Places like Maui without the hype? (hotels, construction, bus)

[servix]

Simple request: Islands similar to Maui without allot of tourism hype?

[sponger42]

The East coast of Taiwan is almost identical to the Hawaiian island of Kauai (about 30 years ago) with a warm climate year-round, tradewinds, mountains, sugarcane fields, shrimp farms, many small fishing towns but few large cities. South of the tropic of cancer is warmer than north of Hua-Lien. The water is clear and blue, the air is fresh and clean. It's a great vacation spot, and the Taiwanese are very friendly to westerners. Not many speak English, but there are some American expats and all young people have a rudimentary grasp of English as it is taught as a second language to all students for the past 30 years or so.

The beaches tend to be rocky cobblestone, but there are sandy coves. The water is very warm, but the Taiwanese--for the most part--don't swim as the coast is known for big waves and strong currents. If you are a surfer or otherwise used to the ocean then you will have no problem. The Taiwanese value pale skin, so you won't find anyone out sunbathing. Mostly you will see local tourists taking photos at their bus stops and elderly folks strolling, rock hunting, or shell collecting on the beaches, though they are mostly empty except near the cities.

The East coast is accessible by car from Taipei (2-3 hrs) or Train (4-5 hrs). Cycling is very popular as a recreational activity. There is also a lot of hiking and some whitewater rafting. There are a few hotels in the cities and towns. They are locally owned, cheap, and clean, but they are mostly below the 3-star level. The food is excellent.

Typhoon season is from June to December and Taiwan is usually hit by 3-4 major typhoons each year. The typhoons can be equivalent in strength to Hurricane Andrew (catagory 4-5) but Taiwanese construction is mostly earthquake-proof reinforced concrete so wind and water damage is minimal, and buildings are built above the reach of storm surges. You can expect power outages during typhoons and you should stay clear of the mountains (landslides are the biggest danger) but the government response to typhoons is fast, organized, and well-practiced so services are usually restored quickly and emergency workers and the army will be on-scene quickly to promote public safety.

[18Montclair]

Kauai

[Mar0]

Try Lanai or Molokai if Maui or even Kauai is too touristy for you. While I have never been, my friends say there are lots of physical and obviously cultural similarities between the Hawaiian islands and Tahiti or Samoa.

[Teak]

Vanua Levu or Viti Levu, in Fiji.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Loved Kauai, but I'd choose the Big Island.