Kuai or Lanai
 

Hi,

We'll be spending 10-12 days in August honeymooning in Hawaii. We would like to go to Maui plus another island. Can you help me figure out the difference between Kuai and Lanai? I think they're both quieter than Maui but how do they compare to each other? We'd most likely be staying at 4 Seasons on Lanai or St Regis Princevilele on Kuai.

Thanks,
Michelle

I would balance your 2nd islnad with where you will stay in Maui. If you stay at the Ritz in Kapalua on Maui, go with the 4S MB on Lanai. If you go w/ 4S Maui/Fairmont/Grand Wailea then go with SR Princeville

St Regis is the most romantic(imo)
if Lanai- go with the bay and get an activity package

Compared to Lanai, there is lots more going on in Kauai. In fact, it is hard to compare those two islands - Lanai would compare more favorably with Molokai (except for the Four Seasons resorts.) One thing about Lanai, its a breeze getting there from Lahaina on the ferry (45 minute ride, no "security" checks, etc.), and the 4S resorts look after you very well on Lanai. It just depends what you want - fairly quiet (Kauai) or really, really quiet (Lanai). There is lots more to see and do on Kauai, but you may not be interested in doing all that much.....? I suggest that you would probably want to spend less time on Lanai than you might on Kauai, given these factors. But BOTH places are worthy destinations..... all you have to do is pick one! (BTW, In a 10-12 day trip, I wouldn't do 3 islands, due to all the time spent checking in and out, renting cars, etc.)

I thought the Ferry had been shut down?

spiro, you are likely thinking of the Super Ferry which is out of business, but in Maui there are local ferries to both Lanai and Molokai.

Kauai is a much larger island with a lot more variety of places to see and things to do. Lanai is pretty small and limited. This may or may not matter for your own decision.

Are you looking for a resort destination or an island destination?

I would say island destination. But at a nice place :)
So far Kuai sounds more our speed than Lanai. How does Kuai compare to big island??

Kauai may be one of the most beautiful places on this planet. If you are going for an island destination and want to explore a little while being pampered, I say you cannot go wrong with Kauai.

I love Lanai, but it is very compact.

Well my last 2 cents here. I would spend my money at Four Seasons Big Island. It is spectacular. I would then consider a couple of nights on the other side of the island to explore Volcano and that area.

I would then head to Kauai and explore and enjoy the beauty of that island.

But you already have plans for Maui. and Maui is amazing too. Perhaps you might enjoy spending your time down island and in hana for a couple of nights.

best wishes

I have visited 5 of the islands several times. They all have their own strengths, but if I had to pick my favorite, I would pick Kauai. Go for it!

Rpowell--would you tell me the "selling points" for Kuai? Thanks!

michmich, Do notice that the island is spelled Kauai, not Kuai. It is pronounced Ka-waiee'.

Sure, Selling points:

Na Pali Coast, by boat
Waimea Canyon ( a mimi Grand Canyon) views/ hiking
South Shore, amazing beaches, lots of sunshine
Tropical Botanical Garden
Wailua River,(Fern Grotto) by canoe or tour boat
Scenic drive to North Shore and Hanalei Valley
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, bird watching

I love the variety that Kauai has and its rural feel (like chickens roaming the island). You can see a beautiful waterfall on the side of a road or snorkel with turtles from many beaches. It is nature at its best. If you enjoy hiking, lush scenery, swimming, boating. Kauai has it all.

p.s. Friends of mine recently honeymooned on Lanai. They loved it, but didn't leave the resort.

Thanks rpowell, Kauai it is!

One might also add for Kauai

Tubing on the old plantation canals
Helicopter ride over waimea Canyon
Lihue Museum which gives a grat history of the island
Horseback riding near princeville

Kauai is awesome. have gone 11 times and still not tired of it.