We are going to Hawaii in May. Had planned on going to Maui. Now we have been told that Kauai is a much prettier island and less touristy. The beaches are beautiful and scuba diving is great. We are most likely aiming for a Marriott timeshare on the south side. Any opinions about Kauai vs. Maui?

Please share your ideas and thanks!!

Was in Hawaii 3 years ago'stayed a week in Maui & a week In Kauai
LOVED them both
MAui was much more built up
depends on your taste
I loved Kauai for the low key stuff;beautiful beaches gardens etc Hiking , golfing kayaking etc
Loved Maui too but it was more commercial, great restaurants night life ( touristy things)whale watch tours

If I had to pick one I'd pick Kauai

I would head to Maui in May its the rainy season on Kauai in May. South shore of Kauai will be dry but many of the areas you might want to see Koke National Park, North Shore will be in rainy spots possibly stormy. Having said all this I still want to head to Kauai one winter to see the waves, whales and Albatrose. Maui is equally beautiful in the Hana and Haleakela areas. Not sure you would have those crowd you are concerned about in May most islands are slow that time of year.

How long are you going for and why aren't you looking at the big Island? If you are going for longer than a week that would be my next suggestion.

Kauai use to be less touristed it is catching up though we were caught in a lot of traffic that just was not there a few years. Hopefully it is on temporary, as people are not going to Europe as much as in the past. Might not be at Maui's capacity yet but the beaches are filling up and so are the roads.

I don't think you can go wrong with either....honestly. I personally like Kauai better but could move to Maui tomorrow and never regret it. Maui is more "built up" but that's still only in comparison to Kauai...compared to LA or NY, it's virtually deserted!!!

I don't know about rainy season in May? We were there in April and only had real RAIN one day and that was when we were in Lihue on the "sunny" south side!!

Thanks everyone for your help. It's always nice to hear from people who have experienced it. I especially liked the comment about Maui vs. LA and NY. That really puts it in perspective!

In reply to the question about how long we are going to be in Hawaii. 2 weeks. One week is going to be spent in Oahu. That has already been set.

Can't wait to go.

Thanks again.

It's funny that a lot of people are always complaining that Oahu is the most "built up" and is too touristy because of Honolulu/Waikiki, but Maui isn't far behind! So yes, Maui is definitely more touristy than Kauai. But as K2rider said, you really can't go wrong with either one. If you don't mind the traveling, you can always split the whole 2 weeks up and do a few days on each island.

In May I think one week Oahu and one week Maui sounds great, it is the trip I would suggest for two islands in two weeks in May.

Remember May is a slow time, kids are in school and the snow birds have gone home. That is why airfare is so cheap that time of year. Did you buy your air fare yet? Good idea to wait unless you have already seen pre-season discounts.

For a first trip I think Oahu and Maui would be an ideal combination.

In my opinion places that are more "touristy", there's often good reason. Maui is absolutely gorgeous and with plenty of different things to see and do.

I would also choose Maui.

Here is a freat site for Maui info.

www.mauihawaii.org

Here is a thread that has a lot of Oahu info. Most of the websites on my list are good for all islands.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34652188

Went to Maui and was truly disappointed. It did not feel 'Hawaiian' at all. Four Seasons which we stayed at was nice but a bit too small. Old Lahaina Luau was overpriced and the food was swarmed with flies. In order to see the TRUE Maui you have to take the drive to HANA, which we didn't do. If you're not going to HANA then don't bother. Kauai will be my choice.

Maui all the way, baby!!!

WHOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

maui

Kauai? Oh, the mosquitos, chickens, and it rains all the time.

KAUAI..we went the end of April-beginning of May 03.Yes it rained BUT it was very localized..meaning that you can always find a sunny beach.

Yes..Kauai is less developed than Maui..that is what attracted my husband and I.

You will not regret choosing Kauai.You will see lots and lots of 's sometimes at Wailua Falls that are beautiful.

Kal, kal, kal.........

Anyway, daisygirl......both are fabulous. Many people who find Maui too touristy never leave their resort area and SEE the island. They do a manditory 8 hour drive to Hana and never SEE Hana and the same with the West Coast. Both are remarkable destinations if you choose to get out and explore them. I certainly wouldn't kick mrlou out of bed if he came home with tickets to Maui! And he is trudging along with me in about 36 hours to explore that rainy bug infested chicken coop of an island, Kauai. Trust us, it's all good if you have the site.

O O

"Many people who find Maui too touristy never leave their resort area and SEE the island."
Totally agree with you. The same can be said about Oahu and the Honolulu/Waikiki area.

Thank you all!! I have to say, this is the best website for gathering information and unbiased opinions. It has really helped me make my decision. We have decided on Oahu and Maui for our first time. I slept on it and that's what I woke up with. After reading the responses this morning, it affirmed everything for me.

And then there is always next time to experience the other places.

Thanks all!!!!!

Daisygirl

996tt--- i truly don't think it's fair to say maui dosn't feel hawaiian, based on staying at the Four Seaons and going to the Old Lahaina Luau... for pete's sake!