What is the best Hawaiian island to visit?

[mobiusforniner]

Planning a vacation there later this year. Decision has no bearing on the wildfire right now. Just want to get away from work and escape for a week. Preferably less crowds. Been to Oahu a few times. Which one would you visit? Or have you visited?

Oahu

Kauai

Maui

Hawaii (big island)

One of the other ones

[KostasKouvalis]

I've been to Maui, Lanai and Kauai. Maui was over 10 years ago and I've heard the island has changed A LOT! My Kauai trip was very recent and one of my co-workers visited the Big Island recently and my dad visited as well, but it was way back in the 90s.

THAT being said, from the 4 major islands, Kauai and the Big Island are by far the least crowded. I really enjoyed Kauai, but the beaches and swimming are shit. It's more for hiking and sight-seeing and it's much more traditional, and they still haven't developed the "tourist go home mentality".

Maui has a great blend of history, nature and Western amenities, but it's not the same after the fires and they've recently developed a "tourist go home mentality". Big Island is definitely the most diverse and has the most to offer. But since I haven't been myself I can't really comment on it, but that's the first one I wanted to visit, so I would probably suggest that one

[NamerOfStars]

Well, is there something in particular you're looking to do? I've only been to Kauai, but it's gorgeous, and Na'pali coast in particular is definitely worth a trip- cliffs that jut four thousand feet straight out of the water. It's a stunning sight.

[mobiusforniner]

Nothing in particular. Just want to escape the crowds. Im definitely leaning towards kauai. I hear the kalalau trail is tough though

[katiesmuff]

I've never studied what each of them has for tourists so not sure. My idea would be to visit all of them from a cruise ship.