Songdoc's Kauai vs. Maui dilemma

PS. I spent a week on the Big Island -- and it was very nice. We had a good time and especially enjoyed the Place of Refuge. But I wouldn't even put the B.I. in the same league as Kauai.

I have spent time in Maui and Kauai. It's like choosing between the Beatles and Rolling Stones. So different and so great in their own unique way. Why deprive your self of either? There are many fabulous places in Maui: the road to Hana drive, Kapalua, the drive north of Kapalua, the drive up to Haleakela, many great snorkeling spots, Kaanapali Beach. Get the book Maui Revealed to find out how the locals get to all the good spots.

Songdoc - I see that you're determined to continue making me green with envy...

I really have nothing to contribute to this thread other than to express my severe jealousy of your traveling lifestyle.

But for what it's worth, I much prefer Kauai over Maui. Maui is a bit busy for my tastes. When we go, we prefer the Napili Bay area.

Maui Upcountry is my favorite spot on earth. Fields of green, horses grazing, jacaranda trees in bloom....looking down the slopes at the blue, blue ocean below.
See if you can find a place to stay in Makawao or Kula.
(Harder to find than a few years ago because of crackdown on
"illegal" rentals.)

If you like the north shore of Kauai you might like the rugged, jungly eastern coast from Huelo to Kipahulu. Almost as rainy. Just as many bugs, plus Hana has cows, so there are cow patties all over the place. There are rentals in Huelo, Hana and Kipahulu.

This site as some of the very few still "legal" rentals on the north shore and upcountry.

http://www.donnachameleon.com/index.shtml

Barbara? Have you rented from her before?

I think it's good to try something different for a change. One week in Maui would be my choice.

I enjoyed Kauai - as I have all of the Hawaiian islands - but it's Maui that has captured my heart. Iao Valley and Upcountry are the places that capture my soul. Give it a try sometime, even if you end up going back "home" to Kauai!

I have been to all the major islands and Kauai is my favorite. The beauty and non-commercialization is what draws us to Kauai.

We haven't been to Maui in a long time. There are some great places that I would say could win your heart but for us, it is to "busy" for us.

One of our favorite places when we were there was the drive out past Wailea/Makena. We saw lots of pods of dolphins right off the beach area.

Can't hurt to explore a new place to see what you might find

if you have to ask
you'll never know

Is Tunnels Beach the best in Kauai for scenery, snorkeling and sunset.

nope!

Been ten years since I last visited Maui but it was getting built up even then. It is popular for a reason though, it is really beautiful although not in comparison to Kauai. I agree with another poster that the Napili area might be a nice fit for you, lots of nice condos in that area.

Have a great trip, not returning to Kauai until September.

Ok, what is the best beach on Kauai for snorkeling, watching the sunset and scenery ??

"Is Tunnels Beach the best in Kauai for scenery, snorkeling and sunset."

Tunnels? What's Tunnels? Don't they have a big one of those in Boston?

andrew8....it really depends on the time of the year (too rough on the N. Shore in the winter) but Tunnels is a great beach to snorkel and relax.

Look at maui but not too closely. I spent 8 days there 2 weeks ago. The winds were very high 30 mph constant so all water sports were off. The road to Hana is a very painful trip. It takes forever at 15 mph to get there and once there you want to leave. The scenery is breath taking at times but mostly it is a slow, very windy, very narrow road. I zip lined in the upcountry and it was fantastic. Met a group of ranchers on the south end with an impromptu barbeque on the side of the 1 lane highway and they fed me well. I also had the opportunity to ride their horses for an hour and the views were great. You cant buy this ride usually and the people were very friendly. luckily I had a case of beer in the trunk to contribute to the cause. Scenery was awesome. Ka'anapali was a tourist trap and expensive, very expensive. I travelled on the road from Ka'anapali over to the east side to the Airport on another very rugged road. The scenery was nice but not outstanding.
I was on the Big Island in December for 10 days and loved it. Much nicer and more varied scenery and not so touristy as Maui. I am planning on visiting Kauai this fall for 2 weeks and have never been there before.

We will be staying at the Maui Kannapali Villas, for the fifth time, next week. We stay in the Dolphin unit 171. The beach is so peaceful and beautiful. We are just a f4ew yards from the sand. There is even a cute little restuarant right on the waters edge. We wouldn't stay anywhere else in Maui. Then we are going to the Hyatt (booked through Costco) for five nights. Our son recommended the Hyatt; a bit of a splurge if you ask me. We really enjoy the water at Kanappali better than Kauai, as the water is calmer and not rockey like in Kauai.

We have been to both Maui and Kaui many times. I like both and would like to get back to Kaui again. We like something quiet and scenic. For us some of the condos at Kapalua fit that bill. We go out early walks, drives, and a lot of relaxing. Kannapali is one thing, Kapalua is another.

I appreciate all your thoughts. I'm still deliberating. But ... so far, I'm not convinced that I would like Maui BETTER than Kauai.

I just don't want to go to Maui and constantly be comparing -- and thinking, "this is too touristy," or "this isn't as magical as viewing the Napali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout ...." or "I wish I were walking at Hanalei Bay or along Kealia Beach ..."

And I don't want to go just to go someplace "different" -- if I don't like it as much. But then again ... I can't ALWAYS only go to Kauai. Can I? Hmmm ... maybe I can

But if I do go ... it sounds like the upcountry will be the place for me.

"I appreciate all your thoughts. I'm still deliberating. But ... so far, I'm not convinced that I would like Maui BETTER than Kauai."

So what? Go anyway. Why do you have to like Maui BETTER than Kauai? Why do you have to like it BETTER? Why can't it just be another traveling experience?

I have been traveling to the islands since 1975 and have never let the differences between the islands deter me from experiencing them. Why would I?

Good morning songdoc. No use deliberating as you have already closed your mind to the enjoying Maui for being Maui when you decided to define it by the word ' better' It is an impossible expectation that defeats you from the moment you apply it.

to iamq: In answer to your question about Upcountry lodging, I have stayed twice at the Banyon Tree property just outside Makawao. The first time I rented one of the cottages; enjoyed the experience very much. The cottage was spotlessly clean and nicely decorated by the resident manager, who was an artist. The second time I rented the entire large house, which was not worth the price. The owner had decided to manage the property himself, and I think he was still pretty inexperienced. Cleanliness was an issue that trip, both in the house and in the pool area.
Recent reports on TripAdviser have been positive so maybe some of the problems have been solved. The location is wonderful. It is quiet and serene, but just a short drive to Paia, Makawao, or Haiku. The views looking down slope from the pool and hot tub are magical in the evening, with the lights of Kahalui twinkling below. The pool is not heated. It was great in August (first trip), but too cold to use in March (second trip). If I were to consider staying there again it would be in one of the cottages. The house was something like $400+ a night. I had high expectations at that price and was very disappointed. Don't take one of the suites in the house either if you value privacy. (The house is available in pieces (suites), or as a whole entity.) The cottages are reasonably priced and a good value. I would enjoy being there even if not perfect...just to be in Upcountry.

I forgot to mention something related to more recent posts.
I, too, enjoy all the islands. Next month I will be staying on the North Shore of Kauai. In January I was on Maui. Last year I stayed on Oahu (north shore), Kauai (south shore), and Maui (south shore). I go frequently, but never stay more than a week. The Big Island is my least favorite due to the driving distances, but I have been there a couple times. Luckily, I live on the west coast where I can take advantage of airfare sales. For me, it is not so much WHICH island, but WHERE on each island. I don't care much for Waikiki, Kaanapali, and Poipu. That leaves huge, beautiful, spaces to enjoy anywhere I choose to plant my slippas.

Thanks for info on the rental Barbara.

To clarify ... I love Ireland AND I love Italy AND I love New Zealand. I don't feel I have to choose one over the others -- because they're all wonderful -- and are very different experiences. But with Maui vs. Kauai I feel like I'm comparing very similar places.

For example, I don't love Poipu. I "like" it and had a nice time there. But if I had to choose, I would never stay there instead of the North Shore. I had the same feeling about the Big Island -- yet I know others who say the B.I. is their favorite.

My mind's really not as closed as it might seem. I'm just looking for posters to say "I LOVE the North Shore of Kauai" -- and there are places on Maui that are just as magical, mystical, and breathtakingly beautiful.

But we have songdoc, but we have...

Okay...To me Hana is the original Hawaiian magical place...followed VERY closely by Haena.

Plenty of folks would disagree, but I believe it to be true.

We've stayed in a number of wonderful places in Hawaii on most of the islands including Molokai. (Haven't stayed on Lanai). We love Hana but feel you are somewhat trapped there if you want to see the rest of the island. Another option is Huelo Point on the North Shore. The last place we stayed at is no longer in business but a neighbor was the Huelo Point Flower Farm. It seemed very lovely and gets great reviews. http://www.mauiflowerfarm.com/

Another place we really enjoyed was the Puna Coast on the Big Island. We stayed in a house near Kehena Beach that was fabulous.

On Kauai, we've stayed in Haena and thoroughly enjoyed that as well. The beaches there are great when the weather is cooperative. I hope Ike is still there.

Songdoc: As I begin packing for my upcoming trip to Kauai's north shore, I have been thinking of you. Did you make a decision yet as to whether or not you will visit Maui? Re-reading your last post, I still think you might "LOVE" Upcountry. Very different from Princeville, but "breathtaking" vistas with loads of step-back-in-time Maui charm. For me, equally "magical" .

I dont think there is a comparison to the type of Peace and tranquility that the N Shore of Kauai offers, but Maui definately has places to offer your soul what it desires. My only opinion is, I think it would be more satisfying if go to Maui first.

Thanks for all your responses. I've just picked up a copy of Maui Revealed -- and hope to decide soon. Will definitely look into Upcountry.

I'll keep you posted!

I remember the first time I went to Hawaii(Maui) years ago I had this vision of a VERY tropical place - like a tropical rain forest. I was somewhat disappointed when I was in Lahaina and Kihei because they were on the "dry" side of the island. Lots of resorts, shoppers, traffic - just too commercial for me. But then we drove to Hana on the "wet" side and stayed at a little Cabana in the middle of a flower farm surrounded by lush green forests. The hosts showed us how to pick our own papaya and bananas. It was quiet and peaceful and since it was more isolated with no city lights, at night you could sit in your own hot tub and look up at the layers of stars. THIS IS HAWAII !! I guess everyone is different and some people just go for the shopping in the malls but if you want a tropical experience on Maui, Hana is the place to stay for a few nights - don't just make it a quick drive through.

Maui is definitely worth exploring and spending time on.

I prefer to stay near or in Kaanapali because I like the nicer hotels/surroundings and although Wailea is nice as well, it has less to offer once off the resort and remember it is an island so it basically has one 2 lane road each direction from Kihea to Kaanapali.

Definitely do the drive to Hana, it's like being on the moon for awhile and if you have the time and patience, rent a really small car and do the whole island loop. The roads get really small on the far side of the island so if you have a motorcycle license, rent some Harleys and go that route. I did it last year and it was a blast. It's like stepping back in time over there.

I am heading to Kauai later this June, for the first time!

<<I am heading to Kauai later this June, for the first time!>>

You will love Kauai - we have been going to Kauai for about 15 years. Love that place - it is ONO -- where will you be staying?

I've been to Oahu and Maui once and Kauai three times. To me the north shore of Kauai is my favorite spot.

I think we'll return to Maui, possibly next year. When I was there years ago my wife and I spent most of our time at a very nice resort on the eastern side, devoting just a single day to drive all the way around the island, stopping for lunch in Hana. I think if we returned we'd spend more time exploring.

I think the original poster is having an issue with passing up a known like Hanalei for an unknown.

EDIT - We stayed on the WESTERN side of Maui. doh!

After seeing Kauai I was a bit disappointed in the Hana Highway (though there were some beautiful parts). We were there on Super Bowl Sunday and also 4 months after 9/11 when people were afraid to travel, so we had the whole highway almost to ourselves. I'm not sure I would want to go back with bumper to bumper traffic - or even without it. Kauai is my favorite. But the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui is wonderful - if you're in to that sort of thing.

I wonder what songdoc decided to do.

Songdoc's just back from six fantastic weeks in New Zealand and Australia. It was about 60% exhausting, intense work -- and 40% awesome vacation.

I LOVE New Zealand -- and Tropical North Queensland in Australia is absolutely beautiful. It's where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef and it's a nature lover's paradise. (Trip reports will soon appear.) Stayed at an incredible resort: www.thala.com -- and I'll definitely go back again.

If I had never been to Kauai I'd be raving that N. Queensland is the most beautiful place in the world. But Kauai's got me spoiled. Parts of Qnsld reminded me of the Big Island (but with kangaroos )-- but other parts are quite unique and very "Australian." Every day was wonderful and different. Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was beyond my wildest expectations.

Now ... to answer your question. If it were solely up to me, I would have included Maui on my upcoming trip. But DP's exhausted from all the travel and didn't want to go someplace where we'd feel compeled to explore and sightsee.

So, in four weeks (hopefully I'll be over the jet lag from NZ and OZ) we'll head back to Kauai. I'll be teaching and performing at the Kauai Music Festival (www.kauaimusicfestival.com) which includes the most amazing concerts featuring the best Hawaiian talent -- open to the public -- including AMAZING ukelele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. If you haven't seen Jake go to YouTube or his myspace and watch "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"). I'll stay an additional 3 weeks in my favorite spot on the North Shore to collapse and hopefully, do some writing.

So ... what's the moral of the story??? Careful if you go to Kauai. It just might make other places else pale in comparison

Thank you all for such great info.