Hawaii question

[Earl E Retyre]

For those of you who live in or have vacationed in Hawaii, I wanted to get your opinion ...

I know a young couple in their 30's planning a trip to Hawaii and they are trying to decide whether to spend 1 week in Maui or split across 2 islands and do 3.5 days in Maui and 3.5 days in Kauai.

Opinions?

 

[audreyh1]

They are both beautiful islands and quite different. Tough call. A week is not very long. Tough not to be retired!

We easily spent a week each in Kauai on a couple of trips when we were younger. Loved that island! Lots to do and very beautiful, particularly the north shore. It’s called the garden island for a reason and also has some stunning beaches along the north shore, featured the movie South Pacific. Plus hiking a bit of the Napali coast was awesome.

Last trip we spent over a week in Maui, a few days up in the mountains near Haleakala and the rest at beach resorts near Napili Bay and Ka'anapali. We were originally supposed to spend the 2nd week on the big island, but they had an outbreak of dengue fever where we wanted to go.

 

[OldConch]

Haven't been to Kauai yet but there is plenty to see and do on Maui. On a 7 day trip why waste precious time fooling around with rental cars and airports. On our last trip we split 10 days between Ka'anapali and Haiku, each of which had a completely different vibe. Recommend Maui Revealed by Donough - lots of good tips and trips. The road to Hana is a must do and is a much easier day trip from Haiku.

 

[Golden Mean]

I've found that my first and last day on vacation is lost on travel and getting settled. I would think trying to split a week in half would give you only one nice calm day on each island. So I wouldn't recommend it. Also, I think hopping between the islands can be expensive, but maybe I'm remembering the cost of doing that last minute (or when already in HI).

 

[ponyboy]

With that little amount of time, I would pick one island and stay put

With that being said, we though Kauai was superior to Maui. The road to Hana was such a let down imo. It's an all day "adventure" and I can barely remember anything that wowed me. Maybe I'm jaded since we've been to a lot of scenic places where you're driving near the edge of a cliff. The red sand beach was pretty. It's funny, my biggest memory is getting banana bread towards the begining of the drive. It was really good. Terrible for you, but good.

 

[Ian S]

We've been to the four major islands and I'd be loath to split a week to do both Maui and Kauai. Of course, Maui is still recovering from the horrific wild fire that devastated Lahaina. Still plenty to see and do on the rest of the island. We've been to Kauai twice because weather interfered with our plans during the first trip. Whether weather might be an issue depends a lot on what time of the year you go. As an example, the Kalalau Trail was just recently reopened after being closed due to flooding threat. So, planning a trip there can require some flexibility.

 

[Koolau]

If likely only a one-time trip (never to return), then, yes, split the time so they can see each Island. Otherwise (if going back some day) I would say pick one Island and be more thorough. If I were to pick one of those two Islands, I'd pick Maui.

To see what is available on each Island (to do), buy from the series by Andrew Doughty (Maui Revealed, Kauai Revealed.)

With such a short time, they will "waste" one day just traveling to the other Island. IF possible, I would fly direct to Maui. IIRC you can't fly direct to Kauai.
I'd find some way to extend the trip to at least 10 days if seeing two Islands.

 

[Ian S]

The road to Hana was such a let down imo.

That's because you didn't do it the back way! Much more exciting

 

[Koolau]

With that little amount of time, I would pick one island and stay put

With that being said, we though Kauai was superior to Maui. The road to Hana was such a let down imo. It's an all day "adventure" and I can barely remember anything that wowed me. Maybe I'm jaded since we've been to a lot of scenic places where you're driving near the edge of a cliff. The red sand beach was pretty. It's funny, my biggest memory is getting banana bread towards the begining of the drive. It was really good. Terrible for you, but good.

For me, the Road to Hana WAS an adventure. You could stop and see as much as you wanted to take the time for. If one is a Type A (or irritable driver) one should avoid the trip. If one can be laid back and enjoy the ride, it's a great adventure. Buy the CD or whatever book you need to explain the sights as you drive.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I live on the Big Island and have been to most of the islands more than once. With only a week I would suggest sticking to one island.

Even though my partner has close relatives on Maui, the situation there is unclear even to us. There is still a lack of housing which means there is a LOT of animosity against tourists unnecessarily taking up resources of all kinds. We were recently on vacation in Europe and met a couple who went to Maui last December with the intent of "helping the local economy" and were made to feel VERY unwelcome everywhere they went. It's true that the official state tourism board says tourists are welcome and encouraged. But you may not experience that same welcoming attitude anywhere but the resorts. Please remember there are still people living on the beach, not because they can't afford alternatives but because resorts that were providing housing have opened back up to tourists and pushed the locals onto the street. Do you want to support that?

Personally I would avoid Maui right now out of respect. With 1 week I'd spend a few days on Kauai and a few on either Hawaii Island or Oahu depending on your interests. Kauai is beautiful but there is not a whole lot to do. Oahu will have a lot more to see but is largely just a big city. The Big Island has an erupting volcano and dramatic scenery but not as many good beaches.

It's really hard to give advice without knowing what the couple is interested in!

I hate to sound negative. But it is a little like North Carolina telling people not to come after the hurricanes last fall. Except here, recovery is measured in years not months.

 

[SecondAttempt]

If likely only a one-time trip (never to return), then, yes, split the time so they can see each Island. Otherwise (if going back some day) I would say pick one Island and be more thorough. If I were to pick one of those two Islands, I'd pick Maui.

To see what is available on each Island (to do), buy from the series by Andrew Doughty (Maui Revealed, Kauai Revealed.)

With such a short time, they will "waste" one day just traveling to the other Island. IF possible, I would fly direct to Maui. IIRC you can't fly direct to Kauai.
I'd find some way to extend the trip to at least 10 days if seeing two Islands.

You can fly direct to Kauai (Lihue LIH) from the US mainland. There are generally more flights to Hilo, Kona, Honolulu, and Kahului though.

 

[DrRoy]

We have spent a week on Maui and a week on Kauai. If they think they can get back then spend the week on one island. If not, then split between the two.

 

[audreyh1]

We’ve flown direct from US each to Kahaui and Maui.

 

[misanman]

We like the Kona coast of the big island but I thought the road to Hana was a blast!

 

[pacergal]

Both islands are lovely. We have been to the Hawaiian Islands multiple times, all of them are beautiful and each has its own vibe and sites to see.
When we were younger and taking kids, we did two island in a week, It is doable and the flights between island are not long, nor too big of a hassle.
Be prepared for possible rain on Kauai, but it's a warm rain! Also, travel takes time, last we were there, it is still a two lane road around the island.
I agree with others, though. If you want to explore all the island has to offer, best to stick with one for the week. But if you mainly want to enjoy the sun and sand, do a couple "touristy" sites, then two islands in a week are fine. You will be busy though.
No matter which island they go to, or what they do, it will be beautiful and relaxing!

 

[Out-to-Lunch]

I'll be the contrarian. I have twice split a ~week-long vacation (probably both weekends included) between Kauai and the Big Island. I was glad we did, because it was great to see the diversity from the youngest island to the oldest (major) island.

 

[Koolau]

You can fly direct to Kauai (Lihue LIH) from the US mainland. There are generally more flights to Hilo, Kona, Honolulu, and Kahului though.

Thanks. I wasn't aware - especially since we live on Oahu. We have no need of direct flights elsewhere from the mainland any more.

Only time I flew direct to other-than-Oahu, it was to Maui. At that time, it was a "new thing" not to fly to Oahu and then take Aloha or Hawaiian to the other Islands. At that time, everyone was saying "Maui is the main Hawaiian destination now." Very weird as we were actually going to Oahu and our 747 stopped at Maui first, disgorged most of the passengers and then flew (almost empty) to Oahu. Very strange. I wonder how much jet fuel it takes to fly even a nearly empty 747 from Maui to Oahu? Oh, well. Sounds like they have it all sorted out now.

Too bad about Maui and the resistance to tourists. I understand the sentiment, but it's sort of a two edged sword. Tourists are the life-blood of the economy. Without them, there is very little income to the Islands and especially to Maui. Maui's economy used to be sugar/pineapple and tourists. Now, it's tourists (and construction.) At least Oahu has the military. Be careful what you wish for comes to mind. Personally I'm extremely grateful to tourists and wish our gummint didn't abuse them so much (fees for everything!) Still hoping for the Japanese to return to the Islands in their former numbers. Sorry, off topic.

When we visited Maui (as tourists, back in the day) we took a flight to Oahu and transferred immediately to Maui on a Dash 7 operated by (IIRC) Aloha air lines (now gone.)

 

[jabbahop]

I tend to agree with the advice about spending day packing and traveling to another island and both are nice. We are currently here in Kauai for 3 weeks and have been coming here for 30 years so we are a bit biased. Just something more comfortable for us here than Oahu, Maui or the big island but I know friends that have different preferences.

 

[Koolau]

I tend to agree with the advice about spending day packing and traveling to another island and both are nice. We are currently here in Kauai for 3 weeks and have been coming here for 30 years so we are a bit biased. Just something more comfortable for us here than Oahu, Maui or the big island but I know friends that have different preferences.

Yes, it's all personal preference. I spent a few days on Kauai and that was enough. It's an absolutely gorgeous island with the most natural beauty of the 4 Islands I've visited. BUT, it's so laid back and (to me) boring that I could not live there - much as I love Hawaii weather. I need the "spoiled" Paradise of Oahu with its various diversions and more people, experiences, stores, health services, etc. Clearly YMMV.

 

[Jimmie]

Lots of great advice given! We've been to Hawaii many times over past 35 years (it's an annual 2 week vacation for us). All the islands have their pros & cons. It's really a personal preference as to which is most enjoyable. I would recommend a 1 week stay on an island to get the best experience. Being young & first time to HI, they will find many couples their age at maui kaanapali beach area. The resorts there are nice & fit a wide range of budgets. Rent a car and explore the island.

 

[steady saver]

I tend to agree with the advice about spending day packing and traveling to another island and both are nice. We are currently here in Kauai for 3 weeks and have been coming here for 30 years so we are a bit biased. Just something more comfortable for us here than Oahu, Maui or the big island but I know friends that have different preferences.

I'll start a new thread as well, but wanted to ask if you have particular suggestions for places to stay and things you enjoy there on Kauai? We are currently in Oahu for the month of January and want to go to Kauai for at least a few days. We've only been once, many years ago, and were only able to stay 2 nights and we LOVED Kauai. It is so beautiful and peaceful. I believe when we were there we stayed one night in Waimea at the Plantation Cottages (so lovely but so expensive now so likely won't stay there...) and one most likely in Lihue (I can't remember for sure; I just remember a rooster at the B&B we stayed at...).

Would appreciate any suggestions, no matter how small or inconsequential they may seem.

We do also love Oahu for all sorts of reasons. My parents used to come here (I think a total of over 50 times...) and even lived here off and on for a couple of years. We always stay at the Ilikai, on the edge of Waikiki and we love the proximity to everything but also the fact that it's not in the very thick of things.

Thank you!

 

[Koolau]

We do also love Oahu for all sorts of reasons. My parents used to come here (I think a total of over 50 times...) and even lived here off and on for a couple of years. We always stay at the Ilikai, on the edge of Waikiki and we love the proximity to everything but also the fact that it's not in the very thick of things.

Thank you!

When we were tourists, we actually liked the other end of Waikiki. We stayed twice at the Waikiki Grand (right on Kapahulu across from the zoo.) It was kinda cool to wake up to the sound of the lions roaring for their breakfast. I think the Grand has gone mostly condo now. Kapiolani park was just across the street as well. The Saturday Art Festival was right on our corner of the Park.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60982-d131397-r379481625-Kapiolani_Park-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

I always think of the Ilikai as being close to all the mainland chain restaurants (Dead Lobster, Subway, McD's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ihop, etc.) I like my Paradise spoiled - but not THAT spoiled.

 

[audreyh1]

Our best long trip to Kauai (almost 30 years ago!) we stayed at Hanalei Colony Resort which was a great north shore location. Very scenic even though it’s quite a drive to the destination. It was walking distance to some great beaches including Tunnels Beach. Short drive to the Kalalau trailhead and Limahuli Botanical Gardens and probably the best area snorkeling at Ke’e Beach. We did a kayak trip from Hanalei Bay. Hanalei is the nearest town and has some restaurants, groceries, etc.. Also love visiting the Kilauea Point National Wldlife Refuge which has great ocean birds including Red-footed Boobies and Tropicbirds. A 30 min scenic drive from HCR.

But still other sites well worth visiting such as a good all day trip to Weimae Canyon State Park. Huge dramatic canyon and overlooks to the wild north Napali Coast of Kauai. If you are lucky you’ll even catch a few native Hawaiian birds at Kalalau Lookout, otherwise extirpated most areas of Hawaii.

 

[steady saver]

When we were tourists, we actually liked the other end of Waikiki. We stayed twice at the Waikiki Grand (right on Kapahulu across from the zoo.) It was kinda cool to wake up to the sound of the lions roaring for their breakfast. I think the Grand has gone mostly condo now. Kapiolani park was just across the street as well. The Saturday Art Festival was right on our corner of the Park.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60982-d131397-r379481625-Kapiolani_Park-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

I always think of the Ilikai as being close to all the mainland chain restaurants (Dead Lobster, Subway, McD's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ihop, etc.) I like my Paradise spoiled - but not THAT spoiled.

Ha, we're not fast food/chain food people unless forced but no judgement at all to those that are. Going out to eat is not big on our list of things to do b/c we enjoy cooking and we prepare most of our meals. Much healthier...

I like the Kapiolani park area. I used to run there and back in my more athletic days. Loved the Saturday Art Festival as well.

 

[steady saver]

Our best long trip to Kauai (almost 30 years ago!) we stayed at Hanalei Colony Resort which was a great north shore location. Very scenic even though it’s quite a drive to the destination. It was walking distance to some great beaches including Tunnels Beach. Short drive to the Kalalau trailhead and Limahuli Botanical Gardens and probably the best area snorkeling at Ke’e Beach. We did a kayak trip from Hanalei Bay. Hanalei is the nearest town and has some restaurants, groceries, etc.. Also love visiting the Kilauea Point National Wldlife Refuge which has great ocean birds including Red-footed Boobies and Tropicbirds. A 30 min scenic drive from HCR.

But still other sites well worth visiting such as a good all day trip to Weimae Canyon State Park. Huge dramatic canyon and overlooks to the wild north Napali Coast of Kauai. If you are lucky you’ll even catch a few native Hawaiian birds at Kalalau Lookout, otherwise extirpated most areas of Hawaii.

Thank you, audreyh1!!!!!!