Travel to Hawaii for the first time?

Question

Hubby and I are thinking of going to Hawaii for our anniversary. I've been to Maui myself but hubby is first-timer. Any suggestions on which island we should go? which part of the island is better? we are the semi active type and we are planning to spend 4-6 days there. Thanks

Answer 1

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own personality and character. So, knowing what type of person you are and what you like to do will help you decide which of the islands you will like.

If you like tourists and fishing you should like the Kona area of the “Big Island” of Hawaii.
If you like solitude, a tropical feel, a rural atmosphere and you don’t mind rain, you should like the Hilo area of the Big Island. The west side of the Big Island has a few nice small beaches, including black sand beaches. Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the island you will find a green sand beach. Big beaches are not prevalent on the Big Island.

If you enjoy scenery, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing and don’t yearn for “night life” then the oldest of the islands, Kauai is for you.

If you are the kind of person who keep a bathing suit, snorkel gear or a surfboard in your car, then Maui is for you, because it has 120 miles of easily accessible and swimmable coastline, more than any other island.

If you have an artistic temperament or perhaps you like to get away and write, then seek out the island of Lanai.

If you love nature, hiking and solitude, then “the most Hawaiian” of the islands, Molokai is for you.

You’ll enjoy Oahu if you like beaches, shopping, tourists, high-rises, traffic and don’t mind a lot of other people. Honolulu is like a tropical version of NYC, or LA as it was in the smog-free 1950's.

Answer 2

I just came back from the big island and it wasn't very interesting. Really no cool sports to do compared to Oahu. In Oahu you can hike up diamond head, which is amazing... and there are these stairs that go up to an overlook of Kaneohe and Kailua. You could try kite surfing, and go parasailing, swim with wild dolphins over on the north western part of the island [government property so nobody lives there; you can also whale watch in the winter here] and swim with sharks in the north shore. Oahu is small enough that active people can bike around the island [you can't do that on the big island for sure!] and you can spend the morning in Waikiki, noon-time at Kailua beach park, the afternoon in the north shore, and the evening at a lagoon on the western coast. It's really fun to bike around this island [although a little scary on the roads near diamond head!]

Answer 3

Myself I loved Oahu, there was so much to do! All the water activities are there along with hiking, biking, and a lot of the rich Hawaiian culture!

Me I loved being right on Waikiki but for those not so much into the nightlife, the North side of Oahu is great, lots of beaches, big surf in the winter months makes it a great place to watch surfers, and its quieter than the busy life in Honolulu!

You can find great information on all the islands including lodging, activities, dining, what to pack and what it will cost at www.hawaii.com

Answer 4

Try the Big Island of Hawaii! The volcano is spectacular and there are all kinds of hikes you can do. I'm not a big fan of hiking, but I love to walk around at the volcano. It's fascinating! There are lava tubes which can be beautiful as well as possibly getting to see actual flowing lava, which I have been lucky enough to see twice. North Kohala has lovely beaches and there are easily accessible waterfalls all over the east side of the island. You won't regret going to the Big Island. If you have any more questions or need tips on where to stay/restaurants/etc., please email me.

Answer 5

you should take him to Maui since you've been there.