we are leaving for Hawaii this Saturday.....10 sun filled days! Going to Kauai and Maui - which island has the better snorkeling? Also, which of the two islands would you recommend for the helecoptor tour?

We were on Maui last month and loved the snorkeling! We took a Pacific Whale Foundation boat trip to Molokini and Lanai for snorkeling, and that was great. For offshore snorkeling, we did Black Rock twice, Kapalua Beach, and Honolua Bay, all in West Maui. They were all awesome!

They both have wonderful snokeling. I would buy the dreaded Kauai and Maui Revealed books for detailed directions. On Kauai: Tunnels/Makua, Ke'e and Hideaways on the north shore. On Maui, the ones mentioned by the previous poster plus: Napili Bay, Mile 13 marker (or something, on the road a few miles south of Lahaina) Ulua beach in Wailea, the marine reserve south of Makena called Akiki or Anini.

We went to both islands also and found the snorkeling to be slightly better on Kauai (at Ke'e and Tunnels). We enjoyed the snorkeling at Honolua bay on Maui though as well.

Kauai for the helicopter tour. Taken it 3 times and am awe struck every time. Just returned from a wonderful week.