Is it better to go to Maui or Kauai first?

If you don't have to pick between the two islands and can visit both, consider yourself lucky! While there is no wrong order to visit them, I'd start with Maui first and then fly to Kauai. You can enjoy a lot of activities and more go, go, go on Maui and then head over to Kauai for a quieter stay.



People Also Ask

I typically recommend at least 5 days per island, so 10 days total seems good to me. Just enough to know that you'll want to come back for more :) Thank you for the recommendations! We'll definitely try to get a permit for that trail, do you know how far in advance you need to reserve?

MORE DETAILS

Maui is more expensive than Kauai by a decent margin. So your dollar will stretch further on a vacation to Kauai. Usually, the largest vacation expense is going to be your accommodations. According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui has the most expensive average hotel room cost.

MORE DETAILS

The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!

MORE DETAILS

Bear in mind that June is also the start of the Kauai hurricane season, which lasts until around November. Chances of severe tropical storms aren't particularly high, but it's still worth considering when booking your trip.

MORE DETAILS

Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.

MORE DETAILS

If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.

MORE DETAILS

Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.

MORE DETAILS

When you're weighing the decisions of Maui or Kauai for your honeymoon, there isn't going to be one clear winner. Maui is great for the sun-seeking beachgoers that love luxury resorts. Kauai is best for honeymooners who want a quiet stay with better hiking and kayaking options.

MORE DETAILS

In short, the answer to whether you need a rental car in Kauai is yes! The areas of population on the island are geographically distant from each other, so unless you're planning on staying in the same place for your entire vacation, you'll need a car to travel from town to town.

MORE DETAILS

Kaua?i has a public bus that can get you between the major destinations on the island. Considering the island only has one main road, Kaua?i is particularly easy to navigate via public transportation, and it is a very affordable way to get around.

MORE DETAILS

The island has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet or rainy from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most rainfall.

MORE DETAILS

Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on the planet. Of course, that's one of the reasons it's also so lush. You can often find sunshine on the southern side, but it's not guaranteed, especially in the winter. Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.

MORE DETAILS

Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

MORE DETAILS

Personally, I feel that Kauai deserves your undivided vacation attention, and even a full devoted week in Kauai will still feel too short. For your 7 day Kauai itinerary, you definitely have time to move around and explore different areas for all the best things to do in Kauai.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

There are many reasons why Maui is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but one of the top reasons is its breathtaking beaches and tropical landscapes. You won't want to miss the world-famous Kaanapali Beach, where you can spend the day swimming in crystal clear waters or lounging on soft white sand.

MORE DETAILS

Kauai's West Shore The West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel.

MORE DETAILS