Hawaii Island Split and Recs

Oahu, Kaui, Maui, and the Big Island are very different. Personally, I'd probably just recommend something like 2-3 days on the Big Island and 5-6 on Maui or Kaui for a first trip. I hate to steer people away from Oahu but most people want the serenity of Hawaii and that's not really Oahu.

Your replies are going to be all over the board probably as everyone has a different favorite island.

I have friends with family on the island and the only thing they agree on is to not go to Oahu. As for favorites they are generally Kaui or Big Island but say Maui is a good first place to go.

If you've never been before I still think spending some time in Oahu is worth it. Visit Pearl Harbor, hike up Diamond Head, check out the North Shore.

Maui? Wake up early and hit sunrise over the crater of Haleakala then bike down.

Whenever someone goes out there and doesn’t go to Kauai I always feel bad for them. I’ve never heard anyone say it wasn’t their favorite island after going.

Did Kauai and Oahu in June; Kauai was our favorite by far of the two.

All of the islands are great. We go every year. We alternate each year between Maui and Kauai.

I like Maui more.

My wife likes Kauai more.

The kids like them both about the same.

We just got back from Maui. We went last year too. Kauai and Kona the prior years. You can’t go wrong with any option and each option is a little different. Don’t overthink it.

We’ve gone to the well known restaurants but find the not popular places and food trucks just as good. Don’t sweat not getting a Mommas Fish House reservation.The best meal I’ve had in Hawaii was at Cafe O’lei at the Plantation which we called ahead that morning to get a table.

For Maui, there are very good options depending on budget. Kaanapali has some bigger properties (more crowded beaches) but unfortunately Lahaina is still out of commission. Paia has some homes for the DIY beach experience. Wailea has the nice resorts. We’ve stayed at the Wailea Fairmont 3 times and have no complaints (they now have reservation cabanas by the pool which I would prefer not to have). Being able to go to the beach without bringing anything because everything is already set up feels good (lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, snorkels, boogie boards, SUPs, sunscreen, etc). I would like to stay in Hana for the next trip. We use Blue Water rafting for snorkel trips. If the weather is good, you can go on the back side of Molokini which is one of the best outdoor experiences I’ve ever done (twice now) and supposedly one of the best wall dives in the world.

On Kona, the Hilton was nice but not great compared to the Fairmont. It’s on the ocean but the beach is a short walk. It does have a super cool lagoon with a sand beach that is full of fish and turtles to swim with which is very unique.

On Kauai, the Grand Hyatt was very nice. It’s on the beach but that beach has a very strong shore break. Poipu beach is a great surf lesson spot.

Pro tip if you choose to stay at a big property. Get an Amex Platinum card and book through their Fine Hotels program. The two free breakfasts per day and $100 resort credit will pay for the annual fee by itself, but the guaranteed 4p late check out is a game changer since you will likely have an evening flight back home. You get to enjoy a full day and shower before the flight.

Agreed the Arizona Memorial is so somber, yet so powerful. I will remember my trip there forever.

Who all is going OP? That’s important? As mentioned, Hawaii doesn’t just have all nice beaches everywhere for basic swimming and snorkeling. Most of the islands is actually no real beach at all outside of kaui and Oahu. But some beaches have a big surf shore break, some are great for snorkeling but no sand, some good just for walking or laying on the beach.

So picking a resort with the type of beach you prefer would be much preferred.

I'm going with my siblings (40ish year olds), my dad (70) and kids ranging from 10-20.