Which Island should I spend a week on when I go to Hawaii? Which one is best for a first timer, not too busy.?

Question

I am going to use a week at a time share in Hawaii and there are so many chioces, so many islands....can anyone that has been there lots give me some pointers?

Answer 1

Maui if you don't want busy. I like Oahu for a first timer, but it is busy.

Answer 2

Maui is a nice island with great beaches.

Oahu is packed with tourists, but you can visit the USS Arizona, the battleship that went down in Pearl Harbor. It is a sobering experience, as it is the only battleship that is still in commission, as it is still manned by our departed heroes on board.

Then, there is my favorite, the big island of Hawaii. Hawaii has two sides. You have the tourist area of Kona, and the laid back side of Hilo. On the Kona side you can do the typical luau where you roast the pig in the sand, and usually comes with the "show" of hula dancing, etc. This is a very tourist area.

On the Hilo side, you have a more laid back attitute, and you will get a better flavor of the island people. It still has tourist, but it isn't so hectic.

You can rent a car, and drive completely around the island in a long day if you want. Hawaii has a lot to do if you want. You can visit the Macadamia Nut factory, the Botanical Garden, flea markets, a black, green, or white beach, do a luau, go to the steam vents, see lots of water falls, visit Volcano National Park, or if you are adventurous; take a helicopter ride over the active volcano.

Have fun, I envy you!

Answer 3

I have vacationed on Oahu 4 times. The last 3 times were in the last 5 years and we are planning another trip in May. The first time I stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki the last 3 at The Turtle bay Resort. As my wife would say, "It is a little piece of Heaven."

It is a short 45-60 minute picturesque drive from Waikiki. We live in Ashburn, Va 23 miles from Washington DC and everything around here is a 45 to 60 minute drive here just to get to work and no views of rainbows or mountains.

Now on Oahu there is so many things to do. Just be careful and lock everything in trunk.. As for organized tours forget them except for two: The Atlantis Submarine and The North Shore Shark Dive. They are must do's. Everything else can be done by getting a map at your hotel and planning your day. Here is example: Pearl Harbor tours is $5.00 for parking if you drive. If you take tour it is $35.00 per person! The Byodo Temple at the Valley of the Temple again $35.00 per person, if you drive $4.00. get the picture? Diamond Head hike is $12.00 for parking etc..

As for dinner you cannot miss The Hanohano Room at the top of the Sheraton Waikiki at sunset and Lei Lei's at the Turtle Bay.

As you can tell I love Hawaii. I have been all over Europe as well as the Bahamas and the Caribbean and nothing compares in my book. And Florida well I am sorry, I would not go there again if you paid me.

If you and or anyone else wish to ask about restaurants and or places of interest I would certainly be happy to E-mail you back. My E-mail is: [e-mail]

Answer 4

Two nights on Waikiki Beach, then five nights on Maui! That's what my first visit was sixteen years ago, and I've been hooked on Hawaii ever since. Lots of trips to all of the islands.

If your timeshare company won't let you split your trip into two islands, then take one on Maui. In my opinion, Maui really is the best for beaches and things to do.

Get a good guidebook ahead of time "Hidden Maui" or "Fodor's Maui" are my favorites, but you'll find a variety at major bookstores.

My first trip to Hawaii was magical. I'll never forget the way the air felt when I got off the airplane and stepped into a breezeway. And it just got better from there.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

If you want to be alone and not near many people than go to Kauai. If you want to be with all the resorts and all of the people around you then go to Maui. If you want to go to a big city with traffic and congestions stay at Waikiki on Oahu. For your I would go to Kauai a perfect island for a first timer. The big island would be good too but you spend quite a bit of time driving if you are on the Kona side to the volcano on the Hilo side. Kona gets better weather.

Answer 6

Here is a quick iternary that I always share with my out of town friends:

Day 1
Arrive in Honolulu.
Stay in Waikiki and enjoy the beach and surrounding area.

Day 2
Go to Diamond Head for a hike. Great ocean and city view. Will have to pay for entry fee.
(If you want free hike, drive further east to Makapuu, great ocean view. Might see humpback whale during Dec to May).
Stop by Koko Marina for lunch.
Go to Hanauma Bay for snokeling. (Closed on Tuesday)
Spend night at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Day 3
If this is a Wed/Sat/Sun, visit Aloha Stadium for swap meat in the morning.
Then, go across to Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial).
If there is a 3 hours time wait for the boat ride to Arizona Memorial, drive to Pearlridge Shopping Center (about 3 min drive) for lunch.
Might Mo Battary Ship is just next door. Take the guided tour. Might need to spend 2-3 hours there. Huge ship with lots of history.
More shopping can be done if you continue west to Waikele Factory Outlet.

Day 4
Visit Iolani Palace. Across is the famous King Kamehaha status.
Downtown Honolulu on the next block.
Chinatown is a few short block away. Eat lunch there. Many choices.
Aloha tower also within walking distance.
Go up to Punchbowl Cemetery. Wars displays on the walls and great city view from the opening area.

Day 5
If money permit, fly to Big Island's Hilo side. I love to bring my guests to Volcano Park. Fly early in the morning and catch the last flight back to Honolulu. below is the locals airlines web-site. They have been giving really great deal, such as $29 one way plus tax & fees.

If you choice to stay on Oahu, visit Ko'olina Beach. Beautiful place. Then, go up to Tantalua Mountain at night for a great city view.

Day 6
Drive around the island.
Stop by North Shore.
Visit Dole Canary. They used to have the world largest maze.

Day 7
Fly home.

Answer 7

Try the 9th major island in the archipelago: California... Chances are you'll see MORE Hawai'i license plates in California than in Hawai'i b/c all the Hawai'i folks have been forced out by rich Californians who are taking away our affordable properties and greedy enough to "use" the 'aina as their retirement investment.. I wish them luck when they try and sell their properites b/c none of the baby boomer descendants nor their children will be able to afford them (or the property tax payments!) Greed begets greed but will stop when the greedy folks' kids can't afford to make ends meet... Sad but true..

Answer 8

Each island has its own character.
If you want super rural, go to Lanai. That's the island where BIll Gates got married.
If you want beautiful and quiet and not as rural, try Kauai.
If you want a gorgeous island that is not too busy go to Maui.
If you want a nightlife and good restaurants as well as some beautiful scenery that you must drive to, go to Oahu.
Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong, although we are in a cold spell here. Last night it got down to 65 degrees.

Answer 9

Go island hoping if you can. See as much of Hawaii as you can. Each island has different things to offer.

Answer 10

I've got to go with the majority, here. Maui! But I did spend 2 weeks on the North Shore of Oahu with a car and it was heavenly! Hopefully you'll have access to a car! There's so much to see! Enjoy your trip!

Answer 11

Oahu is where Waikiki is. I have been there 5 times and going again in 4weeks. Pearl Harbor has a tour and very fulfilling,Walk up Diamond Head, great scuba diving areas, Dole Pineapple Plantation, Drive around the island in one day,