Oahu or Maui?

[bob77015]

Back in the early-, mid-50s, when Dad was stationed at Hickam AFB, I only got to see one other island ... Molokaʻi. Of course back then I wanted to see the "big isle" (Hawaii) along with Maui and Kauaʻi (the garden isle) ... today I want to show my wife Oahu and the places I remember, as well as ALL the islands! However for this thread, I'd recommend visiting Oahu and then Maui (and Kaua'i if you have time) for your first visit to the islands.

[cyberhandies]

IMO Kauai is the best in Hawaii! Kauai is small, easy to get around to any spot on the island no matter where you are and boast some great beaches. In fact I'll go as far as saying that Kauai boasts the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii
.

You can also enjoy a ton of activities like helicopter tours, hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, golf, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, Big Game Fishing, etc..I could go on and on..Don't think you can do as much in Oahu or Maui, do you?

[lopezdevega]

I'd say that neither Oahu or Maui are great for surfing during the summer months, though I concur with previous posters that you will have a blast in Oahu best, even in summer. I know the North Shore is flat in the summer, but there's small surf off Waikiki which is great for some decent surfing.

The HHV is also right in the middle of the action so you can do everything from surf lessons, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling, hikes up Diamond Head and Makapuu and a mountain bike downhill on Tantalus.

[Clamedio]

If you dont like crowds but want to visit in summer for a bit of surfing, I'd suggest going to Kauai and not Oahu. There are a few south shore breaks where you can hook up with action, but like everywhere else, locals come first. Keep that in mind and you can even surf Makaha on Oahu.

Otherwise, I agree with most people that Oahu is best for groups of friends and a lively vacation as there are more shopping and nightlife opportunities. If you're traveling with your girlfriend or want a quite retreat, then Maui is the perfect low-key getaway.

[deldeN]

I am a fan of traveling to Hawaii during the high season (December-April) as weather is pleasant overall and not too humid.

Of course, the weather in summer is hot and humid though it is great for water activities like snorkeling and swimming. Things are really expensive too, especially during July-August when kids are out of school and beaches are absolutely packed with screaming kids.

I also agree with the last poster that if you want to see big surf that the summer will not be the best time to go Hawaii. Try the winter months instead if you want great swells.

[AhmedDoz]

If you're planning Inter-island flights, there are four inter-island airlines servicing the islands. They include: Hawaiian Airlines, Go! Mokulele, Island Air and Pacific Wings.

By the way, if you are catching a connecting flight from Honolulu to one of the islands, look at your baggage claim ticket to see if your luggage has been checked through to your final destination. If your baggage claim ticket reads HNL, your luggage will only go as far as the Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Originally Posted by everyann

Well since you've already tried Oahu, then I say give Maui a try! Not sure what kind of flights you looked into or how you've planned your route. You can make it to both islands! Inter-island flights aren't that bad in prices. So depending on how much time you have you can go to Oahu and see/do all that there is to see/do there then go Maui or vice versa.

[Mr.joha]

I personally think that it is pretty hard to decide which island deserves my vote since each island seems beautiful and fascinating, and your vacation lasts only that many days. Whether is Oahu or Maui, I suggest that you spend at least 7 days on each island, so you will have enough time to explore and relax.

I would also suggest basing your vacation in Honolulu (which is in Oahu), and then take an inter-island flight to Maui to explore the pristine beaches, and drive down the famous road to Hana that passes lovely rainforests and waterfalls.

[qalatonyu]

If you are after water sports, look no further than Maui and Oahu. Maui and Oahu boast crystal blue green waters, and amazing reef life. However, for snorkeling I'd suggest heading on to Oahu where the world-famous Hanauma Bay is located.

If you want to see dolphins, you'll find them off the coast of Wainae. The north shores of Haleiwa is home to beautiful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.

if you also want to explore pristine beaches and the outdoors, then go to Kauai's Garden Island. There you can walk miles and miles of sandy beaches in between your snorkeling adventures.

Originally Posted by TravelGirl

It depends what you’re looking for. If you looking for night life and shopping Waikiki on Oahu is the place to be. My first trip to Hawaii I stayed on Oahu both at Turtle Bay and at one of high rise hotels in Waikiki and I had a great time but now that I’ve experienced Maui I don’t think I would go back. Personally I like being a tourist I just don’t like being around gobs of them and I think that’s why Maui appeals to me.

[terance]

I reckon Maui is better than Oahu for a for a slow-paced vacation or a vacation with kids. However, for young people, I'd say that Oahu would be best because it has alot more activity for the young ones, more stuff to do throughout the day and night.

You could always base your vacation in Oahu and then take a side trip to Maui which won't cost that much with domestic airlines such as Aloha and Hawaiian airlines.

[jonasbrothers]

Not another oahu vs maui thread is it? Both Maui or Oahu are great places to live but in my opinion it doesn't really matter where you stay, though if you must know the best place to stay then, it's Oahu.

Oahu is beautiful and you'll be bale to take a day tour from Oahu to Maui and explore the Hana Rainforest, the black sand beaches, and Hana town. I think staying in Oahu and taking day trips from here is a great way to get out and enjoy the REAL Hawaii!

Originally Posted by vee

I've been to Hawaii once... It was great... I love everything about it... Well, most everything about it... Thinking about going back next summer...What do you think...Oahu or Maui???