Maui VS Kauai: How to Choose the Right Island for You

Visiting Hawaii can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some. Because of this, we understand how much thought goes into building your trip’s itinerary. Deciding what kind of vacation you want can help you choose what Hawaiian Island is right for you, too! Sure, you can always island hop, but if that’s not in the budget, or you just want the ease of having one home base during your stay, it’s important to see what each island offers and choose the right spot for you.

To help you weigh two of the most popular destinations, we’re comparing Maui vs Kauai in this month’s blog. We’ll cover key aspects of each island, top things to do, and all the can’t-miss fun so you can decide which of these two is the right island for you. Read on below and start planning your exciting Hawaiian getaway today!

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About the Islands

Maui  

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of luxury and outdoor fun, Hawaii’s “Valley Isle” is going to tick all the boxes. As the second-largest and second-most visited island, there’s no shortage of places to eat, shop, and tour. Whether you want to spend your days on some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, shop native Hawaiian goods for the perfect souvenir, indulge in delicious food and fun nightlife, or get off the beaten path with guided expeditions, it’s all here.  

Kauai

The “Garden Isle” is the oldest in the chain and the fourth-largest. Beyond the iconic draw of the Big Island or the tourist influence found in Maui or places like Oahu, Kauai caters to travelers who want an authentic experience unburdened by overly developed landscapes. If hiking and getting out in nature for a more unplugged vacation is what you’re looking for, the natural wonders of Kauai are waiting to show you an unforgettable time.

Top Outdoor Adventures

Each island has tons of outdoor activities from which to choose. Here are some of our favorites on both Maui and Kauai.  

Maui:

• Iao Valley—The Iao Valley State Park is a 10-mile-long stretch of land in Central Maui that features towering peaks and lush landscapes. It’s great for scenic strolls or hikes, and visitors can enjoy photo ops at the iconic Iao Needle landmark, a 1,200-foot rock formation that towers above the valley floor.  

• Haleakala National Park- Atop this famed dormant volcano, you can experience one of the most breathtaking sunrises of your life. Here, the temperature can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the base, providing a notable demonstration of Maui’s diverse climates. Be sure to reserve your space and wear warm clothes.

• Ka Anapali Beach- There’s no shortage of easily accessible, swimmable beaches in Maui. From the black sand at Wai’anapanapa State Park to the shores in Kihei, or the popular Ka Anapali Beach in West Maui, you’ll find gentle water, and tons of opportunities to try your hand at surfing, snorkeling, cliff diving, and more.  

 Kauai:

• Waimea Canyon – Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is up to 3,000 feet deep and spans over 10 miles. Bring your cameras and capture stunning shots of the gorge as the colors change on the rock surfaces.

• Wailua River – Polynesia’s only navigable stream, the Wailua River is a great place for a kayak tour. 

• Wai Koa Loop Trail Hike – Experience a trilogy of Kauai outdoor fun with this 5-mile hike as you explore towering mahogany forests, cascading waterfalls, and secluded swimming holes. This hike is great for beginners thanks to its relatively flat terrain. Be sure to pack river shoes and something to swim in so you can cool off at the Kilauea Stone Dam.

Unique Activities on Maui and Kauai

Certain things are a given with a vacation to Hawaii. No matter which island you visit, you’re bound to spend time on beautiful beaches, visit dense rainforests, eat delicious food, and experience our distinct culture. Where it gets interesting is when you start to explore beyond the obvious.

On Maui, some of the top unique activities include driving the scenic Road to Hana. This coastal drive weaves you along rugged coastlines, through charming communities, and past unbeatable views.

Another uniquely Maui thing happens during the winter months from December – early May, and that’s whale watching season. While the humpback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii, and you can sometimes spot them from any of our islands, Maui’s viewing opportunities are, hands-down, the best. If you want to book a fantastic boat tour that can help you see these majestic mammals, PacWhale Eco Adventures is highly reputable and led by marine naturalists.  

Lastly, Maui’s North Shore is home to the infamous Jaws Surf Break, the location of the biggest waves on the island. Here, you can catch incredible big wave surfing competitions as pro athletes tackle waves that tower upwards of 60 feet!  

In Kauai, recommended lesser-known activities include visiting the Humane Society for their Field Trip Guided Group excursion. This 3.5-mile hike includes two guides and your very own shelter pup, whose day you will undoubtedly make as you spring them for an afternoon of exercise and companionship. Kauai is also an epic choice for helicopter tours as parts of the island can only be seen or accessed from the air or by boat. Take an open-door tour and fly past the NaPali Coast for Insta-worthy pictures.

Another fun inclusion for a Kauai adventure is a visit to the Kilohana Plantation. Home to a rum distillery, multiple restaurants, and exciting tours, you can learn all about the island’s farming industry and end the day with an incredible Luau experience.  

Maui vs Kauai: Out on the Town

As the more populated island, Maui is going to offer you more variety when it comes to dining, shopping, and nightlife. Popular restaurants like Spago and Mama’s Fish House can see wait lists that span months. Additionally, places like the Shops at Wailea and Whaler’s Village are excellent for finding souvenirs or everyday goods, and both are easily accessible from your beach hotel or vacation rental.

For your nightlife scene, you’ll find everything from craft distilleries and breweries to places with live music or even a classic beach dive. So, no matter what kind of vibe you want, you can make it happen. 

In Kauai, you’ll still find shopping and local watering holes, but the real star of the show is the food scene. Restaurants like Table at Poipu and RumFire Poipu Beach serve elevated cuisine that will leave you craving more, making Kauai a popular destination for foodies.  

Book Your Hawaiian Getaway Today!

As we’ve compared Maui vs Kauai, it should be obvious that no matter which island you choose, you’ll be able to find all the pieces that make a Hawaiian vacation memorable: golden sand beaches, lush green landscapes, and traditional cultural highlights.

For the most diversity in activities, Maui, with its heavier tourist-industry influence, comes out on top. So, if a truly well-rounded vacation is what you're looking for, we invite you to browse our available I Go Maui vacation rentals and book your stay directly with us!

However, if a more nature-focused, grounded getaway is calling your name, you’ll find equally exceptional vacation rentals with our sister company Suite-Paradise. You can browse their Poipu Beach vacation homes and book directly via their website.

Booking directly for your Hawaiian vacation not only saves you money by helping you avoid the third-party fees places like Airbnb tack on, but it also puts you in connection with local on-island staff who are available for everything from restaurant recommendations to helpful tips while you’re here.

Regardless of which island you choose, we hope we can help you make your vacation one you’ll cherish forever.