Post #652614 by spycygrl on Tue, Sep 18, 2012 11:11 PM

Hello Tiki Friends!
I'm asking the impossible: I need help deciding between Kauai & the Big Island & would love your input. We are planning on going in December.

Here's the background:

1. I have only been to Hawaii once in my whole 44 years and it was to Kauai in 2002. Stayed in Poipu in a condo for 6 days with a girlfriend. Hiked Waimea Canyon, hung out at Ke'e Beach, snorkeled, took a boat round to the the "lost coast" part of the island.
2. Husband has NEVER been to Hawaii at all.
3. Regardless of which island we go to, we would like rent a house as opposed to stay at a hotel.
4. We do not like resorts & neither of us surf.
5. We prefer activities like hiking to just laying on a lounge chair.
6. We love cocktails, music & good food.

Since I've been to Kauai, I know what to expect and think the husband would love it. That said, a friend who is Hawaiian told me I should really go to the Big Island since there is so much to do there. I have to admit that the lava beds are intriguing & seems like it has good hiking, but wonder which the two of us would enjoy more.

Open to anything, honestly, and know a lot of folks on this board have had fun on both islands. I don't think we can really do both islands in this trip (even though I'd like to) due to the cost of flights from Kauai to Big Island.

Thanks, everyone!