I am planning a trip next June for about 12 people in their 20's and I am confused. Oahu is NOT the Big Island, correct? I am looking for opinions on which one is better. I am pushing more for Oahu, but someone I know that lives there says it's like one big city. I'm looking for lava fields or something fun like that. I'd also like to do some snorkeling, dolphin swimming, shopping, eating..you know the whole 9. We also considered Maui but a few people that are coming have already been. So..Oahu or somewhere else?? Help me!
Rachel

Aloha Rachel!
Oahu and the Big Island (Hawaii) are indeed different islands. Planning a trip to Hawaii for the first time can be a bit daunting.

Buy yourself a Fodors, Frommers or Lonely Planet book on Hawaii that covers all the major islands. That will give you some basic island info and then you'll have more of an idea which direction to go. It's what I did when I first started visiting Hawaii and it helped a lot. My first few trips (Ages 15, 16, 18 and 21 and 25) were to Oahu and contrary to what your friend says, it is not one big city. It has one big city on it, but it also has much more. I had a blast.

Have fun planning!

-Bill

Rachel,

Sounds like the Big Island, but Bill’s advice is good get a Lonely planet or other from the library and do some research.
Here is a quick thumbnail of the islands:

Oahu - Honolulu is the big airport there (HNL). Oahu is the most populated. It has Waikiki beach, tons of shopping and nightlife and also tons of attractions to visit or tour. It has the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor. Usually the cheapest island to visit. Much to do and it is worth exploring out of the Honolulu area. About ¾ of Hawaii’s population on the third largest island

Maui - Kahului Airport is the main airport (OGG). Maui is probably the second most populated island. It too has lots of tourists, shopping and nightlife with some very spectacular sightseeing. Bit like a “Disney” version of Hawaii, it has the most condos and timeshares, I believe more than Oahu even.

Kauai - Lihue Airport (LIH). Kauai has somewhat limited shopping and nightlife but probably the best hiking. Very lush and good for seclusion, more true Hawaii feel.

Hawaii (Also called the Big Island) Either Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO) are the main airports. The island offers an active volcano, black, white and green sand beaches and tons of places to sightsee with amazing variety and drama. Overall it is larger than all the islands combined. This island has something like 11 of 13 microclimates on the planet, and has the best snorkeling of all the islands. Also more laid back and offers a true Hawaiian feel.

Molokai - MKK is the airport there. Molokai has some of the very best beaches but offers very little in the way of tourist activities other than sight seeing.

Lanai - LNY airport. Lanai has two resorts and a small hotel. There are virtually no tourist activities, little shopping and no nightlife. Lanai is for those who want total peace and quiet for the most part.

Do some research, check out some books from the library (stay away from the “revealed” books) and once you have decided, this forum and TripAdvisor will be very helpful in getting your questions answered to have the best trip.

Good luck and happy travels!

Oahu is the best island.

Honolulu/Waikiki is a big city. The rest of Oahu is much like the others.

Lots to do on Oahu:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Oahu. I love Hawaii, the Big Island, espsecially the Kohala Coast, but for your purposes I suggest Oahu.

We lived on Oahu for 3 years. As has been said, Honolulu is huge, and commute traffic is like any big city, or worse.

But IMHO it has the best beaches of the islands; you can get away from the Honolulu "hub" and go to the windward side of the island or the North Shore (huge waves). 30 minutes out of Honolulu gets you to very quiet, very out of the way places on the island, but you have the great advantage of both Honolulu and interesting attractions, for ex., Pearl Harbor--the Navy tour seems to be best-- and snorkeling, which can be good if you get to Haunama Bay EARLY in the day. And tremendous dining options.

My best "insider" recommendation is to go to Bellows Air Force recreation area -- there are two gates -- the first gate, operated Mon-Fri, keeps people out of the whole area (in which case, go to Lanikai, Kailua, or Waimanalo beaches), but on the weekends, they step back the military checkpoint in to the second gate, leaving lots of beautiful beach and tree-covered areas for picnics, etc. Bellows has some of the best waves on the island.

I'm making the assumption that this arrangement, apparently to accommodate local folks, hasn't changed post 9-11.

Just type in "Which island" and you might pull up a few threads to help you along.....

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34816826

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34822993

Oahu has the big city, but also has beautiful country, breathtaking ocean panoramas, museums, history, culture, shopping, dining, hiking. Oahu doesn't have lava fields, though, I will admit that.

I've vacationed on both islands and I like the Big Island (BI) better. But it just depends on what type of vacation you want. The BI is less developed and has more of an adventurous feel. You can spend several days exploring the Volcano National Park and there's a cool winery nearby. There's no big city feeling at all. Hilo has a lot of local shops and restaurants and a great homemade ice cream shop. The drive from Hilo to Kona is great, there's a bunch of places to stop for small hikes and waterfalls. Kona can get congested, but there's a bunch of beach side shops and places to eat. The best snorkling ever is at Cooks Monument and one of the only ways to get there is to take a kayak across the bay. Most people see dolphins and turtles here. Oahu defintely has more of a city feel, Honolulu is like a tropical Las Vegas and there's tons of shopping! But Hanauma Bay is a great place for snorkling and good for beginners. The North Shore is also a cool place to see as well as Pearl Harbor. But if your really looking for that island feeling, like your far from home, go to the BI!

Neither,

With an age group such as yours Maui is where you need to be.

My vote for a group in their 20's is definitely Oahu.

There is a mix of things to do;

There are the Luau's (Germaines, Polynesian Cultural Centers, Paradise Cove). There is snorkeling at Haunauma Bay, Pupukea (north shore), great beaches- Waikiki, Sandy beach, Sunset beach. Shopping is great; Lots of night life. And all the history, relaxation and natural sights too.

Just a good mix of things!

Well all I needed to read was 12 in their 20's, of course Oahu and in Waikiki.

In Waikiki you the Kapiolani park, zoo, aquarium, TONS OF shops designed for teens, higher end stores they can dream shop. About 2 miles from Waikik you have restaurant row,WARDwharehouse, WARD ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX. its a no brainer Oahu. A lot of bars in Waikik, don't have worry about driving home.

I have not been to Maui in 10years but I remember 1 strip in Lahaina. sure there is more now but if it held a candle to Oahu in terms of commercial attractions, no beach tourists would want to go there. That is my take.

Hands down--Big Island! If you want tons of traffic, heat, tons of people, and a big city feel, go to Chicago in August! It's way cheaper than Oahu. Pearl Harbor is awesome, and the only reason I'd ever go back.