Where is the best place to vacation in Hawaii?

You will probably get several different answers, since everyone has their favorite based on their own preferences. I've been to most of the islands and each has their pluses and minuses. I enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, biking, nature, horseback riding and historical and cultural sites. I don't need a lot of shopping and nightlife - I can do that at home, so my recommendations are based on that perspective.

If you are interested in seeing Pearl Harbor and touring the Arizona Memorial. Battleship Missouri and the Bowfin submarine then spend 2 or 3 days in Oahu, then go to one of the other islands for the rest of your trip. Other than Pearl Harbor, I wouldn't bother going to Oahu. Honolulu is a large city so that part of the island is very urbanized with malls, national chain department stores and restaurants, typical urban crime and it is also expensive - not what I look for in a relaxed Hawaiian vacation. You can drive around the entire island in one day and the north end of the island is more rural and scenic, but is still pretty crowded at times - especially when the surf is up at the northern beaches.

My favorite island is probably Maui. The island is a larger than Oahu and it takes a couple of days or more to drive to all parts. The climate is nice, there are lots of different things to do. Hiking, Biking, snorkeling, whale watching, a zip line, horsebackriding, beautiful beaches to enjoy and dinner cruises. It is less expensive than Oahu and it has a more relaxed feel. The stores in Lahaina are quaint and unique. Not very many chain stores or malls except around the airport. There doesn't seem to be a lot of crime and to me the whole place just has the tropical paradise feeling I want in Hawaii. I hope you don't mind, that I am including a link with some photos of one of the highlights of our last trip to Maui - not intended to be an ad or BS - just trying to be helpful so you can get an idea: http://www.squidoo.com/haleakala-sunrise-bike-trip

The big island, Hawaii is my next favorite. The island is much larger and has a lot of varied terrain and things to do. It is very hot and dry on the Kona side and there is a lot of lava rock which makes hiking in some areas difficult and painful if you fall. The Hilo side is very rainy so is a very different with lots of lush tropical plants and waterfalls. Going to see the Kilauea Volcano National Park is an amazing experience.

Kauai is beautiful but can be very rainy at times. It is the least developed of the "major" islands. The old saying is that it is perfect for "the newly wed or nearly dead". There is less variety of things to do so that's the reason it's not my top recommendation.

Another tip is that I prefer to stay in condos - they are more spacious and often less expensive than a hotel. I enjoy being able to have a kitchen to prepare a few snacks, meals and beverages instead of going out. Since we like to hike or go to remote beaches with no restaurant nearby it gives us a place to prepare a lunch to take along. I hope this information helps.

Unfortunately, there is no "best island". It depends on what you are looking for as each island offers many of the same things and yet each has its own personality, as well. If you're wanting nightlife and lots of action, then you would do best to stick to Oahu and the Honolulu/Waikiki scene.

If you want to "get away from it all", then you might enjoy Kauai or the Big Island. If you can afford it, you might also consider Lanai with its two high end resorts and very little else. Molokai also offers a laid back atmosphere, but some people find the locals a little standoffish to outsiders.

So, while you do not want to be directed to a link, I am going to direct you to my website which might help YOU to decide which island would best suit what you're seeking to get from a trip to Hawaii. Start at www.myhawaiionline.com/islands.html. It is an island by island overview to give you a general idea of what you can expect to find.

From there, you can look at the "Activities" section and the "Special Places" to give you a bit more information on specific places and things to do. You will find the least amount of ads on this site of all the Hawaii websites out there. I am not a travel agent, car rental or hotel agency, I am just someone who wishes to share my love of the islands.

I hope you will find it helpful.

I went to Honolulu on the island Oahu this summer for the first time and LOVED it :) I'm usually not comfortable in bigger cities but i didn't have a worry at all about being in this bigger city. If you want to see some major spots that you hear about Hawaii i would suggest going to Honolulu. If you go to Hawaii you have to go to the pearl harbor memorial. It was a wonderful experience. Another spot to see in Honolulu is Waikiki beach, which is gorgeous! :) i hope this helps. i already have plans of going back this winter :)