Hawaii

What are the highlights (or differences) between:

Oahu
Kauai
Maui
Waikoloa
the Big Island

I think I understand Kauai to be more natural/undeveloped. But I don't know much else.

Is there a better time of year to go (weather-wise/tourism-wise)?

Re: Hawaii

Big Island is constantly changing because of the volcano that has been active for years... we loved driving our car and seeing as much of the island as possible... you get it all: beautiful beaches, falls, volcanoes, gorgeous valleys...

here are some pictures for you:

Re: Hawaii

Wow - gorgeous! What time of year did you go? Is that the only island you visited?

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we went last year at the end of september, the weather was perfect... although it does tend to rain on the Hilo side of the island (I think Hilo might get the most rain out of all the cities in the United States), but not at the Kona side... we only visited Big Island because we like to see as much as possible, next time we will probably pick another island and do the same thing...

Re: Hawaii

I've been to Hawaii several of times. I enjoyed the month of March the best. The weather was great and the water was warmer. I also went during whale season which was the best. I also thought it was a little bit less crowded than the other times I went (May, July and Sept.) My favorite islands are Kuai and Maui.

Message edited 8/10/2006 3:54:33 PM.

Re: Hawaii

Re: Hawaii

We got married in Maui 3 1/2 years ago so we treated ourselfs and stayed at very pricey hotels. In Maui we stayed at the Grand Wailea Resort (www.grandwailea.com) and in Kuai we stayed at the Princeville (www.princeville.com). When you go to Maui definitely look for hotels in the Wailea area. I'll guarantee you'll love the area. It's beautiful!!!
My mom stayed at a condo on the beach in Wailea which I can't remember the name of it right now and the price was reasonable. As soon as I find out the name I will let you know.
Oh, and I always book my activities through www.hawaiiactivities.com

Wailea Ekahi Village is where my mom stayed.

Message edited 8/10/2006 4:24:33 PM.

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IM going on my HM next summer - we got the Fodors book and its very helpful.

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We went to Oahu, Kauai and Maui for our honeymoon.

Oahu, where Honolulu and Waikiki are, is much more crowded and built up. We were only there for two nights, to go to Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. If we ever go back to Hawaii, I would skip it and go to the Big Island.

Kauai is simply gorgeous. A lot of waterfalls, rainbows, and very lush scenery. There isn't as much to do as there is in Maui, but we didn't mind, b/c we really spent a lot of time driving around the island and getting a good feel for it. We also took a helicopter ride, which was simply gorgeous!

Maui is also terrific. There are more shops, restaurants and things to do at night. If you go there, the Road to Hana was one of the best things we did. It's so gorgeous.

I think Kauai was our favorite overall.

We stayed at the Hyatts on all three islands. We loved the ones on Kauai and Maui.

Re: Hawaii