Can only do one island for our 25th Anniversay and still having hard time deciding between Maui and Kauai. Looking at Kapalua or Napili condo on Maui and Princeville area on Kauai. want to sightsee, snorkel, enjoy the beaches, get a taste of Hawaii. Lots of opinions out there so how do we decide? This will probably be our one and only trip to Hawaii so we want to make the best choice.

Oh my goodness, Lois. There are multiple threads on this forum discussing your question.

Do a search on Hawaii and read away.

My choice would be Kauai.

are you saying that this is your first and last trip to hawaii? are u so sure about that? last summer when i went to hawaii, i thought it would be my first and last trip too, or at least the last one for the next 10 years, but guess what, i'm going back this summer b/c i loved it so much.
if u really dont think u'll go back, i'd suggest u extend ur one and only one trip to hawaii to like 10-12 days, and visit both islands. i think both will be great even though i've never been to kauai (i'll be going this august).
have fun.

I would have to say Maui,because of the Old Lahaina Luau,probably the best in Hawaii.Maui beaches,the crater,the road to Hana,shopping,Maui tropical plantation-so much to see/do!

"want to sightsee, snorkel, enjoy the beaches, get a taste of Hawaii."

depending on time of year, in my opinion kauai is better than or equal to maui for any of these activities. the reality is that you'll never know whether or not you made the best choice, so just pick one. you'll enjoy either.

starrsville.... if everyone with a question was told to do a search, what would the rest of us do?

I've been to five of the islands more than once - over the course of 27 years. Maui is the one that keeps calling me back. The variety is there and so many places that just seem magical to me. I wish you could find a way to visit both of these islands so you wouldn't have to agonize about it. I know you'll love whichever choice you make. And then, of course, you'll have to go back and visit the Big Island... Oahu... maybe even Lanai and Molokai. You won't be satisfied with a single trip!

believe me I've searched and searched and read and read. Opinions run about equal for both Kauai and Maui. I talked to people who have done both and some prefer Kauai and some prefer Maui. Yes, it will be our one and only trip. I'm getting ready to retire and this kind of trip will no longer be in our budget. It will be the good old mainland USA in a couple of years.

how many days are you going for? can u go longer and visit both islands?

I don't think you should be so torn on the issue of which island to go to. They are both great and offer unique experiences.

Flip a coin.

"The best choice"?
There isn't one.
Both are good choices.

I'm glad you've done research and know both islands are great. If you can't go to both, follow weimer's advice.

Flip a coin.

We promise - you won't be disappointed!

Aloha lois...

What a wonderful dilemma! What time of year will your trip be? Late spring, summer, early fall would be lovely weather on the north shore of Kauai. Other times of year I would probably opt for Maui. You'll have whales in the winter months on either island.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful anniversary. Many congrats!