Too Little Time

Husband %26amp; I attending conference in HNL mid-Dec. Have 7 nights before this to visit Maui %26amp; Kauai. Any advice on how to break this up? I know there%26#39;s much to see %26amp; do on both islands, but don%26#39;t know if our time is better spent on one vs. the other. Our usual MO is to get in the car and see everything we can. Not big beach people but enjoy snorkeling. Will be staying at Marriotts on both islands (points)

BTW...would like any new feedback on conditions of these properties. Really enjoy the posts from previous visitors. Good to learn the real nitty-gritty.

Too Little Time

Well, each island is unique . . . and for more feedback, you might post that question separately on the Kauai and Maui forums. It also depends on what you like to do besides drive and snorkel . . . do you like to shop and have more nightlife?? Kauai is more casual, lots less shopping and dining choices, but then Maui is more touristy and traffic congested. Also, I think I would just pick one island - one week per island would be about right . . . because quite a bit of time is wasted doing the airport transport/rental car thing.

That said though . . . .if you want to see both islands, I would spend 3 on Maui and 4 on Kauai . . . . Maui is a beautiful island, but not nearly as spectacular as Kauai, IMO. Maui has beautiful beaches, fun Lahaina town, winery, a extinct volcano, and the road to Hana . . . Kauai has the incredible Northshore, a lighthouse, rivers to kayak, the Waimea canyon, spouting horn, etc. Any other specifics on what you are planning to do?? I would also pick one of the smaller islands for a luau if you are interested in that, as it would be a bit less crowded than the ones on Oahu. Good luck! :)

Too Little Time

Aloha,

I live on the island of Maui and I have to say 4 nights on Maui and 3 nights on Kauai. I agree that Kauai is gorgeous, but it is much smaller than Maui. You can literally drive the entire island of Kauai in a day. And if you are super active and into hiking, kayaking, etc. it is great! I recommend a helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coastline if you do not plan on hiking it. It%26#39;s amazing. On Maui I recommend the following: Day 1 Drive around Wailea and Kihei (which is where the Mariott is located) and also down to Makena. Day 2 Road to Hana. Day 3 Haleakala and Upcountry. Day 4 Lahaina and West Maui. Whew! There is a lot to see here. Enjoy your trip.

I agree with mauidivegirl. If you only want to drive around to see the sights, Kauai can be done pretty fast. A lot of it is such rugged country that there are no roads. Maui has more ';accessible'; places -- and some of it is much like Kauai.

Now, if you REALLY want to drive around, try Big Island for all seven nights!