[Coyote]

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Big Island: it is huge. When you are inland, it will seem like you are not on an island at all. Be prepared for long drives if you want to go from volcanic to tropical. Great snorkeling, volcanoes, green sand beach (yes green! one of four in the world), and nature. Quite rural. It is really cool to go from volcanic (Mars-like landscapes, African plains, dry & hot) to tropical (rainforest, bamboo forest) in same day. Take an all day snorkeling trip down the Kona (W) side... to Captain Cook Memorial. It is amazing! Last time we did that excursion we went out on a zodiac... saw a 10' hammerhead and an incredible variety of fish along the reefs.

Maui: party island. Way more activities and nightlife on Maui than the other islands (possible exception of Honolulu on Oahu, as that is a big city). Maui is fun for all the reasons you would do a tropical vacation. It has the scenery, the beaches, and all the modern as well as traditional activities. Lots of fun here, and faster (athletic) pace.

Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Waikiki, and a bunch of great beaches if you know some locals/people who have lived there. Honolulu is a legit big city, so it comes with all of the advantages/disadvantages of big cities.

Lanai: very little there. Pristine. If you don't have an explicit reason to go, don't.

Kuaui: laaaaaaid baaaack. Called the "Garden Isle" for a reason: it is lush and beautiful. Waimea Canyon is amazing: imagine the Grand Canyon covered in rainforest. You can kayak on fresh water river, tube through lava tubes, and enjoy a truly laid back island vacation. People there are super friendly (as long as you are cool and don't **** with them, their stuff, and nature). There are wild chickens all over this island, which makes mornings funny (all the roosters crowing).

Other islands: stay the **** away. The locals do not want you there and there really isn't a reason to go...the bigger islands offer everything you could want.

Concur. Good synopsis. I used to live there and have traveled there many times on business or vacation. When you live there after the first year adapting to watching Chiefs games early Sunday morning, “island fever” starts to set in. Maui is my preference. Was last in Pearl Harbor them Maui ( pacific missile test center) so business trip in December but it’s great.