Kauai for its laid back atmosphere and amazing uncrowded beaches. If I went back this is where I would go.

Second favorite is the Big Island. SO many amazing things - volcano, Mauna Kea, black sand beach, and everywhere you drive just looks totally different then where you just left.

I've been to Maui and the Big Island. Maui is beautiful for a typical beach vacation but I loved the variety on the Big Island -- beaches and snorkeling but also the Volcano National Park, drive up Mauna Kea to the observatory, coffee plantations, Hawaiian history.

Depends on time of year you are going and age of kids. For us, we loved the north shore of ohau but in summer when waves were relatively mild. We stayed right on the beach in an Airbnb. Beautiful! Lots of activities - snorkeling, hiking, surfing,etc We then went to maui which was nice but we just didn't enjoy it as much. I was in Kaui too 29 years ago and so only have a foggy memory but thinki it was nice. I remember the Big island well and really enjoying that one!

Maui, hands down. We've spent time on Oahu and Kauai, but we adore Maui. We've stayed at the same resort both times we've been (on Kaanapali Beach) and it's super kid friendly (but awesome for adults as well). We're beach and pool people (we spend hours poolside with kid activities going on pretty much non-stop) and we incorporated an awesome snorkeling excursion from Kannapali. We also did some hiking and tide pool exploring, but nothing extreme - all super convenient to that side of the island. We also LOVE the little town of Lahaina - full of shops, restaurants with live music, galleries, bars, etc. 8 year old DD loved it too - she got a henna tattoo and saved her allowance to buy some souvenirs of her own. I mean - you can't go wrong with Hawaii, but I'll always choose Maui.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been to Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

My favorite is Kauai. The beaches are beautiful, the roads are well paved, and Waimea Canyon.

I thought Haleakala on Maui was incredible, it is like the surface of Mars up there. I did not think much else about it makes it a better destination.

I lived on Oahu. People like to dig Waikiki, but if you have kids, that beach is calm, warm, and downright lovely. If you go, see Shangri-La, unbelievably beautiful. The bishop museum is cool, too. The drive from Honolulu to Kailua/Kaneohe is lovely, whether you take Likelike or the Pali. The Pali lookout is wonderful. Nuuanu is a great place to hike, for waterfalls and views. If you go to north shore, drive back to Honolulu around the island, the views are outstanding.

Thank you! Can you tell me a little more about your experience on Maui? My husband is very interested in going there. We will have one set of grandparents, my brother/sis in law/10 yr old niece, and my husband and kids (3 and 5 yr old).

We were there 15 years ago, so take that into consideration. I think kaanapali would have a nice length of beach for the kids, but I can't remember what the waves were like. But, that is probably a big draw for the kids.

I didn't like driving, as the roads were not that great. It was pretty, but nothing like Kauai. I mean, it's still an island, but to me not a comparison. Haleakala is really neat at the top. The adventurous can bike down, and I think there may be zip lining. Honestly, I wasn't impressed with Maui overall, but to each... perhaps there is someone who can weigh in about what they loved.

Anonymous wrote:I've been to Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

My favorite is Kauai. The beaches are beautiful, the roads are well paved, and Waimea Canyon.

I thought Haleakala on Maui was incredible, it is like the surface of Mars up there. I did not think much else about it makes it a better destination.

I lived on Oahu. People like to dig Waikiki, but if you have kids, that beach is calm, warm, and downright lovely. If you go, see Shangri-La, unbelievably beautiful. The bishop museum is cool, too. The drive from Honolulu to Kailua/Kaneohe is lovely, whether you take Likelike or the Pali. The Pali lookout is wonderful. Nuuanu is a great place to hike, for waterfalls and views. If you go to north shore, drive back to Honolulu around the island, the views are outstanding.

Thank you! Can you tell me a little more about your experience on Maui? My husband is very interested in going there. We will have one set of grandparents, my brother/sis in law/10 yr old niece, and my husband and kids (3 and 5 yr old).

I've been to Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

My favorite is Kauai. The beaches are beautiful, the roads are well paved, and Waimea Canyon.

I thought Haleakala on Maui was incredible, it is like the surface of Mars up there. I did not think much else about it makes it a better destination.

I lived on Oahu. People like to dig Waikiki, but if you have kids, that beach is calm, warm, and downright lovely. If you go, see Shangri-La, unbelievably beautiful. The bishop museum is cool, too. The drive from Honolulu to Kailua/Kaneohe is lovely, whether you take Likelike or the Pali. The Pali lookout is wonderful. Nuuanu is a great place to hike, for waterfalls and views. If you go to north shore, drive back to Honolulu around the island, the views are outstanding.

We will be there for two weeks next spring. Had initially planned to head to Kauai but we've already seen that island and want to try a new one.

What is your favorite Hawaiian island and why?