Just returned form a 10 day trip to Kauai and Maui. Stayed at the Princeville in Kauai, Renaissance, Westin and Four Seasons in Maui.
If you want lots of nature, beauty and serenity go to Kauai. If you want crowds and action go to Maui. Travel and Leisure rated the Renaissance #7 over the Princeville #10.
I don't know who they polled, but they were toasted at the time.
Its like comparing a Chevy Cavalier to a Lincoln Continental. Westin reminded me of Disneyworld, but you get a good comfortable room, though. I wouldn't score the Four Seasons so high either-great general facilities and service, but my room had ants, mold and mildew. They throw you a perk, but couldn't really care less if you're not a repeat hotshot.
Mark

Mark - why 3 different hotels on Maui?

Kauai also met my expectations of Hawaii much more than Maui.

We will be on Maui and Kauai each for a week-keep reading about the sunrise at Haleakala - is the sunset equally beautiful-and re: the NaPali coast-boat ride? or hike the 2miles in on the Kalalau trail to get a view of the cliffs?

Hike through the starting at dawn (unless you have flash light but I would not advise, slate rock in the first part of the trail) Kalalau trail go back to the falls after the sun is up. You will have the trail all to yourself. I would also do the Awa'awapuhi (west side)early morning but not before sunrise too dark on way down you can connect this with Nu'alolo. I have only done Kalalau to the fall and Awa'awapuhi is so beautiful at the end that it does not look real.

I have seen Haleakula in early morning but I don't get the dawn view thing this would only destroy me for my day. Sounds like there are too many people up there, tours also organize around dawn.

We were going to stay at only two hotels-Renaissance and 4Seasons, but I got one of those Starwood cash and points deals at the Westin. The plan was since we wanted to snorkel black rock and see Lahaina, etc. why not stay there at a great rate. It worked.

Thanks Sarah-it does seem a lot of hype about the sunrise.
What about hiking in Waimea Canyon? We have done some at North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon and most of the Utah parks so wonder how it will compare-do you know?

Sunrises are so special in Hawaii. Water crystals in the air sparkle. The greens are greener and the blues are bluer. Can't believe some posters here are talking down the opportunity to enjoy a sunrise.

Sunsets are also nice but there isn't as much moisture in the air so the sparkle factor is diminished.

Agree that I like sunrises=just wondering if the Haleakala sunrise is really a don't miss-or if the sunsets are also good and less crowded with people/tours etc?

Canyon trail is great I have not been to the SW so I can't compare. My suggestion is that you never expect better than the Grand Canyon. My rule in general is never compare expect something to be different and special it it's own way. Otherwise, expect disappointment. ...whenever I forget this principle i.e. expect a neighboring country ect to be equally friendly I get disappointed. My best trips come when I have the least expecations.

You don't have to walk far to get views on the Canyon trail unless of course you don't have a 4WD. I suggest getting one. There are actually some great 4W drive lookouts on the island, I only found some of them so you will have to do some research. Call Kokee museum ask them where you can call. A lot of volunteers who all have different answers. Last you one person told me they could hook me up with a guide, another told me about 4wd lookouts how to come up the mountains of Waimea on a 4wd road. DID NOT WRITE DOWN UGH!!! When I went into the lodge people shrugged not knowing details of either info. So if someone gives you great info WRITE IT DOWN might be someone with experience that won't be around 24-7. You can download their map and trail list from their website. I like to search for photos on the trails on the internet to see if I want to do the trail.

You just want to be aware when Kokee or any other place has been getting too much water. Don't take 4WD other than a Jeep to Polihale State Park anytime, we saw locals with pick up's getting stuck. You do want to see sunset here it is only 1 hour from Kokee Museum up in Kokee. Pack your beach chairs, we had this view after a Canyon hike. Kept thinking why do people take the trouble to go to Polihale when it is a non swiming beach. WELL IT WAS GREAT, a wide expanse of beach with the beginning of the Kalalau moutain as a back drop.

Spots we enjoyed were Alakai Swamp trail (4wd) takes off 3 miles,gotta read about this and I would do the hike. You are just so far away from crowds when you are here. We had a great canyon picnic and echoed our voices through the canyon then went on to the Alakai swamp trail. Have to be quiet and still here so birds come up. want a dry day here.

There is also a 4wd trail on the North view of the pipeline road opposite of Princeville stables. This area is great after rain, walk I think about 1.5 miles and see about 4-5 water falls. Nothing spectacular but a pretty view. You 4wd for a bit of the way in then get out and walk just near the water tower.

Not sure when you are going but if you are there during warm weather you want to start all hikes early. I got away with Awaawaphi early because it was gray and cool. BTW if you have an over cast day don't let it get you down that can provide some comfortable hiking. Kuhio trail near Lihui is another nice trail and not strenuous at all I woulds suggest it in terms of views above the North View pipeline trail.

Sandy I was up everyday just around sunrise as that is my regular sechdule at home, it was ok would not call it magical but then again I see many sunrises throughout the year. If you have an ocean view condo or area to sip coffee and look at the sea, it is worth it. But getting up at 4 to drive and watch it at Haleakula is just something the tourist industry has created for you. What will you do when 2pm rolls around fall back into bed? That is all I am saying would kind of kill my day for me. Now to get up to start a trail around that time and actually finish the trail around 2pm, plop down on a beach, I feel that my time has been better spent.

Thanks for all the good info-agree about not comparing-it just seems there is so much info we are trying to figure out the best things to do and still have time to enjoy them without trying to see and do everything and be so tired we don't appreciate what we are doing.
Will definitely try to do the 4WD-that sounds like it will give us the most options for what we like to do. We are going in late Sept.

They are expecting a dry winter so perhaps that means a dry fall too.

Yeah just pick the hottest hikes,

Awaawaphi, Canyon trail, Napali to the beach.

All except the first you can find your own pace. I don't think you should skp Awawaphi. Napali is so quick if you are in shape, to Hankape beach anyway.

Ever think of spending more time in one place? Went with sister last year she was disappointed when we left Kauai and thought the break in the trip broke the relaxation mode. I think you can explore the interiors more if you focus on one island. Maui is find for a week but Kauai just has so many trails. so diverse in landscape.

So Mark, tell us about your room at The Princeville and how you liked the hotel, etc., since I assume this was your favorite.