My husband and our two children aged 7 & 9 are planning a 10 day trip to Hawaii in February 2004. We only want to do one island. Should it be Maui or Kaui? We are into beach bumming a little snorkling, relaxing and possibly a helicopter tour. Please advise this is a big travel step for us, we don't want to screw up!

Good news! You can't screw it up!

You can snorkle, relax and helicopter tour either island. Maui might be a bit more crowded (although Japanese tourism to Hawaii is down 30%), and many people think Kauai is more scenic. I think for the "beach bumming" experience, I'd choose Kauai.

You might consider splitting your time between the two islands...

Hi Tripkids! In mid March 2002 we took our two boys then 8 and 10 to Maui, stayed at the Sheraton at Blackrock. We snorkeled there, boogie board and swam. The pool is great! We went on a 3 hour morning whale watch, Maui Ocean Center, Kapalua Bay for more snorkeling and Bubba Gumps. Drove to Paia for kids to see the Windsurfers. We had the front desk order Pizza delivery for us a couple of times. We ate breakfast buffet and lunches at the Sheraton. (kids eat free with paying adults.) March was not as crowded as when we went in May 2000. Staying at a hotel can be expensive but you get the services and pool area you wont get at a Condo. We are going again March 2004, staying at the Whaler (condo) very close to the Sheraton. We will save alot on food and condo is on ground floor by the pool for the kids. We are renting from owner (VRBO.com). Hope this helps. Be sure and let you kids sleep in as long as they can or they will be ready for bed at 5pm maui time. (We came from Mountain Standard Time) Personally I think Maui is perfect for kids. There are activiites and other kids yet not too crowded. By the time we got there - the last thing I wanted to do was pack up and go on another plane to another island, kids were completely content in the pool and ocean. If you have any question just post again.

Thank you for your response Jean and riggsie. After a long, stressful tour of various on line info we chose Maui. What a job! Who knew just booking a trip could be so stressful? Thanks for responding!

Now that you have decided on Maui, you have to decide which side of Maui to stay on, south or west. My wife and I prefer west Maui (Kaanapali) because it is more lush and green, and is much closer to the great town of Lahaina. In addition, most of the condos in Kihei are across the street from the ocean, while most west Maui condos are right on the beach.

LOTS more Maui information at
www.mauihawaii.org

Aloha,
Jon

Thank you Mauijon,

We booked Kaanapali and are excited. Thanks for the info, we never know what the heck we are doing!

I think Maui is too commercialized (not as mush as Oahu though) and Kauai more scenic. You would be able to spot whales from either island.
As Jean said, you might consider splitting your time between the two islands.
Aloha Airlines offers a non-stop flight between Maui and Kauai from $65 one way.
The Oheo Gulch and the Haleakala National Park are a must in Maui.
And the Spouting Horn, the Waimea Canyon and the Kalalau Valley are a must in Kauai.
Hope this helps.

Good choice- Maui. We've stayed on Maui several times. I love Maui!! We always stay in the Kaanapali area too. Closer to the activities. We always stay at a condo property. Good way to save money on food. Grocery store right across the street. Which property did you choose? We like Aston Kaanapali Shores and Aston Papakea Resort. At the Aston Papakea Resort they even have barbecue grills which we loved!! You have to get down there early to get a grill, as they get taken fast. They have about 6 or 8 grills and every night they all are taken.