Maui or Kauai
 

Would you recommend Maui or Kaui for a 10-14 day vacation in February? We like hiking, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, pretty much anyting connected with nature. A Luau and whale watching would be nice but not essential. We like to try new foods but don't care for dancing and bar hopping. A little shopping is fine. Do you have a favorite guide book for your preferred island?

Favorite guidebook for either island is the "Revealed" series...."Maui Revealed" and "Kauai Revealed". Kauai is eye-poppingly beautiful, with great hiking, etc. Maui is more developed. Is this for a couple of adults, or a family?

We are a couple- fit 50-60 year olds.

Of the two choices, I'd go to Maui, but with 10-14 days, you have time for both islands.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands. Just ignore the Oahu info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34812564

If forced to choose between the two, I'd choose Kauai, though it depends on what interests you most.

Kauai is absolutely beautiful (Na Pali coast is spectacular, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls everywhere), more natural feeling, and has a pretty heavy bohemian/hippie presence.

Maui is more developed, with hotels and things to do.

Both have beautiful and unique landforms (with opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, etc.) and great resorts, so it's largely a matter of emphasis. In my experience, though, Kauai feels just a bit more special and unique, whereas Maui could be mistaken for many other tropical isles if you don't work a bit harder to get away from the resorts.

You can find what you like on either island.

If you want a luau, I'd spring for Old Lahaina Luau on Maui.

I use a variety of guidebooks that I check out from the library. I like both Moon Publications and the Revealed series.

Have you considered the Big Island?

You have plenty of time to do both, so I would go for it; they are both worth seeing.

You could accomplish all of your plans on either of the islands. I would not have a problem picking, since Kauai is my favorite but this is not my vacation. Again, both islands are gorgeous and it would be a matter of personal preference more than anything else.

If you end up choosing Kauai, by all means, pick up a copy of Leonore Horowitz's Kauai Underground Guide in its n-th edition by now. I would not bother with any other guide for Kauai.

Anna Roz

Oh, do both! Take a week on each island. I also second the Big Island recommendation if you are open to the possibility of a different island.