Hi, heading back to Hawaii for the 1st time in several years and trying to decide whether to return to Maui or try Kauai for the 1st time. Will probably be going over in late July. We're active late 40's, no kids. Enjoy beaches, snorkeling, not-too-strenuous hiking and good food. Nightlife not important. I've heard Kauai is lush and beautiful, and would love to experience that, but also read some comments that unless you're looking for pretty strenuous activity you won't experience it fully? For Maui, we have been there a few times, still never done the road to Hana but plan to if we go this trip. Love the beaches, the snorkeling etc. We have also been to Oahu and the Big Island. Often we do 2 islands per trip, so if it would be worth the extra transpo expenses to spend some time in both, we might consider that but were hoping to keep it simple.

For me KAUAI anytime. More low key and no high rises. Great hikes (some strenuous some leisure), Botanical gardens, bike riding, snorkel trips, kayaking and good restaurants (1849 Eating House, Merrimans Fish House, a couple at the Hyatt in Poipu,Red Salt at the Koa Kea Hotel in Poipu.,fun back country tours like floating down the old plantation canals through tunnels, etc. . Not lots of shopping but a couple and a fairly new one in the past 5-6 years Kukuiulu (sp?)in poipu. North shore (Princeville, Hanalei) is more lush but we like Poipu too. Going soon....can't wait.

Yeah, you'd better get to Kaua'i before it gets to be too much like Maui. Going in July you'd want to stay on the gorgeous north shore, where IMO your best options are vacation rentals from Hanalei west. We'll be in this one in a couple weeks - http://www.halemakaicottages.com/orchid-cottage-3/ - but there isn't a whole lot to choose from, so best make reservations ASAP.

You should also know that snorkeling is better on the other three main islands than it is on Kaua'i, and you won't be blown away by the number or quality of (fine) dining options as you perhaps were on Maui. No matter though, you'll be too busy picking your jaw up off the ground to notice.

If you {{{HEART}}} Kauai, send your friends to Maui

Hanalei is absolutely gorgeous. We honeymooned there and loved it.

I love to hike and do long --but NOT difficult, dangerous, or extremely taxing walks. (I'm old enough to be your father.)

I never run out of gorgeous walks and places to be in awe of Kauai's beauty: the Kuilau Trail (NOT to confused with the Kalalau Trail, on which I no longer do more than the first mile); the Canyon Trail in Koke'e Park; the walking path north from Kealia Beach; Maha'ulepu; the walk along the surf at Hanalei Bay, the path by the Princeville golf course, and so many more. None of these are difficult.

So like rncheryl, I vote for Maui! Kidding!

You can certainly find dangerous, strenuous activities on Kauai, but you certainly don't need to in order to to enjoy it.

I'd echo everyone else, in particular Face...I like Maui but I love Kauai.

Kauai would be my choice.

You could talk me into either; it depends on you.

As others have noted, Kauai has a lot to recommend it. What I like about Maui is the diversity.There are busy spots, if you like, or you can head to more secluded, less busy spots. Or both.

I have a friend who lives on Kauai. He jokes that they call it the Garden Island because that's more attractive than calling it the Rainy Island.

I've been to Maui three times and prefer staying in West Maui and the snorkeling is better, but have been to Kauai over 15 times, it has my heart. Must every trip is a Na Pali coast boat tour, spending the day on the North Shore, and Waimea Canyon (actually we usually head to Koke'e State Park first for the lookouts then work our way down and have lunch in Waimea town).