My husband and I want to go to Hawaii for a week over New Years. I will be 7 months pregnant though so we aren't exactly looking for a happening party spot. I'd like to snorkel, hike, take a helicpoter ride and possible see the whales and/or go sailing.

Do you prefer Maui or Kauai and why?
Also, is one island more "budget-friendly" versus the other?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Wow! Tough choice. Kauai is the most beautiful island and possibly more budget minded because there are a lot of small inns and B&Bs there. BUT, I have always thought if you can only do one island Maui is the perfect one. Kauai is a perfect contrast to OAHU. But, Maui seems a perfect blend of of both serenity and fun. There is a lot to do there, hiking, trip to Hana, etc. Some think Kauai is too slow paced for an entire stay. Given what I have said I hope you are not more confused. I would also like to mention that Maui may be a bit warmer that time of year. It is early in whale season I think, but Maui also offers great sightings. Good luck with your choice.

I haven't been to Kauai, but we just got back from a week's stay on Maui (combined with Waikiki and the Big Island.) I agree with the previosu poster's comments -- maui was a great blend of serenity and fun. There were some days we were very active (Road to Hana, lots of snorkeling, a sailing/snorkeling cruise) and other days we just laid by the pool/beach and vegged out. The sunsets in West Maui were unbelievable. As for budget, we stayed at a big resort because it was our honeymoon, but there are lots of condos/hotels/beds and breakfasts that are less expensive.

I have been to both. I think that Kauai might be your best bet. Lots of easy hikeing ( better yet most are walks) and places to drive to.and just observe the scenery. Kee beach is just really great and calm water lots of fish to see. And the road to the baby grand canyon is very nice , view from your car or walk some. The helicopter ride is the best in all the islands. Manay beaches to drive to, and fern grotto, blow hole, water falls you can drive to, some real neat ruins ( the menohe people-hawaii's first inhabitants, sail the napali coast.
Now saying all this i loved Maui. Its is a lot of activities and action going on. There is the road to hana , very long lot of driving 6 hrs. at least if you drive only half of it, but very beautifull rain forest and coast line. The WAilia are is real nice quiter than kaanapalli area.

So if you want beaty and a slower pace i would pick Kauai, if you want a little more action then pick Maui. for real, each island is very nice, have a great trip. sail

Kauai all the way! Maui was too touristy for me and also overpriced....and the scenery wasn't as beautiful either. Kauai is lush and green everywhere you look...Maui is not. If you've always pictured Hawaii to be a lush, garden-like tropical island, Kauai will meet your expectations. The best helicopter rides are on Kauai (use Chuck with Air Kauai), but you may get better whale watching off Maui. Snorkeling is good on both islands ( I like Ke'e Beach on Kauai and Molokini Crater on Maui). Kauai has the best sailing (the Na Pali coast) and the best hiking (also the Na Pali coast trail). Being pregnant I think you will get the relaxing vacation you want on Kauai with plenty of things to keep you busy if you choose.

Keep in mind that most of the north shore beaches on Kaua'i that are so wonderful to swim and snorkel in in the summer are not that way in the winter. Surfs up! Calmer water on the south shore in the winter.
-Bill

Oooooo BOY! Loaded question. Let's see....IMO....

Best "natural beaches": Kauai. But many are not easy to get to.

Best "tourist beaches": Maui. Good job of taking up most of the coast line with hotels, so parking, facilities, etc. are more convinient. Of course, some may say this wasn't very "good" at all.

More "nature stuff" things to do: Kauai. All nature, all the time.

More "man-made stuff" things to do: Maui. More shops, boutiques, hotels, "touristy" stuff.

Golf: Kauai. Has the best course in the state. Prince course in Hanalei.

Now having said all of that, Kauai certainly has a lot of the touristy stuff as well. And Maui has a lot of natural beauty. Really, you can't go wrong either way.

Warning: The road to Hana may not be a wise choice in the third trimester... My wife isn't even pregnant but I thought she was having a cow due to the stress of the turns, blind curves, and one lane bridges... she now calls it "The Road to Hella".