I have been to Hawaii twice, the first time Maui/Hawaii and last year, Kauai. If your looking for hiking I would recommend Kauai. Kauai, in my opinion is much more beautiful than Maui. More green, tons of waterfalls, great beaches, Waimai Canyon (the grand canyon of the pacific, Napali coast, the list goes on. But there isn't much shopping and there really aren't that many restaurants.

Maui on the other hand, Maui is much more commercial. More restaurants/tours/shopping/visitors.

My preference is Kauai but if you have 10 days then why not spend time on 2 islands?

Hope this helps

Aloha - I live on Oahu and just adding a note to Rusty's message ... I would say that Haleakala IS Maui's claim to fame. Compared to the other Neighbor Islands, the crater is Maui’s distinct feature. Many people take the day to drive aaalll the up to the crater rim (at 10,000 feet), climb out of the car and stand at the rim only long enough to take some photos and get cold. From the crater’s main parking lot, most people toy with the idea of walking into the crater. However, they quickly recognize that they are ill prepared for its sandy dunes. You mentioned that you enjoy hiking. I would strongly recommend splitting up your driving time to the crater & Hana. Since you've got 10 days, take your time getting to each destination cuz' in my opinion, the West side of the Island is the best for hikers (and in general) ... sooo why rush? Camp or B&B along the way. Since the crater (and the drive up) is the best part, I suggest stopping at waterfalls, beaches, etc. - even camp a night at one of Hawaii's most beautiful black sand beaches, Waianapanapa State Park. Awesome on a full moon!
When you head upcountry toward Haleakala, you may consider camping at Poli Poli State Park (Keokea Park area). Since Poli Poli is beyond the Haleakala turn off, it is normally overlooked by tourists and is often quiet. The weekend I was there, we were the only campers! We had the entire pine, cypress & eucalyptus park to ourselves! If camping ain't your thing, there are a few cute n' quaint B&B's in Upcountry, too.
For Haleakala, I'd choose a day hike inside the crater. The cinder cones have beautiful swirls of purples, oranges and greens. At different times of the day, different colors sparkle in the sunshine.
If you can, stay the night (cabin or tent). A night in the crater, with your back in the ash and your eyes up toward the heavens, you'll see the most brilliant star-scape. It's a very awesome place to wake up, too.
And, if you do not have it in your schedule/budget this time, I would sometime visit the Big Island. It has the best of everything. Volcanoes National Park (Halemaumau Trail hike & Crater Rim Drive, with flowing lava at the end of road – best at sunset) and Saddle Road Drive up to Hawi) are just two of the gazillion awesome all-day activities on the Big Island.
A Hui Hou! (Sorry for the essay … it’s just that even after 10 years the Islands are still special.) Feel free to email any questions … I’ll do my best to help. [email protected]

Thanks nez.

And I agree with outtabed--Haleakala is definitely unique.

Haleakala is the unique item that I would return for. We did a hike at sunrise down to one of the cinder cones. Not too difficult and much different experience even from the Big Island. Look for the silver sword plant indigenous to the area.

OSB, listen to my friend billyboy...Kauai is not that wonderful.

gardengypsy, Maui is wonderful.

And, beachdweller, you and the real icee and I love the wide sandy beaches in your neck of the woods, so when we do Hawaii, the beach is not a priority of ours....It's rockier than we are accustomed to, don't ya think?

iceeu2,

you're right about the wide beaches--we didn't see a lot of those on Maui. But it's a different kind of cool; little self-contained crescents here and there, each one a little different.

I2,

Thanks for your support. BS indeed!

Kaua`i is only for those with VERY low expectations.

-Bill

beachdweller, different kind of cool...I like it!

and Billyboy, I don't think I will go back to that horrible place called Kauai after reading g'lou's ongoing trip report.

But, you just never know.....I may have to get in on the Kal research..I'm easily persuaded

Seriously, gardengypsy, a friend of mine and her dh just left Saturday morning for her 18th trip to Hawaii...and guess where they went? Maui is where, as that's their favorite.

In my younger days, Maui was the best.
Now that I'm part of the geriatric crowd, it's Kauai..!

It's difficult to explain, you just have to go and form your own opinion - what a chore, right

You might get ideas at http://www.mauihawaii.org

Other islands might have more hiking - at least I've not seen much here about it on Maui although there are quite a few publicised.