Wish I had your dilemma OP. You can't lose either way.

You really can't go wrong, but Kauai is far less crowded, more relaxing.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!

Anonymous wrote:Trying to plan surprise trip for DH with the in-laws. Will be going for 1 week in Dec.

Staying at a big resort so I figure there will be crowds anywhere, but would like as much as possible to stay away from huge crowds. We are outdoorsy so would love somewhere to do some nice hikes, maybe surf. DH also likes to golf. Expense of plane tickets is also a strong consideration.

What are the major differences between the two islands? Any advice, things to see, areas to avoid?

I've only been to Kauai and picked it because it's supposed to be less crowded than Maui. We did a lot of hiking and snorkling, a boat trip along the Napali coast, and a garden tour. There's no shortage of restaurants in the main tourist areas, and many of them have live music sometimes.

Here's a quiz that might help you decide:

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx

Kauai!! But I would rent a house near the Na Pali coast instead of staying at a resort. The hiking is amazing.

Kauai is quieter but both islands have outdoorsy things to do. DH and I did both islands for our honeymoon and Kauai was much more relaxing but DH loved Maui because he needs things to be busy.

The road to Hana on Maui is AWESOME! Rent a jeep and drive up. There are hiking trails, waterfalls (DH jumped over one- lots of fun) to explore.

Where will you stay? We loved the four seasons- which had an amazing golf course for DH. A couple of holes were on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Simply amazing.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/maui/0015020319.html

Have fun!

Maui has a lot to do and Kauai is much quieter. We are taking kids to Maui - they will not be bored. Kauai is much more nature-focused and relaxing.

Trying to plan surprise trip for DH with the in-laws. Will be going for 1 week in Dec.

Staying at a big resort so I figure there will be crowds anywhere, but would like as much as possible to stay away from huge crowds. We are outdoorsy so would love somewhere to do some nice hikes, maybe surf. DH also likes to golf. Expense of plane tickets is also a strong consideration.

What are the major differences between the two islands? Any advice, things to see, areas to avoid?