Hawaii -- Kauai or Maui?

[Anonymous]

I'm considering a no-kids vacation in Hawaii next Jan or Feb and would love recommendations on which island to go to -- Kauai and Maui seem to be the two I've narrowed it down to.

What we like: nice quiet beaches, tennis courts, good restaurants that are moderately priced, a few fun and interesting things to do (hike to a waterfall, something like that). But essentially we'd be hanging out and relaxing....and enjoying some time as a couple between nursing baby #1 and being pregnant with baby #2!!

If you have any hotel/guest house recommendations, that'd be great too.

[Anonymous]

Maui -- Four Seasons is amazing!

and to throw another option out there, we LOVED the Big Island (Hawaii). It was our favorite of the three we visited -- Kauai, Maui and Hawaii. It has everything you're looking for and is not as touristy as Maui or as rainy as Kauai (though you can stay on less rainier side of island obviously). DO NOT stay at Princeville on Kauai. It's a big European feeling hotel and we missed the quaint open-air lobbies of the Four Seasons. The food was also not that great for such a highly regarded hotel.

Big Island - Four Seasons

[Anonymous]

I have been to both - either is a great choice. There is not an increment of relaxation or fun that one island offers that the other does not.

From a logistical point of view - is there a reason you are heading out to Hawaii vs the Caribbean? I used to go to Hawaii when I lived on the West Coast - but given how long it takes to get there, I head to the Caribbean.

If your babysitter is in California and you are going to do a layover there OR it is on your places to go before I die list - I absolutely understand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been to both - either is a great choice. There is not an increment of relaxation or fun that one island offers that the other does not.

From a logistical point of view - is there a reason you are heading out to Hawaii vs the Caribbean? I used to go to Hawaii when I lived on the West Coast - but given how long it takes to get there, I head to the Caribbean.

If your babysitter is in California and you are going to do a layover there OR it is on your places to go before I die list - I absolutely understand.

You hit the nail on the head. Babysitter is on the west coast and we have enough frequent flier miles on United to get us to Hawaii for free. We've been to the Caribbean a lot and I'm dying to go to Hawaii.

[Anonymous]

Oooh, can I come along!!

I agree with PP about the Big Island - it's mesmerizing. Who knew that lava could be so fascinating! We helicoptered over the volcanos and took a jeep tour to the top of Mauna Kea at sunset. Stayed at Mauna Lani.

I consider Kauai the most adventuresome island. Snorkeled along the Na Pali coast, helicoptered over waterfalls. We actually loved the Princeville Hotel, but to each his own, I guess.

I think Maui was the most relaxing, but we were in the mood to veg by then. Great beaches. Stayed at the Grand Wailea. Spa!! Still had some activity, in that we went to the top of Halekala to see the sunrise.

Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

We go to Maui every two years (family has a timeshare there) and then another island, usually the Big Island for diving. I think the PPs have given a lot of great info...I'll add that I adore the Big Island but the food is not as good as Maui. I've only been to Kauai once and it was ten years ago but we loved it. Maui is the most commercial of the three. Hands down, Maui has the best beaches. If you want more recommendations OP, post your email and I'll send you a list!! Jealous--we are going October 2010!

[Anonymous]

I wanted to go to Maui this year and stay at Four Seasons but based on long flight and costs, I thought it would be better to wait until my DS was 5 to get the most for the money spent and use of the Kids Club.

PP: I've did some research on Trip Advisor and other sites but would love your list of recommendations. Would you mind sending to me also? [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have been to both - either is a great choice. There is not an increment of relaxation or fun that one island offers that the other does not.

From a logistical point of view - is there a reason you are heading out to Hawaii vs the Caribbean? I used to go to Hawaii when I lived on the West Coast - but given how long it takes to get there, I head to the Caribbean.

If your babysitter is in California and you are going to do a layover there OR it is on your places to go before I die list - I absolutely understand.

You hit the nail on the head. Babysitter is on the west coast and we have enough frequent flier miles on United to get us to Hawaii for free. We've been to the Caribbean a lot and I'm dying to go to Hawaii.

Since you have enough frequent flyer miles - I assume you know that you can do a layover in California on your way to Hawaii "free" using miles on united.

I am not sure of your logistics - but this is an alterntaive instead of "buying" 2 frequent flyer tickets.

[Anonymous]

12:06 sorry - I meant stop over - not lay over

[Anonymous]

We have been to Maui, Kauai, Big Island, and Oahu. I would definitely recommend Maui over Kauai. Kauai can be very rainy, I difficult to get around on and does not have nearly the variety of restaurants, accommodations, or activities that Mauai has. On Mauai, I love the Wailea part of the island (in the southwest). It is quieter and less touristy that Lahaina, Kapalui, and the northwest parts. The Four Seasons is in Wailea, as are many other beautiful hotels. The snorkeling in that part of the island is also good.

I agree with other posters that the Big Island is also with considering. I was amazed by Volcano National Park. Also enjoyed the farmer's market in Hilo and the historic stuff in Kona, the ancient Hawaiian capitol.

Have fun! I am so envious!

[Anonymous]

Maui's great for whale watching (check the season), checking out Haleakala and snorkeling at Molokini Island (just off of Maui). Kauai's great for kayaking and Waimea Canyon. Kauai's a less crowded than Maui. But why not spend a couple of days on each island? They are all very close to one another.

[Anonymous]

Can you do both islands OP?

I don't know how long you are out there for, but if you do a week in Maui and another week in Kauai you'll have an appreciation for both of their unique-ness (Maui more touristy and commercial, Kauai a little less traveled and less crowded).

There are daily flights amongst the islands - very quick flights (like 45 minutes). We did that on both our honeymoon and for our 5 year anniversary (thank you Frequent Flier Miles).

Besides, after a week on merely one island you might find yourself wanting to go elsewhere. And the islands are so close to each other you might as well.

[Anonymous]

Maybe four days on each island would be enough to soak up the atmosphere for a first trip. Interisland flights are short and not too expensive. Whatever you decide, definitely pick up the touristy magazines and brochures at the airport baggage carousel area-lots of great coupons and info.

[Anonymous]

Hmmmm....for quiet beaches and moderately priced restaurants, I'm going to have to go with Kauai. I've been to both (Maui most recently), and while nice, it's much busier and bustling with tourists (as well as the tourist shlock). Kauai is more relaxing I would say, and easier to find beaches without tons of people on them. The Big Island is quite nice too and would fit the bill, but they actually have few beaches, relatively speaking. On any island, you will want a car, fyi! And I'd vote for Hawaii over the Caribbean any day - no (low) humidity and perfect weather!

[Anonymous]

Maui experts: which area do you prefer, Wailea or Lahaina? Are they both equally beautiful?