Do you have a trip to the Hawaiian Islands in your future? If so, you may find it tough to figure out how to best spend your time when you arrive because Hawaii is so much more than just Waikiki Beach. The islands of both Maui and Kauai will have fewer tourists but all of the amazing island adventures that a visitor could want. How do you know which island will be the best fit for your next vacation? Read on to learn if you should go to Maui or Kauai.
Why Maui is awesome:
For starters, Maui is gorgeous! The views are spectacular, and it offers plenty of opportunity to lounge on the sand. You will also find plenty of direct flights into Maui from all over the mainland.
Maui for solo travel:
If you are traveling alone, you will find all sorts of things to do in Maui. You can spend your time lounging on one of their beautiful beaches. Those who like to be a little more active will enjoy a day of stand-up paddle boarding on the water. You may want to consider enjoying your time on the water from a kayak. And if you are feeling a bit daring, sign yourself up for some surfing lessons. All of these options are perfect for solo travel.
Maui for family travel:
For those who are not going it alone, there are plenty of family friendly options on Maui. Take the whole crew out on a dinner cruise for some of the island’s famous seafood. Check out one of their eclectic swap meets which feature hundreds of local vendors. Grab the little ones and take them to view the sea life up close at the Maui Ocean Center aquarium. All of these choices make Maui perfect for family travel.
Why Kauai is awesome:
Anyone looking to get away from big city life will really enjoy Kauai. The island features stunning views and plenty of activity. It is the perfect vacation spot for those looking for an off-the-grid experience.
Kauai for solo travel:
This is the place to be when it comes to adventure. Kauai offers tough hikes that will be sure to help you break a sweat. The beaches here will be far less crowded than Maui. Though there are plenty of hikes and lookouts to explore, many parts of the island are tough to get to without renting a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Kauai for family travel:
Those who are planning to bring the whole family along will have some great options on Kauai. The kids will love taking a tour of one of the local farms and sampling the island’s native fruits. There are amazing wildlife refuges that animal lovers will enjoy. Of course, no trip would be complete without attending a luau.
The Verdict: Whether you are looking for solo travel or family travel, you’ll find plenty to do on each island. It really comes down to how easy it is to get a direct flight and how you plan to get around once you arrive. That leaves Maui as the clear winner for both solo and family travel.
