I have a family with kids and will spend probably only a long week-end there. I have absolutely no idea how to choose the right island. Any help is welcome. Does it depend on the season too?
I suggest Maui. It's the second largest island to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. You can watch whales, catch the sunrise at Haleakala, stroll through the historic Lahaina town, or drive the majestic Road to Hana for spectacular scenery. I visited with my family as a teenager, and regretfully I didn't appreciate it as much as I would've as an adult. However, I do remember how beautiful it was, and it seemed pretty isolated compared to Waikiki, Hawaii, which is a big tourist attraction and crowded.
Like AngAng suggested the island of Maui seems to be the most popular one among tourists. Hawaii itself looks like a beautiful country so I believe that no matter what part you decide to visit, you'll have an amazing time!
I am born and raised in Hawaii and so I think there is something special on all the islands. When I have friends or other family visiting, I always ask what kind of visiting they're doing. Is it mixed with business ? Are they looking for something? Maybe they just want to "quietly" relax. For the quiet relaxer who likes to take a tan... Maui and Kauai are your best bet. For the science adventurer (as kids are) Big Island and Maui will work pretty well. If you have the Vegas mentality then O'ahu and maybe Lahaina, Maui. The other smaller islands have an acquired taste if you will, but by all means be bold and adventurous. I sometimes feel like mainland America undermines the value the Hawaiian Islands offer. For example, 9 out of 10 times a tourist would say "well back in the states"... and go on speaking as if their on foreign soil. I just have to laugh because it makes me wonder why they come here, besides the obvious reasons. So you might ask yourself why Hawaii and find the island choosing you instead. Me ke aloha.
I am wondering which Island may be more reasonably priced. Or is the cost of living about the same on all the Islands. I fell in love with Hawaii when I saw the movie the Descendants. What beautiful scenery they have. It was actually breath taking just watching it on the screen. I am also intrigued to learn more about the culture first hand.
I went to Hawaii on my senior class trip many, many years ago and we went to Oahu. On my honeymoon, we went to Oahu and Maui. I liked both of them. It would depend on if you like a quiet relaxing trip or if you want the more adventurous, keep busy trip. My husband liked Maui better than Oahu. They are both nice in my book.
