The best beaches / spots seem to be the expensive resorts, and while I’m OK with the more expensive food on Kauai, I’m too cheap to pay to stay at a resort. Travel time is also an issue for Big Island. I also live in SoCal in a desert so I’m not a fan of the desert side of any of the islands, and the Kona side seems like it’s nothing but (and black volcanic lava fields, which are fun to see, but hot). Next time I’m there I’ll probably spend more time in Hilo (rainy side). I’d rank Kauai at the top, then Oahu, then Maui then Big Island. All that said I’d not turn down a trip to Big Island, just like the others better.