I have never been to Hawaii and am planning to vacation there next year. If I could only visit one part of Hawaii, what would you suggest?
Cheese Queen, I’m born and raised in Hawaii and have never heard of that island…..looking for the “best” island depends on what you want to do….
Oahu is a big city, great beaches can be found but in Waikiki they are crowded–still white sandy beach, but crowded. You can rent a car and drive to the big surf beaches or about 45 minutes out to some much less crowded white sand beautiful beaches. The good thing about Oahu is the restaurants, nightlife and “things to do” are ENDLESS. Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on US soil, Bishop Museum provide cultural education side if you want to explore that, plus the Arizona Memorial is a MUST for all ages. You’ll be very awed. So if you can drive to the scenery and drive to the secluded beaches, you can go back to your hotel at night and party.
If you want SECLUSION and you want to be ALONE and you want QUIET, then Kaui is beautiful, also the rainiest and the “everything closes up at 9pm.”
Maui is much like Kauai except you’ll drive more and there is a bit more “action”. It’s in between Oahu and Kauai. Still, not a lot to do at night after you do a luau.
Big Island. It’s Big. Not only you better have a car, you better WANT to discover the volcano aspect and some cultural aspect and do NOT expect to see any beaches there. Few and far between. You will find if you look good and are able to get around, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and black sand and green sand beaches.
My vote, Oahu for first timers. Just make sure you rent a car for at least ONE day and get OUT of Waikiki.