Or do you have a different suggestion? We're headed there in May and trying to find the best deal and place (currently Costco is the cheapest!)
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Kauai! If that's not an option then Maui. But Kauai is seriously beautiful. (admittedly I only went to Maui once, when I was like 10 - I'm sure it's great too)
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Maui hands down!
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Depends what you are going for. Oahu is more busy with more amenities. Good for if you like the nightlife and faster pace and things to do. Maui is slower and quieter. Nicer beaches. I liked Maui more, because I like spending all day at the beach and am too tired for nightlife after all that sun. But they are both awesome and I had a great time both times.
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@StbHisMrs: Kauai is by far the most scenic and breathtaking of all the Hawaiian islands. But since you mentioned the other two... if you're a first time visitor to Hawaii I'd probably choose Maui because it's easy to do Oahu incorrectly. Some people just go to Honolulu/Waikiki and think that's all there is to Oahu. I was pretty disappointed myself when I went there for the first time because of that reason. Then on subsequent trips I discovered the north shore! Now it's my favorite island. You can easily spend a week or two on the north shore alone and have plenty do to and eat for a relaxing vacation. But if you get bored you can find stuff to do in the city parts too. My husband and I are planning to vacation there in April or May, and we'll probably stay at the Turtle Bay Resort. I don't know what Costco's deals are but I found a good deal through luxurylink. Otherwise I almost always use priceline and have gotten 4 star hotels at amazingly discounted rates.
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Maui, no question. Oahu has all the same things you can do at home - shop at chain stores and eat at chain restaurants.
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Definitely Maui!! Oahu felt really touristy unless you go to the north shore.
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Maui for sure.
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Maui!!
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Maui!
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Maui
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Maui is awesome, that said I'm going to Oahu this fall for the third time. I agree Oahu is more cosmopolitan and it has Waikiki beach, which is epic. The food is great in Maui, it's a little more laid back, the beaches are gorgeous. Side note: i'm not a fan of Kauai, there are wild chickens that crow at sunrise, it's really rainy and many of the beaches are not swimmable.
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kauai, then oahu, then maui. but really, you can't go wrong!
@Rainbow Sprinkles: gah, this reminds me that i never sent you kauai info!! did you pick maui? paia is great!!
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Another vote for Maui.
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Kauai!!! I've lived in Maui for a short time but visited Kauai over 10 times. Can't get enough of the beauty of Kauai. It is a little rainy on the Princeville side at times but not the rest of the island.
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@StbHisMrs: Kauai, Maui then Oahu! Maui has this beautiful lavender farm with gorgeous views!
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Maui!
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@Meow: And @youboots: I think we're going to Oahu because my Husband wants to go to Pearl Harbor.
There's a ferry to Maui right? I'd like to spend at least one day there. I'd like to see lava beds too, take a guided horseback tour, go to a luau, spend time at the North Shore, things like that. Is there a Costco? I keep hearing that we need to stop there, stock up on food and cook in our room so we aren't spending a ton on food, is that feasible? -
We've been to Oahu many times but we're going to Maui for the first time next month! I love Oahu so much, there is so much more than Waikiki beach.
@StbHisMrs: Yes, there is a Costco in Honolulu, but the Walmart is actually closer to Waikiki, so I would just go there or to a Foodland and buy some groceries there if you want to cook in your condo. Parking is really expensive in Waikiki. Consider renting a car only for 1-2 days to drive around the island instead of having it the whole trip. Many popular attractions are easily accessible via the bus. You can take the bus to Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Ala Moana.
There is no ferry to Maui (anymore). You must fly. I don't believe there are any lava beds on Oahu. You would need to go to the Big Island for that.
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@StbHisMrs: there are 4 costcos on Oahu. If u want to pick up food there is a costco on the way into waikiki. If u are staying on the north shore, there is a costco on the way there as well. No more super ferry over here. Parking is expensive in waikiki. But there is also the disney hotel on the west side in Ko olina. I love staying at that hotel. If u do decide to come down and need anything or food recommendations wall me. I live here!
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Oahu! I preferred the beaches and there is more to do.
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@sunny: that Superferry was awesome. It was great while it lasted.
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@BabyMats: upcountry is pretty!!
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@StbHisMrs: I honestly don't know about lava beds on either Oahu or Maui. I know there's plenty of that on the big island.
We always stop by Walmart when we first get in to grab water/snacks and cheap water shoes but we've never cooked. Hawaii has super fresh and delicious seafood and that's a big part of its appeal to me so I'd personally never eat home cooked meals during a Hawaiian vacation. My husband and I rarely do fancy meals so it's not too much of a hit on the wallet for us. We are talking $12 shrimp plates, $5 poke bowls, that sort of thing. Dinner might be more, $40-60 total but we aren't able to do nice long vacations so it's not like we are spending that much every night for two weeks.
As far as wanting to do a day trip to Maui... I've considered island hopping too on this upcoming trip. It seems a bit of a waste to go that far and not look around a bit esp when the other islands have a lot to offer too. But I decided against it because it eats up so much precious vacation time. Even if you can get an interisland flight for $80 and it takes only 30 min, you're wasting a few hours on either end for the logistics of flying. Not to mention the added stress of waiting in lines, being at the airport, etc. And my husband and I even fly for free so that'll tell you how much I'm adverse to going back and forth on the islands! I might do it only if I have a lot of time in Hawaii (at least 10-14 days) and can spend a few days on the other island too. -
Like others have said, it depends on how you want to vacation. Oahu has more to do if you like going out, shopping, etc., while Maui is mostly more relaxed with nicer beaches. Whichever you do, I would try to spend a day at the other as well (and do the Road to Hana on Maui for sure.)
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Maui! I went there for my babymoon and had such a great time. I easily get overwhelmed by touristy places, and Maui was a great balance. I cannot wait to bring my kids for a family vacation.
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I want to thank you all, it was all really insightful! My Husband says Oahu, we'll most likely spend our time on the North Shore, and one day at Pearl Harbor.
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@BabyMats: Thank you! I just might do that, I have the worst luck with restaurants and "activities" when we go anywhere
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Yay! North shore is a great choice. You can see giant sea turtles right on the shore, get a garlic shrimp plate, shave ice, Ted's Chocolate Haupia Pie, visit Turtle Bay hotel and maybe visit Polynesian Cultural Center.
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@808love: I need to add some activities to our package, there are SO many to choose from! Do you recommend anything that's a must? I'm guessing adding them to the package is a savings. Who has the best luau?
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@StbHisMrs: Hale Koa in Waikiki is awesome-really good food and talented entertainment. In addition, lots of bang for the buck with military discounts I believe. Some people like Paradise Cove because of the scenic beach location but it is out west near Disney's Aulani. Also it might be a wise choice to get a day/night package grand show and luau if you visit Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. Sorry- lots of options- but hopefully I narrowed it down for you.
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@808love: Not sure how I didn't see this! Thank you. Half my post was cut off!
We have a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, ending with a night show after the luau. Also added a parasailing package, and we've got a Jeep for the week so sight-seeing and beach time!
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I've been to Hawaii 3X...(have family there) Last we went we went to Maui (1/2 hr plane ride from HNL) and it was breathtaking.
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