Help me with a first time Hawaii trip

If you have never been, why would you avoid Oahu?

Maui could be best but Kauai could also be best depending on what you're looking for, what you want to do.

That being said, I cannot imagine ruling out any island if you've never been before.

Kauai is great too. There is this beach you have to researchers a spot at. They limit the number of people and get a sunset time. It’s the nicest beach I have ever gone to

What type of stuff do you like to do? If you want to relax at a resort and do some sightseeing, Maui would be a good one. If you mostly want to scoot around and site see, Big Island is a good one. There are good resorts there too, but not as many, or as big, and the beaches are younger and lesser on Big Island. Kauai is great too, and much smaller, so quicker to get around.

We rented a convertible and drove east out of Honolulu past Diamond Head and all the way along the coast up to Haleiwa on the North Shore. Then we drove back through the Dole Plantation.

There’s a lot to do on Oahu besides Pearl Harbor.

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What is there to see on Oahu other than Pearl Harbor?

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I won't do all of your research but why would you rule it out if you havent researched it yourself?

The island is BIG with different topographies, experiences, beaches, museums, park and offers ALOT more than just Pearl although, that should be high on everyones list at least once.

It seems like you're making decisions based on feedback from other people and I think it's good to take that into account but you really need to see what each island offers and how that compares to what you want to do.

I've only been to Kauai and Oahu.

I prefer Oahu, but I don't like the Honolulu/Waikiki area.

Kailua, Kaneohe, North Shore, are my preferred areas.

We just returned from Kauai and Oahu this week. The wife and kids loved Kauai. Slower pace than Oahu. We also did some pretty cool things in Kauai like kayak the Wailua River and hike to Secret Falls (you can swim in the falls), Nepali Coast cave tour, Waimea canyon tour and hikes, and the Kalalua Trail. Lots of great beaches and tons of sea turtles and monk seals.


Now if you want the nightlife, most things close early. Oahu had many more restaurants and other activities in the night.

Waikiki gives Oahu a bad rap.

Yes its a touristy trap beach but it’s still nice to visit and lounge.


Eastern side of Island Makapuu, Lanakai, Kailua, Chinamans hat are all nice.

Northshore from Haliewa to Turtle bay has world class beaches.

Westside north of Ko’Olina is my favorite part of island. Makaha and Yokohama beaches are my absolute two favorite beaches

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There is this beach you have to researchers a spot at. They limit the number of people and get a sunset time. It’s the nicest beach I have ever gone to

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I’m assuming you’re talking about Ke’e beach. Yes you do have to reserve a spot. While nice, there are so many more beaches just on Kauai that are just as nice or better.
That being said, we’ve been going to Hawaii for years. This year we finally visited Oahu, just for the day. I’d always wanted to visit Pearl and my wife, sorry no picks, grew up surfing in California and wanted to visit pipeline. Ended up watching a professional surfing competition while there. We had a great time but don’t think I’d want to go back. Just way too many people. The interstate had 5 lanes on each side. But it was beautiful, as they all are.
For a first timer, I’d recommend Maui. It’s easy to get around. Lots of beautiful beaches plus so many places to stay. Basically everything is on the leeward side which has the best weather. Although it’s probably the most expensive of the remaining 3.
We were married on Kauai and to me it’s the most beautiful since it’s the oldest. Plenty to do, especially if you’re a hiker. Waimea canyon and Napali coast are breathtaking. We always stay on the north shore. Hanalei is an awesome town with one of the most scenic beaches on the island. Lots of great beaches up there but they can get rough in the wintertime. There used to be to be an awesome golf course and a ranch that had excursions like zip lining but both are closed now.
Last but not least, the Big Island. It is what its name says. You can fit every other island inside it. That being said, it’s my favorite. But if this is your first time in Hawaii, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you want to relax by the beach, this isn’t the island for you. To truly enjoy it you will be in the car a lot. We’ve been the last 3 years and I’m not sure I’ve seen everything yet. But if you do go, Mauna Kea beach and Maks are my two favorite beaches in all of Hawaii with the later being number 1.
So if I’m recommending what islands to visit for first timers, it would be
Maui
Oahu, only because it offers so much to do
Kauai
The Big Island
My personal preference is
Big lsland
Kauai
Maui
Oahu

Long story short, no matter what island you pick, you will have a great trip