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hayleydeee
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Hawaii, which island?
in Travel
Which island is your favorite and why?
We're considering going next month and we're leaning toward Kauai, but are undecided. We'll be taking our 3 little kids.
People always tell us that they LOVE Hawaii, and that it's SO amazing. But honestly, I'm wondering if we'll be as impressed (because I'm from San Diego, we live in a beach town now, and have already been to the Caribbean). I'm hoping for something really different and new.
Thoughts?
Happily Married on 07.07.07
Mom to 3: Ruby 11/08 and Oliver & Austin 12/11
Re: Hawaii, which island?
Our wedding on Wilson Island!
I've been to Kauai and Maui and of the 2 Kauai was my fav (although we loved Maui, too).
I've been to San Diego twice and I've been the the Bahamas and Kauai is amazing in comparison. We actually went to the Bahamas about 6 months after going to Hawaii which was a mistake because the Bahamas were a let down after Hawaii. I love SD but there is no comparison.
I have been to the Big Island and Maui. The Big Island was by far my favorite. We ate at fantastic restaurants (Tako Taco, Thai Orchid, Sushi Rocks, Hilo Bay Cafe) hiked amazing lush green trails, saw the earth on fire (Blue Hawaii Volcano Tour) and snorkelled with dolphins. The acres of black lava rock have an otherworldly experience and the people were so nice everywhere. We went up to the observatory and looked out their telescopes at a vast panorama of constellations. The stars were like jewels just out of reach. It was cold up there so pack layers with hat, scarf and gloves. We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid and loved the hotel and their beaches. Being from the east coast, my internal clock was totally messed up. I was up at 4:30 am one morning walking on their beach when a pair of turtles were strolling beside me. They decided I was harmless and just ambled onwards. A MA ZING! I so want to go back.
What ever island you pick, get the Hawaii Revealed book (Hawaii Revealed, Maui Revealed etc) for that island. We found the most amazing off the beaten path trails, unique experiences and great take out places from those books.
I have also travelled extensively all over the world and agree with Jells. Lanai is our favorite too (we got married there last year) but very small and in fact was just bought around March this year so not sure how long things will stay as is. Fantastic but too small and too expensive for a trip with children imo. Kauai is also our second favorite, we also did not much like Maui. There are so many things to do in Kauai. I grew up at the beach in California as well. Our first trip to Hawaii (Kauai) was two years ago and I was so surprised at how much I loved it considering how many various places I have seen as well.
I've been to Oahu, Maui, Big Island and most recently Kauai and I've liked them all, but my personal favorite is Kona (the BI). It really depends on what you want to do while you're there and what feel you are going for, but I really think it'll be difficult to be disappointed with any island.
As for being impressed...I've been to San Diego, and I've been a few places in the Caribbean and neither quite match what Hawaii has. In fact, San Diego has a beach, but that's about the only thing I find in common. I don't know how to explain the difference between Hawaii and the Caribbean, the climate/land is slightly different, but with the exception of Waikiki beach, even though Hawaii is geared a lot toward tourists, I feel it still retains some of the charm/culture more so than places in the Caribbean.
Of course I'm biased, of all the places I've traveled so far, Hawaii is the one place I find myself wanting to go back to as soon as I've left (and I'd move there in a heartbeat if it was practical).
Our wedding on Wilson Island!
Kauai baby!! I've been to Oahu, Maui, the Big Island...and Kauai which is our FAVE for sure! We loved it so much the first time we went that we bought a timeshare at the Kauai Marriott because we know we want to go back every year or so. It's just a magical tropical paradise like no other IMO. We love the laidback vibe and tranquil feeling when we go. There are so many beautiful beaches, a few that are practically isolated with hardly any other people there. There's lots to do for activites and exploring, and some really awesome restaurants.
I guess yeah, it depends what you like in a vacay. If you like a busy place, lots of people everywhere you go, nightlife, a shopping haven...then no, Kauai would not be for you. It's for people really looking to get away from it all and enjoy R&R at it's finest surrounded by lush tropical beauty. Haha, I sound like I'm marketing for them!
p.s. See siggy pic...we biked the Coconut Coast trail in Kauai, so fun!
I spent 23 years living by the beaches of SoCal (San Diego & LA), and truth be told I couldn't agree more. I CAN NOT STAND that place. I moved away 13 years ago and haven't missed it one bit
. Nor Cal is a different world. I think it's mostly the people and the SoCal vibe that bother me, but the sub-desert environment isn't too great either. Nothing grows there without sprinklers!
How did your home town do in the hurricane? (LOVE the east coast barrier islands!)
Thank you everyone for all the advice about the Hawaiian islands! (SO helpful) It's been a really hard choice, but I decided on Kauai. We're staying on the north shore... that'll be good, right?
It seems like the best fit for our family trip (at least this time around). Unfortunately we won't be able to do a ton of adventuring with 2 babies in tow, plus we aren't interested in shopping or nightlife. I just want tropical beachy beautifulness. So it sounds like a perfect location. We leave next week : ) Hurray!
I'll be book marking this post for future trip ideas (maybe even an island hopping trip someday) thanks again!