jacknyoc

Could you spend some time on both, depending on how long you're planning to be there? Both are great...as noted in the other post...and have different things to offer. it's also pretty easy to catch inter-island flights between the two...and there are decent fares sometimes depending on when you're traveling.

turtlegirl

For hiking and a more laid back feel, I prefer Kauai. There are some great hikes on Kauai; the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast (we like to do 2 miles to Hanakapai Beach & then another 2 inward to the falls, the Kuilau trail along rte. 580 and the many trails in Waimea Canyon including Pihea and Nualolo.

There's only one good hike I know of in Maui on the West side- Waihee Valley. Most hiking is on the Road to Hana or on Haleakala (both long drives).

Water is calmer in Maui, but more crowded. Both islands are great, but I would choose Kauai-the Hyatt in Poipu is fabulous and there are some great rentals on the North Shore.

dan.morgan

We did Kauai last time and hiked the Na Pali cost as well. Fastastic scenery, beaches and wildlife. We rented a little house/cabin about 30 yards off the beach and it was cheaper than a hotel for the week. Have done Maui before as well but prefer Kauai if you want to see the real Hawaii.

Ancien Maestro

Your first time.. I would do Maui.. but if you can fit in both.. that would be my first choice.

dave_SEA

OP here. We're thinking 7 days. Can someone propose how to fit both in? Which one first? There are directs from DFW to OGG which will help us to some degree.

misdirected baggage

the trip between maui and kauai is relatively inexpensive, a short hop and will cost you a few hours and a few bucks. It's worth seeing both, as they are very different. I'm a frequent visitor to Maui (owned property there at one time). The guidebooks are pretty good with respect to touring (road to Hana -- do the entire circuit; drive to the top of Haleakala, etc...). The real pleasure, however, is just getting into the water and drinking rum and pog. I typically stay in rented homes on the north shore and enjoy the surf and the local color. The most lux hotels are in Wailea (four seasons being the top). You can also rent low-rise, townhouse-type condos at a myriad of price points. I'd tend to avoid Kehei and Kaanapali as they tend to be fairly tourist intensive. Best places to eat, by far: dinner at Hali'imaile General Store -- offbeat and amazing pan-pacific food and lunch at the Paia Fish Market (ono burgers to die for at low prices -- you rub elbows with the surf crowd at communal tables). Aloha!

nnn

I'd do all 7 days in Maui, given the non-stop flight. Plus, Maui has a good variety of different activities. I'm not a fan of island-hopping, since it eats up so much of the travel day, but many people like to do it. I'd do Maui this time and Kauai next time. In any event, you can't go wrong no matter what you do...it's Hawaii.

arcticgrin

Maui is good for a first timer. It laid back, but also has more restaurants and entertainment than Kauai. Be sure to go to Mama's Fish House and Lahaina Grill.

If you plan to go take the Road to Hana you can stay a couple night in Hana and enjoy the serenity. The 7 Sacred Pools are also on that side of the island. I stayed at the Luana Spa Retreat, which was extremely private since there is only 1 cabin. You can also stay at the Hotel Hana which is pricey, but very nice.

bocastephen

I would suggest an island based on:

1) Want luxury/broad hotel choices? Maui

2) Want breathtaking views, some of the best hiking in the US? Kaua'i

3) Want access to more urbane pursuits (shopping, fine dining)? Maui

4) Want more interesting places to visit by car? Maui

5) Want a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere? Kaua'i

6) Are you traveling during November-April? Maui (weather and whales)

dave_SEA

Thanks for all the great tips. THis is why FT is my favourite travel site.

My wife and I decided on Kauai. Our logic is that this trip is just us, and future trips will likely be with kids. THat being said, we can always do Maui with kids but likely wouldn't do Kauai with kids...

The only comment that made me nervous was the weather...am I in trouble goign to Kauai in the first half of Dec?

Also, can someone comment if I need a car rental on Kauai?

Thanks FT!

bocastephen

Kaua'i can be wet during the winter. Of course all Hawaiian islands get some rain, but it varies with location. You can often find dry spots on Maui and the Big Island, but not so easy on Kaua'i and O'ahu.

The issue with rain is hiking - water makes the trails slippery and soggy, so they are anywhere from very uncomfortable to downright dangerous. If you're doing a lot of hiking, winter is probably not your best choice.

You will definitely need a car on Kaua'i - only O'ahu and Lana'i offer reasonable car-free options unless you plan on spending your entire trip onsite at a resort.

onthego15

I've been to Kauai 4 times in winter, usually for 2-3 weeks per trip and I've had very little problem with rain. Mostly I've encountered showers - very rarely had to deal with all day rains (and I spend a lot of time on the North Shore.)

There are a number of threads here specifically on Kauai - restaurants, what to see, where to stay, etc. Search, find and enjoy.

yojimbo

I would recommend basing yourself in Poipu, where it is almost certain to be sunny.

From there you can do day trips to Waimea Napali coast, North Shore, etc.

buckeyeboy

Good choice! I second basing on the southern end of the island. There are a good number of oceanfront condos to rent if you want a different experience than a hotel, at often less than the cost of a hotel.

You will definitely need a car.

Ancien Maestro

I would definitely stay on the dry side of the island.. the wet side is non stop rain.. nice to visit, but not to stat at.