Next year, my college roommate & I are both retiring & to celebrate, our husbands are giving us a trip to Hawaii together! I've been to all the islands and love each one for various reasons. But she's never been to Hawaii & is leaving our itinerary to me, so I need your help!

Please tell me which island best captures the magic, beauty & spirit of Hawaii for you & why.

We're looking for a very laid back 2 weeks, with lots of beach time as well as a luau, a helicopter tour & sail charter & anything else that looks interesting. And every night we'll probably seek out the perfect spot for sunset cocktails & pu-pus!

Thank you for your input!

My all-time favorite is and always has been Oahu. IMO there is more to do and it has more to offer - per square mile - than the other islands do, although they are all wonderful in their own right. I just never tire of Oahu and, yes I love Waikiki the best. I think I love it for the energy and electricity that just seems to run through it. I enjoy people and people watching and there's no better place than Waikiki for that.

On Oahu you have it all - beauty, peace & quiet, and hustle & bustle. You can get away from it all, or stay in the middle of it. You can hike, explore and lose yourself. You can shop, eat and drink in any number of great environments or cuisines. There's history everywhere, there's culture. And there's just that glorious aloha spirit oozing out of every place and everyone. What better place to go? I haven't found it and don't think I ever will. How nice for you & your friend to have such great hubbys to send you off on such a marvelous adventure - and congratulations on your retirement!

Ditto to Bashful's answer! Great shopping, incredible natural beauty, beaches galore, tons of restaurant and hotel choices....Have a great trip, it sounds like a dream come true and so do your husbands!!!!

Having been to 3 of the islands my vote is for Kauai. North shore of this island was heaven on earth. Really it was paradise. My hubby would love to move to Hanalei-the prettiest town. People are friendly not crowede or to comericalized and there are so many beaches to explore. This island is lush! You cannot go wrong with the North Shore of Kauai.

Spent first half of my life on Kauai, second half (so far! ) on Oahu.

Have to say our favorite place to go and unwind is the Big Island.

We stay out on the Kohala coast away from everything. Truly in a world of your own there. I get nice and relaxed just thinking about it...

Hi Dayreamin. What a great trip you are planning. Of course you can't really go wrong on any island, but for someone who has never been, I would consider spending a few days on O'ahu and the rest of the time on Kaua'i. That to me is a good blend--I too love Waikiki and there are so many beautiful beaches and things to do on O'ahu...but I think the beauty and serenity of Kaua'i is matchless. So for what it is worth, that is my vote.

I guess it depends what you mean by magic. If you want to see the unique experience of what it's like to live in paradise with a staggering array of cultures and people interwoven -- that's Oahu. It's hard to understand if you haven't lived there, but it's definitely special. If you're looking for natural magic, I would say the Big Island. Beautiful things you won't see anywhere else in the world.

I too love all the islands but if I had to pick one, it would be Kauai for it's dramatic beauty, lushness, friendly people & as someone else said, it's heaven on earth. And even with all the resorts & condos, it doesn't seem as touristy.

My second choice would be Oahu for all the reasons above.

Good luck with your intinerary. It sounds like a wonderful trip!

I posted a thread on the same topic a while back here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34552277

I'm excited too because I've been to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island but my mom has never been and we're going in September. I've been trying to decide what she would love the most based on what her vision of a Hawaiian vacation is, it's a fun problem!

love
roxy

Thank you for the great replies! Anyone else?????

Roxy, let me know which islands you decide for your trip with you Mom.

Anyone else???? PLEASE!!!

Cal...except you because we all know you thing Kauai is terrible

Aloha daydreamin,

I can't get enough of the islands... I love them all for their own unique character. I also am excited... like Roxy, I'm bringing my mom to Hawaii for her 64th birthday this June/July. I've decided on Kauai... she's only been to Maui once, and let's just say she was a little disappointed. She loves the Caribbean... especially small islands with no traffic lights, quiet days filled with beach hopping and snorkeling... exploration of quiet places... photographing the landscape & the people...

Kauai is just perfect for this trip. I have to say Hanalei is my favorite spot by the sea... the visual beauty is just a feast for the senses. I'm looking forward to sharing it with her... she's a very special lady. Although the north shore O'ahu and Hana also hold a special place in my ... there's just no place like the north shore of Kauai.

Congrats on your retirement... your DH's are gems! Happy planning.

2 Islands, hard to figure which one I love best:

The BI because in the south part of the Island it is always sunny without rain and the sea turtles along the shore of the Four Seasons and Orchid resorts. We did a dolphin excursion and got to see babies! They were so precious, they looked like toys - they were so little and perfect and shiny. I'll never forget. Also you can drive an hour and see excellent vegitation as well as the volcanoes.

Kauai- again because it is so lush and desolate. The air is so clean. I love the rain so when it pours we don't mind a bit. Then there's the wild roosters.... The photos turn out so well.

Even Molokai, the drive along the west shore is some of the most beautiful scenery we've ever encountered. The views of the neighboring islands are unsurpassed. You can see seals along the shore at Molokai Ranch beach.

Okay, so that was 3. If I had to pick just one I guess it would be the Big Island.

I just can't tell you all how great it is to hear from you! My friends here have all been pushing Maui which is nice but defintely not my favorite. So to read your messages has not only been affirming but also great food for thought! THANK YOU so much!!

It'll be a hard choice but as someone else put it, what a great problem to have!

Any one else out there?????

And to Roxy & Makai....thank you for sharing your thoughts about your trips with your Mothers! What special trips they will be! Please be sure & tell us about them, ok? I can't wait to hear from you. Thanks again!

Twenty-years ago I might have said Maui, but it's changed a bit too much for me.

For me, it's the Big Island, which -- with the exception of the Waikiki experience -- has the best of everything from the other islands all rolled into one.

My suggestion, for what it's worth: Spend a night or two on Oahu, and get out to the BI.

daydreamin,
Congrats on your impending retirement! My partner retired last year and he is really enjoying it. Me too...we get to travel more now!

I think Kauai captures the island magic for the me the most. We love hangng out at the each all day. The beaches on Kauai's north shore in the summer are perfect for us. Floating in Hanalei Bay and looking up at the pali, watching the clouds drift by is an Hawaiian experience that should not be missed. I have sat for hours at Makua (Tunnels)beach awestruck by the perfect beauty, the gentle curve of the shore and the lovely backdrop of Makana. This July we will be staying in Hanalei for two weeks and I'm READY!
Have a great trip.
-Bill

There's only one island that captures all of that for us - Kauai. There are so many choices of restaurants and activites and of course it's a wonderful place to just sit back and relax.

We went to Waikiki, Maui, and the Big Island last summer....this summer we are spending more time on Oahu and trying out Kauai.

From what I've seen, I would have to say the Big Island was the most magical. It was spectacular in every way, unique and diverse. All the black lava on the Kohala Coast was so striking with the green palm trees and blue Pacific. And the volcano was simply incredible. We are hoping to go again in a couple of years. I don't think you can go wrong anywhere you choose