the highlights of the islands

The two most popular vacation destinations on the Hawaiian islands are Maui and Oahu, but how should one pick between them? For most people vacations are a rarity, so a well planned and researched trip will provide the most for the money. Ultimately, one’s traveling companion might be the deciding factor of the location chosen. Oahu is great for groups of friends because of its night life and shopping. Maui is more for couples and families who are looking for a more low-key vacation. With the large amount of tourist that flock to Oahu, it is a great place for meeting new people, whereas Maui is more personal and secluded. Each island offers different appeals to different types of parties.

Oahu beaches tend to be more heavily populated with large crowds, and finding a spot on the beach to call one’s own is scarce. On Maui beaches, people are more sparsely spread, so it is even possible to find a secluded beach. Although the island of Oahu is a major tourist destination, those looking for snorkeling will be surprised by the low crowds. Oahu coral reefs offer excellent visibility, along with beautiful coral formations, sea turtles, and other ocean life. Maui and Oahu are virtually the same when it comes to snorkeling but, Maui offers one location Oahu does not, which is Molokini. Molokini is an ancient volcanic crater emerging out of the sea located three miles off shore, and is known for its colorful sea life and clear water. Visibility often exceeds 100ft.

Maui and Oahu both offer many hiking trails. One of the many hiking routes on Maui is four miles round trip through a rain forest. This hike passes by Makahiku Falls and ends upstream near the base of Waimoku Falls. The clear pools formed by the smaller waterfalls along the route make excellent places to swim. The island of Oahu is the second oldest of the major Hawaiian islands. The huge amount of rain that falls in parts of Oahu gives the island many carved and chiseled features. The rain also provides the island with beautiful forests, gorgeous foliage, and a breathtaking valley. These features make the perfect environment for hiking. The most popular hike is Diamond Head, the most famous volcanic crater in the world. This hike is located on the south-east coast at the end of Waikiki, over looking the Pacific Ocean. The hike is classified as moderate in exertion, but is worth the breathtaking view of the entire west side of the island.

Oahu stays alive well into the night and offers a lot of choices to its visitors. Honolulu is the center of it all. Kalakaua Avenue is the main street. Kalakaua Avenue offers shopping, restaurants, bars, and night clubs. Many hotels even offer free hula shows. Unlike Oahu, with its busy city of Honolulu, Maui is relatively remote. The night life is limited to luaus, a sunset dinner cruise, or one can enjoy Hawaiian entertainment and music at a local hotel.

On Oahu it is almost impossible to find local food. Oahu is filled with large chain restaurants that do not offer authentic Hawaiian food. As to where, on Maui finding good local food is easy. For example, Aloha Mixed Plate is a oceanfront, outdoor restaurant and tropical bar. Featuring a menu of local favorites, served on paper plates.

While in paradise, why not have the very best? Both islands offer the high end resorts, with the ultimate in luxurious suites and guest amenities. If staying at one of these types of accommodations, guests will be able to enjoy a full service spa, fitness services, tennis, golf courses, private beach, and fine dinning. All these services are available without taking a step off of the hotel property. Unlike those typical resorts on Oahu, on Maui it is possible to find private, family owned accommodation. Maui offers a number of bed and breakfast’s or even a bungalow nestled on a mountain away from the crowds, but still being perfectly located for exploring points of interest.

It is clear that Oahu and Maui both have many similarities, and some differences. They both offer never-ending beaches, snorkeling for groups or families, and hiking routes for everyone. They both have hotels for those who want to stay in luxury, or Maui even offers accommodations secluded from the crowds for those who like their peace. Oahu and Maui both offer amazing food, but only Maui has easy to find authentic Hawaiian food. Each island is appealing in its own unique way to different travelers, so deciding between them still might be difficult.