Two questions from a first timer
 

I'll be going to Hawaii in May with my girlfriend. I am flying into HNL and plan to spend 4 nights in Oahu. I have 3 days/4 nights to spend on another island, and I want to choose Kauai and Maui. Can someone compare the two islands in 2-3 sentences? Which of those two is more romantic?

My other question is are hotels in Waikiki cheaper than hotels in Maui/Kauai in general? I have 2 free nights via Starwood and 2 free nights via HHonors, and I'm trying to decide which island to book on, and which island I should pay out of my own pocket?

Kaua`i is a very laid back, rural, and lush island with a nice variety of scenic and natural wonders but very little night life. Maui is over twice the size of Kaua`i in land area, has well developed resort areas and tourist infrastructure, also offers scenic and natural wonders, has a night life, but is no where as urban as Honolulu.

There are more hotel properties in Waikiki, so your price options are better. There are no HH properties that I recall on Kaua`i or Maui.

Personally, IMHO, I'd book the SPG nights at the Princeville on Kaua'i (or the Westin Maui) and pay for the next two. Then, book the HH points at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, then pay for the next two nights. This way, I wouldn't have the hassle of having to switch hotels mid-trip and it'd probably be easier on both you and your girlfriend.

As for the more romantic island... I'd say Maui is just a tab bit more romantic, since there's a bit more to do and it isn't as laid back as Kaua'i. Though, there are some great perks with Kaua'i, namely, it's isolation and small population. FlyinHawaiian has accurately described both above. Let us know what you pick!

aloha

Kauai has chickens, lots of them. :)

The chickens aren't the problem Willie. It's the d*mn roosters that start crowing at 5AM! :mad:

Phil