First time traveller to islands of Hawaii. We have a choice between Kauai or Maui in September. We are leaning toward Kauai because we tend to look for a more quite and relaxed setting as well as a more natural and authentic environment. We like nice restaurants, horseback riding, great scenery and historical/quaint locales. We request any knowledgable advice that you can share with us. Thank you.

I was lucky enough to travel to Hawaii for our honeymoon, and though this was 8 years ago now, I would imagine the islands are still pretty much the same. I thought Kauai was more attractive overall as it was much more natural. The waimia canyon and napali coast were just awesome. The road to Hana in Maui was good too tho - but in a different way. We stayed in the south of the Island and found it quite built up although it did have more 'nightlife' and a villagy feel in the eveing. Don't know how long you have but we spend 5 days on each island and it was nice to see both - tho I would prob do Maui first if I were to do it again.

Stay in Hanalei in Kaua`i. It would satisfy all of your requirements, plus all the other things that make Kaua`i such an awful place to visit are in great abundance.

Here is my trip report of my recent trip.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34659561

Pictures:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bquarre/album?.dir=/9d38

-Bill

While I think that Maui probably has the best overall balance of the 3 Hawaiian islands I've been to (Oahu, Maui, Kauai), based on the interests you stated, Kauai is probably the best choice.

Maui is far more developed than Kauai and has a far larger selection of great beaches and a many more choices in regards to shopping, dining, and "man-made" type attractions. However, Kauai is the obvious choice for nature lovers (Maui has lots of natural area too, but not as much as Kauai - and Kauai tends to be more spectacular).

For September (and for a nature lover) I would recommend the north shore of Kauai. Kauai is truly spectacular - especially that area - and is my personal favorite of the Hawaiian islands, for many of the reasons that you listed.

Ken

> BILLY!!!!!!

imaq needs a time out!!!!
You may have to give up your "Official Hell Hole" secret decoder ring.

Kal,

I KNOW!

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!

I think I need to take a break from this for awhile.

Thanks for waking me up. + = >

-Bill

bill,
have some more of these ~o)
and then look at your just to remind you how terrible it really was.

I wish to thank all who responded to my question: Maui or Kauai? Well folks, I guess we're joining the Kauai club as we have booked a seven day stay in Princeville at The Cliffs Resort. It looks great and from what I can gather, we are in the right spot on the island.
Anyone who can shed some 'positive'light on Kauai will only add to our enthusiasm. We are still some time away from going but will be doing a lot of researching and planning to help us get the most out of our stay. A special thanks goes out to Danelle who emailed me with her report. Anyway, thanks to all and I'll keep checking in from time to time as this appears to be the spot for actual experiences and 'must see' information.

Don -

I don't think you will regret your decision. Kauai is truly one of the most spectacular islands on earth.

You may want to consider taking a helicoptor tour around the island. Since so much of Kauai is roadless, it's really the best (in some cases the only) way to see many of the islands' treasures. Our tour was the highlight of our stay on the island. It's pricey but well worth it in my opinion.

Ken

Kauai's north shore is a great choice, you wont be disappointed. I think its the most scenic inhabited area of the whole state.

Only negative I can think of---September always seemed to be the hottest month to me when I lived on Kauai.

Wow are you in for the treat of a lifetime!!! We just got home from our 25th anniversary vacation from Kauai & can't wait to go back!!!We stayed at the Princeville. AHHHHHHHH We can't get it off of our minds! Beautiful view(Bali Hai), great customer service, unbelievable grand decor,great restaurants(especially eating on the terrace-what a view)the Cafe Hanalei Friday Seafood Buffet is great,"The living room"- a great place filled with sofas to have cocktails & watch the sunset. They have a wonderful snorkeling/swimming/kayaking beach.(not to mention the hotel staff that bring you complementary glasses of chilled H20, pineapple spears & chilled lavender-scented washclothes when you are too hot on the lounge chairs!). The infinity pool is awesome & so is the swim-up bar. Only one suggestion... request a higher level room(above floor#2=equal with the pool level. (We were moved due to the noise at the pool & hot tubs, & privacy).The staff is so friendly & go out of their way to accomodate.Other suggestions-book an am helicopter circle tour of the island with HeliUSA.(Heliport is right down the road from the hotel) It was fabulous-waterfalls,canyons, beaches .It tends to quickly rain around 3pm daily.Good Rainbows, though.Drive north to Hanalei-nice shops & other food options.,Tunnels beach, Ke'e Beach, see the wet & dry caves on the way.We also liked eating at Sabella's restaurant south from the hotel(Good Italian food with an island flair). We also drove to the area south down the road & walked to the Queen's Bath-lots of turtles were also frolicking in the surf.It was so beautiful . Enjoy! I'm sure you will love it! Best wishes!

Thanks Candy, your report whets the appetite . . . for sure. We are trading in to a timeshare (The Cliffs Resort) and I think we're sort of stuck on what floor we're given. It is a three story condo, I can only hope we are not on ground level. Don't want any critters or weird chickens visiting us ya know.

Don

To Don...why go to a tropical island if you want to be away from "critters and wierd chickens"....you can find a sterile environment resort atmosphere in Palm Springs CA or anywhere else. Kauai is a tropical island. Experience it for what it is. Sorry, but Princeville is just way too "sterile" and not the real "Kauai".

Author: DonAZ
Date: 08/18/2005, 11:56 pm
Thanks Candy, your report whets the appetite . . . for sure. We are trading in to a timeshare (The Cliffs Resort) and I think we're sort of stuck on what floor we're given. It is a three story condo, I can only hope we are not on ground level. Don't want any critters or weird chickens visiting us ya know.

Don

p.s. geckos can crawl up to the third story of a condo...........