Oahu or Maui?

[Dina]

I'm for Maui, but if you already been there maybe you'd like to go to Oahu. Actually it depends on what kind of a vacation do you plan, are you into markets and stuff, are you the outdoor type, is a good hotel important for you, these kind of consideration are very important for the decision making.

[edserv]

We always stayed on Oahu for a couple days and then on to Maui. My wife loves the shopping on Waikiki, and we both love the beaches and stuff to do on Maui. We just moved to Hawaii this year and chose the Big Island. We hadn't been here for about 3 years, but fell in love with it. It has everything to offer. You can see so many different types of climate on the island from sunny-hot (Kona side,) to lush rain forests on the Hilo side. Check it out if you get a chance.

[nab82ba]

I would say definitely Maui, for me Oahu is too commercialised with tourists everywhere and unless you head to North Shore all the beaches are packed. I think Maui is more what you would associate with a paradise island with beautiful scenery and less tourists.

[helloworldbea]

I prefer Oahu, but maybe it's because I like it when there's a lot of people around.

[Cait]

I personally would choose Oahu unless you want to go to a quieter place. Oahu has many attractions and shopping! Not to mention great eating and beautiful beaches! WAIKIKI!

[mxx]

I agree with your comments, I went to the Big Island last year and LOVED it. Just enough stuff to not get bored and low key and mellow and not too touristy and not alot of people.

I can't decide b/w Maui or Kauai this year in summer. Ive heard the weather on Kauai is not as sunny.

Any one have any opinions or suggestions?

[Ruby]

@MXX: It all depends what you are hoping to do, but summer isn't the best time to be in Hawaii to be honest. Either way, the best way to make the right choice is to look at it like this... Maui is basically a cross between Oahu and Kauai; while Kauai is a cross between Maui and Hawaii.

If I had to choose I'd choose Maui because the restaurants and nightlife is better, and the whale watching is amazing! I remember seeing the whales jumping out the water from our kayak rental in Kahana.

Also, the beaches and drives on Maui around both ends are beautiful, though the beaches in Kauai are miuch better than Maui in my opinion.

[hp908]

I think Maui is better than Oahu, but if you're looking for a lively spot then my vote is for Oahu first as there is a lot more activities and stuff you can do day and night.

Having said this, Oahu is alot more crowded than Maui, which is slower paced and a better spot to chill and relax. By the way, there are things to do in Maui, just not as much as Oahu, and a decent nightlife with restaurant, bars, etc in Lahaina.

[billma]

I live in Oahu and ever since I came here I haven't looked back once! Oahu is an amazing place with a great culture and people who will welcome you with open arms.

The Beaches are breathtaking and the scenery is amazing. I would say rent a car and drive the island. Drive up to Haleiwa/North Shore (you can stop by Dole Plantation on your way) and then drive all the way around Kaneohe, back to Honolulu (basically the circle tour). You can plan various stops on your way.

[Breasocrazoke]

If you haven't been to Maui, I would recommend it. I just typed out a whole list of things to do on Maui in another answer. Check it out. There is plenty to keep you busy on Maui, although it is a more relaxed, resort type environment compared to Honolulu & Waikiki being more urban.