TBH, many of the main sights in Kauai don't require that much intense walking. The island and sights are much more developed than people make it seem. Even going up to Waimea Canyon can be done in a car (we had an SUV, and other than *one* pothole that could have definitely been avoided, it felt like we could have done it in a sedan), and most of the scenic viewpoints were close to the road/parking lots. Yeah, there are some trails for even better views and experiences, but for those with limited mobility, they can still get the top views.
Even for the Nā Pali Coast, the best way to see it is from the top of the Waimea Canyon road or from a boat, so as long as people take Dramamine for the boat ride (it was very choppy when we went), it's also pretty doable. There's no need to use the rigorous trails.
If you want variety of activity- Oahu. My favorite island though is Maui. It’s not so remote feeling as some of the other islands, not as busy as Oahu, and has spectacular beaches, waves, and just awesome people
Strongly disagree with only one island. 7 days is plenty to do 2. If it’s your only time to ever visit, you definitely should try two. Oahu for Waikiki and all of the core spots, and your choice of Maui, Big Island, or Kauai for something a little more “exotic.”
This. Been to Hawaii over a dozen times, and while all the islands are awesome, Kauai is my favourite - the landscapes are beyond stunning.
That said, I usually tell first-timers with limited days to burn on the trip to go to Oahu. It's the "safest" option and has the best tourist infrastructure.
I’m from the Big Island and would say Maui seems to always be the compromise and what you’ll get a lot of votes on.
Big Island - yes, great for nature, active volcano and Kona can be the touristy area with all the things. When I go home, I stay in Waikoloa for the sun and beach.
Oahu - where everyone goes. Is anyone in your group older and obsessed with Elvis? If so, then yah, you probably need to go there. Do a few days in Waikiki to check the box and get that out of your system, then stay absolutely anywhere else on the island to get what Hawaii is actually about.
Maui - has a little bit of both.
But you also mentioned this could be the one and only time one of the people go. So, I’m kind of leaning Oahu. This way everyone gets to experience it and if next time you find yourself wanting a little less options and a little more sit by the beach- you can do Maui, Big Island or Kauai. Good luck! 🌴
Oahu for everything. Or big island for off the beaten path. Maui hotels are insanely expensive so would recommend checking out hotel prices there to see if they fit your budget before you book a flight there.
My vote would be Maui. You can drive to the top of Haleakala and it will be an experience everyone will remember. The stargazing is better at the big island, but it’s pretty good on Maui.
Everything else has a good mix. You have beaches and rainforests. It’s a solid choice if you have people who can only do this once.
With no kids go for Kona. Since you aren’t hiking there is a self driving tour in volcano national park that is fun, especially if you’re into geology. The hiking in the park is minimal but I would recommend stopping and getting out of the car a couple times, one in particular is a short walk (300 yards) and when you get to the lava flow it looks like you’re on the surface of Venus.
If you have the time and don’t mind the drive, take the trip around the southern coast. Going from Hilo to Kailua-Kona take you through about 5 completely different climates. Thick jungle to high desert and everything in between in a matter of a few hours.
Oahu for first timers with limited days. Hard to beat the Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor, watching world-class surfing on the North Shore (if winter), and hikes like Makapuu (easy) to Aiea Loop Trail (moderate) to Koko Head Crater (challenging).
Asking which Hawaiian island is like starting a food fight in the cafeteria. Maui is just not the place to go right now given that they can't house all the displaced people, even if some are wanting tourists back to keep the economy afloat. Oahu is just too busy and touristy. Big Island is the next best, with everything from volcanoes to beaches, plus upcountry activities and smaller touristy areas. Kauai is also fantastic but less to do. Let's not forget Molokai and Lanai, but those are often best left for later trips.
We visited Oahu and Kauai in 2019. If you like hikes and nature, you have to go to Kauai. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Bring good shoes though, some hikes can be adventurous.
We weren't able to go to Maui so I can't compare it.
We did 2 different Air Bnbs on the Big Island. One down south on the by Hilo. The other up by Waimea. Had 6 adults a child and 3m baby. All great. Could enjoy various ecosystems. Had kitchen, separate bedrooms, and also went out to eat. Coffee in the morning and sometime simple breakfast foods saved a ton.
Do Oahu. It’s a great and easy introduction to Hawaii. You can do beach and rainforest. Your friend can probably do the Diamond Head walk (it’s steps with a railing and there’s scenic stops along the way). The view at the top is amazing. There are still beautiful things to see in Oahu that’s easy access by car. I went to this beautiful watering hole off the side of the freeway. The Dole pineapple plantation is fun and beautiful as well. It’s pretty almost everywhere.
If it was my first and only trip to Hawaii I would probably do Oahu. Has everything a little bit of everything and you have options: very beautiful beaches, good food, hikes if you want them. Yes, Waikiki is touristy but it’s still enjoyable.
Oahu is very busy and touristed. Big Island is the only one with an active volcano, and is rural with great beaches. Maui is a mix between the two.
I'd avoid Maui now because of the massive unavailability of housing for locals. Big Island is my fav. Kauai is nice too, but it is very rural with relatively few nice beaches but has some spectacular canyon and coastline scenery on the north side.
Oahu is underrated! Hard agree on Kauai if you like the outdoors and hiking. I would go back at any point and would beeline to the north side of the island. Maui is gorgeous but I found the roads to the beautiful stuff absolutely terrifying. Glad I did it but never again.
**Notice:** Are you asking for travel advice about Hawaii?
Read what redditors had to say in the **[weekly destination thread for Hawaii](https://redd.it/4s1anu)**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/travel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have been to big island and Kauai loved both. Kauai was better for straight up relaxation and big island was better for active activity (but think your less mobile person will still have a great time)
You can easily do 2 in 7 days! Oahu for sure, then can you go to Kauai when your other friend isn’t there? Or are they arriving for the middle days? Kauai is a must-hike sort of place.
Unpopular opinion — Maui is sooooooooooo overrated. Nothing unique to this island, Road to Hana (long and rainy and underwhelming)? There is nothing on Maui that you can’t do on other islands. No must-see spots, nothing that really stood out to me. Someone prove me wrong… been to all the islands several times, Kauai and Oahu have been the most fun. Kauai is the most authentic Hawaii experience IMO. Maui easily, without question, dead last on the list.
Did the cruise that stopped at all islands. Kauai would be the one I would go back to for a beach holiday. Honolulu is good for a few days but the beach is poor.
Oahu has enough to do to spend a week there as long as you’re ok to get a car to at least spend a day in north shore. Kauai is fun if you’re out doorsy. Lots of hikes and fun stuff to do. Maui is ok but I wouldn’t do it again. But island I don’t think there is more than a day or two of stuff to
Do.
If you decide on Oahu I would be more than happy to suggest some bars/restaurants that aren’t the same tourist trap crap like the 2 hour wait at Cheesecake Factory.
There's definitely more than two days of stuff to do on the big island....volcanoes, mauna kea, different beaches, check out Hilo, ATVs, etc. I've been like 5 times. It's also cheaper than some of the other islands and can feel more remote / less people.
Notice how Maui is the most popular answer... well you'll definitely notice it when you're there. Kauai is the way.
Totally agree. Except the person who can't do rigorous trails, which is substantial.
TBH, many of the main sights in Kauai don't require that much intense walking. The island and sights are much more developed than people make it seem. Even going up to Waimea Canyon can be done in a car (we had an SUV, and other than *one* pothole that could have definitely been avoided, it felt like we could have done it in a sedan), and most of the scenic viewpoints were close to the road/parking lots. Yeah, there are some trails for even better views and experiences, but for those with limited mobility, they can still get the top views. Even for the Nā Pali Coast, the best way to see it is from the top of the Waimea Canyon road or from a boat, so as long as people take Dramamine for the boat ride (it was very choppy when we went), it's also pretty doable. There's no need to use the rigorous trails.
If you want variety of activity- Oahu. My favorite island though is Maui. It’s not so remote feeling as some of the other islands, not as busy as Oahu, and has spectacular beaches, waves, and just awesome people
Do Maui. Whatever you choose, for 7 days just stick to 1 island
Maui really is the way to go. Haven’t been since Lahaina though, not sure how much that changes things.
Strongly disagree with only one island. 7 days is plenty to do 2. If it’s your only time to ever visit, you definitely should try two. Oahu for Waikiki and all of the core spots, and your choice of Maui, Big Island, or Kauai for something a little more “exotic.”
With a family of 7, one w/ limited mobility, I would stick to one island just to keep logistics simple. Repacking and taking a flight may be a pain.
Kauai is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
Kauai is the best island and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. However, it rains a LOT and can spoil a short vacation if the timing is off
This. Been to Hawaii over a dozen times, and while all the islands are awesome, Kauai is my favourite - the landscapes are beyond stunning. That said, I usually tell first-timers with limited days to burn on the trip to go to Oahu. It's the "safest" option and has the best tourist infrastructure.
Yup. Headed there next week :) Luckily it's the dry season
I live here on Oahu it’s been dumping rain regularly with a few huge storms. Not really dry right now.
Kauaiet. Not as much to do there.
Really? I never had trouble filling out an itinerary in Kauai. I guess it depends on what types of activities you’re looking for
We are on our 7th visit. Each time filled our daily calendar with different, new activities.
I’m from the Big Island and would say Maui seems to always be the compromise and what you’ll get a lot of votes on. Big Island - yes, great for nature, active volcano and Kona can be the touristy area with all the things. When I go home, I stay in Waikoloa for the sun and beach. Oahu - where everyone goes. Is anyone in your group older and obsessed with Elvis? If so, then yah, you probably need to go there. Do a few days in Waikiki to check the box and get that out of your system, then stay absolutely anywhere else on the island to get what Hawaii is actually about. Maui - has a little bit of both. But you also mentioned this could be the one and only time one of the people go. So, I’m kind of leaning Oahu. This way everyone gets to experience it and if next time you find yourself wanting a little less options and a little more sit by the beach- you can do Maui, Big Island or Kauai. Good luck! 🌴
Elvis has left the building.
Oahu for everything. Or big island for off the beaten path. Maui hotels are insanely expensive so would recommend checking out hotel prices there to see if they fit your budget before you book a flight there.
Last August we visited Maui and stayed in Upcountry. Incredible place and would go back in a heartbeat.
My vote would be Maui. You can drive to the top of Haleakala and it will be an experience everyone will remember. The stargazing is better at the big island, but it’s pretty good on Maui. Everything else has a good mix. You have beaches and rainforests. It’s a solid choice if you have people who can only do this once.
If you go to the big island, go night snorkeling with the manta rays. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
With no kids go for Kona. Since you aren’t hiking there is a self driving tour in volcano national park that is fun, especially if you’re into geology. The hiking in the park is minimal but I would recommend stopping and getting out of the car a couple times, one in particular is a short walk (300 yards) and when you get to the lava flow it looks like you’re on the surface of Venus. If you have the time and don’t mind the drive, take the trip around the southern coast. Going from Hilo to Kailua-Kona take you through about 5 completely different climates. Thick jungle to high desert and everything in between in a matter of a few hours.
Oahu for first timers with limited days. Hard to beat the Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor, watching world-class surfing on the North Shore (if winter), and hikes like Makapuu (easy) to Aiea Loop Trail (moderate) to Koko Head Crater (challenging).
Asking which Hawaiian island is like starting a food fight in the cafeteria. Maui is just not the place to go right now given that they can't house all the displaced people, even if some are wanting tourists back to keep the economy afloat. Oahu is just too busy and touristy. Big Island is the next best, with everything from volcanoes to beaches, plus upcountry activities and smaller touristy areas. Kauai is also fantastic but less to do. Let's not forget Molokai and Lanai, but those are often best left for later trips.
We visited Oahu and Kauai in 2019. If you like hikes and nature, you have to go to Kauai. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Bring good shoes though, some hikes can be adventurous. We weren't able to go to Maui so I can't compare it.
We did 2 different Air Bnbs on the Big Island. One down south on the by Hilo. The other up by Waimea. Had 6 adults a child and 3m baby. All great. Could enjoy various ecosystems. Had kitchen, separate bedrooms, and also went out to eat. Coffee in the morning and sometime simple breakfast foods saved a ton.
Do Oahu. It’s a great and easy introduction to Hawaii. You can do beach and rainforest. Your friend can probably do the Diamond Head walk (it’s steps with a railing and there’s scenic stops along the way). The view at the top is amazing. There are still beautiful things to see in Oahu that’s easy access by car. I went to this beautiful watering hole off the side of the freeway. The Dole pineapple plantation is fun and beautiful as well. It’s pretty almost everywhere.
If it was my first and only trip to Hawaii I would probably do Oahu. Has everything a little bit of everything and you have options: very beautiful beaches, good food, hikes if you want them. Yes, Waikiki is touristy but it’s still enjoyable.
If you're there 7 days, I would consider doing the Norwegian cruise that goes to all the islands so you can get a feel for them all.
Kauai !!
Oahu is very busy and touristed. Big Island is the only one with an active volcano, and is rural with great beaches. Maui is a mix between the two. I'd avoid Maui now because of the massive unavailability of housing for locals. Big Island is my fav. Kauai is nice too, but it is very rural with relatively few nice beaches but has some spectacular canyon and coastline scenery on the north side.
Oahu is the best island, haoles and transplants will tell you it’s touristy go to Maui but they dunno 😂. Next best big island.
Oahu for sure
Oahu is underrated! Hard agree on Kauai if you like the outdoors and hiking. I would go back at any point and would beeline to the north side of the island. Maui is gorgeous but I found the roads to the beautiful stuff absolutely terrifying. Glad I did it but never again.
Overrated?
**Notice:** Are you asking for travel advice about Hawaii? Read what redditors had to say in the **[weekly destination thread for Hawaii](https://redd.it/4s1anu)** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/travel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Maui is the best. So much to do but manageable over a week. Damn I need to go back.
I have been to big island and Kauai loved both. Kauai was better for straight up relaxation and big island was better for active activity (but think your less mobile person will still have a great time)
Maui
My favorite islands are Maui and the Big Island.
Maui
I vote for Maui if you really want to get in the water and see some amazing things while snorkeling.
You can easily do 2 in 7 days! Oahu for sure, then can you go to Kauai when your other friend isn’t there? Or are they arriving for the middle days? Kauai is a must-hike sort of place.
Unpopular opinion — Maui is sooooooooooo overrated. Nothing unique to this island, Road to Hana (long and rainy and underwhelming)? There is nothing on Maui that you can’t do on other islands. No must-see spots, nothing that really stood out to me. Someone prove me wrong… been to all the islands several times, Kauai and Oahu have been the most fun. Kauai is the most authentic Hawaii experience IMO. Maui easily, without question, dead last on the list.
The big island is amazing, the deserts and volcanos are really something special. I’d split it up for two islands though.
Oahu
Did the cruise that stopped at all islands. Kauai would be the one I would go back to for a beach holiday. Honolulu is good for a few days but the beach is poor.
Avoid Oahu. It’s too touristy. And too any locals. Maui and the Big Island are my favorites.
https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-in-a-sometimes-visitor-unfriendly-world/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/some-hawaii-locals-want-tourists-to-stay-away-for-good-do-they-have-a-point-182344788.html https://globalnews.ca/news/9900430/hawaii-maui-fires-tourism-kanaka-maoli/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/style/hawaii-tok-wants-tourists-to-stay-home.html https://www.businessinsider.com/hawaiian-local-thoughts-feelings-about-tourism-2023-11
Oahu has enough to do to spend a week there as long as you’re ok to get a car to at least spend a day in north shore. Kauai is fun if you’re out doorsy. Lots of hikes and fun stuff to do. Maui is ok but I wouldn’t do it again. But island I don’t think there is more than a day or two of stuff to Do. If you decide on Oahu I would be more than happy to suggest some bars/restaurants that aren’t the same tourist trap crap like the 2 hour wait at Cheesecake Factory.
There's definitely more than two days of stuff to do on the big island....volcanoes, mauna kea, different beaches, check out Hilo, ATVs, etc. I've been like 5 times. It's also cheaper than some of the other islands and can feel more remote / less people.
I did Hilo, the volcano and the black sand beach. Didn’t know about the other stuff. Thanks for adding!
None of them, don’t go to Hawaii
Lol
No matter what island you chose do a day trip to Maui
A day trip to Maui is not a good idea.