I'm starting to plan for our trip to Hawaii next winter (Feb or Mar '07). We're traveling from the East Coast and will probably stay 2 weeks. I have a timeshare and want to trade for a week in Hawaii, but I'm not sure which island to go to. The remainder of the time, we would do some island hopping.

It's our first trip and I want to see everything and also some time to relax at the beach. I'd love your suggestions! Thanks!

maui for sure. Oahu too crowded and not relaxing at all.

Sorry, I disagree that Oahu cannot be relaxing and that it is 'too crowded"..it all depends on what sorts of things you want to do and what kind of nightlife, if any, you want, types of sights, etc. Oahu has some of the best beaxches in the state IMO and there's a lot moe to do than stare at yet another golf course and another Wyland "painting"....if you have time I'd try to do a little of both.

We are ALL biased about which islands are "best' so I suggest you do some more reading

Yes, it all depends on what you are looking for out of Hawaii. For a first visit, I think either Oahu or Maui would be fine. If you want action as my late dad would say, pick Oahu. Waikiki was his favorite people watching spot. If you want more relaxation and a slower pace (but there's some action too!), pick Maui.

Intrepid- There's a lot more to Maui than Wyland paintings and golf courses. I've actually never stayed at a resort area on Maui. Only B&B's in my three visits, and I stayed in Hiku/ Paia in the beautiful Maui upcountry. There's Hana, Haleakala and Kula. Don't forget great Makawao. I only went into a Wyland gallery once, and never stepped fot on a golf course. It all depends on where you go, and the same can be said of Oahu.

I recommend what I did: buy all four of the 'blue books', The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty & Harriett Friedman (Wizard Publications Inc.). Read them and compare what you read there to what you read here , research trip reports, etc. That will help you decide!

However, I don't really think you can make a wrong decision...it's just a matter of where you start, 'cause whatever you don't choose, you will want to return for later!

Have Fun! Belle

There's more to do and see on Oahu than any other island:


Lots of ideas & websites:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831

www.mauihawaii.org

www.visitmaui.com

www.bigisland.org

www.kauaidiscovery.com

www.kauai-hawaii.com

You can't go wrong with either island!

Maybe if you give us some insight to your travel preferences and what you might like to see/do...we could help direct you better.

aloha!

With two full weeks, you have plenty of time to see two islands, Oahu and Maui, and maybe even a few days on the Big Island.

My wife and daughters like the shopping and sights of Honolulu, while I prefer the slower pace of the BI. Maui falls somewhere in between.



I think one is much more likely to kick back on Maui or the BI, though two weeks of kicking back in one spot is a little much for me.

We go to Hawaii every couple of years and usually do a week on Maui, a week on the BI and a couple of days in HNL on the way out to satisfy the shopping urge and make absolutely certain that all available funds have been expended.
I'm told it is dangerous to carry cash on eastbound transPacific flights.

Agree with Spokaneman. With 2 weeks, why not go to both islands???

Also agree that Oahu can be just as relaxing as the other islands.

I find it disappointing, that no one has injected Kauai into this thread. Surely it warrants some consideration. I know I am not alone, with it on the top of the list, as my favorite of the islands!

kanunu: Don't be too disappointed, as I did recommend the purchase of EACH of the island books for her perusal, so that she can consider her own likes and make a choice!.

For what it's worth, I SO wanted to include Kauai this past year, but we just could not work it out . Maybe in a year or so!

Belle

I have to add my two cents - although Maui is pretty, my hands-down favorite is Oahu. There is so much to see and do, and for a first-timer I think it's good to have such an abundant selection. And don't let anyone tell you it's too crowded, etc - it can be, or not, it depends on where you stay and what you do. Honolulu and Waikiki make up only a portion of the island - there's a lot more left that's not as busy. But it's all good and you'll love whatever island you choose - that I am sure of. Have a great trip. Be sure to come back here when you have more details settled and let us rave about all of our favorites and help you plan your trip. That may be the closest I get to Hawaii (again) this year!

There's no doubt that if you want to see everything, you can go to Oahu for that (but yes, spend some time on other islands as well). I always say on this board: When you come to Hawaii for the first time--especially if you are from a large metro area--you should come to Oahu to detox FIRST, before moving on to the other islands. Otherwise it may be like culture shock!

And I agree, there's lots of ways to relax on Oahu. Here's a thread on why people love Oahu.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34515901

Well, thanks everyone!
I hadn't thought of Kauia before, but someone at work mentioned it today and raved about it. I'm going to read some more about each of the islands.
Thanks again!

Suggest renting a condo in the Wailea area of South Maui...you'll not be disappointed!

We quit going to Oahu years ago, and very much prefer Maui. Kauai is nice, but not not so much to "do."

MelissaHI - Mahalo for resurrecting that thread!!!