We are going for a 9 day trip to Hawaii. We want to cover all the important spots as we may not go there again.
We planned for a 5 day stay at Maui and 4 days at Oahu. However now we are thinking about Kauai also. Is it worth to visit Kauai when we already have Mauai in the plan.Are Maui and Kauai anyway different. Are there enough things to do in Oahu fr 4 days. we dont too much like commercialized places (as I heard about Oahu) , but we dont want to make our trip routine (just similar beaches in Kauaiand Maui) Any experienced thoughts would be helpful.

Each island is very unique. One doesn't replace the other.

only thing commercial about oahu is waikiki. stay on the windward, northshore side. both maui and kauai are nice, big island is better. maui is great for night life, kauai is slow-pace compared to the other major islands. hope that helps.

Nothing compares to Kauai! It is the garden isle because it is so beautiful and green and no hi rise buildings like Maui and Oahu. It is still very hawaiian. Don't listen to the stories of "it always rains" thinking that will ruin your stay. We have been there 11 times and have never been rained out. Maybe we are just lucky. It rains some every day - hence the Garden Isle - but depending on time of year, the rain passes after a brief shower.
The beaches are wonderful and not wall to wall people, hiking is great, good restaurants, snorkeling, kayaking. I don't think it is as commercialized as Maui which is another reason I love it.

Here's a good thread for Oahu.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34652188

For Maui:

www.mauihawaii.org

the 'commercialized places' you hear about on Oahu... people are probably referring to Honolulu/Waikiki which is a big city and a compact tourist area respectively. or maybe some specific tourist attractions like the polynesian cultural center.

"We want to cover all the important spots as we may not go again." In 9 days? That is not possible.

So many people seem to approach their trips to the islands as "forced marches" and miss the whole point of visiting the islands.

Why are you not considering the Big Island?

I would pick one island and go for it and don't worry about whether or not you'll go back.

-Bill

So you're saying Maui, right Bill?!?!?!

oooooh Bill, you are getting good! You responded to the this post without mentioning the awful "K" word once . Kal would be so proud.

lvk,
Great minds!!!!

I agree with the others about covering "all the important spots' in 9 days. I woulsit down one night and really think about whay you really want to do and see while you're there? What's MOST important for YOU??

OAHU: Many people go for Waikiki and Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona Memorial) due to the WWII history.

Big Island: The biggest draw may be the active Volcanos, probably the best scuba diving (so I've been told - going to find out in 2006)!!

MAUI: Lahaina and most "action" in my opinion but also plenty of nice beaches to visit, great snorkeling, probably the most golf?, etc...

KAUAI: Scenic and green, least commercialized feel, beautigul clear water, cleanest and deserted beaches on our trip in April, more laid back than Maui and Oahu...

So do you want Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead? Volcanos? Are you super active? Do you want to relax on quiet beaches?

lvk and Kal,
Thanks for noticing. I think I am finally recovered from the K-Krud that was afflicting me since...

-Bill

Oh, yes, Maui, hands down!

-Bill

I've only been to Kauai and Maui - they are different. I greatly preferred Kauai. I think it had better scenery and I like the fact it was less developed. Like someone else said, you have to decide what it is you're interested in to really make your decision.