So, you’ve got your heart set on a Hawaiian vacation and are planning a trip to Hawaii.
You’ve narrowed your choices down to two main Hawaiian islands: Maui or Kauai.
You can envision yourself on both islands, chilling on a dreamy beach eating luscious Hawaiian fruit and then hopping in a helicopter for the views of a lifetime.
But choosing which of these two islands to visit has left you stumped.
There are so many things to do in Kauai. It’s an adventurous traveler’s dream island.
But the same can be said for Maui.
Therein lies the challenge.
Have no fear, though.
We’re here to help you decipher which Hawaiian island is best for you, Maui vs. Kauai? Hawaii is a favorite vacation destination for west coasters (that’s us!) and we’ve visited both islands many times.
Let’s dive in.
Which island is better: Maui or Kauai?
Maui travel update (2024)
Maui is completely open, except for Lahaina, which remains closed due to the 2023 wildfire.
The island welcomes you! And there’s lots to do! Buy local, learn about Hawaiian culture, book tours and enjoy your Maui visit!
Maui vs. Kauai: Difference between Maui and Kauai
The islands have a lot in common.
They’re both tropical, lush, exciting and relaxing. And both are island paradises.
However, knowing about some significant differences can help you choose which is better: Maui or Kauai?
General differences – Maui vs. Kauai vibe
Maui vibe
Maui has a more polished and sophisticated vibe than Kauai.
It’s made for lovers and honeymooners. It even has a romantic lavender farm you can visit – just one of the special things to do in Maui for couples!
But it welcomes families too. And it offers easy access to the best beaches, loads of adventure and incredible restaurants and nightlife.
Kauai vibe
Kauai is more rustic. More mellow. And far less touristy – it’s not as developed as Maui and receives about half the visitors that Maui gets.
There are still plenty of tourist attractions on Kauai, but they’re more challenging to reach, and therefore it’s perhaps not as easy of an island to visit.
Most of the well-known sites in Kauai involve a helicopter or boat tour or a bit of a hike.
Mind you, what Kauai lacks in easy accessibility, it makes up for in jaw-dropping scenery.
Kauai is for the more intrepid traveler. It also has a quieter feel.
Weather in Kauai vs. Maui
There isn’t too much variance in the temperature between Maui and Kauai.
But the rain makes all the difference. In fact, one of the things about Hawaii you should know is that if you go in winter, be aware that it could rain.
Kauai gets more rain than Maui, especially in the winter months from December to March.
Kauai’s South Shore is the big exception (think Poipu). It’s the best area to stay on Kauai to escape the rain.
But that jaw-dropping scenery we mentioned above is mainly on the North Shore.
Maui’s climate is sunnier and more reliable throughout the year. There’s far less rain, so you can vacation there year-round without worrying too much about daily downpours.
But regardless of whether you’re packing for Maui or Kauai, be sure to throw a light rain jacket in your suitcase.
Getting around Maui vs. Kauai
Driving in Maui
Maui is a big island (728 square miles). But many sites are quite close together. The Road to Hana and the Haleakala Volcano (covered below) are the two exceptions.
Many visitors rent a car in Maui to get around while on vacation.
But depending on where you stay, you may not need a rental car – except for when you want to do a day trip.
For example, if you’re staying in Wailea in South Maui – say at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa or Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – you may be quite content to stay put at your fabulous hotel for many days, at least!
To eat outside of the hotel, you could walk from these resorts (as well as from other nearby vacation properties) to The Shops at Wailea, where you’ll find several excellent restaurants and eateries.
You could take an Uber to get to restos further away, and book a couple of guided tours when you want to leave your beach chair.
Driving in Kauai
Kauai is about 562 square miles and is less densely populated than Maui.
Because it’s less developed, only about 20% of Kauai is accessible by car.
And making it more of a challenge, the roads don’t run along the coastline. You can’t see those stunning views from your vehicle.
Bottom line? Even though Maui is a much larger island, it’s definitely easier to navigate than Kauai.
And unless you stay in Poipu – where there’s a free Poipu shuttle (the “Aloha Spirit” trolley) – you’ll probably want to rent a car in Kauai.
Driving in both Maui and Kauai
Be prepared to drive Aloha-style on both islands, meaning slowish (25 mph to 45 mph). There are no big cities on either island, so there are no fast multi-lane highways.
But you’re on holiday – so you can happily ease your foot off the pedal!
What is Maui known for?
Many swimmable beaches
Maui is known for its calm waters and great beaches.
Some of the beaches in Kauai aren’t as swimmable as those in Maui.
The water is generally rougher, the swell is larger and some places have strong currents. This is especially true on Kauai’s North Shore in winter.
Don’t get us wrong, the beaches in Maui and Kauai are equally stunning.
Maui’s beaches have golden sand with a few black and red sand beaches as well. Kauai has gold sand beaches plus those powdery-white sand beaches that people buy postcards of.
The bottom line is that if you’re a water baby and you have to decide between Kauai or Maui, we’d suggest you stick with Maui.
Great snorkeling
Snorkeling in Maui versus Kauai?
The water in Maui is much calmer. A calm ocean means greater visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving.
It’s why snorkeling with friendly sea turtles is all but guaranteed in Maui.
Two particularly great snorkeling spots in Maui are Black Rock, near the north end of Kaanapali Beach, and Turtle Town. They’re considered the best places for snorkeling with turtles on Maui.
You can snorkel right off the shore on many beaches in Maui. It’s super easy to get up-close-and-personal to an abundance of sea life.
There are a lot of places to get underwater, but some of the best snorkeling spots around Maui are:
- Po’olenalena Beach
- Kahekili Beach
- Kapalua Beach
- Kaanapali Beach
- Black Rock
- Molokini Crater, known for its amazing water visibility of up to 150 feet! (We’ve enjoyed several great Molokini snorkeling tours, which often include snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Town too.)
So if you’re asking: “Which has better snorkeling: Maui or Kauai?” we’d say Maui.
Drive to Hana (Road to Hana)
The “Road to Hana” might be the most mesmerizing drive in the world.
It’s a narrow twisting highway with more than 600 hairpin turns and 59 stone bridges – 46 of those bridges are only one lane wide.
It’s not for the faint of heart or those prone to car sickness.
Starting in Kahului and ending beyond the town of Hana (at Kalepa), the 64.4-mile Hana Highway drive (52 miles to Hana) takes you through one stunning landscape after another.
You’ll motor through the Maui jungles and bamboo forests.
Maui also has thrashing waterfalls – and on the Hana drive, you’ll pass at least 10 falls (some with cool freshwater pools where you can swim).
You’ll also see red and black sand beaches.
Even more unique than the colored sands are the rainbow eucalyptus trees.
They look like they’re dripping in blue, purple, pink, orange and maroon paint – like you’re entering a painted forest.
Around each turn, the scenery gets more and more awe-inspiring.
Don’t even try to put your camera away; you’ll just be taking it out again in a moment. Every verdant stretch begs you to get out of the car for a photo op.
It’s just magical.
If you’d like to hike to several secret waterfall pools on the Road to Hana where you can swim, Hike Maui offers an excellent waterfall-and-rainforest hiking tour. (Hotel transfers and a picnic lunch are included.)
We did this tour with them recently – loads of fun!
Whale watching in Maui
If you’re headed to the island of Maui in the winter months (November to March), you’ll be able to spot humpback whales.
They migrate down from Alaska by the thousands to mate and give birth.
You can take a cruise to get up close to the gentle giants or paddle a kayak if you’re more daring.
It’s also possible to see them from your beachfront hotel – make sure you get a room with a balcony.
If you’re bursting to see whales, Maui is therefore the best Hawaii island to visit.
Many different types of whale watching tours are offered during Hawaii’s whale season.
For example, you might like this two-hour whale watching cruise on a spacious catamaran that leaves from Ka’anapali Beach. (An open bar is included.)
Or maybe you’d prefer watching whales from a sturdy raft, departing from Kihei in South Maui?
This intimate adventure is limited to just 24 people, and of course, you’ll have an expert naturalist as your guide. It has hydrophones so you can listen to the whale songs too.
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Haleakala Volcano
Believe it or not, the island of Maui is basically made up of two volcanoes.
Haleakala Volcano is the larger of the two and is part of Haleakala National Park. It’s estimated to be around 1 million years old. And don’t worry – it’s a dormant volcano.
Head to the top, more than 10,000 feet above sea level, for incredible views. Most people go for sunrise, but sunset is just as enchanting, and has fewer crowds.
You can drive yourself or take a guided Haleakala day tour.
Haleakala Crater is also one of the best places in Maui for hikers and other adventure enthusiasts.
You can hike within the actual crater.
One of the most popular Haleakala hikes is the Halemau’u Trail, which takes you down into the crater. (The crater floor is two miles down.)
Hike Maui also offers a guided hiking day tour of Haleakala Crater, where you enjoy two different hikes (4 miles total).
If you’re up for a fabulous (though hair-raising) adventure, some companies offer bike-down-the-mountain tours (like this one).
Don’t be fooled by the warm weather at your hotel though.
Be sure to bring a jacket or windbreaker as well as a hat and gloves. It gets pretty cold up there, especially in the early morning and at night.
Art galleries and shopping
Maui is known for its incredible art galleries and gift shops strewn around the island.
They are where you can buy some of the best souvenirs from Hawaii. From paintings to pearls and koa wood sculptures, Maui is the place for shopping.
If you’re planning to shop for clothes and jewelry, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can find cute boutiques, souvenir shops and high-end stores throughout the island.
Check out Whalers Village in Kaanapali (Ka’anapali in Hawaiian) for beachside boutiques and cafés, as well as The Shops at Wailea.
Both are malls, but very attractive ones with lots of outdoor spaces, and they have everything you could dream of.
Also drive to the hippie town of Paia (Pa’ia in Hawaiian) or its neighbor Makawao for cute boutiques and unique shops.
Some of the best galleries in Maui
Maui Hands
The Maui Hands Art Galleries represent over 300 local fine artists and have three locations on the island (in Pa’ia, Makawao and Wailea). Find original paintings, glassware, Niihau shell leis, ceramics, jewelry and more.
Maui Crafts Guild
An artist-owned and cooperative gallery, the Maui Crafts Guild supports local artists. They have a store in Pa’ia (at 120 Hana Highway).
Lahaina Arts Society
The Lahaina Arts Society Gallery opened in the 1960s and is a big supporter of the community.
They host art fairs, teach children art classes and award partial scholarships to high school students every year.
Andrew Shoemaker Fine Art Photography
You know all those incredible shots you try to take of Hawaii’s most beautiful spots? The ones that never look as good as the real thing? Well, Andrew Shoemaker’s photos do.
Through the Andrew Shoemaker Fine Art Photography Gallery, you can finally find a picture that looks as good as the real thing.
Huge range of accommodations
Since Maui has more tourists than Kauai, it has more vacation rentals and accommodation options, especially luxury beachfront resorts.
With some beautiful honeymoon hotels in Maui, the island is a favored honeymoon destination.
Indeed, Maui has some of the best 5-star hotels and resorts in Hawaii.
Some of the finest Maui resorts include the Fairmont Kea Lani, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
For a less fancy option, try Napili Kai Beach Resort for comfortable condos on a fabulous beach.
Of course, Kauai has lovely hotels as well.
The best resorts on Kauai include the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort on the south coast and the deluxe 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore.
But there aren’t as many luxurious hotels on Kauai as there are on Maui.
Lahaina Town
Once a former historic whaling village, the town of Lahaina is located in West Maui.
Due to the tragic August, 2023 wildfires, it remains closed to the public for now, out of respect for the town’s residents.
What is Kauai Known for?
Beautiful botanical gardens
Kauai is known as the Garden Isle, and the botanical gardens on Kauai are amongst the best in Hawaii. (Indeed, they’re some of the world’s most gorgeous gardens.)
In particular, you must visit the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden.
Kauai’s warm showers and the micro-climate sunshine in the southern part of the island nurture a luscious home for 280 acres of tropical plants, fruit and flowers.
These two gardens are connected to each other, so it’s easy to spend a day exploring and maybe even getting lost on the grounds.
Navigable rivers
If you love to explore by kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), there’s no question whether Maui or Kauai is for you.
Kauai wins hands down because it is the only island in Hawaii with navigable rivers.
You can kayak or go stand-up paddleboarding in Kauai up the Wailua River, past an authentic Hawaiian village, then do a short hike to a 120-foot waterfall. No experience necessary! (The river is very calm.)
Jurassic Park scenery
Many people believe Kauai is the most beautiful island in Hawaii, which means a lot given all the islands’ natural beauty.
It’s so beautiful and lush that the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park was filmed there.
Two of the most beautiful places in Kauai!
Don’t miss the following two famous spots when you travel to this tropical island:
The Na Pali Coast
When you picture Kauai, you probably think of luxuriant green jungle and dramatic jagged cliffs swathed in a carpet of verdant green flora. That is the Na Pali Coast.
It’s not the most accessible area to visit, but it’s a Kauai must-see.
You can see a bit of it by driving to Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park. But you can’t experience its full grandeur that way.
One option is to take a Na Pali Coast boat tour – although, sorry, the ride is notorious for being a bumpy vomit-comet in winter. It’s best to do this in the summer, when sea conditions are calmer.
Or you can do a hike (see the Kalalau Trail below).
But possibly your best bet? Take a thrilling helicopter ride.
Another option – considerably less expensive than a helicopter ride – is a scenic flight in a small Cessna plane (featuring huge bubble windows).
Some visitors say this small plane ride over the Na Pali Coast (and Waimea Canyon – see below), with Wings Over Kauai, is even better than the helicopter tours.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, another not-to-be-missed spot in Kauai, is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It’s a large canyon, about 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep, covered in lush tropical foliage and sheer cliffs.
It offers various hikes for all levels of experience. But if you’re not into the hiking option, there are several lookouts as well as tours to show you around.
However you experience it, know this: It’s a breathtaking nature lover’s paradise.
Monk seals
These mammoth seals are critically endangered, and they mostly live near the uninhabited northwestern islands of Hawaii and Kauai.
There are only about 1,100 left in the world. So seeing a Hawaiian monk seal is a big deal.
They grow up to 7 feet long and can weigh up to 600 lbs, and they’re often spotted basking in the sun on Kauai’s Poipu Beach.
If you do spot one, keep your distance. Not only can you get a heavy fine for getting too close, but they can also cause harm if they feel threatened.
Hiking
Kauai or Maui: Which is better for hiking?
Maui has hiking opportunities, but Kauai is a hiker’s paradise.
The Garden Island has hikes for all experience levels.
If you’re a well-established and confident hiker, take on the Kalalau Trail – a two-day, 22-mile trek along the Na Pali Coast.
But if that’s too much, you can do a shorter section of the trail, getting in and out in a day, with a beach stop included.
Or try the easy-going, 3.6-mile (roundtrip) Kuilau Ridge Trail or the Mahaulepu Coastal Trail (both great half-day hikes).
Which island is best for…?
Maui vs. Kauai honeymoon
Is Kauai or Maui better for a honeymoon?
Tough one! Both islands have their unique allure.
But Maui is probably the better choice for a wider range of upscale resorts, gourmet dining and luxury experiences. (Maui also has the only adults-only hotel in Hawaii – the Hotel Wailea.)
On the flip side, if you’re leaning towards a more tranquil and intimate escape, away from the bustling crowds, then Kauai stands out.
But really, the essence of the perfect honeymoon island lies in the details – where you stay, restaurants you pick and the activities you indulge in.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal preferences and the kind of honeymoon you’ve always dreamed about.
Maui vs. Kauai for families
Is Maui or Kauai better for families?
We’ve enjoyed family vacations on both islands. But when deciding between Kauai or Maui with kids, we think Maui is the better choice for families.
Maui has more condos and vacation rentals – and places with kitchens are easier on the wallet (and more convenient) when you’re traveling with children.
Maui also has more easily-accessible beaches and water spots for younger swimmers.
Kauai or Maui for nature lovers?
For nature enthusiasts, Kauai definitely has an edge here.
As the oldest Hawaiian island, it showcases botanical gardens, waterfalls, jaw-dropping sea cliffs, canyons, rivers and rugged mountains.
While Maui has its own natural wonders, we think Kauai offers more quiet spots to truly appreciate nature.
So, which Hawaiian island is best for you?
Now you know the similarities and differences between Kauai and Maui.
But, still, which one is the best island to visit in Hawaii?
It’s hard to choose one over the other since they both have such unique attributes.
However, if you want to chill on beautiful beaches all day and have a relaxed (but also exciting) Hawaii vacation – with some nightlife to top it all off – Maui might just edge out the island of Kauai.
Many people who’ve vacationed on all the main islands prefer Maui and think it’s the best Hawaiian island to visit. Particularly if this is your first time to Hawaii, Maui is usually recommended as being the better option.
On the other hand, if the thought of being lazy and lying on a beach all day bores you, get adventurous on Kauai. It offers a genuine escape and a casual paradise vacation, where you can envelope yourself in nature.
If you have a week or more? Definitely do both.
Start in Kauai with the daring strenuous hikes, and then head to Maui to rest your weary self. Both will answer your vacation prayers.
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Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
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Photo credits: 7, 9 to 13, 20, 25 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 2 Ritz-Carlton Kapalua | 19 The Shops at Wailea | 21 Fairmont Kea Lani
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Darren
Monday 26th of September 2022
Great insights.
As one who has been to each of the 2 islands about 8 times, I actually prefer Kauai by a nose. And we are actually the pool/beach people who don't hike much. Kauai is more chill and the fewer tourists make it easier to relax there.
You didn't mention the Marriott/Royal Sonesta Resort on Kalapaki Beach. We own here and honestly don't have to leave as everything you need is here or within walking distance.
The nod I'll give Maui is the number of restaurants post-Covid compared to Kauai. Many places on Kauai have closed whereas Maui's mayor was smarter.
Anyway, there is not a bad choice as we love both, but we like Kauai more by a tiny margin.
Janice and George
Monday 26th of September 2022
Thanks for chiming in!
As for your resort on Kalapaki Beach, head on over to our post on the Best Hotels in Kauai for detailed coverage of the Marriott/Royal Sonesta. We've stayed there a few times too - love it there, and the beach is great :-).
James
Friday 3rd of June 2022
Kauai is beautiful and has more lush tropical scenery. The south and parts of the west side of Maui are pretty dry, thus more brown/beige and less green.
Still, for me, it's about the beaches and consistent sunshine. Maui wins hands down.
Kauai does have a more authentic vibe due to less congestion and less tourism, but Maui also has plenty of soul if you look past the surface. And the water and accessible beaches are unmatched.
Janice and George
Friday 3rd of June 2022
We couldn't agree with you more :-). Thanks for commenting!
Tiffany G.
Friday 14th of January 2022
I'm a haole (mostly white) girl who grew up on Kauai and my tutu (grandmother) lived on Maui, so I've spent plenty of time on both islands.
As a free diver and surfer, I much prefer the beaches on Kauai. The surf is better, and in the summer we go to the North Shore for calm waters, while in the winter we go south.
You can usually find live music on the weekends in Poipu or Hanalei, and Kauai is so much more authentic feeling in regard to the true Hawaiian spirit!
I also have a boutique on the South Shore called Mana and my customers have become my friends and family - that's just how we roll here :)
I also think that Kauai is a bit more beautiful. Almost everywhere you look is breathtaking!
Janice and George
Friday 14th of January 2022
Yes, Kauai is gorgeous! You're blessed to live on such a beautiful island :-).
Kim
Sunday 1st of August 2021
This sounded like one long advertisement for Maui. In short, Kauai has soul, Maui does not.
Janice and George
Monday 2nd of August 2021
Oh no, we hope that is not the impression given. We love both islands equally, just in different ways :-).
Auntie Sandy
Tuesday 27th of July 2021
We have a saying here on Kaua'i... If you love Kaua'i, send your friends to Maui. But if you are laid back, respectful of the land and of others, by all means, you will love visiting here... 💜🙏
Janice and George
Wednesday 28th of July 2021
That's a lovely saying! Thank you very much for sharing that :-).