I appreciate all your thoughts. I'm still deliberating. But ... so far, I'm not convinced that I would like Maui BETTER than Kauai.

I just don't want to go to Maui and constantly be comparing -- and thinking, "this is too touristy," or "this isn't as magical as viewing the Napali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout ...." or "I wish I were walking at Hanalei Bay or along Kealia Beach ..."

And I don't want to go just to go someplace "different" -- if I don't like it as much. But then again ... I can't ALWAYS only go to Kauai. Can I? Hmmm ... maybe I can ;-)

But if I do go ... it sounds like the upcountry will be the place for me.

"I appreciate all your thoughts. I'm still deliberating. But ... so far, I'm not convinced that I would like Maui BETTER than Kauai."

So what? Go anyway. Why do you have to like Maui BETTER than Kauai? Why do you have to like it BETTER? Why can't it just be another traveling experience?

I have been traveling to the islands since 1975 and have never let the differences between the islands deter me from experiencing them. Why would I?

Good morning songdoc. No use deliberating as you have already closed your mind to the enjoying Maui for being Maui when you decided to define it by the word ' better' It is an impossible expectation that defeats you from the moment you apply it.

to iamq: In answer to your question about Upcountry lodging, I have stayed twice at the Banyon Tree property just outside Makawao. The first time I rented one of the cottages; enjoyed the experience very much. The cottage was spotlessly clean and nicely decorated by the resident manager, who was an artist. The second time I rented the entire large house, which was not worth the price. The owner had decided to manage the property himself, and I think he was still pretty inexperienced. Cleanliness was an issue that trip, both in the house and in the pool area.
Recent reports on TripAdviser have been positive so maybe some of the problems have been solved. The location is wonderful. It is quiet and serene, but just a short drive to Paia, Makawao, or Haiku. The views looking down slope from the pool and hot tub are magical in the evening, with the lights of Kahalui twinkling below. The pool is not heated. It was great in August (first trip), but too cold to use in March (second trip). If I were to consider staying there again it would be in one of the cottages. The house was something like $400+ a night. I had high expectations at that price and was very disappointed. Don't take one of the suites in the house either if you value privacy. (The house is available in pieces (suites), or as a whole entity.) The cottages are reasonably priced and a good value. I would enjoy being there even if not perfect...just to be in Upcountry.

I forgot to mention something related to more recent posts.
I, too, enjoy all the islands. Next month I will be staying on the North Shore of Kauai. In January I was on Maui. Last year I stayed on Oahu (north shore), Kauai (south shore), and Maui (south shore). I go frequently, but never stay more than a week. The Big Island is my least favorite due to the driving distances, but I have been there a couple times. Luckily, I live on the west coast where I can take advantage of airfare sales. For me, it is not so much WHICH island, but WHERE on each island. I don't care much for Waikiki, Kaanapali, and Poipu. That leaves huge, beautiful, spaces to enjoy anywhere I choose to plant my slippas.

Thanks for info on the rental Barbara.

To clarify ... I love Ireland AND I love Italy AND I love New Zealand. I don't feel I have to choose one over the others -- because they're all wonderful -- and are very different experiences. But with Maui vs. Kauai I feel like I'm comparing very similar places.

For example, I don't love Poipu. I "like" it and had a nice time there. But if I had to choose, I would never stay there instead of the North Shore. I had the same feeling about the Big Island -- yet I know others who say the B.I. is their favorite.

My mind's really not as closed as it might seem. I'm just looking for posters to say "I LOVE the North Shore of Kauai" -- and there are places on Maui that are just as magical, mystical, and breathtakingly beautiful.

But we have songdoc, but we have...

Okay...To me Hana is the original Hawaiian magical place...followed VERY closely by Haena.

Plenty of folks would disagree, but I believe it to be true.

We've stayed in a number of wonderful places in Hawaii on most of the islands including Molokai. (Haven't stayed on Lanai). We love Hana but feel you are somewhat trapped there if you want to see the rest of the island. Another option is Huelo Point on the North Shore. The last place we stayed at is no longer in business but a neighbor was the Huelo Point Flower Farm. It seemed very lovely and gets great reviews. http://www.mauiflowerfarm.com/

Another place we really enjoyed was the Puna Coast on the Big Island. We stayed in a house near Kehena Beach that was fabulous.

On Kauai, we've stayed in Haena and thoroughly enjoyed that as well. The beaches there are great when the weather is cooperative. I hope Ike is still there.

Songdoc: As I begin packing for my upcoming trip to Kauai's north shore, I have been thinking of you. Did you make a decision yet as to whether or not you will visit Maui? Re-reading your last post, I still think you might "LOVE" Upcountry. Very different from Princeville, but "breathtaking" vistas with loads of step-back-in-time Maui charm. For me, equally "magical" .

I dont think there is a comparison to the type of Peace and tranquility that the N Shore of Kauai offers, but Maui definately has places to offer your soul what it desires. My only opinion is, I think it would be more satisfying if go to Maui first.

Thanks for all your responses. I've just picked up a copy of Maui Revealed -- and hope to decide soon. Will definitely look into Upcountry.

I'll keep you posted!

I remember the first time I went to Hawaii(Maui) years ago I had this vision of a VERY tropical place - like a tropical rain forest. I was somewhat disappointed when I was in Lahaina and Kihei because they were on the "dry" side of the island. Lots of resorts, shoppers, traffic - just too commercial for me. But then we drove to Hana on the "wet" side and stayed at a little Cabana in the middle of a flower farm surrounded by lush green forests. The hosts showed us how to pick our own papaya and bananas. It was quiet and peaceful and since it was more isolated with no city lights, at night you could sit in your own hot tub and look up at the layers of stars. THIS IS HAWAII !! I guess everyone is different and some people just go for the shopping in the malls but if you want a tropical experience on Maui, Hana is the place to stay for a few nights - don't just make it a quick drive through.

Maui is definitely worth exploring and spending time on.

I prefer to stay near or in Kaanapali because I like the nicer hotels/surroundings and although Wailea is nice as well, it has less to offer once off the resort and remember it is an island so it basically has one 2 lane road each direction from Kihea to Kaanapali.

Definitely do the drive to Hana, it's like being on the moon for awhile and if you have the time and patience, rent a really small car and do the whole island loop. The roads get really small on the far side of the island so if you have a motorcycle license, rent some Harleys and go that route. I did it last year and it was a blast. It's like stepping back in time over there.

I am heading to Kauai later this June, for the first time!

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You will love Kauai - we have been going to Kauai for about 15 years. Love that place - it is ONO -- where will you be staying?

I've been to Oahu and Maui once and Kauai three times. To me the north shore of Kauai is my favorite spot.

I think we'll return to Maui, possibly next year. When I was there years ago my wife and I spent most of our time at a very nice resort on the eastern side, devoting just a single day to drive all the way around the island, stopping for lunch in Hana. I think if we returned we'd spend more time exploring.

I think the original poster is having an issue with passing up a known like Hanalei for an unknown.

EDIT - We stayed on the WESTERN side of Maui. doh!

After seeing Kauai I was a bit disappointed in the Hana Highway (though there were some beautiful parts). We were there on Super Bowl Sunday and also 4 months after 9/11 when people were afraid to travel, so we had the whole highway almost to ourselves. I'm not sure I would want to go back with bumper to bumper traffic - or even without it. Kauai is my favorite. But the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui is wonderful - if you're in to that sort of thing.

I wonder what songdoc decided to do.