Oahu vs Maui: Beaches and SnorkelingBeauty-wise, I'd have to say Oahu has slightly better beaches, especially in the summer. You'll find stunning beaches all over the island — Waimea Bay (summer), Waikiki Beach, and Lanikai Beach, just to name a few.
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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture.Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.
Molokini is a small crescent-shaped island is situated about three miles from Maui's southwest coast. Molokini is said to have some of the clearest water in all of Hawaii with visibility depths of up to 200 feet.
In the resort areas on the west side of the island the evenings are typically in the mid 70s to low 80s. It is very rare for the temperature to ever drop below 70 on the coast. The most popular area to stay is the Kohala Coast. This area is home to the nicest resorts, the most beautiful weather and the best beaches.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.
Molokai. Molokai is the best island for solitude, meaning few tourists and small town Hawai?i life. Additionally, Molokai is all about making your own adventure, easy but scenic hiking, and most of all, relaxing! If you like a slow vacation, then Molokai may be for you!
If it's your first time in Hawaii, your ideal island will depend on your travel style and to-do list. For most travelers visiting Hawaii for the first time, the Big Island of Hawaii should be the winner because it offers the most diverse experiences.
April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.
Molokai is known for its limited resorts and attractions, which adds to its charm as the least touristy island in Hawaii. Unlike other islands that are filled with high-rise hotels and commercialized attractions, Molokai offers a more rustic and untouched experience.
Both are lovely but it really depends on what you like to do on vacation. Many consider Maui to be the prettiest island. There is a world class golf course in Kapalua. Oahu is the most developed island - there is a downtown area along with history (visiting Pearl Harbor).
It will absolutely make you want to go to Maui again. But it's also a LOT less pricey than a full week! Maui is a fairly expensive destination, and it may end up being more doable to spend a few 3-day weekends in Maui over the course of a few years rather than a full week.
Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.
Oahu's windward coast – specifically the 10-mile stretch from the Marine Corps Base Kaneohe to Makapu'u Beach Park – is home to the bluest water in Hawaii, sure to make your next beach day unforgettable.
O'ahu (Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles) The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State. O'ahu is the military command center of the Pacific.
Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred ?Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.
Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for.
Using data from The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kayak.com, the cheapest island to visit is Oahu. Airfare, hotel, and rental car for two people for a week costs $2,625 on Oahu. The most expensive Hawaiian island to visit is Maui, where the same average costs for a week are $3,600. How did we get this number?
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands. It is home to many natural splendors including outstanding beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls. It also has to some of the most luxurious accommodations from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts.