Travel Channel 

Going to Hawaii for x-mas and looking for an adventurous, on the beach, not too touristy island/resort. Any recommendations for islands and or resorts with great activities?

What's your idea of adventure?

As for the islands...

Kauai is the most beautiful and very rural - HOWEVER - you can't do things like jet skis and paragliding. People go there for the beauty, the hiking, and the nature of it all - not the nightlife - though there are resorts that offer some nightlife.

Oahu is the most crowded - essentially a city with a beach - though it gets somewhat less so towards the north shore. It's pretty and offers all the adventure a typical city with a beach can offer.

The Big Island is rural - without as many beaches, but those it has are interesting - black, green, white sand, etc. It's the least pretty of the islands (though does get pretty towards the north and east), but is the only one where you can visit an active volcano. It also has the best diving and snorkeling. In winter, Mauna Kea could be snow topped. The resorts tend to be located in the northwest - and probably offer adventures - pending what you call an adventure.

Maui might be for you - it's a cross between Oahu and Kauai (in a sense). It's very resort oriented - and pretty - though can be crowded in places. However, if you're looking for a resort, Maui is the first island that comes to mind. All resorts, somewhat by definition, are touristy. What are you looking for that would make them less so?

Each of the islands is different... and which one is the "best" will depend a ton on personal preferences. We like Kauai... we love its beauty... and everything that goes with it - BUT - we're also 100% ok with the lack of nightlife and assorted extras.