Best place for first time visit? (Honolulu, Kihei: rent, condos, restaurants)

[maddie0929]

We are planning a trip to Hawaii sometime next year. It's our first visit.. what's the best island to visit for our first time (we are beach lovers). Also we will be coming either June - July or October... when is the best time?
Thanks

[whynot?]

Which island(s) are you planning to visit? And for how long? They all have very different personalities, but great beaches.

The main difference between June/July and October should be crowds. June/July are typically "high season," with tons of vacationers. October is a slower month, less crowded. In most of the state, the weather will be similar either time, a little hotter in June/July, a little cooler (but not rainy) in October.

What kinds of beach things do you like to do? Sit? Swim? Snorkel? Dive? Fish? Paddle? Boogie board? Surf? Windsurf? Kite surf? Lots of options over here.

[Ellwood]

I recommend Maui; beautiful beaches, lots of activities if you choose. We prefer Kihei/Wailea area. The big island has limited beaches, unless you are staying at a resort.

[jenalove]

I recommend the north shore of Kauai in either June or July - lots of choices on vrbo.com. Gorgeous beaches up there and great weather that time of year. We enjoy the selection of condos in Princeville, but there are a lot of good choices up there. If going in October I would choose Maui, along the west/southwest side.

[109*]

maui has really nice beaches and it is not as crowded as oahu. i agree with
ellwood the kihei area is nice.

[whynot?]

Sometimes -- if you do not mind revealing -- what beaches your family has REALLY enjoyed in the past. Helps us locals focus on what you like to do.

[maddie0929]

We usually go to Folly Beach, SC for vacation, just got back from there Saturday.. it's nothing fancy.. laid back, slow pace etc... but it's an awesome place... we have also been to Cancun and Destin, FL.. so as far as beaches go not to many. We just like to sit back and relax, play in the ocean and sand. Don't do snorkeling or anything like that yet.. our daughter is only 8. We love to "sitesee". We don't like really busy places. We have a vacation club membership so our condo stay will be free. I was just trying to get some info before I call and book the trip. Thanks!

[Ellwood]

Originally Posted by whynot?

Sometimes -- if you do not mind revealing -- what beaches your family has REALLY enjoyed in the past. Helps us locals focus on what you like to do.

In the past 7 years we stay at Keawakapu Beach (Ekahi condos). The beach is beautiful, people are friendly. We enjoy the Kihei/Wailea area as it is not over touristy, the locals are friendly and helpful, restaurants are mid-priced, walkable area. We enjoy the shops in Kihei, versus Shops at Wailea which are a lot like shopping in NYC or Oahu.

[whynot?]

As others have recommended, I think you'd like the Kihei area of Maui -- it's a family-friendly sort of place with great beaches and plenty of distractions. I usually compare it to Myrtle Beach, but the Myrtle beach of the '70s, before it became mega-scale.

The north shore of Kauai -- mentioned above -- is beautiful, too. It's a little less developed than Maui, and might require more driving from place to place than Kihei.

Both islands are stunningly gorgeous. Kauai's Napali coast and Waimea canyon areas are great adventures for a day off the beaches. And Maui has Haleakala (our dormant volcano), upcountry towns and farms (cooler temperatures), and plenty of sites for you to see.

Depending upon where your vacation club provides condo options, you'll have plenty of beach options. And even if you don't snorkel, I try to get all guests to at least get a cheap mask or rent a vue-board and take a look at the truly amazing fish that are right where you're swimming. It's a whole other world. The water over here is, by the way, much warmer, clearer, and bluer than in South Carolina.

[maddie0929]

Thanks for all the great input! What about Honolulu? My husband wants to go there because of Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.