Considering Hawaii, Big Island or Maui?

Hello, I am thinking of visiting Hawaii in Mid May for 6 nights. Me and my wife enjoy sight seeing, driving, warm beaches, shopping, and good restaurants. I don't like crowds. Good access to beaches would be a plus.

My question is which is better to relax, Maui or the Big Island?
Might be a silly question, but I have never been to Hawaii.

Thanks

Thanks for all the great answers! I will not choose a favorite because I haven't been there yet. But, I will let those with experience decide and take a vote!!

Both are great and i can't really give you an answer because they are both good places. Try out Maui.

You can't go wrong with either island.

The big island is more secluded with breath taking views, a volcano, and good eats in Kona or Hilo. If you want a laid back vacation then the big island.

Maui is a little more commercialized and crowded but in my opinion it has the better beaches. If you want more stores & towns, then Maui.

Have a good time!

Both are huge tourist destinations, but Maui is infested with tourist. Everywhere you go there are hundreds of tourist wearing flower lays.

Big Island, though having its fair share of tourists, is slightly calmer than Maui. It is still equally beautiful, but there is just a little more room to breathe. Big Island also has a magnificent volcano, if you are ever interested in taking a helicopter ride. Make sure to take your own snorkling gear, unless you want to pay 100X the price for the same, USED, equipment..

Oh and if you are planning to cook a few meals of your own or what not, take some of the necesities from home. All the produce there is ten times the price as over here. When we went, we just made a separate check in box with onions, potatoes, spices, etc.

Maybe I can give you an insight to the people as for beaches like that I am not to sure. The Big Island people like to compare themselves to the Big City of Honolulu and you can expect competiton in those kind of things. Maui is our rebelious people to the Big City they oppose any thing that is similar to the Big City.

Hope I was able to answer part of your question as for Kauai it is more of a laid back small town USA kind of feeling when comparing to the Big City

Big Island doesn't have many swimming or relaxing beaches.....most beaches are not shoreline accessible (lots of rocks, and coral)

Maui - is great for the less crowded types....and they do have great swimming and
relaxing beaches....also you will still get to see the Whales predominately on this island!!!

I've lived on both islands, and by far with no comparison Big Island is the best, Maui is overrated and super crowded not to mention more expensive. Big Island would take you a few days to cover the key spots to do, I'd spend a day in each major town if I were you, Kona, then Kohala, then Waimea and Honoka'a, then Hilo, then Volcano, then to Ka'u which doesn't need a whole day, unless you plan to golf.