So the wife and I are looking to go to Hawaii around April 5-10 (for five or six nights) and needed some advice from those of you who are familiar with Hawaii. <br /><br />We're debating between 1. Waikiki (at the Sheraton, mostly likely, but Royal Hawaiian is an option) 2. Kauai (St Regis Princeville) or 3. a combo of the two. <br /><br /><br />We are looking a place that is fun (not interested in night clubs, but like to have people around, especially our age--early 30s). Dont want a super crowded beach, but do want people around. Since we're there for a 5-6 nights, would like options other than just lounging at the pool (hiking, sightseeing, etc...)<br /><br />Thanks!

#2 not even close unless you want to visit Pearl Harbor

We just got back from the North Shore of Oahu and loved it. I would highly recommend Oahu-just stay away from Waikiki. Waikiki is Vegas with a beach. If you like uncrowded beaches, slow pace, and easy livin' the North Shore might be your place. If you want to get into Honolulu for the nightlife you can drive there. <br /><br />I have also stayed at Kailua on Oahu and would recommend that as well. Anywhere but Honolulu.

There are a bunch of guys like KAB or Sansei who live there and can give you tons of info plus many other guys that have gone multiple times who will help you...in the meantime, here is a cool little quiz you can take which might help you decide.......I've only been to Maui once and love it....my friends who went to Kauai love it since it is so beautiful but it is much much more quiet and serene....<br /><br /><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx""</a>"" class="postlink " 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<blockquote><div class="name-said">kiddynamite;666062 said:</div><hr>We just got back from the North Shore of Oahu and loved it. I would highly recommend Oahu-just stay away from Waikiki. Waikiki is Vegas with a beach. If you like uncrowded beaches, slow pace, and easy livin' the North Shore might be your place. If you want to get into Honolulu for the nightlife you can drive there. <br /><br />I have also stayed at Kailua on Oahu and would recommend that as well. Anywhere but Honolulu.<hr></blockquote><br />No gambling in Hawaii ... well, at least the last time I checked....

That is Vegas with a beach without the gambling. Everyone is a tourist, hotels jammed together, a mess for traffic. In short, tourist central.

KAB who is closer to WildBear's age than I am is quite an expert on restaurants and hiking spots. WildBear can contact me if he wants to know about businesses offering senior discounts, etc. :rollinglaugh:

Just got back from a week at the big island and absolutely loved it...if you're into outdoorsy stuff there are some amazing adventures to be had out there. Doesn't sound like big island is on your list, but if you did want more info just let me know!

I have been to both and I wouldn't recommend either for you. I'd vote for Maui. Kauii seems too quiet for you n Oahus is too crowded.

Oh BTW ... to answer the question.... Maui is the best. It has everything for both the outdoorsman and the city slicker .... and NOT too crowded (although much more than it used to be it seems).<br /><br />When I go, I almost always choose Maui. Kauai is too boring IMHO ... but different strokes for different folks.

My choice would be Kauai, but its a personal preference. Kauai is slow, which is what I want when on vacation in Hawaii. Awesome beaches, great hikes, and a chill relaxing time. My wife and I are in our early 30s and we love Kauai and have been 5 times together. What time of the year btw - Princeville weather is not nearly as nice as south shore Kauai (Poipu) weather, so that may play a role in your decision - it rains a lot more on Kauai and especially north shore Kauai than the other islands.

If you do stay in Honolulu for a day or two, try the Roberts Tours island tour. You will see far more of Oahu than you would otherwise, and the driver I had, (it's been several years so he may no longer be there), was informative as well as hilarious).<br /><br />Otherwise concentrate on Kauai. Breathtakingly beautiful and far more relaxed than Waikiki. I highly recommend Captain Andy's Na Pali Coast boat tour. Incredible scenery, snorkeling, dolphins and if you're lucky, some humpback whales along the way.<br /><br />Maui is also gorgeous and lots to do as well.

We're going in early April, so weather could be a factor as the wife would like somewhere warm. I haven't really looked at Maui, but might give it a try. I am somewhat limited I have a ton of BA points (garbage and almost as useless as Delta points) and the main availability (via American Airlines) is to Honolulu.

Really depends on what you want. I actually like Waikiki because of the hustle and bustle. But I like Wailea in Maui for kick back. If you want to do Oahu and see things like Pearl Harbor, N. Shore shrimp trucks, Matsumotos ,Hanauma Bay and the historic sites then so be it. Sheraton is very large and not a lot of beach. I have stayed in all but the Halekulani. If you want a little more privacy ( more beach ) go to Hilton Hawaiian Village because it is at the end and not in the middle like Outrigger, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider and such. I was at outrigger cuz I had 2 college people and wanted to hang at Dukes and such. There is also the newer beachwalk that has Embassy Suites and Trump Tower. April is not a bad month to go. A few weeks ago it wwas not crowded. I would just avovid July and August. Each Island gives it's own flavor. I think Waikiki is fun and lots of great restaurants. The Sheraton does actually have a semi-nightclub in it called Rumfire. Overpriced. One more thing.. If you like Mai Tai's , the Halekulani makes the best on the planet. The real one that Trader Vic made. Aloha..

Yeah, looks like Maui might actually work. We're also planning on going to Hawaii over the new years, so that might change things around. So maybe I should be asking what is the best place for xmas/new years and then choose the other place. thanks for everyones advice!

My wife and I went to Kauai last year. First time for me and 3rd time she's been to Hawaii. We're 31/32 now.<br /><br />Its her favorite island, but man is it slow. Everything about life there is slow, kinda crazy but could be enjoyable. If you're looking for quiet and few cars, thats where I'd go. I'm not planning to ever go back though. I'd say the people are around the age you're looking for, but pretty sparsely populated when we were there. It is beautiful though. We stayed 5 nights and that was plenty for me. If you're into outdoorsy type activity this might be your place. <br /><br />I don't think Waikiki is quite my speed, but I do love Vegas. I'm pushing for Maui if I ever go back.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">WildBear;666052 said:</div><hr>So the wife and I are looking to go to Hawaii around April 5-10 (for five or six nights) and needed some advice from those of you who are familiar with Hawaii. <br /><br />We're debating between 1. Waikiki (at the Sheraton, mostly likely, but Royal Hawaiian is an option) 2. Kauai (St Regis Princeville) or 3. a combo of the two. <br /><br /><br />We are looking a place that is fun (not interested in night clubs, but like to have people around, especially our age--early 30s). Dont want a super crowded beach, but do want people around. Since we're there for a 5-6 nights, would like options other than just lounging at the pool (hiking, sightseeing, etc...)<br /><br />Thanks!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Of the two is the St. Regis. The old Princeville resort is world-class, in a location that cannot be surpassed. I've stayed twice, and we go to Kauai annually. Great golf, great beaches, great sunsets. The town of Hanalei is just down the road, and will offer a little bit of night life, and restaurant options, and is a fun place to while away some hours. If you like hiking and exploring, keep going past Hanalei to the end of the road and Ke'e beach -- at the trail head to some great Na Pali coast hikes. The whole island can be driven in about an hour, and places like Waimea canyon or Mahaleupu are part of any day trip. <br /><br />Waikiki is fine, and it's hard to complain about anything in the islands. Since many flights go through Honolulu, you might consider just adding a day or two to your stay on the way in our out. I might consider on the way in, since I wouldn't want to wind up in Waikiki after the St. Regis. Also in Waikiki, consider the Westin. <br /><br />One disclaimer -- we have found that people in this world are divided into two camps -- Maui-people and Kauai-people. Kauai people wouldn't go anywhere else. Maui-people consider Kauai 'fine,' but certainly not "it."

If you are a Top 1% type go to the Big Island and stay at Mauna Kea. First cabin, baby! Let them eat cake!

I say with the factors you are looking for, here are the two best bets:<br /><br />1) Maui -- Kaanapali, the Sheraton Blackrock is nice. It's a little south of the Kapalua golf course. You have Lahaina at your disposal which is a few miles away so that's nice. You can also go to Wailea side. Lots of breaching whales are seen down there (although by April I think they may be gone). <br /><br />2) Oahu -- Ko Olina has a few resorts including the new Disney Aulani. This lagoon area (5 of em) is off the beaten path of Waikiki although it's getting more crowded with development. Good golfing right on site. Close to Pearl Harbor and if you want to go hiking, just PM me and I'll tell you what the good spots are -- I may even join you! Oahu actually has the most diverse hiking trails of all the islands. There are some beauties on Kauai and Big Island, but Oahu is pretty awesome, including that little trail that Obama just went on in Lanikai. <br /><br />In any case, you really can't go wrong also by going to Kauai (make sure you hit the Na Pali coast) or even Lanai (but maybe too isolated for you). What's great about Lanai is that there are two Four Seasons properties, The Lodge (in the woods) and Lanai (on the coast). You can choose either one to stay in. But you have access to both properties. Check it out:<br /><br /><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a>"</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a></a></a></a></a>

<blockquote><div class="name-said">bearister;666167 said:</div><hr>If you are a Top 1% type go to the Big Island and stay at Mauna Kea. First cabin, baby! Let them eat cake!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />1% meaning lover of observatories?

<blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;666249 said:</div><hr>I say with the factors you are looking for, here are the two best bets:<br /><br />1) Maui -- Kaanapali, the Sheraton Blackrock is nice. It's a little south of the Kapalua golf course. You have Lahaina at your disposal which is a few miles away so that's nice. You can also go to Wailea side. Lots of breaching whales are seen down there (although by April I think they may be gone). <br /><br />2) Oahu -- Ko Olina has a few resorts including the new Disney Aulani. This lagoon area (5 of em) is off the beaten path of Waikiki although it's getting more crowded with development. Good golfing right on site. Close to Pearl Harbor and if you want to go hiking, just PM me and I'll tell you what the good spots are -- I may even join you! Oahu actually has the most diverse hiking trails of all the islands. There are some beauties on Kauai and Big Island, but Oahu is pretty awesome, including that little trail that Obama just went on in Lanikai. <br /><br />In any case, you really can't go wrong also by going to Kauai (make sure you hit the Na Pali coast) or even Lanai (but maybe too isolated for you). What's great about Lanai is that there are two Four Seasons properties, The Lodge (in the woods) and Lanai (on the coast). You can choose either one to stay in. But you have access to both properties. Check it out:<br /><br /><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/"</a></a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br"</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/</a></a><hr></blockquote><br</a></a></a></a> /><br />Now that you mention it KAB. The day we went to Kailua, ate at Buzz's and then went and parked in the neighborhood in Lanikai. Walked between the houses and found that white sand beach and beautiful water. sand was soft ,almost like flour.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">davetdds;666268 said:</div><hr>Now that you mention it KAB. The day we went to Kailua, ate at Buzz's and then went and parked in the neighborhood in Lanikai. Walked between the houses and found that white sand beach and beautiful water. sand was soft ,almost like flour.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Kailua and Lanikai beaches are amazing beaches. Waimanalo is another very pristine beach off the beaten path. Tourists don't know about it because there are some tent communities by it and scares em all off. But the waters are amazing clear light blue. Bellows and the beach off Sherwood Forest are good bets. Watch out for Portuguese Man O War!<br /><br /><img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="" />" />" />" />" />

<blockquote><div class="name-said">wildbear;666052 said:</div><hr>so the wife and i are looking to go to hawaii around april 5-10 (for five or six nights) and needed some advice from those of you who are familiar with hawaii. <br /><br />We're debating between 1. Waikiki (at the sheraton, mostly likely, but royal hawaiian is an option) 2. Kauai (st regis princeville) or 3. A combo of the two. <br /><br /><br />We are looking a place that is fun (not interested in night clubs, but like to have people around, especially our age--early 30s). Dont want a super crowded beach, but do want people around. Since we're there for a 5-6 nights, would like options other than just lounging at the pool (hiking, sightseeing, etc...)<br /><br />thanks!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />maui maui maui

We have been to the Hawaiian Islands 61 times, been to all the islands and strongly recommend Maui. It has it all. Great everything. We finally would ulp buying four weeks on Maui and go twice a year for two weeks at a time.<br />Go Bears!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Blue Bear;666280 said:</div><hr>We have been to the Hawaiian Islands 61 times, been to all the islands and strongly recommend Maui. It has it all. Great everything. We finally would ulp buying four weeks on Maui and go twice a year for two weeks at a time.<br />Go Bears!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Well save your time for Thanksgiving week 2013 so the whole Bearinsider board can coverage in Lahaina for the Maui Classic.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">kiddynamite;666062 said:</div><hr>We just got back from the North Shore of Oahu and loved it. I would highly recommend Oahu-just stay away from Waikiki. Waikiki is Vegas with a beach. If you like uncrowded beaches, slow pace, and easy livin' the North Shore might be your place. If you want to get into Honolulu for the nightlife you can drive there. <br /><br />I have also stayed at Kailua on Oahu and would recommend that as well. Anywhere but Honolulu.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Wait you were on North Shore during high surf season - wasn't it crazy up there?

Oahu has everything, depending on what part of the island you are on. Waikiki has the night clubs, shopping, etc, but that's only a small part of the island. <br /><br />If you do stay in Waikiki, I would recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel which is walking distance from Waikiki main area, but has a much better beach and much larger grounds. The Waikiki main area is too commercial for me although I have stayed in the Sheraton Waikiki and the Hyatt Waikiki once each. HHV beats both of them by a long shot IMHO. <br /><br />However there are great beaches all over the island, plus just about everything else to see and do. <br /><br />If you want to see the Hawaiian Islands in your dreams (and in the movies) I'd recommend Kauai.<br /><br />Perhaps in between Oahu and Kauai is Maui. Maybe it's the balance of what you're looking for, although it maybe quiet in most places during the 'off' season.<br /><br />The Big Island is also great, but maybe not what you're looking for.<br /><br />Overall, I'd suggest going to Oahu, stay at the Hilton Hawaiian, but be sure to go all over the island (i.e. spend the days at the beaches and see the sights away from the tourist areas, and then spend the nights in Waikiki for the night life and shopping)

I'm not a local, but we go and visit my in-laws in Hawaii somewhat frequently.<br /><br />To me, Kauai is more of the archetypical Hawaiian island. Verdant and picturesque and less cluttered by tourists. When I go to Kauai, I feel like I'm in Hawaii. The Princeville is in a fantastic location--really beautiful vistas. Outside of daytime outdoor activities, however, there isn't much to do in Kauai. Kauai can also get a bit rainy, depending where you stay.<br /><br />I'm a fan of Oahu, but not so much of Waikiki. Waikiki is more dynamic, but it feels overdeveloped for an island experience. If you stay in Waikiki, try to get out and see other parts of the island. In addition to attractions such as Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay, there are a number of nice beaches (just exercise some care in understanding beach conditions--some beaches, like Sandy's can be very dangerous) and several great hikes. There are also lots of great places to eat, both high end and local. If you want to stay in Oahu, but want to get out of Waikiki, you can look into the Kahala Hotel (which is more isolated, but still reasonably close to town) or the resorts in the Ko Olina area (which is more distant).<br /><br />As several have indicated, Maui has a nice mix of the better parts of both Kauai and Oahu. It might be a good compromise.<br /><br />I've also visited Lanai, which is really quaint and relaxed. My wife and I enjoyed it, but it seems too slow for what you're looking for. I've visited the Big Island as a kid, but can't really recall much about it.<br /><br />There seems to be a lot of personal preference in what island is the best. I think that you're doing the right thing by asking around and thinking about how it matches your interests.

Totally agree with those who have suggested Maui. It's not hugely touristy or crowded like Oahu, but unlike Kauai there is SOME nightlife. Based on your description, it sounds like that is what you are looking for.

Thanks guys, based on everyone's advice here, we decided to go to.....Maui. I just booked the tickets, so everything is good to go.<br /><br />KAB and others--what do you think of the Maui Westin vs Maui Sheraton? Theyre right next to each other, but seems like the Westin is a bit nicer (not much), but the beach chairs are taken reserved by crazy towel people at 7 am and they just leave the towels there all day long. Price is about the same, plus I have status with Starwood, so would have to be one of those two.

I don't think anyone has yet mentioned Molokai, which makes sense since no one goes to Molokai. If you like vacationing in sleepy beach towns where the morning activity is a walk to the store to get the paper and fresh bread, Molokai is the place to go. Last time I was there several years ago there was still only one stoplight. The east side of the island is where everyone lives; it's lush and beautiful. When they decided to allow developers to build newfangled entertainments like a movie theater they made them build on the dry, flat west side. We spent our days on the balcony watching whales breach in the protective triangle between Molokai, Lanai and Maui. I just checked Google Maps and StreetView hasn't made it to Molokai yet. There are a few spectacular sights on the island but it's best for people whose idea of nightlife is watching the stars.<br /><br />There was also a post office whose (bored? friendly?) proprietor collects coconuts that fall from trees in the area. For no charge besides postage you can write a message on one with a Sharpie and mail it home <img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="" />" />" />" />">

My favorite island is Oahu, mainly because it has the best of both worlds (nature and nightlife) and some awesome food. Getting away from Waikiki, you can see Pearl Harbor, check out the North Shore and the shrimp trucks, hike Diamond Head, or hangout at less crowded beaches in Kailua. Maui and the Big Island are great during the day but at night, it's pitch black and you'll most likely be hanging out at your hotel. <br /><br />A few of my favorite food spots on Oahu:<br /><br />Side Street Inn - deep fried pork chops<br />Mitsu-ken - garlic chicken<br />Bubbies - mochi ice cream<br />Cinnamon's - red velvet pancakes<br />Rainbow Drive-In - fried chicken and loco moco<br />Liliha Bakery - coco puffs and cream puffs<br />Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - North Shore staple

<blockquote><div class="name-said">swooshbear;666332 said:</div><hr>My favorite island is Oahu, mainly because it has the best of both worlds (nature and nightlife) and some awesome food. Getting away from Waikiki, you can see Pearl Harbor, check out the North Shore and the shrimp trucks, hike Diamond Head, or hangout at less crowded beaches in Kailua. Maui and the Big Island are great during the day but at night, it's pitch black and you'll most likely be hanging out at your hotel. <br /><br />A few of my favorite food spots on Oahu:<br /><br />Side Street Inn - deep fried pork chops<br />Mitsu-ken - garlic chicken<br />Bubbies - mochi ice cream<br />Cinnamon's - red velvet pancakes<br />Rainbow Drive-In - fried chicken and loco moco<br />Liliha Bakery - coco puffs and cream puffs<br />Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - North Shore staple<hr></blockquote><br /><br />All good choices. The sushi/izakaya scene is amazing here, as you may expect. If you hit up Oahu, do let me know.

My recs for Waikiki - Sheraton, Moana Surfrider, Halekulani.<br />If you're brining the family, then the Hawaiin Hilton Village is a good choice.

Forget Oahu as it has is like LA with a different beach and Maui is now more like Laguna Beach than anything. Head straight to Kauai, but since you want to pop for the St. Regis, which by the way has the best sunset view anywhere on the North Shore from its restaurant, but the food sucks...sounds like you have the cash. The best restaurant over there is Postcards by the way. I just got back a in late September. <br /><br />Here is the thing....early April on the North Shore it will have some high surf and places like Tunnels may not be the best snorkeling as it is in the summer...In April go to the South Shore and for that money stay at the Hyatt in Poipu if that is your thing. However, if not take a look at Poipu Shores condos which sit on the water with a great view and rent for about $250 a night.<br /><br />I prefer the North Shore of Kauai to the South but you are on the hump as far as water conditions....I like the Hanalei Colony Resort as it is the nicest place in Hanalei and that is far nicer than Princeville. <br /><br />This and $1.48 will get you coffee, but not there! Lapperts for Ice Cream too by the way.