Here's the deal. I'll be working four days on Kauai -- as I did last year. For the previous trip (which was my first to Hawaii) I split my non-working time between Kauai and the B.I.

"LOVED" Kauai ... really "liked" the Big Island.

What I loved most about Kauai was hiking near the Napali Cliffs; Waimea Canyon; the feel of the North shore.

On the B.I. I loved the Place of Refuge and Volcano Nat'l Park. But felt that I spent too much of my time driving--and not enough relaxing. I put on hundreds of miles driving up the coast.

So, now I'm planning to return to work on Kauai. We have to decide quickly between spending an additional week just on Kauai OR adding four or five days in Maui.

Knowing what we like (natural beauty and hiking -- NOT snorkeling, lying out in the sun, or surfing) is Maui something we should not miss? How does it compare to the B.I. and Kauai? What are the highlights in Maui?

Is it worth the added hassle of the interisland flight and another rental car? If it's very different from Kauai -- yet something I'd probably love, I'll gladly do it. HELP!!!

Thanks so much for your help!

I'm not sure I would recommend Maui given such a short time... but the crater at Haleakala is pretty darn amazing.

Guess I should add that I don't care about nightlife or fine dining. The big attraction for me is the natural beauty, i.e., the incredible Kalalau Trail.

Is Maui sufficiently different -- and with enough dramatic scenery -- to make it worth the extra flight? If so, I could spend up to a week there.

We are splitting our time between Maui and Kauai, week on each island. Kauai will be first time but Maui we will be return visitors (actually I wanted to go to BI but maybe next time). I'm not sure if there is enough dramatic scenery, Haleakala for sure and the area around Hana (which is what I imagined the "real" Hawaii to be like) and the drive north from Kapalua.

My husband and I went to Maui (first timers) last spring. We spent 5 days in S Kihei and 3 days on the North Shore. I enjoyed our 5 days in S Kihei, but honestly couldn't figure out why people travel all the way from East Coast to Hawaii when they could just go to Florida. Scenery was okay, beaches were okay, snorkeling great, food great, but lots of strip malls, etc. It didn't wow me...

...until I went to the North Shore. I found the Hawaii I was looking for in the North Shore, specifically at this place:

www.cliffsedge.com

We had the Bali cottage. Pictures do not do it justice. The views from our deck were so incredible I never wanted to leave. It was a long drive from the most heavily touristed spots, and for us it was secluded heaven. We loved the location in terms of being close to Paia and upcountry, as well as road to Hana.

Based on your preferences, I would strongly suggest taking a peek at Cliffs Edge and also consider Hana area.

I would say spend the few days in Maui.
The Hana area and beyond are beautiful, and can be spectacular when there has been plenty of rain to supply the waterfalls along the road to Hana. Unfortunately on our last 2 visits including last month, the waterfalls were on the very low side. Still enjoyed a nice hike up the Pipiwai trail at Oheo Gulch (7 [-o<sacred pools) though.
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