quite, not touristy, beach, sun - then choose either Lanai, Big Island or Kauai. Lanai may be too ex

My wife I need some advice on which island hotel would be best for a TRUE, Relaxing, Hawaiian vacation. We have done the Caribbean (Grand Cayman) quite a few times are ready for an adventure. We originally thought of doing multiple Islands in two weeks but decided one week in the perfect setting would be better. We are not big on crowds touristy stuff just want beach, sand, palms sun. Please give us some advice.
Since you are on a Fodors site, I suggest you at least consult the Fodors online guide for Hawaii and then come back to these boards with specific questions. It would also be desirable if you generated a profile. Sometimes that helps a responder to make more appropriate recommendations. For the online guide, see:
My parents visit Hawaii twice a year they like to relax on the beaches for vacation. They alternate between Oahu and Maui. On Oahu they stay at Marriot on Ko Olina resort (you'll need a car to stay here). They like KoOlina because its quiet and it has several little bays you can swim in so my mom feels safer here. In Maui they stay on Kaanapali beach which they say is the best beach in Maui- they like the Westin but regular rates are pretty expensive, you might want to check incase they are having a sale. My parents are going there again for 2 weeks in January. credit cards earning airline miles They've been to Mexico numerous times but prefer Hawaii for swimming.
credit cards earning airline miles Even though Maui is my favorite island - I would suggest Kauai. credit cards earning airline miles Stay at the Hanalei Bay Resolt on the north part of the island - overlooks Bali Hai. It's quiet, serene, gorgeous and a beautiful beach. The resort (condo) even has a golf cart to take you to and from the beach if you don't want to walk the slight hill through the property. credit cards earning airline miles If you go make sure you take a zodiac raft to the Na Pali Coast. It is to die for. Have a wonderful time. No matter where you stay you will fall in love with the islands. The whales should still be frolicking in the water so be sure to take some whalewatching tours. Aloha!
I spent a great week on Kaanapali Beach this past summer . I loved it but I am not sure if it would necessarily be what the OP is looking for. It is a stretch of hotels and condos that one could consider "crowded" if you are looking for something secluded. And I don't think it's the best beach in Maui, particularly towards the Marriott and Hyatt. The beach gets better as you move towards the Sheraton. That being said, I thought it was great and would stay there again but I don't have a particular need for seclusion and I liked the convenience of the area.
quite, not touristy, beach, sun - then choose either Lanai, Big Island or Kauai. Lanai may be too expensive. $7,000 budget - where are you coming from as a good portion might be taken up in airfare. After visiting most of the islands,We concentrate on Kauai as it is pretty credit cards earning airline miles low key. We prefer condo's credit cards earning airline miles because of the room it offers - not just a bed, ability to eat in for some of our meals and not having to fight over a pool with lots of people that the resorts might have. Check out VRBO for condo's (Luxury Poipu is a great condo as is Poipu Shores) but Hanalei Bay Resort certainly is a good choice. Hanalei is a sleepy little town with just enough credit cards earning airline miles to make it funky and interesting, nice beaches. Poipu Beach has grown considerable but still is calmer than other areas on Maui and Oahu (Waikiki area). However, North side of Oahu is quieter credit cards earning airline miles as are the beaches there. Aloha - hope you find something you like. It is our favorite place to relax.
It is truly beautiful and very tropical, (it's called the garden island), so IMHO it is the lushest of all the islands (with the exception of maybe Oahu). credit cards earning airline miles You can relax on beautiful quiet beaches, go hiking, there is a mini grand canyon to explore, the island is very small if you want to go from one end to the other (they are quite different - the south is drier while the north is wetter and greener). It doesn't have a commercial feel at all.
For relaxation, solitude, empty beaches and small towns I'd rent a beach house on the north shore of Kauai through VRBO.com . Waking up every morning and having credit cards earning airline miles coffee on your own piece of the beach is something I still dream about. My husband and I had a couples massage right on the beach at the Hanalei Day Spa in the Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena. Absolute heaven on earth.
I also love the Big Island for it's dramatic scenery; volcanoes, green sand beaches, black sand beaches, volcanic-heated swimming holes fed by the ocean. At Punalu u Beach Park we actually swam with giant sea turtles right off the black sand beach.
I would definitely have to say Kauai. Yes, I am a bit biased living here. But I have lived on the other islands, and there really is no place like Kauai. The Waimea Canyon and Polihale Beach are otherworldly. If any of my friends come I always recommend a few tours. Napali.com is Captain credit cards earning airline miles Andy's site, and they have been doing tours on the Na Pali forever and give killer tours. credit cards earning airline miles www.safarihelicopters.com is also a must do. I just know them, but I think any helicopter tour would be unforgettable. Also, for great places to stay, I thinke www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com has the biggest selection, and you can find stuff all over the island. For food, I would definitely hit up Sushi Bushido in Kapaa. A lot of people go to Kintaros, but I actually think Bushido is much better and better atmosphere. And spend a few days playing at Hanalei Bay. Sunsets there are not to be missed.
You can find peace and solitude on the beach at any of the six main Hawaiian Islands. From up on the North Shore on Oahu - private places at Waimea (aee VRBO) or at Turtle Bay - or over at Lanakai by Kailua, credit cards earning airline miles to any number of places on Big Island - to such places as Kapalua/Napili on Maui - or our favorite - up at Hanalei/Princeville on Kauai - or down at sunny Poipu.
BTW - the garden isle of Kauai - does get some rain on the North Shore - 4 sure - that's why it's so lush - but unless credit cards earning airline miles is's a huge winter storm - it passes through and then you are rewarded with sunshine and fresh waterfalls streaming down the hills of Bali Hai.
The amazing thing about Hawaii beaches is that it's fairly credit cards earning airline miles easy to avoid the crowds on all of the islands. Kauai is tropical and has mountains and canyons; Maui has great beaches for snorkeling and Haleakela crater; and the Big Island has a mountain, a volcano, and a ton of diverse scenery. All three islands credit cards earning airline miles have plenty to see and do in a week's time.