Picking Islands in Hawaii

rutgersgirl82

Hi. My fiance and I are interested in going to Hawaii for our honeymoon so I'm trying to do some research on which islands to go to. I'm pretty sure we def want to go to Maui, but then we had some people tell us to go to Kaui and others tell us to go to Oahu. We're trying to plan a trip for somewhere between 10-14 days. So I was thinking 2 islands would prob be optimal. 

Is there any where I can check out that might give me a quick and dirty overview about the different islands? Or if you have any advice or recommendations about good things/bad things/things to see and do on the diff islands/what it's known for, would be much appreciated!!!!

I'm not sure where the best place is to start looking - THANKS!!!!

tinydancer842

See my previous post: "opinions hawaii girls" I just decided to go to Maui & the Big Island b/c everything on those islands appealed the most to me. Oahu is a city & very touristy which wasn't something I was interested in for my HM. Looks like your also from NJ. My friend who went to Hawaii on her HM suggested non-stop flights to me, so that's also something to consider. Pick up Fordors 2010 guide on Hawaii to read about each island & go with the one that interests you the most. 

kaesha

Get the blue Revealed guides. I swear by them! You can see some info on the website: http://wizardpub.com.

For everyone, islands have different vibes. While Waikiki and Honolulu are pretty touristy, there are lots of places on Oahu that aren't. So, if you get out of there (a lot of the HI brides like to stay at the Ilihani for peaceful seclusion), you'll have a different experience.

jagore08

I went to Maui and loved it.  It was very relaxed and there are a ton of things to do on the island.  Once you pick an island, start making your reservations for things you and your new DH want to do (like booking a luau because they sell out quickly).

fallbride1109

We picked Maui because it seemed like a good mix of what we wanted--very romantic and beautiful but still with a lot to do without being too touristy.

DandT1206

i went to 4 islands... my 2 favorites were:  the Big Island & Maui.   Oahu was more built up/touristy, but a trip to the North Shore will fix that.  Kauai was very quiet.. great for just relaxing b/c there's not a whole lot to do there.

degrea

I went to HI last year. We went for 10 days, 12 with travel. We went Maui and the Big Island. Those would be the two I reccommend to you. I have heard that Kaui is beautiful and the garden island, but there isn't alot of stuff to do there. I would also reccommend a day flight to Ohua, just to see Peral Harbor if that interest you. I think there also might be a boat ride that leaves in the morning and heads back at night on one of the islands, i just can't remeber which one.

Another opition is always a cruise. You can see all the islands this way.

SummerPastelBride

We went to Maui and Oahu for our honeymoon and would recommend both.  We did 3 nights in Oahu in Waikiki and thought it was definitely a nice area and the beaches were pretty (although there were a lot of people).  We chose Oahu mainly to go to Pearl Harbor, but we both like cities so the urban feel appealed to us. 
We stayed on Maui for a week, and the vibe is much more relaxed there.  There are plenty of activities but also gorgeous beaches to relax on. 
We are hoping to go back at some point to see the Big Island and Kauai.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the islands.  Figure out which ones fit your vision for your honeymoon as well as your interests. 

chicagobride_07

Kauai is my favorite island.  I don't agree with the folks who say that there is nothing to do there.  Kauai is pretty commercialized (especially in the Poipu and Princeville areas) and has luaus, ziplining, kayaking, helicopter rides, etc.- and some pretty good restaurants to boot.  I also think that the Na Pali coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

It all depends on what you are looking for.  I'm not a fan of the Lahaina and Wailea areas of Maui because they remind me of SoCal, where I grew up.  That's not a bad thing, though.  I'm just looking for something a little different for a tropical vacation.

Not mentioned by anyone yet- but I really love Lanai.  Now, this really is the island of "not much to do".  But its great for relaxation.  DH and I are going back this summer.