I think Maui is a good island for a first visit. There's plenty to do, and it's beautiful. You can relax, but you can also go into town or, if staying near Kaanapali, go to Whaler's Village. Plus, you see two other big islands from everywhere, so it feels like Hawaii all the time and is a nice introduction. The two main Starwood hotels there, though, are both pretty big, so if you like a smaller hotel feel, it might not be idea.

That said, Kona and Kauai are great too. Tough to go wrong.