[Noah930]

I think Maui is probably the best for a first time visit. It's the best balance between development/tourism and that Hawaiian feel, IMO.

Oahu is very developed. The most touristy things to do, like WPOZZZ mentioned, but the development can also be a turn-off for some.

The Big Island (Hawaii) is less developed, but it's also a lot of black lava rock. A lot. I made the slight mistake of taking my wife there for her first trip to the Islands. I was fascinated and could have stayed for 2 weeks, there was so much to explore. But it's also the Hawaiian island with no beaches (just joking--but there's a LOT of black lava rock between the beaches), so it's not what Mrs. Noah was expecting.

Haven't visited Kauai, so can't comment about that.

But I would recommend--for a tour book--the Revealed series. There's one for each island. (Oahu Revealed, Maui Revealed, Hawaii Revealed, etc.) I found it to be pretty spot-on on its recommendations of places to stay/things to do/places to eat.

Wherever you go, have a great time.