more sunny but the north shore is absolutely beautiful. My favorite beach on the island is Kee beach (good snorkeling) at the entrance to the NaPali Coast Hike in the north shore. I've heard that Kauai is the most laid back of the developed islands and one of the prettiest. We had a wonderful time. If you want a sunny beach vacation then I would stick with the Poipu area although in my opinion it is a little more touristy than the north shore Hanalei area. The week we were up north it only rained twice and only for a short time during the day. Its a pretty long drive up north to Hanalei from Poipu because it is only a two lane road so if you plan to stay at Poipu and visit the north shore area leave early in the morning and make a day of it. Have fun!

This is a toughy - we went to both and loved both but with only 5 days you really can only do one.
Here are pluses and minor negatives of each:
Big Island
Volcano National Park - wonderful
Lots of Driving - it really is the big island
Kaui
BEST Beaches, gorgeous scenery
No Volcano
I would probably choose Kaui but the choice is difficult.

Poipu is ok at best on Kauai but the North Shore is real attraction on Kauai. Well perhaps the area north west of Poipu, Waimae Canyon and Alakai Swamp area (look up the later before you snicker). In January I would stear clear of Kauai. The north Shore is the most spectacular part of the Island and that is the rainy season. Consider Maui for whale watching during that time and then yes another 5 days Big Island. Don't forget to see the Volcano at night. You could do the Big Island in 10 days. It is the BIG Island you know and that involves a lot of driving. I go to Kauai every year but you would never find me there in January unless you are up for pounding surf and rain which could be great but is that what you are looking for.

You're talking two completely different islands and experiences, here. If you like lots of lava, you might want to try the Big Island. And, as its name implies, it's a "big" island, one definitely requiring a car to navigate and some hiking if you want to get to some of the nicer beaches. There is also an active volcano you can get pretty close to by a fairly long hike. Just went to the Big Island last year. Personally,although it's been several years since I've been there, my fondest memories are of Kuaui. So many great memories of snorkeling with the most colorful fish you can imagine, smelling the island air while driving the island in a jeep, seeing the green, "grand canyon" of Kuaui, sitting on the beach as the sun sets in peaceful solitude..having a true feeling of being on a small island out in the middle of a huge ocean....Got any extra room in your luggage?!

This is a very, very easy choice - go to Kauai. I've been to both island and I was disappointed in the Big Island. It was a waste of time and it scenery is not that great. Kauai, on the other hand, is heaven on earth. The island is very lush and tropical. We stayed in a cottage on Secret Beach and loved our Na Pali view. Also if you go to Kausi, I suggest buying "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook". It is a book written by people who live on Kauai. By using the book, we got off the beaten path and was able to really enjoy the island.

January I would go to Maui and check out the whales. A lot of driving on BI but a better due to weather conditions on kauai. Poipu area really not worth the trek.

I have not been to the Big Island, but I was in Kauai in May 2001. I liked it because it was very scenic and not real touristy. However, I don't have any idea how rainy it would be there in January.

I strongly agree with all the posters that suggest Kauai over the Big Island. Since it is a January trip will strongly suggest staying in Poipu Beach. There are great condo rentals on the beach and hotels to fit any budget on Kauai. Also, a few great restaurants - ‘BeachHouse,’ ‘Tidepools’ in the Hyatt Regency and of course, Roy’s. There are plenty of things to do on Kauai, especially if you prefer quiet scenic places.

We went to the big island of Hawaii in February 2000. If you're looking for sandy beaches, there aren't any. We had a good time, stayed at the Royal Sea Cliffs, a wonderful condo. You MUST have a car, it's a BIG island and is quite rural. There's no way to get around without a car. We drove to Hilo on the rainy side, it took an entire day, six to eight hours. If you have another choice, go to Maui, it's got whales and great beaches.

It very much depends on what you like to see and do. I haven't been to Kauai, but I've been to the BI a few times. It's quite true that there aren't many sandy beaches, but I found it a wonderful and diverse place. We stayed at a B&B on a coffee plantation. The Big Island is the only working island with industry other than tourism, which to me made it more interesting. I think you'd probably get more consistently beautiful scenery on Kauai, from what the other posters say, but we found the BI absolutely gorgeous.

Hyatt Regency Kauai is one ofthe mbest hotels I've ever stayed in. Great spa and staff is very attentive. If you go, you must try the fish tacos at Keiokis in the shopping plaza at Poipu Beach...we even took them to go to the airport when we were leaving!!

Dear Lisa,
I visited the Big Island August 2000. I just loved it. The first thing you must do is get a book on Hawaii. I recommend The Unofficial Guide to Hawaii or Hawaii for Dummies. You definetly do not want to go to Kauai in January if in fact it rains a lot. Also make sure whereever you decide to go you stay on the drier side of the island. I think the dry side is south. The Big Island is very interesting and aweinspiring. The black lava everywhere is something to behold. This is how the islands were created. Take a helicopter ride over the volcano. It is awesome. We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa and loved it. They have dolphins swimming in a lagoon right on property. Good luck in planning your trip and make sure you buy yourself a Tour Book. It will be money well spent, especially to check out the side of the island that it rains the most.