Which two islands?
 

Hello there! I would love to travel to Hawaii, but I know that I probably need to limit my visit to two islands. I really have no desire to go to Oahu or the big island. I do know that I would love to go to Maui, but am torn about which other island to visit? Any help please?

Kauai is the obvious choice. A bit less to do (at least in regards to "man-made" attractions) but more beautiful and rugged than Maui. Stay in sunny West or South Maui while on that island (best beaches are in those locations), then the lush green north shore of Kauai to give you a great balance of both arid and jungle-covered Hawaii.

Ken

I'd beg you to recinsider the Big Island! Personally, I thought the Big Island was wonderful. The volcano was just amazing, and the island had such amazing variety. There were extremely green and lush parts, and also more desolate parts with more recent lava flows. I've heard there is nowhere else like it in the world!

What are your reasons for not wanting to go to Oahu or Maui or the Big Island??

I am a big fan of Oahu but you seem set against going there. You do realize the island is more than Waikiki beach, right?

Depends what you want to see & do. Lots of people love Kauai for example, but for me I've always thought it might be too quiet. I travel solo sometimes and like to have lots of people around and plenty of places to easily walk to. Also I don't rent a car.

It's hard to suggest islands since you've eliminated Oahu and Big Island... Maui and Kauai would be the obvious remaining choices, I guess.

What are you expecting from your visit to Hawaii? The answer to that question will help you decide where to go.

Sounds like you already have some preconvieved notions about the Big Island and Oahu that have informed your decision not to visit the BI and Oahu.

I can tell you that my preconcieved notions (RAIN, BUGS, BOREDOM) about Kaua`i kept me from visiting that island for years. What a mistake that proved to be as Kaua`i is my favorite island now!

If you've already eliminated BI and Oahu, that leaves Kaua`i, Molokai and Lanai. I've not been to Lanai and Molokai so I can't recommend them.

The variety of experiences offered by the BI AND Oahu are very appealing and I'll probably head there on my next trip.

Have fun planning yor trip.

-Bill

Out of Molokai and Lanai I'd definitely recommend Molokai as there is much more to do. I also am curious as to why you've already crossed off Oahu and the Big Island, as both of those islands are quite beautiful and lush. You do not have to stay in Honolulu in Hawaii and you so not have to stay in the south shore of Hawaii.... Hawaii is actually quite lush in the north. Many people love Maui but it is also very over developed, and lot of people like myself stay away because of it. People also aren't bothered by this and are very happy there... but when you say you aren't interrested in Oahu that leads me to believe you aren't interested in crowds.

My recommendation as above would be for Kauai.

Like many of the other posters, I'm also curious as to what made you rule out Oahu and the Big Island. I've been to all of the islands except Lanai and there is something so unique about each one. Most first timers want Maui b/c it's the one you hear the most about and is a good choice for a first visit.
I would need to know how much time you have before being able to recommend a 2nd island. I HIGHLY recomment a visit to Oahu. It's a great way to end your vacation and a visit to Pearl Harbor is a must. There are so many other things to do and see outside of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. A drive along the east shore to the north shore is a great way to spend a day. Following a suggested itinerary from a Fodor's is lots of fun and the scenery is spectacular. This said, not knowing all the details, I vote for Kauai. But it all depends on what you like to do on vacation.

Kauai No Ka Oi!

Oahu is the best.

Kauai was my favorite island and what I most imagined Hawaii would be like. Maui was also nice but a little too "touristy" in most spots than I had imagined. Only been to those two islands, I would go back to Kauai and try the Big Island when I go again.

Since you don't want to go to Big Island or Oahu... and do want to go to Maui... that leaves Kauai (unless you want to consider the much smaller islands of Molokai or Lanai).

That's all the Hawaiian islands, isn't it? Am I missing something??

After visiting the four main islands over the past thirty years, we love the Big Island best. It has a lot of variety, isn't as crowded, and the people are so friendly.

Thanks for everyone's response! It seems as if my ruling out the big island was a mistake. I only said that because I knew someone that went there about 20 years ago, and she said it was not her favorite. But then again..everyone has opinions, right? I'm now re-thinking that I should visit the Big Island as well as Kuai.

You will love Maui. As for a second choice I would choose Kaua'i. It is magical there. :)

Whichever islands you choose to visit, my advice is that you need to have AT LEAST 4 days on the island before you move on to another (5 or more would be MUCH better). Not sure how long your trip is, but for a 10-day trip 2 islands is the most I would even consider, and on a 2-week trip you may be able to squeeze in 3 (though it will feel very rushed). Frankly, even with 2-weeks I'd still try to limit it to just 2 islands at the most. Otherwise you'll spend too much time packing/unpacking/checking-in/checking-out/waiting-at-the-airport.

Unless you think this will be your only trip to Hawaii, try not to be overly ambitious in regards to the number of islands you visit. From what I've seen, they are all very beautiful and worth checking out in detail. Plenty to do and see on these islands and each one will consume several days just spent in driving around looking at the sights - leaving you little time for swimming/snorkeling and relaxing.

Ken

swtjen7,
I would do some research on your own and find out which island(s) interest you the most and visit that/those. Go to your library and check out a few books. There is a search box at the top of this page. Type in an island's name and you will rewarded with lots of information. I have been visiting the islands since 1975 and have not even come close to seeing everything I want to, so don't try to do too much on your first visit.

-Bill

We just returned from a week in Maui (our 2nd visit..stayed only 4 days previously). I'll be following up with a trip report later this week. We all had an awesome, unforgettable family trip, but Maui still has NOT moved up on our list of favorites. It has it's beautiful spots, after all, it is Hawaii...but in our opinion Oahu & Kauai are much more beautiful and magical for us, each for different reasons.

It's a very personal decision, of course. We've been to all the islands except Lanai, and our favorite is the Big Island. We have returned to it a few times, staying 10 nights between two locations a couple of times. So much to do there, and varied enough that moving from one place to the other gives us a completely different atmosphere, especially because we've moved from a big resort to a condo. However, some are put off by the stark appearance of the island when you first land at the airport. Just keep driving, is my advice!

On the other hand, I know everyone goes to Maui first, as did we. I have to say I was disappointed with it. I'd expected Hawaii to be tropical and exotic and a get-away, but I felt Maui was just like southern California with its crowded streets, traffic jams, etc.

Kauai is beautiful, more lush and laid-back.

If you create your own list of likes and dislikes, then you can choose an island from that. Any one will be great the first time. Then you'll know where you want to return to.

A lot of people that visit the BI do not leave the south shore. As soon as you travel from the south you will see it very tropical.

If you go to this website:

http://www.terragalleria.com/pacific...land-east.html

you will see just a small part of how lush the BI really is.