Which island is better, Oahu or Maui?

Oahu vs. Maui depends on what you want. Oahu wins for: first-time visitors, value for money, Pearl Harbor, food scene, nightlife, surf culture, and infrastructure. Maui wins for: scenic beauty, whale watching (December–April), Road to Hana, Molokini snorkeling, and a more romantic atmosphere. Accommodation costs 20–30% more on Maui with fewer budget dining options. Oahu has more mainland flight connections and lower base prices. Both have excellent helicopter tours — Blue Hawaiian and Maverick (29–719) on Maui, Rainbow and Magnum (05–434) on Oahu. For couples on honeymoon: Maui. For families and first-time Hawaii visitors: Oahu. For the best of both: spend four days on Oahu and five on Maui — inter-island flights run under 00 and take 30 minutes.