alexsmith

Hi everyone

My fiance and I were originally planning (for our honeymoon in Feb) to do 5 nights in Maui and 4 nights in Kauai. However, we recently have started thinking about cutting down our honeymooon to 7 or 8 nights (save some money) and just doing one island. The question is: which island??? Maui or Kauai? Do you recommend just doing one island and getting to know that island well instead of squeezing in a second? If so, which island is expendable (Maui or Kauai)?

I'd love to hear from you!

JohnD

I think a better way to save rather than reducing the number of nights to stay, is to stay at condo's vs staying at high priced hotels.

puddy

Depends on what you like to do. Kauai is more laid back with lots of hiking, etc. Maui is more developed with better resort and dining options.

Also consider that changing islands will eat up a better part of a day.

Kal

Aloohhaaaa,
What a dilemma! A choice between 2 Heavens on Earth?

Since I've never been to Maui, other than the airport, I can't compare.
But since it will be your only honeymoon, hopefully, you sure you have to cut it down to just one island?

I don't really see how you can go wrong with either, tho.
Congrats, Good luck and Mucho Mahalos!
Kal

Doug

Hey alexsmith,

If you truly only have 7 or 8 nites, I would recommend only 1 island because as puddy said changing islands costs you almost a full day (getting to the airport, sitting in the airport, flight, getting bags, car rental, driving to hotel,....).

As far as which island to go to, that is truly up to you and what you're looking for. As puddy also said, Maui has a few more activities to keep you busy and more nightlife if that's important to you, but IMHO Kauai is the place to go. Did both islands this past Feb. on my honeymoon and both wife & I absolutely fell in love with Kauai. There's great hiking, snorkeling, helicopter tours, etc., but the thing that separates it from Maui in my opinion is it's natural beauty....it's such a beautiful island, lush and picturesque especially on the north shore, which is where I'd recommend staying....even in February.

But no matter which island you ultimately choose, a good idea with about a week's time could be to split your stay; e.g. on Kauai, half on the North shore, half on the South; on Maui, half in Wailea, half in Kaanapali.
Each area is so different that it almost feels like you're on different islands. And doing this would save on drive time as you'll want to explore each of them.

sail10

If it were me i would stay at a cheaper hotel( especially in Kauai) and keep your 9 days and split it just the way you stated.

If cheaper hotel is not an option then i would pick Maui.

As for saving money, i would not go out to expensive dinners ( except 1 for the honeymoon )and save there. You would be suprised how much you can save on food, there are subways, and multiple fast food options and split lunches and dinners.

If your staying at say the hyatt, sheraton , fairmont, outrigger, on maui then mabey pick , kaanapalli beach hotel in whalers village ( cheaper ) very nice area. nick

cindyne

Since you're going in February, I would recommend Maui. We went to kaui last summer and it rained the entire time we were in kauai. We couldn't see anything because of the fog and it really put a damper on our trip. I know some people will say that it may rain just a little bit, I wouldn't take a chance especially in February. Please know we thought kauai was beautiful but it was very disappointing with all the rain, especially since the north shore is so beautiful.

Maui's weather is a surer bet and the wailea area is spectacular. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck in planning

Cindy