Touring to Hawai’i and solely have time for one island? Should you’ve narrowed down your decisions to Maui or Kauai, selecting between the 2 generally is a problem. In any case, you’re certain to have an incredible time on both island.
That stated, there are some key variations and points of interest that one island presents over the opposite. So why not select the very best one for you?
Breaking down the highlights of every island, distinction in prices, and greatest locations to remain, this can be a comparability of Maui vs. Kauai that can assist you plan your subsequent Hawaiian journey:
Highlights of Maui
Highway to Hana
Though Kauai is understood for its heavy rainfall, which yields some epic waterfalls, the Highway to Hana on Maui is dotted with equally spectacular ones, plus loads of different nice issues to do and see alongside the best way.
The route is exclusive, since you’ll additionally get to see bamboo forests, black-sand seashores, sea caves with lava tubes, cute small cities, and extra. You possibly can undoubtedly have an superior street journey on Kauai, however nothing really compares to what you’ll discover on the Highway to Hana on Maui.
Not like the Highway to Hana, which runs alongside Maui’s coast, Kauai has only a few roads that provide coastal views. Plus, Kauai is much less developed usually, making it harder to drive round.
Snorkeling within the Molokini Crater
Maui is understood for its thrilling snorkeling spots, just like the Molokini Crater. There are dozens of locations on the island to go snorkeling the place you’ll have the prospect to see sea turtles, humpback whales, colourful fish, stingrays, and even sharks.
Molokini Crater was as soon as utilized by the Navy for goal follow however was restored by conservationists. These days you’ll see a powerful number of corals and marine life that’s distinctive to the location.
Kauai has some nice snorkeling as nicely, however Maui undoubtedly has a larger number of websites, and lots of of them are simpler to get to than these on Kauai. Maui’s seashores are additionally way more swimmable than these on Kauai due to the calmer seas, so snorkeling is extra accessible right here.
Mount Haleakalā
Seeing a dawn on the prime of the Haleakalā volcano is a must-do should you select Maui. After all there are breathtaking locations on Kauai to see the dawn, however that is further particular. The journey to the highest of the mountain could require you to be up and able to go at 2:30am, however seeing the solar rise over the horizon whereas perched 10,000 toes above sea stage on a volcano is completely well worth the early begin.
To do that, you need to make a reservation. Between the drive there and again and the precise dawn itself, plan to be there from 3am to 7am, and ensure to decorate for chilly climate, because the mountaintop might be fairly chilly earlier than the solar comes up. Convey layers and prepare for an epic photo-op!
Seashores Galore
The identical purpose why Maui is good for snorkeling makes it the higher alternative if you wish to spend your days swimming, paddleboarding, or actually doing something within the water. Maui is understood for having calmer waters than Kauai, and also you’ll discover particular locations like Honokalani Seashore, which has black volcanic sand, and Ho’okipa Seashore, which is understood for its plentiful sea turtle inhabitants.
Highlights of Kauai
Waimea Canyon
Referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is an absolute gem, with views that you simply gained’t discover anyplace else in Hawai’i. You don’t want a allow to take a look at the canyon, and Waimea Canyon Highway will take you round to scenic overlooks. You possibly can even see the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls from the principle canyon overlook. You possibly can even hike the Waimea Canyon Path to discover additional.
This is without doubt one of the the explanation why Kauai is good for vacationers who’re on the lookout for a extra rugged and adventurous keep.
Nā Pali Coast
Whether or not you select to sail round it, fly above it, or hike via it, the Nā Pali Coast is certain to take your breath away. The jagged cliffs and luxurious greenery alongside the coast make this one of the spectacular pure wonders of Kauai.
Should you’re really up for a problem, you may hike the Kalalau Path. It’s a 22-mile spherical journey — and it’s a tricky one. You’ll see waterfalls alongside the best way, and there’s a distant seashore on the finish the place you may arrange camp.
Like Waimea Canyon, the Nā Pali Coast is an instance of why Kauai is healthier suited to outside adventures, versus a extra relaxed trip on Maui. Crusing or flying to the Nā Pali Coast does price a reasonably penny, nonetheless, and mountaineering the path requires loads of preparation.
Hideaway Seashore
Maui has a greater diversity of seashores which can be nice for swimming and snorkeling, however Kauai does have just a few — and Hideaway is without doubt one of the greatest, due to the tranquil waters which can be uncommon for the remainder of the island. It’s additionally identified for having monk seals, which you may spot swimming by. You’ll need to go down some steep stairs to get to the seashore, and parking is proscribed, so get there early within the morning.
If spending just a few days on the seashore is a part of your itinerary, it’s completely doable right here or at Tunnels Seashore.
Awa’awapuhi Path
A part of Kōkeʻe State Park, the Awa’awapuhi Path is an superior hike that demonstrates the rugged nature of Kauai completely. It has loads of shade alongside the best way, and the primary half is nearly totally downhill. The views of the ocean and rocky coast are unimaginable (as they’re on many others in Kōkeʻe State Park).
Trails like this one merely don’t exist on Maui. Certain, there are nice locations to hike there, however the abundance of mountaineering on Kauai surpasses it.
Prices of Maui vs. Kauai
There isn’t a lot of a distinction in price between Maui and Kauai. Most finances breakdowns of the Hawaiian Islands identify Maui as the most costly island to go to, with Kauai shut behind. Lodging, meals, and points of interest are about the identical usually, however it all is determined by what you hope to see and do throughout your journey.
For instance, you may probably do most of Kauai’s greatest hikes to some superior places for fairly low cost, however should you needed to see the identical places on a ship or helicopter tour, you’ll find yourself spending way more.
The identical goes for Maui. You possibly can spend a reasonably penny occurring snorkeling, diving, or whale-watching excursions, or you could possibly hire your personal snorkeling gear and see marine life cheaper.
Since Maui is way more geared towards honeymooners than Kauai, you may discover that lodging usually are not as solo-traveler pleasant and are typically costlier; similar goes for eating places. However try this solo-traveler information for Maui for some concepts on avoiding the honeymoon vibe.
In a nutshell, both island may be carried out on a finances with some cautious planning, however it will likely be simpler to save cash on Kauai.
Greatest Locations to Keep on Maui vs. Kauai
Each Maui and Kauai have a variety of stays. From mega-resorts to distant tenting, you could find all of it on each islands.
Maui receives extra vacationers per 12 months, so due to this fact it has extra lodges to select from. You’ll additionally discover the most effective of the most effective luxurious resorts and all-inclusives there. If that’s what you’re on the lookout for, Maui could be the higher alternative for you.
Kauai additionally has large luxurious lodges, however they’re not on the identical stage as these on Maui. You will discover loads of mid-range choices for each islands on Airbnb.
Last Verdict: Which Island Is Higher?
The reality is that the higher island for you is determined by what you might be on the lookout for. If you wish to get away from the crowds and have a extra adventurous journey, Kauai might be a better option for you. Should you’re all about luxurious and ease, Maui is certainly the place to go.
To decide on between these two unimaginable places requires having a good suggestion of what your itinerary will appear to be, what actions you need to do, and the place you need to keep. Even those that have been to each islands a number of instances have a tough time selecting their favourite, so chances are high you’ll need to come again and take a look at your second alternative, anyway!
Journey Responsibly in Hawai’i
When in Hawai’i, there are particular concerns to keep in mind, together with leave-no-trace rules that needs to be utilized each time you benefit from the nice open air:
- By no means contact, method, or chase wildlife, This consists of turtles and dolphins.
- Cut back or eradicate your reliance on plastic, as Hawai’i has stopped recycling it.
- Solely put on reef-safe sunscreen. Hawai’i’s reefs have been considerably broken as a result of sunscreen.
- All the time respect signage asking you to avoid cultural websites, even when different individuals are disrespecting it.
- Remember the fact that you’re a visitor, and comply with all native well being tips and guidelines.
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Whereas tourism will not be ultimate for a lot of locations, it’s additionally a actuality that it isn’t going anyplace. We completely agree that it is crucial that tourism to Hawai’i be accountable, so we’ve at all times been right here to supply information that helps folks expertise it as responsibly as doable. Individuals will at all times be on the lookout for this type of data, so we intention to be the primary useful resource they’ll see, one which encourages them to get pleasure from Hawai’i ethically.
Now that you simply’ve seen our breakdown of Maui vs. Kauai, which island will you select?
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