Quote:
Originally Posted by Wigs
Molson, if one can only visit Hawaii once in their life, which Island do you recommend? Or do you recommend visiting a couple?
|
Before the fire, definitely Maui (for a couple: very romantic place). Beautiful island of contrasts (wet side, dry side), fantastic beaches, yet sufficiently populated to have a wide array of amenities. The Road to Hana, and the drive up Haleakala Volcano (to see the sun rise below you) should not be missed. You will not run out of things to do. Waves can be dangerous in the winter months on the windward side.
Kauai is the most beautiful of all, but it is more remote and doesn't have quite the variety of attractions that Maui has (due to the population of the latter being 2.5 times greater). In terms of sheer beauty, Kauai cannot be beaten. It is the island where most of the Jurassic Park sequences were filmed. The north shore beaches, Waimea canyon, Queen's Bath, the mountain lookouts...just jaw-dropping. Crazy waves on the North shore in winter.
The Big Island is really very big: bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined. I drove everywhere. The big attraction is the volcanoes (amazing), and to a lesser extent, the rainforests on the windward side. Extreme climate differences between windward and leeward sides.
With a million people Oahu is so crowded, and Waikiki beach is about as wide as an upstairs hallway. The north shore of Oahu has great beaches (not to be trifled with in the winter months...the waves nearly killed me). Lots of shopping options, targeted towards the upscale Japanese tourist.