A little travel help please

[Chrysalis]

Chrysalis, I would echo Wayfriend's suggestion to check out Hawaii. Sure, the cost can be excessive for some of the hotels and restuarants, but you can usually find places just as good, but not as expensive. All of the islands are different as well (from what I hear - we've only been to three). And depending on what type of nightlife vs natural wonder ratio you're looking for, it makes a difference which island you visit. I've found the Frommer's travel guides to be pretty spot on planning trips there. Have fun!

Thank you for your suggestion! I will be sure to check it out and add it to our list of options.
I don't think I have used the Frommer guides for anything. I usually just grab a Lonely Planet from work and then forget to take it with me or, better yet, carry it with me and not even open it past the introduction.

Which 3 islands did you visit?

[Mortice Root]

Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

When we were in Oahu, we just stayed in Honolulu. It was very nice, but mostly just a large city with a nicer view then we're used to. Of course, the visitng Pearl Harbor was very moving, though coming from the UK (right?) it might not be as interesting to you.

Maui was absolutely perfect, definetly our favorite island. There was enough touristy, shoping, nightlife type stuff so that it was there when you wanted it, but you could also avoid it easily and find a quiet beach or a good hike.

Kauai was more tame. Very quiet and beautiful. Most of the restaurants would close by about 8pm, and the whole island feels like it shuts down pretty early. There are more hiking and boating (and zip-line! )opportunities there, though those can be found on any of the islands.

I've heard very good things about the big island of Hawaii also, but never been.

And now I 'm looking out my window at our two feet of snow and feeling depressed.

[Chrysalis]

Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

When we were in Oahu, we just stayed in Honolulu. It was very nice, but mostly just a large city with a nicer view then we're used to. Of course, the visitng Pearl Harbor was very moving, though coming from the UK (right?) it might not be as interesting to you.

Maui was absolutely perfect, definetly our favorite island. There was enough touristy, shoping, nightlife type stuff so that it was there when you wanted it, but you could also avoid it easily and find a quiet beach or a good hike.

Kauai was more tame. Very quiet and beautiful. Most of the restaurants would close by about 8pm, and the whole island feels like it shuts down pretty early. There are more hiking and boating (and zip-line! )opportunities there, though those can be found on any of the islands.

I've heard very good things about the big island of Hawaii also, but never been.

And now I 'm looking out my window at our two feet of snow and feeling depressed.

Yep I am in the UK and not too clued up on the history surrounding Pearl Harbor but my partner would probably like to see it. He is quite interested in places with a past as well as archeological sites.
I think thats why this is taking time to plan. I want a place with a nice mix for both of us plus a place neither of us has been preferably.

Kauai sounds like my kind of place with the boating and zip-lining and the views i'm sure are stunning!

Snow? *shivers* I am so not a cold weather gal! Thankfully we have sun here today (still cold as anything but sun is nice to see)

[Mortice Root]

Chrysalis wrote

Kauai sounds like my kind of place with the boating and zip-lining and the views i'm sure are stunning!

Yep, they are. If you do go to Kauai, make sure you take a tour of the Na Pali coast. The whole northwestern third of the island is a national park, no cars allowed. The only ways to see it are by hiking or by a boat tour around the coast. We did the boat tour, and even with my (significant) motion sickness, it was absolutely spectacular.

[Chrysalis]

Chrysalis wrote

Kauai sounds like my kind of place with the boating and zip-lining and the views i'm sure are stunning!

Yep, they are. If you do go to Kauai, make sure you take a tour of the Na Pali coast. The whole northwestern third of the island is a national park, no cars allowed. The only ways to see it are by hiking or by a boat tour around the coast. We did the boat tour, and even with my (significant) motion sickness, it was absolutely spectacular.

The national park and boat trip sound great! I love things like that.
Thankfully I don't suffer motion sickness.