you and I would vacation in Hawaii the same way, I've looked and looked and Kauai is my choice.

Vacationed in Hawaii a bunch of times, our most popular destination. Been to Oahu, Kauai, Big Island, and Maui, with the majority of our visits to Oahu because of my wife's family. To me, Oahu is like an urban county plopped into the middle of the Pacific. Last visits have been to Maui and it is our favorite, best fitting our vacation parameters and experiences. Great beaches, restaurants, hotels, shopping, outdoor activities, etc. Plus it is small enough that it doesn't take a day getting somewhere (Hana drive comes close). We have stayed in Wailea, Kihei, and Kaanapali.

quote:

Originally posted by thumperfbc:
...Plus a side trip to Oahu for some history... I would like to go to Pearl Harbor.

Dumb me, I didn't even think of that. The trip to Pearl Harbor is definitely worth an extra night or two in Oahu. Having done it both ways, I would do Oahu first, then Maui (or Kauai).



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Quietest, Fewer people: Molokai or Kawaii

Busiest, Lots of People: Oahu

Good Mix: Maui

We've been to Hawaii twice, most recently a month ago. Both times we were there about 10 days and did the Big Island first and then Oahu. I don't mind driving and the scenery is better than Iowa. Both times I drove up Mauna Kea, got there for sunset 11 years ago, last month we missed sunrise, but it was still pretty neat being up there in daytime.

OP since you have time on your side, best you talk it over with your wife. And narrow what activities you both really want to do, you might find there may be differences in how you want to spend your limited time, so may have to compromise a bit.

Each Island has its own personality, Oahu..I think the person who was adamant about the "other side" was probably thinking the north shore "Turtle Bay" Resort, nice laid back part of town. Or maybe the west side (Four Seasons Ko-Olina), quiet luxury.

To enjoy all what the islands offer you just have to accept that you'll have to come back several times...no way you can do it all in one trip...nothing wrong with that!