Kauai & Maui itinerary
 

I am planning a trip to Kauai and Maui for 10 days total. Should I break it up 7 days in Kauai and 3 in Maui, or 6 in Kauai and 4 in Maui? It looks like there is more scenery and more to do in Kauai. What are some things to do in Maui that are not to be missed? Thanks.

Haven't been to Kauai but been to Maui many times. I would definitely spend more than 3 days in Maui. Some things not to miss would be the Road to Hanna, Haleakala Volcano, Iao Needle, North Shore Beaches and the town of Paia, Lahaina and the Banyan Tree, snorkeling in Napili Bay (or other location), just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches. The Road to Hana will take all of one day.

Also keep in mind it will take most of a day to fly between the two islands and check in and out of your hotels, deal with rental cars, etc.

Haven't been to Maui in a long time, we enjoyed upcountry and also watching the windsurfers at Hooika beach (spelling?). Did not care that much for the Road to Hana but we were probably spoiled by having visited the North Shore of Kauai a year before. I'd probably do an even split. Also guess it depends on time of year.

I have been to Hawaii atleast 20 times and have been to every island. If I were you I would split is down the middle. Sure, Kauai is the prettiest island and there is SOME things to keep you busy. Waimea canyon is prettier IMO to the Grand Canyon, you have to take a little cruise on the Na Pali coast. Opekaha falls is nice. Poipu beach is gorgeous. Maui is my favorite island. Plenty to do there. Iao needle should not be missed. Kihei is nice to visit if you are on a budget. Ahihi fish preserve to snorkel. Haleakala sunrise and ride a bike down it. The aquarium near the airport in nice.

5 in Kauai and 4 in Maui minimum, Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour on both islands. Recommend Poipu area Kauai Kauai’s South Shore is home to some of the country’s best beaches—for swimming, diving and all sorts of water sports. If sunbathing on a gorgeous beach isn’t relaxing enough, try a spa Hyatt (where many treatments incorporate local ingredients). And if you’re in Poipu for a romantic escape, splurge on an oceanview room— or a villa and Kapalua Outrigger villas or the Westin Kannapali are nice.

We love all the six inhabited islands - and have been to the 4 main ones many times - over 40 years for moi and 50 for my wife who went as a young teen. Kauai is our favorite (especially the scenic north shore) - with Big Island 1-A, but we also love Maui (which gets the 2nd most visitors -and some say the best beaches) and Oahu - the "Gathering Place".

You can easily spend a week on each Island and have a great time-find new things to do.

Have you read Sondoc's reports for Kauai? None better.

Have a blast. Been going to Cabo lately - for the great fishing - but have to get back over to "Paradise" soon.

BTW - we have inter-island travel down to a "science".

First of all - pack light - as you don't need more than one suitcase - and carry on is ideal.

And the Inter-Island terminal at Honolulu is fairly small/easy to navigagte - and on the outer islands - while one of us checks in - or picks up the baggage if we checked - the other either turns in the rental car - or picks it up - and away we go.

The flight from Oahu to Kauai is only 20 minutes - so about the time you hit altitude - and the one drink has been served - the Captain starts decending and they come around to take your beverage. :)

To Maui is a little longer, but not much.

From Hono to Big Island is a real journey - 45+ minutes to Kona? :)

Uno mas - for a Norh Shore splurge on Kauai - check out the St.Regis. www.stregisprinceville.com, and the view of Bali Hai is unsurpassed. It also effectively has it's own "priate beach" - since it's hard to get to from shore.

No beach in Hawaii is truly private - by law - but the rocky shorelines make some harder to get to than others.

Thank you for all of the suggestions and comments. We decided to do 6 nights in Kauai and 4 in Maui. We are staying at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and Andaz in Maui. I think we will rent a car in both islands. We have been to the French Polynesian islands twice, so I'm anxious to see how Hawaii compares.

you will love the Grand Hyatt. First class, top notich and so beautiful..It is hard to compare French Polynesian Islands with Hawaii as the water is way warmer and clearer in FP and the fish way more colorful...BUT, Hawaii is so much closer and warm with palm trees and water and taht works for me.... :)

Hawaii is a lot less expensive than French Polynesia. :)

Everybody has different opinions. Here's mine ... I don't think Poipu Beach can hold a candle to those on the North Shore: Ke'e. Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Anini, Lumahai.

IMHO, they're all spectacular. Poipu's pretty--but not "wow." But it's nice that some people like it.