Yes, I admit it - I am looking for a major shortcut through the vast information that exists about the different Hawaiian islands. My husband and I (in our 30's) wish to travel to Hawaii (with free miles tickets!) in July. Could someone please help us choose which island? We've never been to Hawaii before. Here is some of what we're looking for: beautiful beaches and great ocean area to swim in, convenient boat rental/snorkeling/etc., a variety of nearby restaurants and shops, a luxury resort ON THE BEACH. We're not much into guided tours or historical stuff, but would enjoy a nice hike or bike ride to see a waterfall or something beautiful. Thanks to all!!!

You've described Maui. You probably need to look at the Marriott's Maui Ocean Club Resort or the Westin Maui, or some of the other resorts on the Ka'anapali beach area of Maui which are directly on the beach and 5 miles away from all of the restaurant/shopping action in Lahaina. I just got back less than 24 hours ago and I'm already ready to go back.

I second Maui. Check out both the Kannapali area and Wailea. Both have luxury properties on the beach. Kannapali has a lot more action and is close to Lahaina with tons of shops and more restaurants. Wailea is quieter and a bit more remote, but still has plenty of restaurants(although many are connected to the hotels in that area), beachfront luxury resorts. The Kapalua area (Ritz Carlton) is probably too quiet for you.

I concur with the Maui suggestions. I believe staying in Kaanapali would be a great choice given its beachside resorts. It's also just a few minutes from Lahaina with its big selection of restaurants and shops. Kaanapali is not far from the main harbor from where most of the snorkling cruises depart.

While Wailea and Makena has some great resorts as well it is much farther from Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Maalaea (the harbor). This area does have its place as being more of a "get away from it all" kinda location.

Either way I don't think you'll wrong. Enjoy your stay.

Sorry to rain on the parade, but I would vote for Kauai. The Island is paradise. I have gone to Maui twice, but find it a bit too commercial for my tastes. I can shop on the mainland. For unspoiled beauty and a very relaxing time KAUAI. The Hyatt and the Marriott are rated highly for beachfront resorts, but you can check out some other sites for other resorts. Email me if you have any questions.

Bonnie, I can understand your point. Kauai is gorgeous, but for first timers it may be a bit too much of "getting away from it all." At least with Maui you can stay in the commercial areas if you want or you can just disappear into the mountains or a small beach.

Maui! a no-brainer. Follow Barb's suggestions.

Take a read of notes under Joyful Journeys at www.senior-infosite.com
You should get a few ideas from there.

Have fun!

Hawaii is H-E-A-V-E-N!

Stacy I would also go with Maui! I have also been to Oahu and the Big Island and Maui really just encompasses everything! Have a wonderful time!

I have to agree with Bonnie - Kauai is spectacular and exotic. I'm not interested in hitting the malls or night clubs on vacation, I can do that at home. If you want to go somewhere and really feel like you've been someplace special and different, I would choose Kauai.

I also vote for Kauai but am happy to hear the parade is still leaving for Maui so that my island paradise on the North Shore of Kauai is preserved.

Go to Maui, you have quiet if you want it and a lovely little town if you want a few shops and restaurants, so many good ones that its difficult to make a choice. Great snorkelling and diving, go out to Molokini Island. Kaanapaali, sorry probably spelt wrong is great and buses run back and forth between here and the town.

Stay away from Waikiki. Maui is awesome.

One word: KAUAI

Oh yeah, don't waste your time on the Big Island...It was boring and I couldn't wait to fly back to Kauai.

You don't say how long you're going for. We love Kaui's north shore-Napali Coast. We also love Hana. And we just returned from Lanai and the 4S Maui. It comes down to what you want to spend, do you want paradise or the Lahaina/Kaanapalli strip, which is fine if that is the tourist thing you're looking for...we always start our trip to Maui at the Hula grille and then back away from the croud. If you want top end, go for 4S, book their cheapest room, it really doesn't matter, Princeville, and The Lodge at Keole, we didnt' look at the rooms at Hotel lanie, they are more affordable and you get to see both grand resorts and use their services...any of these three islands is wonderful, just make sure you get out and see the island...it is so much more than the resort areas.

Having been there almost 10 times over the past 25 years, (age 48), I think I would start on Maui and then finish up on Kauai. You really need almost 10 days, but it is worth it. Maui is busier, but you can get all the shopping etc done on that island and then really chill out on Kauai. You can't go wrong on either one. We are heading back again for 8 days to Maui, but if we had time, we would definitely go to Kauai. Stay away from Oahu. Big city and crowded. Have been to the Big Island also. Not my style and everything is a fairly big drive away. Hard to have a nice bottle of wine and then drive home! Poipu area is nice on Kauai and of course anywhere along the Kaanapali-Kapalua areas is a great location to stay. We really enjoy the condo thing. Saves a few bucks and eating breakfast in your robe on the lanai is the best!
Have a great trip.

Agree with ssssss. Too many people going to Kauai....Everyone should go to Maui and the BI. ;^)

Agree that Kaui is lovely (esp the N Shore) and less crowded than Maui, but I love Maui as well (also love Big Island). Agree you should stay away from Oahu. One thing nobody mentioned is the weather! The weather is generally better in Maui than in Kaui (particularly the N. shore), although I don't know how it will be in July, when you're going.

Interesting that some think Kaui is better because less crowded, yet others urge you to stay in the West Maui, which is way more crowded than the Walea area (S. Maui). We just got back from Walea and loved it (and the weather was great!) Lahaina seemed like a zoo to us, although I'll admit a cruise ship was in dock. (Also the weather in Lahaina was cold and windy -- I assume this won't apply in July)