The Hawaiian Islands are America's paradise. Each island, however, offers a slightly different experience. For instance, Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is known for its nightlife and big-city attractions. Conversely, Kauai is known for its secluded beaches and spectacular scenery. Knowing which island is best suited to your tastes is the secret to getting the most from your Hawaii vacation.
Instructions
1. Choose Oahu for nightlife and shopping. Oahu, the most populated of the Hawaiian islands is home to the capital of Honolulu. It's also where you'll find Waikiki Beach, the dramatic peak of Diamond Head and the solemn Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Visit Oahu for nightlife, a variety of restaurants and some of the best shopping in the islands, both for luxury goods and products made in the islands.
2. Pick Kauai for scenery, beaches and romance. Kauai, the "Garden Isle," is lush and tropical--and relatively secluded. It was here that the movies, "South Pacific" and "Blue Hawaii" were filmed. Poipu Beach, on the south side of Kauai, is one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
3. Vacation in Maui for outdoor sports. Maui offers a little bit of everything. However, the most popular activities on the island are sports. Here you can ride down the slope of Mount Haleakala on a bicycle at dawn for a dramatic view of the sunrise. You can snorkel with dolphins just off shore, and you can play some of the best--and most beautiful--golf courses in the world.
4. Live it up in luxury on Lanai. Lanai, once filled with pineapple plantations, is home to a pair of high-end resorts, both run by the Four Season Hotel--Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele. There isn't much on the island outside of the resorts. Don't expect a vibrant nightlife or lots of shopping.
5. Stay on the island of Hawaii for variety. The island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands, offers something for particularly every taste. There are black sand beaches, orchid farms, cattle ranches and championship golf courses. You can also visit an active volcano at Volcanoes National Park and go skiing on the same day that you relax on the beach.
Tags: island Hawaii, Oahu nightlife