Guide to the major Islands of Hawaii

I keep having to search for this guide and reposting it. This way anyone can click on my topics for my avatar and you can find it easily!!

Here's my take on the different islands, for what its worth. You can find big resorts, boutiques, condos, etc on pretty much all the Islands so its a matter of first finding the Island that fits you and hubby's travel style. I maintain that there is an Island for every person but if you go to the wrong Island for you, you could end up not liking Hawaii:

Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki)--This is the Island with the most population and Waikiki has lots of skyscrapers and people. But Waikiki is..well..Waikiki. Everyone has seen the pics with Diamond Head. It has top notch hotels (like the Halekulani or the Turtle Bay Resort for an out of the city place), restaurants, clubs, SHOPPING and entertainment. I like it because I live in the country and it's fun to be entertained 24/7 for awhile (and I have friends to see there), plus it has great history with Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl of the Pacific, Sea Life Park, Haunauma Bay, etc. You can drive a convertible (cheap and fun) over to the North Shore to see the more country side of the Island and watch the surfers do their amazing stuff. Oahu typically has some of the nicest beaches in Hawaii (Lanikai, Kailua, Kaneohe, Haumanma). If you like nightlife and being entertained plus you can still enjoy some quiet time, then Oahu is for you.

Maui--Next in terms of nightlife but nowhere near Waikiki. They tend to have big resorts which cost a bit but have all the comforts of home plus many have some nice beaches. Some attractions such as the Road to Hana or biking down Halekala or the Valley with the rock formations, but entertainment tends to focus on the water with surfing, boating, fishing, etc. This is more for those who really enjoy sitting on a beach with a drink and maybe if you get up to it, doing some watersports.

Big Island of Hawaii---The newest Island so you get the volcanoes (which can you go see on a day trip from the other Islands). Quite country but has some very nice resorts. Don't expect sandy beaches unless you get to the emerald or black sand beaches and to me those just don't feel the same. Beautiful to see and many like it. Best for a quiet time if you like volcanoes (or you can do some water sports like marlin fishing or dolphin encounters) and for a relaxed vacation...not a whole lot of nightlife.

Kauai--Even though I haven't been back for years, this is my favorite Island. Very quiet and extremely lush. Great attractions from the Grand Canyon of the Pacific (see by helicopter), Na Pali coast which is dramatic and the beautiful drive up the the other side of the Island. Quiet island with lots of natural attactions to see. Because it is the oldest island, the beaches are all pretty much sandy (except for the rocky Na Pali coast). Resorts are quieter but have what you need. Not a lot of nightlife but nice restaruants just nothing fancy like on Oahu or Maui. Best for those who don't need nightlife but want things to see and do.

Molokai, Lanai and Niihau--Very uncommercialized islands that are not real touristy. I can't tell you much about them as I have never been and haven't had friends go there.

I used to live in Honolulu so I might have a bias toward it but my favorite Island is Kauai. If you have the time, a multi island trip is quite feasible with them as well (or just a day trip to another Island too). Usually the rule is a minimum of 7 days to see 1 Island, 8-15 you can handle 2. Obviously day trips will take up a whole day out of the vacation with the airport pains and such. You can try pleasant hawaiian holidays for the hotels and they do packages for multi island trips too. Airfare online from places like travelocity, expedia, orbitz, kayak, etc. usually have good prices and can do multi center if you'd like to add in Vegas, NY, etc. for the flight too.

Double post...sorry!

thanks very much for this!

Yes, thanks Jannelle. Very informative. Now to decide...

Thank you!
would you recommend a cruise to see more of Hawaii?
we had in mind 14nights with maybe a 5-7night cruise and for the rest of the honeymoon maybe a stay on 1 or 2 of the islands?
hope this makes sense!
thanks in advance
x

I thought they were down to 1 ship now that was doing interisland trips and they were all 7 day cruises or am I wrong? With 7 days remaining after that, I would recommend staying on just 1 island after a cruise. It all depends on your budget and what you'd like to do. NCL always seems to be a bit high priced for essentially being a floating hotel, but if you like cruises and the price doesn't bother you, you can certainly add in a cruise too.

Just seen this thread and you have some great information. We are staying at Turtle Bay for 2 weeks in September. Just wanted some info on the hotel if you know of it and also the general area. Do we need to hire a car or will teh bus service be any good. Thanks for any help x

Rachel1983 - got your email and have responded about TB resort and Car hire.

C xx

Charleygirl (**waves hello***) has fabulous info on TB. And I'm sure she'll cover this, but I would not take the bus there on my honeymoon. I had to ride the bus a lot when I lived there and its slow and crowded and I think there is a limit on luggage too. Unless you're staying in Waikiki or stayng (eating, shopping, etc.) at a particular resort on an outer island, you really need to rent a car.

Hi Jannelle (**waves hello back atcha!**).

Have posted saying feel free to email me on other thread.

So far I have had 5 emails from Brides wanting the lowdown on TB. I should get commission from the resort! ha ha. x


[Modified by: charleygirl on June 18, 2009 04:51 PM]

Hi

We are planning on a few nights in vegas, followed by 10 nights in Oahu - staying at turtle bay, before going to san fran for a few nights. (gettign married next july)

Has anyone stayed at turtle bay? can u tell me what there is to do and if we'll need a car for the entire time we are there. I have heard it is quite quiet with no watersports and not much night life, and although i want to spend quality time with hubby its not like we've just met so would like to be doing lots of fun stuff, making memories. I like the idea of turtle bay as it is quieter than the other resorts but just wanted some feedback ....

Any info would be great, we are hoping to book it next month x

If you're staying at Turtle Bay, you'll need a rental car. I'm not sure how you would get rid of the car mid-vacation because you'll need it to get back and forth from Waikiki or from the airport in Honolulu.

Hi all, All your honeymoons sound very exciting!

Thanks Jannelle for your post on Hawaii.

Im gettin married 3rd april 2010.. were planning on going to LA for 7 nights Vegas for 2 and Hawaii for 4.. however Im still lost as to which island to choose, We just want to go somewhere quiet,and that have beautiful beaches.. however we would like to go out in the evening too.. May be somewhere thats not so crowded.
Which would you say is the best island for me?

My budget is £4000.. And we cant decide where to go 1st, any ideas? should we do Hawaii 1st or L.A?

Hope you can help me

Thanks xx

Hi there, we are getting married in 17 days and then going to Hawaii for our honeymoon in 21 days can't wait.
We are staying in Honolulu at the Kahala for 1 week.
I haven't heard you mention this hotel - only the Turtle Bay and Halekulani - Do you have any idea what the hotel is like that we have chosen (we wanted to be slightly out of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki)?
Thanks XX

Hi there! Thanks for the info that's great. We are staying at the Courtyard Waikiki in March, I think! We are booking next week. Do you know of that hotel, whether it's in a decent area for going out at night, and the beach during the day? We are doing everything online so haven't had any information like that really.
Thanks a lot