We have spent the most part of the last week researching accomodations on the Islands. We have one on the northern part Oahu that fits our budget and sounds lovely, we have another on the Big Island, on te leeward side that also sounds great and is lower in price then the one on Oahu. We have never been to the Big Island and it has been years since we've been to Oahu. We are having a hard time deciding and would sure appreciate any information or suggestions any of you have.

Tough choice, but for a month, I'd go with the Big Island. I've been to both islands multiple times. I've just returned from a 2 week working vacation on the Big Island and it was wonderful. Though we've been all over the Big Island, I've still made mental notes of things I've not yet done and want to do.

There's so much landscape and climate diversity on the Big Island compared to Oahu. It's really an amazing island. Another big draw for me to the Big Island is the volcano activity. It's spectacular at the moment with lava flowing into the ocean and Halema'uma'u crater erupting a huge ash plume.

Thanks govisithawaii. The home we have in mind on the Big Island is in the Ka'u District near Naalehu. Are you familiar with this area at all? It is inland but has ocean views. Are we going to be sorry if we chose something that is not oceanfront?

cd - Hmmm...that's a tough one! Naalehu would be great for exploring Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park and southern points of the Big Island, but it's pretty much off the beaten path. If that's what you're looking for that's great. But, if you are looking for a few conveniences and selection of restaurants, you might be disappointed.

I think there is a lot to see and do on the Northern points of the island - such as North Kohala, Waimea, and Hamakua coast areas. So, my preference would be to stay somewhere along the Kohala coast.

I just stayed in the Waikoloa Beach Villas in the South Kohala coast area. You could easily walk to a dozen or so restaurants. Our condo was on a golf course. We didn't have ocean views, though. A walk to the beach took about 10 - 15 mins. We are normally "ocean view people", but we found we were perfectly content with out it this time around. Here is where we stayed: http://www.hawaiiislandvilla.com/pro...aikvillas.html

You may want to post your question in the Hawaii folder and you'll get more responses.

I'd go with Oahu. There is much more to see & do on Oahu than any other island. You can spend a few days on Big Island to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Lots of info:

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

We prefer the Big Island. Over the years we have visited the other islands and now only go to BI for two weeks a winter. We find it to be more diverse, interesting, and more friendly and relaxing.

I've been fortunate to have full month vacations a few times and have picked the BI each time. I stay in Waikoloa, usually at Hilton, for up to 2 weeks and then move to Vista Waikoloa where my husband joins me. This works out perfectly. Plenty of restaurants, plenty of places to walk and an enormous island to explore.

Take a look at a map of the BI and note the places you'd like to see. How much driving will you have to do from Naalehu? Do you want to go to a variety of restaurants or will you stay in? For me the decision would be based on restaurant proximity and amount of time driving rather than ocean front considerations.

North Oahu is also lovely...I don't think you'd regret either decision and of course you could spend two weeks at each location and get the benefits of both.

Did you check VRBO? You can get some very good rates there.

bfrac, thanks for the comments!

govisit hawaii, I have been looking at the northern points of the Big Island and Kona. Thanks for the info, have given up on Ka'u

dusty, the amount of information you have given is fantastic! I'm sure it will help me decide. Wow!

Conecticut Lady, we are now looking at the North shore of Oahu and Kona on the Big Island. I can get my best price by going for a month or I might of decided to split it up. I am looking at VRBO. I've had good luck with them in the past.

I thank you all so very much and if you have anything else to say, I am more than glad to hear it.