We spent a month on the Big Island. If you are going to visit its great but the beaches are hard to find and some require some "long walks". It was nice there and the tourist types were not as bad as the other islands, so its a trade off. I took my mother (to watch our kids so dad and I could "romance") and that made all the difference in the world. She also went parasailing and in a submarine. All in all I think we will go back to the Big Island. Anyone know of other activities or "lost" beaches?

Oahu...too crowded and just another big city.  Big Island...warm on the Kona side which is nice ...but beaches are not as plentiful...no experience with the Hilo side.  Maui is nice if you get off Hotel row and go up country or Hana for some peace and quiet.  Easy to find beaches with just a few others.  Kaui...beautiful and on the cooler side...the Waimea Canyon is spectacula.  My favorite is Lanai...Hawaii's best kept secrect...camp on the beach for up to 3 nights.  It is virtually empty in the a.m. and after after 4pm.  The locals are plentiful after hours and very friendly...usually a fire and music to enjoy too.  Besides camping in Hawaii is for all who want an adventure without a huge price tag when the snow if falling here. 

Wow, I never even had the thought of camping out in Hawaii. CAn you camp all over for free or low cost? We are planning on going back but it was very costly. Camping sounds like a way to see the "real Hawaii" and save money too, thanks.