How would you spend 14 days in Hawaii (Kauai/Maui)?
 

We are hoping to go to Hawaii for a 2 week honeymoon trip. The problem is, we'd like to leave in about a month (or less!) and are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available to us. We've narrowed down our trip to Kauai and Maui, but are not sure how we should divide our time between the 2 islands, which to visit first, and where to stay. Also, we're not sure which region to stay in Kauai... we've read that the north shore is absolutely gorgeous, but not so convenient for touring the whole island. We've read the east is not as nice, but because of its more central location, is better for exploring Kauai. This is our first time going to Hawaii, since we don't know if we'll ever have the chance to go back, we'd like to make the most of our 2 weeks there. We need to book everything as soon as possible... please help! Thank you!

I would probably divide my time equally between the two islands but some of that depends on your interests. Kauai is more quiet and laid back than Maui, although you can find quiet places on any of the islands really.

Maui has more night life if you like that. You need to give a bit more information about what you like to do and how you picture your honeymoon. Do you want to go, go, go? If you want that you can do it for sure on Maui and certainly on Kauai. Are you staying in a hotel or do you want to rent a condo?

Do you like night life or are you looking to be closer to nature, hiking and the like?

You can also use the search for the two islands and you will also get a lot of responses soon but we need a little bit more information about your likes and dislikes.

There are a lot of things to still consider...how active do you want to be? What is your budget? With 14 days, you might even consider visiting the Big Island and Volcano Natl Park? Though I could hardly fault you for being on the beach relaxing!

You might consider a resort type hotel on Kauai, I think the Marriott ranks highly then a condo on Maui? Or vice versa to keep within your budget. And possibly 3 days at Big Island in between Kauai & Maui?

I would either stay 7 days Kauai and 7 days Maui or 5 days Kauai, 3 days Big Island and 6 days Maui.

On Maui we have stayed at Grand Wailea which I highly reccommend. It is beautiful and luxurious and the spa is amazing. The snorkeling from the beach was very good. But, it is very large and a bit removed from Lahaina & Kaanapali. (I think 30-40min drive, although a beautiful drive). It can be expensive to eat there as well. ($15 burger poolside) Friends of mine really enjoyed the Sheraton at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach. The snorkeling there was great. And you can walk to many restaurants. There are also many condos in Kaanapali Beach or Wailea area.

As for activities:
Kauai - wailea canyon, waterfalls are within easy hiking, na pali shore, many snorkeling sites

Maui - lots of great snorkeling, road to hana, mt. haaleakala w/ bike ride, ocean kayaking

I hope I've helped out some. Congratulations & Best wishes!

Thanks for the speedy reply. Regarding what we're looking for in a honeymoon, our likes and dislikes... we'd like to get lots of R&R on our honeymoon, as we have very stressful jobs, live in a big city, and really need to "get away from it all" to recharge ourselves. We would like comfortable accommodations hotel/condo/villa(hopefully $250/night or less), but they don't have to be luxurious. Night life is not so important, if you are referring to dance clubs/bars. We're in our thirties, and not very "outdoorsy", adventurous types, but would like to explore the natural and exotic beauty of Hawaii with walks, hikes, snorkeling (by the way, my husband doesn't swim). We want to experience having our breath taken away by the sights and sounds of Hawaii. We would like to see stunning oceanviews, spectacular sunsets (hopefully from our lanai),
a tropical rainforest, exotic flowers, birds, fish, sea turtles, waterfalls (stand under them, if possible), mountains, and volcanoes (lava flow, if possible... do we have to go to Big Island for this?). We love to eat, and are really looking forward to trying Hawaiian cuisine (everything from fast food to more gourmet stuff), and experiencing a luau.

Thanks again for your help!

If it's your 1st trip, I would split the stay in half -- one week on Maui and one on Kauai. Start with Maui, and end on Kauai. We've been to Hawaii 4 times in the last 4 years, and the last 3 trips we did 1 week per island. Two years ago, we did Maui and Kauai and it was a great combination. We've been to both islands twice. Yes, the North Shore in Kauai is gorgeous, but we have always stayed on the South Shore (at the Grand Hyatt Kauai if you're into great resorts) and just driven up to the North Shore for a day or two during our trip, and that's worked for us. There are tons of great threads here and on Trip Advisor forums about each of the islands. Happy planning!

I would divide time evenly between the 2 islands.

On Kaua'i, you could stay 4 days on the North Shore--Hanalei town, or the Ha'ena area. There are rental cottages, or Hanalei Colony resort hcr.com Personally I would not choose the Princeville area, but it is very popular and many here really like it. Then you could spend 3 days in the Po'ipu area. That way you could group your activities to avoid too much driving.

The east coast is more convenient for traveling about the island, but I really don't think it can compare to the North Shore for beauty and relaxation.

Hmm, somehow I missed your 2:33 post. If you want to try to see the active volcano, you do have to go to the Big Island. How did you decide on Kaua'i and Maui? Maybe Kaua'i and the Big Island would be a better fit.

We had gone to both of those islands & also to the Big Island during our 25th anniversary stay over 16 days.Three islands was too much. I would recommend 1 week in Maui(there is so much to do & see). We loved the Sheraton Maui-pool, beach, snorkeling, etc. We would recommend doing a day trip from Maui to the Big Island with a helicopter tour of the live volcanos on the Big Island.We had gone to the Big Island after a 4 day stay in Kauai.It was too much packing. If able, visit Kauai last. It is so laid back, and beautiful before returning back to reality -work, etc.We had stayed at the Princeville Resort. If not able to stay there, visit & have drinks /appetizers in the Living Room for fabulous sunsets over Bali Hai.

Two weeks in one place is incredibly relaxing. When splitting the two weeks the hassle of relocating interrupts just about the time you are comfortably getting settled in. If your goal is taking in as much as possible in one trip you should split it up. If your goal is to have a relaxing vacation and fully experiencing a part of Hawaii, stay in one place and plan to see other islands on future trips. Our love is Kauai's North Shore but we have also really enjoyed our visits to the other islands.

If you want to see an active volcano, yes you would have to go to the Big Island.

To the rest of your question, I'd pick staying the entire two weeks on Maui myself. When relaxation is the goal, moving island mid-trip doesn't really contribute to that imo.

My favorite place in the whole wide world is Hawaii.

No matter which island you visit, you will find lots of things to do.

I'd suggest either Maui/Kauai or BI/Kauai since you would like to see the volcano.

Our favorite island is Kauai. I'd suggest taking a look at Hanalei Bay Resort for a condo to rent. It is on the N. Shore and many of the units have a great view of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. Try summitpacificinc.com/hanalei_bay_resort.html to look for available units.

The island isn't really too big so if you stay up North you can plan a day or two to explore Waimea Canyon and the South Shore.

Haven't been to Maui for over 5 years and I know there have been lots of changes but I would suggest taking the opportunity to explore Hana while there.

Congrats and enjoy visiting paradise!

We just returned from our first trip to Hawaii - 5 nights on Oahu and 4 nights on Kauai. I wish we had spent more time on Kauai. If you want rest and relaxation then you want to avoid Oahu. We met several honeymoon couples on our trip who had divided their time between Maui and Kauai. They all agreed that Kauai was the best so save it for last. I've never been to Maui but everyone says it's beautiful.

Seeing an active volcano on the Big Island wouldn't be a bad experience either.

One Kauai, we stayed at the Grand Hyatt and loved every minute. The food is outrageously expensive so plan to purchase Frommer's Hawaii Guide Book and follow their restaurant choices. The food is better and a little cheaper away from the resort. You can't beat the Hyatt for comfort, beauty, amenities, etc. It was wonderful and there were lots of honeymoon couples there so you might make some new friends. You'll experience the real Hawaii on Kauai! Congratulations on your wedding! May God bless your marriage.

Is it too late? Have you left already for your trip?

If you know you'll have the opportunity to return within a few years, the MOST relaxing thing would indeed be to stay on Kauai the entire two weeks, and divide your stay with week in the South part of the island (e.g Poipu and points more easily reachable from there, such as Waimea Canyon , Kokee State Park, and Kalalau lookout) and a week on the North Shore. Two very diffferent parts of the island, each with its own charm, beauty, atmosphere, attractions.

The Hawaii you seek and describe, can certainly be found on beautiful Kauai.


However, if you KNOW this will be the last time you'll visit Hawaii for a long time, it might be better to do as many recommended above, and visit two islands. Why? Because, it is fun, and itneresting, to compare, and you don't want to go back home wishing you'd seen two different islands.

As for BI to see lava flow--HOW important is that to you? You could interrupt atwo weeks-one island itinerary, with a quick BI overnighter, IF the lava flow is a major attraction. O/w, personally, I'd skip BI on a first trip .

Happy honeymoonin' Do let us know your decision if you desire more specific tips.

Hi tkn

I also agree with everyone on splitting time on Maui and then Kauai. In my opinion - after a week on Maui driving around anywhere on Kauai doesn't feel nearly as long of a drive (meaning don't fret much over whether to stay North or South). I too highly recommend the Hyatt near Poipu on Kauai.

Another (although expensive) idea for getting to see the volcano is to take a Big Island tour flight from Maui. I did this earlier this year and was so glad I did it. Look for my trip report for details and photo links.

Good luck - wish I were you planning a trip soon!

Best wishes for a long happy marriage.

DH and my favourite island is Kauai, we have been to all. Last visit we stayed in Lihue and found it to be central to everything we wanted to do. We were there for 2 weeks and didn't get bored. www.KauaiBeachVillas.com was the condo complex. It is on the beach and the bedroom was air conditioned, something not all condos offer. Plus watched the sunrise from our lanai each am.


Another site I have had luck with is www.vrbo.com you lease directly from owners, some owners take a week to respond. After seeing some of the other condo complexes I was very happy I did not go with them. Ask and I will tell.

We did the canyon, Capt Andy's trip up the Napali coast, "nurses' beach from the movie South Pacific, snorkled, walked the beach, went to Glass Sand Beach, I even got him on a horse and just relaxed with a shave ice.

A couple that we went with took an overnight stay to Oahu, did a bus tour (Roberts) for all the majour sites, then came back to Kauai. I know air fares have gone up ..... they paid $99.00 each way each.

Stay on the North side of Kauai. It's a small island, and if you plan on exploring, you can pretty much anywhere and back in the same day. The East of Kauai is more conveniant, but so is staying at an airport hotel. It's your honeymoon. You want to stay somewhere nice, so get out of the East.

Maui, I would stay on the South or West side. The south side is more convenient and has better weather. http://www.mauigoodness.com/101-things-to-do-in-maui/

I am a devotee of Hawaii.

I would encourage you to allow a fair amount of downtime and don't worry so much about activities and touring.

I love both Maui and Kaui. I usually stay at the Maui Prince on Maui, because it is on a gorgeous quiet beach and the rooms (especially the suites) have great views. I stayed in Hanalei on Kauai at www.Hanaleisurfboardhouse.com It was a very funky little apartment in a great location. It was so very relaxing up in Hanalei. The beaches are superb. I'v also stayed at the Hyatt and it is a great hotel for a honeymoon, but it is a big corporate hotel. I'd make one hotel choice for each island and then just go with the flow.

On a comfy beach chair drinking pina coladas. :-D

I'm biased having only been to Maui, but I can't imagine a more relaxing place. We honeymooned there and didn't want to leave, as is usually the case when we visit.

A couple points for you -

West Maui is the quieter area with the best snorkeling (more coves and bays with protected waters and beautiful coral). The area we like is north of Kaanapali. It's also not far from lahaina town and kaanapali which have plenty of restaurants and some nightlight. Kihei seems to be the most 'awake' nightlife with upbeat bars and a lot of young locals.

We rent snorkeling gear from Snorkel Bob's and you can return them at any location. Not sure if they are intra-island. You can also rent waterproof cameras from them now and only have to supply the memory card. We're going to try that next time for sure.

We also stayed at Grand Wailea and if you can afford, it is totally worth it. Talk about luxury. Sigh.... Napua Tower is amazing if you can get in there.

I highly recommend the Trilogy tours to Molikini for an awesome snorkeling trip and the best lunch I've ever had (probably in part because I was starving, but hey) - the crew is always hilarious. We've done jeeping on Lanai - also a beautiful place to explore for the day (ferry from Lahaina). ATVs on Haleakala - TONS of fun and a great outing that allows for a relaxing evening. The Road to Hana is fantastic - be sure to make a day of it and start early. This is when you really want a convertible rental car so you can really enjoy the view. We also did the sunrise at Haleakala once. We had to leave West Maui at 2am and it was freezing cold up there, but such an amazing experience, I'd do it again for sure.

Being there for as long as you will, I'd suggest staying in a condo with a kitchen and going to Costco to load up on food so you don't have to blow your budget on eating out. We did that and our lanai (balcony) had a better view than most restaurants!

Also, I wouldn't go to any Hawaiian island without Andrew Doughty's "revealed" travel books. His inside view on how to 'do hawaii' has made for 3 amazing trips for us!

South Maui is far quieter and upscale than West Maui. I disagree with TravelinJs on that point.

The Revealed series author has been heavily criticized for publishing information that violates some privacy and trespassing laws. In addition, he doesn't really warn very seriously about places where people regularly die. Having said that, the coastal photos are very helpful.