I'm planning a Hawaii trip for next May. I am thinking of spending 5-7 days in Kauai (North/East), and 5-7 days on another island. Problem is, I can't seem to decide between Maui and Oahu. They both sound great, and a contrast to Kauai. Our priorities for this part of the trip would be beaches, followed by food. Here are rentals I was looking at on each:
South Shore, Maui: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3617930
Lanikai Oahu: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p171995

Any opinions would be welcome. Thanks!

Lanikai is a gorgeous beach and you'll find more varied food on Oahu.

Let's start with what you want: Beaches and Food.

How about some time Waikiki first, ON a beach and able to walk or taxi to a huge variety of restaurants and shops -- as well as see historic sites? Staying Lanikai requires a car. I'd consider staying there if you want to stay Oahu the full time.

North Shore Kauai is gorgeous, the choice of restaurants is very limited. Kauai also seems smaller than it's land mass because so much is accessible only by air or boat. I like Hanalei Bay, but most lodgings are on cliffs above the beaches.

How about some nights Waikiki, then the bulk of your time on Maui? This would meet your beaches + food wishes. I'd stay on the beach in Wailea, not above Piilani Hwy. in an ohana in a residential development, sharing the family lawn and pool. You'd have to drive to everything.

I am in South Kihei every winter. If you want that area, check this site for owner rentals: www.mauiownerrentals.com In May you could stay anywhere on the island, but south is more convenient to touring. Kapalua and Napili also have nice rentals; more *newer* ones in Kapalua.

Thanks. So many choices! Waikiki may not be my cup of tea. And now everything I read about Maui, most areas sound too commercially-developed for my taste. Although I suppose if I'm right on the beach, that would make up for a lot! How is the Kapalua area? Here's an oceanfront rental there: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p35806vb

You're going to love the North Shore of Kauai. I have not been to Maui in a long time, but we always drove up to Kapalua to swim and snorkel because the condo we were at in Honokawai did not have much beach to speak of. Just south of there in Napili there were some nice looking condos.

Kapalua is up the northern end of West Maui. Very pretty, lots of golfers, breezy, with *pine* trees bent by the wind. It's a short drive south to Lahaina Town with its' many shops and restaurants. It's tiresome (IMO) to drive from there to see the sights on the opposite side of the island: Haleakala, Road to Hana, Iao Valley -- and to the airport.)

I'm getting the idea, though, that you are most interested in 'the location' and less in sightseeing. Are you traveling as a couple or with family? (I see this ad is a 2BR.)

If $500/night is in your budget and you still like Wailea, look at Wailea Beach Villas, Wailea Elua and Ekahi, Polo Beach Club.

Kauai is my island of paradise and north shore is beautiful. the property on Oahu is very lovely as is Maui property. You would need a car on the islands and easy car ride into Waikiki if you need some excitement should you choose Oahu. I can recommend a fabulous restaurant in Honolulu with all organic and what ever is fresh they cook "TOWN"....worth the drive down to Honolulu for this place. Kauai has more limited great restaurants but they are there. Since we stay in Poipu area usually, I can recommend Red Salt, Merriman for very good food. Lots of atmosphere at Merrimans in the new shopping center as you enter Poipu beach area.

Thank you! This is all very helpful. I don't need excitement, so maybe I should stick with Kauai only and keep it simple! One property I was looking at there is on the east side, toward the north. Rustic and basic, but something nice about it: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/323810?s=f77K

cathy, ask them for their TVR number (Transient Vacation Rental) as Anahola is not a VDA (Visitor Designated Area) and some rentals could be illegal, you don't want that.

I think Oahu would pair best/be a good contrast with Kauai. Don't automatically cross off Honolulu/Waikiki. There are some unique and interesting opportunities there, different from any of the other islands.

Oops I just noticed your "Kauai only" comment. I always am in favor of more time in less places!