janiekins

I have finally decided that hubby and I will be going to Hawaii for my 50th birthday in February, 2008.

Which island should I pick: Maui or Kauai? We like beautiful beaches but we also like a little bit of outdoor activity. Is Maui getting a little built up now? Which is the nicest area of Maui to stay? Any hotel recommendations? Want to spend around $800 per night.

If Kauai, which part of the island for February and also any hotel recommendations.

Thanks in advance for your help

cherie1

Gosh, I sure loved Maui. The Four Seasons in Wailea is spectacular and I personally found the restaurants to be superior to Kauai.

The Hyatt in Kauai is very, very nice, but the Maui Four Seasons is a total wow. That being said, we enjoyed the outdoor pursuits better in Kauai. It is a tough call.

My husband would probably say Kauai, but I just could not get over the Four Seasons or the dining we had in Maui.
Do you have time for both?

Ag3046

For that much, you could get one of those private homes on the beach at Wailea or maybe Hanalei. That would be so great to wake up and have your own beach. www.vrbo.com

dusty56438

There are about 10 good sites on this list for all islands:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Also:

www.visitmaui.com Free brochure

www.mauihawaii.org

www.bigisland.org Free brochure

www.kauaidiscovery.com Free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

kealalani

Maui mo bettah!

Linleedo1

Maui has more to see & more activites. The Sheraton Maui was really nice.But, for a more laid back trip, Princeville Resort in Kauai was awesome. It depends what you want to do.

volcanogirl

I think it depends on what you're looking for. We went to Maui for our honeymoon and loved it; I highly recommend the Wailea area - pretty posh and usually good weather. Maui had tons of things to do - sunrise at Haleakala, Old Lahaina Luau, Road to Hana, snorkeling at Molokini, etc. Kauai had amazing natural beauty - the Na Pali Coast is one of the prettiest places I've ever seen, and our helicopter tour is one of our favorite memories. For us, Maui seemed more posh, sophisticated, and expensive, and Kauai seemed more laid-back with amazing natural beauty. Both are great - just really depends on your own personal preference.

iceeu2

janiekins, I spent my 50th on Kauai. Loved it.

Odin

If you like beautiful beaches, I would not choose Kauai, at least not for swimming.

kmc

For that amount per night definately stay at the 4 Seasons in Maui. Absolute perfection. If Kauai then the Hyatt - which while the service is not up to 4S standards, the beauty of the hotel makes it my favorite resort.

Both islands offer both beaches and outdoor activity. Just do a little research on what activities you really want to do. You cant go wrong with either and after 3 trips to both, I still cant make up my mind!

janiekins

Thanks for all of the great info that everyone has given me. I have decided on Kauai. We will stay at the Grand Hyatt for 4 nights and then we are renting a condo for 5 nights. I am not looking forward to turning "50" but I am looking foward to this vacation!

Travelpat

May, 2007 was our 23 trip to Maui and our first trip to Kaui. Very sad to see the direction Maui is going. Big homes being built on golf courses in Kapalua, concrete everywhere. Loved Kaui. Stayed at the Princeville Resort and can't wait to go back. Weather was beautiful and sunny every day. In February, you would probably want the south end of the island. Kaui is the Hawai of old when it truly was paradise and not another traffic jam.