Non-beachy types--Maui or Kauai?
 

My spouse and I would like to give Maui or<BR>Kauai a visit in March, but we don't spend much time swimming/sunning. We do like nature, hiking, shelling, microbreweries, dining, home/plantation tours, and similar. We have already been to the big island and Oahu. Can anyone provide guidance/info on one over the other and why please? Thanks!<BR>

Maui has so much more to offfer

Maui

Kauai offers more in the way of natural beauty and diversity, and is outstanding for hiking. There are fewer tourists and commerical development than on Maui - which is one big reason why it's nicer (in my opinion). I also rate the Big Island ahead of Maui for many of the same reasons.

Kauai traffic is not fun

Maui

I agree with Paul. Having been to both Maui and Kauai several times, based upon your interests, I'd suggest Kauai.<BR><BR>Kauai offers hikes along the Na Pali Coast, lots of waterfalls and the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks.<BR><BR>There's at least one microbrewery that I know of (in Waimea), lots of gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, a guava plantation, a coffee plantation, the quirky town of Hanalei and overall beautiful scenery. <BR><BR>There are lots of independently owned out-of-the way cottages located in the hills, yet not that far from the beaches.<BR><BR>If you do make it to Kauai - be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at the Brick Oven near Kalaheo. The tiny town of Kalaheo also has a great coffee shop - can't miss it - it's the only one in town.<BR><BR>I like Maui too, but I associate Maui with scuba diving, lots of tourists, golf and crowds. <BR><BR>Hope this helps -

Leigh....agree with both Paul and Melanie....Kauai...humm..real banana pancakes with coconut sryup at Country Kitchen in Kapaa.

I, too, Love Kauai over Maui. Having gone to Maui for years, I have tired of all of the traffic and development. I know that is progress, but Kauai still has that less developed, laid back feel. Depends what you want as far as action. Maui will have more night life to offer. Kauai has lots of natural beauty, more peace and quiet. Good Luck.

I'd also suggest Kauai. Much less in the way of crowds and traffic.<BR><BR>For an interesting &quot;home tour&quot; make a reservation to visit Grove Farm Homestead, it's a 'living museum' and the main plantation home is awesome. Also visit Kilohana Plantation which is a huge old home that is now a restaurant/shopping site.<BR><BR>Waimea Plantation Cottages has a microbrewery. There is also one at Whalers Brewpub near the MArriott.<BR><BR>Several botanical gardens on Kauai are worth a visit: Allerton ($30), Limahuli ($10), Na Aina Kai ($25.) All are spectacular. <BR><BR>Hiking galore on Kauai.

a agree with Nancy. Burger King.

Kauai is beautiful for hiking, horseback riding, siteseeing, &amp; fishing. I've been to both &amp; like Kauai much better because of the remote outdoors that it offers.

Yikes!!! I planned to see some of those gardens on Kauaii. Do they actually charge that much?

Yes, the botanical gardens are expensive. Na Aina Kai and Allerton require guided tours via trams. You can take the Allerton tram to next-door McBryde for a self guided tour and it won't cost as much. <BR><BR>Limahuli is $10 for self guided, $15 with a guide.