Post #71465 by Iolani on Wed, Jan 21, 2004 3:12 PM

I grew up on Oahu and visited Maui and the Big Island many times. Oahu has a lot to offer and I can steer you in the direction of some really ono manapua and bento joints and some special, off the beaten path places. And obviously for a TC'er, Oahu has a very good Hawaiiana-pop factor to it (La Mariana, Don Ho, Intl Marketplace). But Oahu can be a busy, congested place.

Maui is a bit slower and more relaxing. If you're an outdoorsman, hiking and camping in Haleakala Park is spectacular and otherworldly! The Big Island has a lot to offer, too. I hear that Kona has expanded a lot, but the few times I was there, it was possible to just drive around the area and get lost in the scenery. The drive down to Kealakekua Bay is pretty sweet. And nothing beats Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea or Pololu and the refuge at Honaunau.

I heard that you can book helicopter trips to Niihau nowadays. Holy crap! If you can do that, go for it. I'd love to get there.