Which Island Combo?
 

We are honeymooning for 2 weeks in Hawaii next Aug.and want to go to 2 islands. We have read many of your valuable opinions and we think you can help us. We have narrowed it down to one of two combinations: Kauai and the Big Island or Kauai and Maui. Kauai will definitely be one of them. We are very active and look forward to the water related activites,such as snorkeling, kaiaking (i know that is misspelled), fishing, as well as exploring the beauty of it all and relaxing on the beach and just taking it all in. Oh, and we also love good food and wine. SO, with all that in mind, what combo would you wise people advise???

I would make Maui one of your island choices. I would stay either the Kannapali, Kapalua, or Napili areas.

Egret, is that because Kauai and BI are not as diverse as the other combination? I am vascillating about Kauai, maybe a third combo should be Maui and Big Island. I'm open to suggestions here, just want to make sure we're not stuck doing too much of the same thing.

I'd spend a week in Kauai and a week on BI. BI is incredibily diverse and offers most everything you're interested in. Kauai is just plain beautiful. Considering both of you like more of the outdoors activities, Maui is much more developed and crowded IMHO. We've been to Maui twice and definitely prefer the other islands in terms of activities, diversity, beauty, relaxation, options, etc. Still, we stayed for a week at the Four Seasons the last time we were on Maui and I would certainly not turn down a chance to make that trip again. It's just that we like the other islands so much more, I'd really recommend them. Best wishes!

Anyone else have an opinion??

If snorkeling & kayaking are high on your list, go to the Big Island. Have been to Maui (own a timeshare there) and Kona many times and love both equally but in my opinion, the snorkeling is a little better on the Big Island. Don't miss kayaking & snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument) on the Big Island.

I can't speak from personal experience regarding Kauai, but I have visited both Maui and the Big Island. If I were set on visiting Kauai I'd partner it with Maui. Kauai for the outdoor activites and laid back feel, Maui for more nightlife, great food and beautiful and different scenery. JMHO. We liked the BI but love Maui. Everyone has differing opinions. Whatever you decide to do, it will be Hawaii after all and it will be all good! Good luck and congrats on your upcoming wedding.

We just returned from 2 weeks on Kauai and, based on your criteria, I'd definitely include it as one of your choices. Despite being one of the "quieter" islands, there is *lots* to do. In particular, Kauai is a hiker's paradise. Snorkeling on the beautiful north shore beaches is excellent and you can choose either ocean kayaking or kayaking on the wailua river. Although most seem to think the food on Maui is better, we found the restaurants on Kauai to be very good.

Everyone says that the Big Island and Kauai are the quietest islands, but we still found Kauai to be quite busy and a bit crowded for our tastes (at least when compared to our experience in the Caribbean). If you're like us and prefer to share you tropical locale with as few other people as possible, I'd probably avoid Maui.

You can't imagine how helpful your feedback is. I'm taking good notes of all your input. Have you ever felt obcessed with getting it perfect????!!! I know it will be wonderful no matter where we end up. Our major concern is having plenty of variety without tons of tourists everywhere we turn, and as I said, good food and wine and swimmable beaches. I love reading what you have to say. (Thank heavens for printers!)

Sherrie hit the nail on the head as to why I would pick Maui.

We have been to all the islands, and based on your criteria, I would pick Maui and the Big Island. The snorkeling is great on both islands, and you will have lots of beaches to chose from on Maui. The restaurants on Maui are also excellent. The BI has some amazing and diverse places, like Volcano National Park, Captain Cook snorkeling, Waipaio Valley, etc...We have gone in August the past 3 summers for 2 weeks each, and will do it again in 2007. No matter what you chose, you will be happy! I obsess every year over which islands to go to, and I am always happy no matter where I am once we get there!

I'm a big Maui and Kauai fan. DH and I spent a 2nd honeymoon there in the 90's and loved it. A week on each island.

Of your choices, I liked Maui & Big Island.

But, don't discount Oahu. Outside of Honolulu, it is mostly rural like the other islands. In Honolulu/Waikiki are the best restaurants, clubs, museums, etc., in Hawaii.

Here's lots of info:

This thread is for Oahu, but there are many websites listed that are good for all islands:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

Also:

www.bigisland.org free brochure

www.visitmaui.com free brochure

www.mauihawaii.org

www.kauaidiscovery.com free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

mcrogers: Travel to Hawaii has become so popular in the last 10-15 years, it's difficult to get away from "tons of tourists everywhere you turn". The Big Island and Kauai used to be reliable alternatives, but not any more. Molokai and Lanai are still moreless unspoiled.

The Big Island has one advantage the other islands don't: sheer size. It also has a wide diversity of attractions and activities, along with (what I consider to be) some of the best accomodations for honeymooners, the Four Seasons Hualalai, Mauna Kea Beach/Hapuna Beach Prince Hotels, Orchid, Mauna Lani etc.

My choices would be Maui and Kauai. The Big Island is TOO big for me! I've been there twice and both times came home feeling like I'd spent half my vacation in the car getting from place to place. Traffic near Kailua-Kona this past January was the worst I've experienced on any island at any time.
The problem with Oahu is that there are very few lodging choices outside of Waikiki. A couple of expensive hotels or private party rentals...that's about it for the most interesting parts of the island. Again, too much time spent driving to get to the best beaches and sights.
My personal favorite is Maui, for diversity of scenery and activities, plus a plethora of great, easily-accesible swimming and snorkeling beaches. (..but I agree that Kealakekua Bay on B.I. is unsurpassed for snorkeling).

Whatever you do, make the NORTH shore of Kauai one of the weeks. It's breathtakingly gorgeous, romantic as can be, and quaint. Plus there's lots to do there. Check out these photos taken by Fodorite Makai1 and see if you don't agree: http://pic1.funtigo.com/makai/?b=270...&c=3927213

I've also been to Maui and it's nice but didn't wow me like the north shore of Kauai. I'd pass on Oahu. Never been to the BI.

dcd! What gorgeous pictures you directed me to! Thank you so much. All your comments have been so helpful and I will continue to check for any updates.

Big Island for sure, then your choice between Kaui and Maui.

I would include Maui, because it is so beautiful. And gives so many options for the 'good food and wine' criteria. Also being a honeymoon, I think it is an incredibly romantic place.

Sounds like if we were to flip a coin for these combinations we would win, regardless. North shore of Kauai sounds like a must...