We've planning a trip to Hawai'i. My challenge in doing so has always been the same: which island? Anyone you ask turns the question around by asking what it is you'd like to do. My Hawai'i dream vacation is fairly straightforward: helicopter ride over waterfalls and lush landscape, see a volcano (from a safe distance), white sand beachfront for as far as the eye can see (preferably the non-molten lava variety), boutique and luxury shopping options, without the feeling that commercialism has overtaken nature and the land has been overdeveloped. To be clear, I want a luxury resort with shopping and cuisine in walkable distances. I need a hotel on the beachfront with a view as far as the eye can see.
Maui sounds dreamy, and we intend to stay at my recent discovery the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua while there. But what of the other islands? Kauai sounds breathtaking..but will we be bored after a day or so? The Big Island boasts an active volcano and eleven different climates. So there's an element of danger there as well as lush rain forests, arid deserts, black sand beaches and snow-capped mountaintops. I should add at this point that we'll have a toddler with us. So while Mr. Venti and I might want to go parasailing over the ocean and traipsing through the underbrush and thick vegetation in the jungle, it won't be happening with her in tow. And then I discovered the Royal Hawaiian on Oahu. Wow. Located front and center on Waikiki beach (one of the best beaches in the world), a short drive from the North Shore (every surfer girl's dream) and boasting what looks like my ideal poolside cabana fantasy...I think I've found heaven on earth!
To some of you tiki hut and grass skirt enthusiasts, choosing two of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii may seem like the easy way out. And it very well may be. But these days when I travel I need a surefire winner. There's nothing wrong with demanding luxury accommodations and wanting to live grandly while you're away from home. Those happen to be my ideal travel situations. Turn down service, opulent lobbies, over-the-top amenities - yes, please! Sign me up. I'll get my thrill seeking outside of the resort. What I don't like doing is hoping that my hotel is up to par. So, yes, I do gravitate toward the more established resorts.
So it seems we're in for a bit of island hopping. Kauai for unparalleled nature, Oahu for one of the best beaches known to man and Maui for getting away from civilization and lazing about on far less populated stretches of coastline. It might make sense to decompress on Maui first and then venture out to the more western islands.
Regardless of the order, I'm already craving the fresh sushi, succulent pineapple and incredible vistas. And you'd better believe I'm scouring the racks for cute little Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts to pack for the sunny days ahead. Someone might even use this as an excuse to get a few new bikinis. ;) Expect a fashion post to follow soon as I continue planning!

{Note: any feedback you might have is welcome - I'm a Hawai'i newbie and welcome your input.}