Is Maui as beautiful as Kauai???
 

I'm just starting to do research on these 2 islands. We enjoy hiking and beauty, but we also enjoy people-watching, beaching and eating out at a variety of places. It sounds like Kauai is gorgeous, and Maui has more to do.... but I don't want to totally miss out on gorgeous!!! We think we will probably only stay on one island (my hubby's not big on packing up and moving in the middle of our vacation) so I need a little help deciding between the two. Also, is Kaanapali more sunny than Wailea?? We're hoping to go in August. Thanks much!!

Kristin, <BR> <BR>Wailea is the sunniest, driest part of Maui all the time, and in August, expect plenty of sun! But Kaanapali is also very sunny & nice, just not as dry as Wailea. <BR> <BR>Both islands are fabulous with so much to do. I'd say Kauai is greener and lusher, and Maui is more golden though it certainly has plenty of green and lush, too. I can only advise that you read up on both, look at pictures, and know that you will have PLENTY to do on either one! If you're very heat sensitive, I'd go for the North shore of Kauai that time of year! <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Hi Kristin, <BR>last year we had been on Maui-Kauai and the Big Island and since that time we retunred to Maui twice. <BR>Each Island has its own attraction. <BR>Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon on Kauai: a paradise for hikers and Hana-Road(incerdible rain forrest(Bamboo-rainforrest also paradise for hikers) or West Maui Mountains or the Haleakala Crater(Hiking in the crater: awesome!) <BR>Maui has the best beaches(Makena). <BR>Wailea is definitly very sunny but it´s a touristy resort( one after the other) but you are alsmost next to our favourite beach Makena. <BR>Kaanapli is also very nice and there is a nice beach again(jefferson beach). <BR>I like to mention the Makena cloud appearing approx. at noon spending some shwadow at the beach. <BR>If you like further information do not hesitate to contact me. <BR>Have a nice trip <BR>

Aloha Kristin, <BR> If you must pick only one island, I think Maui is the best choice. It has a nice mix of activities, beaches and beauty. So much of Kaui is not acessable by road. If you do choose Kaui try to include a helicopter tour. I know many backpackers prefer Kaui, but that can be done on Maui also. You will find great beauty on either island. Have a wounderful trip, which ever you chose you will not be disappointed. <BR>

Maui probably has more to do than Kauai, more variety, and the snorkeling is better. Black Rock at the north end of Kaanapali, just under the Sheraton that sits up on the rock, is incredible, as is Napili Bay. For jungle, you head towards Hana. You don't even need to drive all the way, just go as long as you can tolerate the curves, then head back. Fabulous restaurant (pricey) up by the start of the Hana drive: Mama's Fish House. Kaanapali is more crowded than Wailea. Another fun drive that takes hours is up to the top of Haleakala. Makena beach and Big Beach are lovely. There aren't really any beaches on the south east side. Lahaina is fun to walk around for an afternoon - nice sunsets from there. Shops are almost all tourist junk, or expensive things. <BR>Virginia

You certainly can't go wrong anywhere you go in Hawaii, it's all beautiful. However, I guess unlike the other posters, I think Kauai is far and away the place to go if you can only go to one island, and your other choice is Maui. I found Maui to be way too commercial and crowded. Kauai is idyllic, lush, green, and like the Hawaii I always imagined. Maui, to me, is a much improved Miami Beach! Again, though, either will present you with wonderful opportunities for touring, relaxation and just enjoyment of a beautiful location. Good luck.

Both islands are lovely, but I prefer Maui (more to do). Wailea is not as green and lush as the Ka'anapoli area is so bear that in mind if you choose that area. We prefer the Kapalua area, north of Ka'anapoli ourselves & do not care for Wailea much. For lush/green/waterfalls, etc. the drive to Hana is wonderful, take all day and do it right! Hana is not much to speak of (small town on the beach) but the ride there is wonderful. You can stop at many places along the route too. Haleakala Crater is a must - the road up is very good, and it is a spectacular site from the top (if it's a clear day) - you can see over to the Big Island. Going up the mountain you go through various types of vegetation as well. You can also drive north of the Kapalua area up the north side of Maui - beautiful scenery all the way and relatively few people (no resorts, etc.) The Iao Valley (the Needle) is lush and green and you can hike up along the stream there. <BR>When it comes to Hawaii everyone has their personal preference, having been to all the islands several times my vote is for Maui with Kauai a close second!

My husband & I went to Maui in Sept. of 1999 and I have to agree with Gary above. Maui was beautiful, but MUCH MORE commercialized and touristy than we had expected. Not the true Hawaii we had pictured. We are going to try Kauai this Sept. for two weeks. Can't wait. Hope this helps you.

Geez. That's a tough choice. We split the time, 4 days on each for our honeymoon. I'd suggest you do the same since the inter-island airfare isn't that expensive, and who knows when you'll be back. Kauai is lush and green (they filmed Jurassic Park there), you can go hiking at Waimea Canyon (similar to the Grand Canyon only smaller), or along the Na Pali coastline cliffs, if you're brave. I liked this island the best because I enjoy seclusion (particularly the north shore, peach and quiet. If you enjoy people-watching, and eating out you may get bored if you're staying for a longer than a week. There is absolutely no nightlife -- when the sun goes down, you go to sleep. I remember Kauai as the green island. When I think of Maui, I think blue, because of the beautiful water and beaches. Plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, or surfing. You can hike around Haleakela crater which literally looks like the surface of the moon - it's wild (but very chilly since it's at a high altitude) and you can drive to Hana for more pristine views and the jungle-like atmosphere. Between Kaanapali and Wailea, I'd pick the latter. It's quieter and has nicer hotels. Kaanapali is the more commercial area where you will find a Planet Hollywood and similar, but you can always drive there to enjoy the nightlife. I hope I didn't confuse you more. But you really can't make a wrong choice here, both are incredible!

Thank you everyone for your wonderful responses!! We're leaning towards Maui--it sounds like we won't miss out on beauty there!! But....next trip will have to be Kauai!! Thanks again for taking the time to respond!!

Were planning to go to maui for 6 days and Kauai for 6 days. Is it a good idea to split them up 6 days each?

Aloha Ed, Regarding the 6-6 split... What do you like to do? Lots of action or beach lounging? <BR> <BR>Maui is the "action" island while Kauai is the more "laid back" one. Still a lot of things to do on Kauai, just not as many people. <BR> <BR>You may want to do the first days on Maui then just relax away the time on Kauai before going back to the rat race. <BR> <BR>If you like the action, I'd suggest 7 on Maui and 5 on Kauai. <BR>Kal