Maui or Kaui?
 

There are so many conflicting reports on both of these islands. We are leaving in 13 days (can't wait) for Hawaii. Currently, we plan to stay 3-4 nights on Maui, but I'm considering skipping Maui and going to Kaui instead. We will also spend 3 nights on Oahu, and 3-4 nights on the BI. <BR>Why or why not should we skip Maui and go to Kaui? <BR>thanks!

I would definitely not skip Maui in favor of Kauai but Kauai does appeal to some people while some people who've stayed there leave early or wish they'd spent a greater portion of their stay in Maui when they've split their time in half between the two islands. I've been to Maui more than a dozen times and only to Kauai three times and really have no plans to visit Kauai in the near future but do plan another two - three week visit to Maui later this year. Whatever your decision, you'll love Hawaii! Have a great time! <BR>Linda

Don't change it. You'll have a great time on maui and can save Kauai for the next trip. There is huge disagreement on which is "better". They're both nice!

Depends on what type of island experience you want. I have been to both and I personally preferred Kaui - but that is just my opinion. <BR>Kaui - very beautiful, many great swimable beaches, great hiking, laid back atmosphere, not a lot of traffic,not as many attractions as Maui. If you really want a quiet relaxed holiday this is the place. <BR>Maui - Haleakala was wonderful, traffic can be hectic, beaches are attractive but water can be rough, A lot to do, many restaurants. If you need a variety of activities to have a good vacation - then Maui is the island for you. <BR>Personally - if I had to skip an island on your itinerary, it would be Oahu. When we were in hawai for 15 days, we spent just one night in Oahu and did BI, Maui and Kaui - we were very pleased with our choices. <BR>Hope this helps.

Dear xxxx <BR> <BR>You mentioned that you went to the Big Island . Could you tell me how long you stayed and what you did while you were there? I am trying to decide if I should go to the Big Island as a day trip or over night. I will be traveling with my husband and 2 teenaged boys. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help.

If you have never been to Hawaii you should definetly pick up the a book called the Unofficial Guide to Hawaii. We visited in August of 2000. Spent 3 nights in Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaian Village Ali'i Tower, beautiful property great location. Went to Pearl Harbor(a must do), Hanama Bay(beautiful snorkeling). Went to the Big Island for 4 nights at the Hilton Waikoloa(great for teenagers). The big island is awesome, make sure you go to Volcano National Park. We then went over to Maui and stayed at the Grand Wailea in Wailea. Great property the pool and beach area are super. Rooms need updating but the resort is beautiful. Hope this helps.

Hi Rosina! <BR> <BR>I would appreciate it if you would answer a few questions for me. <BR> <BR>First, I have read that the best time to visit Volcano National Park is at night. Did you find this to be true? Second, what else did you do on the Big Island? Did you find that 4 nights was just right, or would you suggest more or less? My travel agent suggested that we make the Big Island just a day trip from Maui. How did your children like the island? I will be traveling with my 2 sons ages 17 & 19. Also, could you please tell me why your teenagers loved the Hilton? <BR> <BR>The last question is-Which was your family's favorite island? <BR> <BR>Rosina, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my message. I really think that your answers will be most helpful! <BR> <BR>Lisa

Dear Lisa, <BR>My boys were about the same ages as yours. They really enjoyed Hawaii. On the BI we visited Volcano National Park for an entire day. We began with a helicopter ride over the volcano. The boys loved it. We flew Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and we did see lava tubes flowing into the ocean and the steam from the caldera. It was incredible with a video tape as a memory. Then we went to Vocano National Park with our car. It was super. I think it is a must see. At night we went down Chain of Craters road to view the red lava flow. It was flowing into the ocean far away and we really just saw a tiny bit of red splashing into the sea. It depends on the lava flow. You could probably hike closer to the lava but it is a danger zone and not recommended. The rest of the time on the BI my family golfed one day on the Waikola Golf Course and the rest of the time we truly enjoyed the Hilton Waikola resort. There are dolphins on this property and my boys were able to swim with them. You must book this well in advance. The pool at the Hilton is super and there is a lagoon with many water sports. The beach is not that great but if your going to some of the other islands this should not matter. It is incredible to see the beach and how the lava just leads into the ocean. My family loved the Hilton Waikoloa and this was my favorite resort of the three. I also like the BI the best because the scenery is the most unusual. My family on the other hand enjoyed this island but I think they liked Maui the best because we did most of our touring on the first two islands and they were able to relax on Maui the most. Don't forget to buy yourself the Unofficial Guide to Hawaii, it is very helpful.

Rosina <BR> <BR>Thanks so much for the onformation! <BR> <BR>Lisa

I would skip Maui and go to Kauai. While your at it I would also skip Oahu also unless you are a city dweller. I always make part of my trip on Oahu, I go every year but if you are a person who does not get bored with endless out door activities I would go to Big Island and Kauai only. Maui is pretty but the landscape is also gorgeous on Kauai and the island has a more diverse landscape. You have the Canyon on the west side, North Shore on Kauai is Shangrala. There is the wettest spot on earth at Mt Waliali (sp) and the surrounding forest. <BR> <BR>I lived on Oahu for 3 years, made regular trips to all of the islands. I also go back every year. I think Big Island and Kaui are the most scenic and quite franky the most spectacular. Where else in the US can you watch lava flow into the ocean at night. I have never seen bryce canyon but I have heard people make comparisons with Waimea Canyon on Kauai. This year I will be exploring Alakai Swamp, a place where birds found nowhere else in the world dwell at human eye level. I am showing someone the islands this year and I am skipping big island because there is so much driving. This is why I suggest to you to take 1 week each island. That's my call but remember make your decision and stick to it. Changes and changes only will make your trip about choices and not that can ruin a trip also (she says to herself also). It took me a long time and I still struggle missing volcano.

Personally, I'd skip Oahu, and definitely go to both Maui and Kauai. Kauai is not to be missed. We went there on our honeymoon 2 years ago (stayed at the Hyatt), went back last summer, and will be returning again this November. THe Hyatt Resort is unbeleivably beautiful. The island of Kauai is less developed than the others, and very lush with natural beauty. We particularly love the more secluded beaches up toward the northern part of the island. True, if you're looking for nightlife, this isn't the place to go. But if you want a relaxing vacation, don't miss it. <BR> <BR>Maui is also a good choice, but in a different way. It has much more to do by way of activities, but doesn't have the peacefulness of Kauai. <BR> <BR>We visited Oahu last year to go to a friends' wedding, and were very unimpressed. It's too overdeveloped, and not nearly the "Hawaii" we experienced in Kauai and Maui. I can see traffic and fast food places back home in NJ anytime. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. We really loved all of our trips and can't wait to get back to paradise in Nov.

Ok goodlife now you have me doing it. I also leave on the 11 of August. I am showing a family of 5 the islands of Kauai and Oahu. The Hilton Waikoloa is a fantastic hotel that families love. While one poster here said they did not get a good view of flow, I have always been lucky to get close. Call the hotel or Volcano National park and get and idea on the flow from the hotel before you head up from Hilton. I think I only once had a far away glance, once. <BR> <BR>There is a lot of hiking, black sand beaches, green sand beaches. I will be blunt here. It sounds like you have not researched this. You really need to do that otherwise you will miss cool, short hikes to a waterfalls. I did not hear one post suggest that you see Waipio Valley. Look up a photo on the internet, that place alone deserves a night over. Would you know about it if I did not mention it? Come on goodlife you want to make this a good trip also. <BR> <BR> <BR>And any travel agent that tells you to do big island in one day has never been or just does not know how to travel. The ride from Kona to Hilo is between 2-4 hours. Oh I am feeling so guilty about not going to big island. <BR> <BR>PS if you are on Oahu weekend Aug18-19 go to the "made in Hawaii" festival at the blasdale. You will find all Hawaiian crafts, snacks, etc... and not at tourist prices. You can go at the end of your day on anytime in between. Also want to check out a bon dance on Oahu in August. I am not going to tell you what this is because you will be reading about it right? <BR> <BR>Other good books are Andrew Dougherty books, Big Island revealed, Kauai the Ultimate travel Guide. Maui revealed. <BR>Kathy Morey makes good hiking guides for all the islands. Discovering and Driving on Oahu. Hawaiiweb.com will show you what you can do on each island. I am worried about what you will miss so get cracking missy or mister on that reading. I lived on Oahu for a few years and I go back every year I still read 4 books for this trip. I like getting one history book, There is a very brief book called "The Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands". It is only 86 pages long including index. You could read this on the plane. Then when you hit significant spots like the city of refuge on the big island you will be able to put them into context for your family. This will show you the rich history of the island. Next I would buy a bird,marine life, Plant/flower book for identification. It will make those swims ,drives, hikes more meaningful when you can reference this stuff. The book Hawaii Eco Travelers book. Last I would get some hikes down either through a book or over the internet. On a lot of the islands you can walk into the woods for 1 hour and hit breathtaking views, waterfalls. What will the goodlife family be doing with out any reading material. Just kidding Found all of my books on Amazon—Hawaiian history book I have not seen on East Coast. <BR>Enjoy and let us know how you make out!!!

On a first visit to Hawaii, I wouldn't skip Oahu--yes, it's crowded and built-up, but still beautiful and worth seeing for the attractions (Diamond Head, shopping) and the North Shore, even if you decide not to make it part of a second trip. Kauai is breathtaking, and I wouldn't skip it all if you can help it! Even 2 days would be worth it, if only to see the lushness of the tropical side of the island contrasted with the dryness of the almost alpine side, which features the Grand Canyon of Polynesia. You can't miss that, can you?? Whatever you decide, Hawaii is magical-enjoy!

I have not been to Kaui yet, but I've been to Maui twice. I absolutely LOVE Maui. In my opinion, there's enough to do if you'd like and there's also a lot of peaceful places there too for when you just want to relax. Kaui to me seems like it is a great place for nature lovers, but not much else.

Ok this message is mostly directed to <BR>Author: xxx ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 7/30/2001, 2:29 pm ET <BR> <BR> <BR>Believe me when I tell you I have researched....I have read and read especially on the internet until my eyes are so blurry I can't make the words out anymore! Not to mention the countless hours I've spent in the bookstores sipping latte's and pouring through the travel books about Hawaii. <BR>If I had only myself to think about, my decisions and choices would probably be quite different. However; I want this vacation to be special and memorable for all of us, and that includes my husband, our 12 yr. old son, and our 6 yr. old daughter. We only have 10 days on the islands and we are wanting to see and do as much as possible. That's usually how all of our vacations are. We need a vacation from our vacation by the time we get home! <BR>The other problem I'm having is finding availability anywhere. I seem to be pretty stuck in my original travel plans because of this. About the only thing that I can think to do is to cut Maui from 4 nights to 3 and instead of flying into Kona, fly into Hilo and spend the night in that area so as to be close to the VNP, and then making the drive the next day to Kona where we will remain for the rest of our trip. Then that puts us 3 nights on Oahu, 3 nights on Maui, and then 4 nights on the BI. So, what do you think about that? Obviously, the kids are most interested in simply playing on the beaches and boogie boarding. They are not at all interested in spending their days driving in a car. For that reason, we will probably end up skipping the Road to Hana, although I personally would love to do it. We will settle for driving to Haleakala for the sunrise one morning and stopping here and there on the way back. <BR>Have you been to Germaine's Luau on Oahu? I found some 25% off coupons for this...we will do ONE Luau, but still undecided on which to do...even after reading about a million different posts and reviews about them. If you had to do just one, which would you pick? Germaine's, the luau at the Royal Lahaina on Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui, the luau at King Kam's on the BI, or the luau at the Royal Kona on the BI? I'm less interested in authenticity as I am in a show the kids will enjoy (and good food) <BR>Oh, we've also rented a video about Hawaii from the video store and we also checked out a two tape series from the library..It was more a documentary on the history and culture of Hawaii than a travel video. It was quite interesting. It was called "Paradise Lost, Paradise Found" <BR>Basically, my brain is fried and my butt is numb (from sitting at this computer for so long) I've also probably gained 5 lbs. from lack of activity other than typing! LOL <BR>I know there is no way we can do it all, so we won't even try....but we will try to do as much as possible. And I say, that just gives us a reason to go back again!! :)

I just made a post and called the Hilton to redirect my plans based on your thread. They were booked so I am now thinking to keep old plans. I also am taking a group and really want a special trip. Definately Old Lahaina Laua, I have not been but it is recognized throughout the islands as the most authentic laua. My sister saw Old Lahaina laua on the Travel Channel. We were going to fly to Maui one night just to go. Make your reservations tonight. Funny email you wrote. www.vacationspot.com for condo ideas. So fun to be writing someone who is leaving when I am leaving. What part of the country are you coming from? Will write more later.

We are coming from South Louisiana. We are leaving on the 9th. <BR>What did you mean, funny email I wrote?

Sorry to be brief I am still working. You were talking about gaining weight from sitting at computer, ", my brain is fried and my butt is numb". Your email was also informative will write later.

I am looking at your second email piece by piece. You know I knocked off the big island because of the driving. It is something to consider. Around the volcano it seems from memory that everything is 40 minutes away. They try to build everything at a distance to avoid the Lava destruction. But this is fun driving. You ride 30 minutes you get out and you hike a bit. That is why it is good to have some trails all planned out. Trails or destinations I should say. We would take all of our swim/snorkel gear with us and swim for a few hours usually after a hike. On Maui it made all the difference in the world when we used a tape to do Hana road, it told us where to stop and hike. We also had with us from the tape rental people a bird and flower guide. Finding stuff along the way may keep your kids interests up. I think you are wise to skip road to hana too winding. But the kids might like a drive threw the back side of Haleakela. There are a lot of canyon type gorges. PSS if your kids have seen Planet of the Apes..when the space guy (for lack of a better word) is captured he is thrown down on the big island. You can see the hardened lava all around him. This is a very small seen but if you are going to the movie for other reasons, keep your eyes pealed. <BR> <BR>Your itinerary sounds fine. You are right you can't pull everything in. Maui does have more activity. The strip in Lahaina is lively but not overwhelming. Something I would consider if it is in your budget and availability is there is a night at the Grand Walea (sp), the water slides are entertainment park size. Just a thought if you have not considered. <BR> <BR>I think you might get lucky with a condo rental because this is a slow season for ocean side rentals in northeast. I would check out that sight. If a place tells you they have a three-day minimum see if they will let up on this. <BR> <BR> <BR>I wrote the bit about old Lahaina because I do think it will be a quality experience and it looks to me that the entertainment will be lively also. On the website they show someone twirling fire if memory serves. <BR> <BR>This post is so scattered sorry. Around Thurston lava tube big island there is a lot of rainforest vegetation. This is a nice little hike. Did you look into Waipio Valley at all. It is 1.5 hours from volcano so I know that is a big consideration for you. It is so beautiful though. A dear friend of mine grew up there she told me that when she was in high school she use to jog along the cliffs and she would see turtles the size of woltzwagons. I don’t think she guarantee but it is worth a look. That book that I mentioned earlier tells you were to go for wildlife ect…. Gotta run again I have not use book yet so I can’t guarantee will give you name/author later. <BR>

About the swimming, maybe you came across this in your reading but I wanted to mention in the event that you did not. The state of Hawaii is the drowning capital of US. The Andrew Dougherty books mentioned in first email tell you what beaches to take kids to.He also tells you how to look at the water for rip tides. This is usually what happens when there is a drowning. I am sorry to tell you something you might already know. Take a peak if you have not read about this. <BR> <BR>For boogie boarding nothing beats Makapu. Boogie board capital of the U.S. You might even see a tournament. I remember going to this beach (not for your 6 year old) and jumping up and down with the waves. <BR> <BR>There is another place just north but in view of Waikiki where world class body surfers train. You can not tell these guys don't have boogie boards underneath them, certainly worth a stop off I will try to get location from friend. It is not a tourist spot but it can be so mesmerizing watching these guys body surf. You are not on a beach overlooking but on a walkway, the surfers’ turn back before they hit the wall. <BR> The waves lifted us of the ground by what felt like 5 feet it was fun. I love the hike at Makapu light house it is paved overlooks the entire windward side. Good for early morning and overcast afternoons. Again sorry for spelling and choppyness in this email I hope I was helpful with some things here. <BR> <BR>Ok last boring suggestion. There is a restaurant on Oahu called the hungry lion. It is great for what the islanders call local grinds. I am not sure how high end you were looking for this is quick food. It is almost like a diner. A large tree sits in the middle of the restaurant and actually extends through the roof. The tree was painted and boarded over to look like a jungle tree. Animal noises echo throughout the restaurant. Your kids can order my fav the hula bowl, 3 gyoso ( like fried wontons), chicken teriyaki, and a third meat dish over top of fried rice Hawaiian style. It comes in family size surving bowl for about $6.95. This is what the real surf boys eat on Oahu, you won’t see any tourist here only locals. I go every trip. <BR> <BR>OOPPSS don’t forget Leonard Malasadas (puffy fired and sugared donut ball), they are an island standard. <BR>