I am at a loss as to what island to choose.
Please tell me your experiences and your thoughts on what island is the best.

I am a shame to have the same first name

I can't belive this post. This is the worst ever on this forum question asked.

Start with search here, go to the bookstore and get some guide books, do some reading and then ask specific questions

I went to Maui and Kauai in July, and they seemed to be the best island for what we wanted-- a lot of activities and beauty in Maui, and a lot of natural beauty and romance in Kauai. Depending on whether you have kids, like big cities, or whatever, you may or may not prefer one of the other islands.

July was our first trip to HI, too, and both in choosing our islands, and in deciding what to do there, we found the Hawaii for Dummies book to be by far the most useful. It kind of lays everything out for you very simply. There is even a "test" to decide which island is for you. Maui and Kauai are what we scored most on, and we also made that decision based on what we read here. Do a search under Hawaii for "best islands" or the names of various islands, and read what people have to say.

Have fun!

The other Jackie:
Are you for real? This is a reasonable question. Different islands have a variety of things to see and do.
My favorite is Maui. I love the nightlife, the beach, and driving around can be fun.

Jackie, Jackie, Jackie to avoid such responses you need to give us more information. What are you interested in, are you going alone, with husband, partner, family, granchildren?

Jackie 3 is right , I should have been more precise.
I am going with my 2 best friends. They are a married couple. We love nature and we plan to rent a car. We would like a more low key area opposed to a huge city. We love museums and just hanging out on the beach with a picnic.

Congrats. Have fun.

For stunning nature and beaches, I'd choose Kauai, and I'd stay on the northern side. Maui is also gorgeous, and has a bit more "activity" but isn't quite as lush and naturally amazing as Kauai.

As for museums, maybe others can speak to those-- I don't think of Hawaii as a place where most travelers are focused on museums, because I, for one, would rather be outside enjoying the natural environment. But if it's museums you're after, maybe Honolulu? It's the largest city, and so probably has museums. It also has Pearl Harbor. But it definitely won't be "low key."

My advice is to do a search on this site first. After reading all of the comments one gets a much better idea of what each island offers. Prior to finding this site I had a really limited knowledge of the different islands but the various threads made it easier to figure out what each island offers. After you narrow down your choice buy one of the books everyone recommends and plan!

After reading many of the threads I have definately decided on Oahu and Kauai---I think...

ttt

I book TONS of Hawaii for my clients and most of them are first-timers. But they all go to different places. The most common first-time trip I book is to Oahu. Those who have more money and more time, I book Oahu and one outer island, usually Maui or the Big Island. It just depends on what kind of vacation you want as to what would be best for you. Find a good Travel Agent who is a Hawaii specialist and give them your budget, a good agent will ask you lots of questions, if they don't, find one who will. Good luck!

Dear [email protected]
Wow you must be so worldly if this is the dumbest question you have heard. Please enlighten us with your travel experiences. We are all waiting.

My first trip, we spent only 3 nights on Oahu to see Pearl Harbour and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (loved it!). Then we went to the Big Island to enjoy the volcanoes and just relax on the beach. It was peacful and perfect and I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Kauai or the Big Island for less tourists and great beaches. On Kauai - the north shore is spectacular if you like to hike, take a zodiac boat and snorkel etc. Poipu beach on the south end is very nice with a variety of hotels. For a remote beach, go to Barking Sands or Pole Hale beach - off the beaten track and deserted. On the big island, you won't lush beauty; volcano national park, parker ranch, orchid orchards, black sand beach, green sand beach, etc. maui is very tourist-y but could also be a good place if its your first time there. if you want a lot of nightlife, stay at Kaanapali, if not, go south to McKenna or Wailea.

Ok..if you love nature I recommend Kauai. The northeastern part of the island is particularly lush. You can hike the Napali coast, get in some great snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. The Kauai museum in downtown Lihue has a good history exhibit of the island. We used the guidebook "Hidden Kauai" and got some great tips. Also..if they are still in business you should check out "Auntie Angeline's" I think in Kilhuea..this is a body experience beyond belief. They do something called Lomi Lomi massage. If you can't get it there there should be some other places on the island that offer it. Aloha