🏝 Maui vs Kauai: Which to Choose for Your First Visit in 2024 (2024)

Both Maui and Kauai are slices of paradise like only Hawaii can offer. Aloha vibes blow in on the trade winds as they rustle palm trees and comb picture-perfect beaches.

In comparing Maui vs Kauai, the question is not which is better, but which is better for YOU!

I have visited Maui on three occasions and Kauai on another two. While I have a personal preference, my goal with this guide is only to help you make the right choice for your first visit.

In this guide, I have presented detailed comparisons of the two islands based on statistics, research, and, when relevant, my personal experience.

This includes breakdowns of average cost, beach quality and accessibility, top activities, weather, crowds, scenery, and so much more.

🌺 Maui vs Kauai Overview

Some Quick, Important Notes

🔥 As of October 8, 2023, all of Maui has been re-opened, with the exception of Lahaina.

🏆 Maui is by far the more popular option for a Hawaiian vacation over Kauai. There are several reasons for this, but the most notable is Kauai’s notoriously rainy climate.

🏨 Kauai is the smallest and least-visited of the major Hawaiian islands, with the most limited range of tourist services.

✈️ 16 airports have direct flights to Maui, while only 9 airports have direct flights to Kauai.

📸 Top things to do on Maui include Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana, Red Sand Beach, Molokini Crater, Wailea & Kihei Beaches, and day trips to Lanai.

🌺 Top things to do on Kauai include Na Pali coast tours, Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Polihale State Park, and Poipu Beaches.

🌴 Maui vs Kauai Detailed Comparisons

🐢 Maui Overview

Who Should Choose Maui Over Kauai

If you consider your ideal vacation to fall into one of the following categories, Maui is a better option than Kauai for you:

• Families with children
• Honeymooners
• Beach bums
• Road trippers
• Snorkelers / scuba divers
• Surfers & windsurfers
• Shoppers
• Group celebrations

🌿 Kauai Overview

Who Should Choose Kauai Over Maui

Kauai is a better option than Maui for the following first-time visitors to Hawaii:

• Nature & landscape photographers
• Hikers
• Local culture enthusiasts
• Small-crowd seekers

🌤 Weather in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
☀️ Kihei & Wailea on Maui are the driest places to stay, with the best weather on either island.
🌥 Kauai is the rainiest Hawaiian island by far, and precipitation should be expected.

Kauai receives more annual rainfall and more days with at least some precipitation than any other Hawaiian island. Maui, meanwhile, is home to the driest and sunniest regions in all of Hawaii.

Weather will always be among the most important factors for planning a tropical getaway, which is one of the main reasons most people choose Maui over Kauai for their holiday.

In particular, the Kihei and Wailea regions on the southwest coast of Maui are the most reliable destinations for sunshine in all of Hawaii.

If you otherwise love Kauai and want the best chance at sunshine, the south side of the island is the “leeward side” (aka dry side), and Poipu is by far the best option.

🏖 Beaches in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🏝 Maui has more (and better) beaches with easier access than Kauai.
🌊 Kauai has a few beautiful beaches but is more renowned for its diverse landscapes.

Maui has considerably more sandy beaches and accessible coastline than Kauai, and is unanimously the better choice for beach-centric Hawaiian holidays.

Beyond this, Maui enjoys far more sunshine than Kauai, meaning more plentiful beach days.

With that said, there are some exceptional beaches on Kauai as well.

The two most popular and easy-to-reach beaches on Kauai are Poipu Beach in the south and Hanalei Beach in the north. Both of these are superb destinations for a day in the sand, but the options for those idyllic, postcard-worthy shorelines are limited outside of these two.

⚠️ RELATED GUIDE
THE BEST BEACHES OF HAWAII

✈️ Flights to Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🛬 More cities offer direct flights and a lower baseline airfare to Maui than Kauai.
💰 Maui will usually be cheaper, but dates will impact flight costs to Hawaii more than the specific island.

15 cities in the US (and 30 worldwide) provide direct flights to Maui, compared to just 9 cities in the US flying direct to Kauai.

Because Maui is the more popular Hawaiian island to visit, there are also far more flights there than to smaller, quieter Kauai. Accordingly, the starting price for airfare is less for flights to Maui (OGG) than to Kauai (LIH).

With all this in mind, the cost of flying to Hawaii is actually far more reasonable than you might imagine, especially if you are able to fly on weekdays.

If you have some flexibility regarding the dates of your vacation, be sure to check flight prices and options for both islands, as you will likely be able to find comparable prices.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Accommodation will be by far the most expensive part of your visit to Hawaii. If budget is a concern, you should prioritize affordable accommodation over airfare.

🧐 READ MORE
HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO HAWAII FROM START TO FINISH

💰 Cost of Visiting Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
💲 The average cost of a visit to Maui and Kauai is very similar, with available accommodation being the primary budget concern.

When comparing the cost of a trip to Kauai vs Maui, you are primarily comparing the cost of accommodation on each island. Tours, airfare, groceries, and activities are fairly equal in price.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui has the highest average hotel price of the four major islands, but this is skewed by the high number of luxury resorts inflating the average.

In 2022, the average daily rate for a hotel room in Maui was $606.92 compared to $398.08 on Kauai. However, this average rate does not tell the whole story!

For perspective, I conducted research across booking.com, VRBO, and other booking platforms using a variety of sample dates to see which island had the cheapest options day over day. What I discovered is that it was easier to find a good deal on Maui due to there being vastly more options than on Kauai.

It is noteworthy that Kauai is the more camper van-friendly of the islands, so if you are feeling truly adventurous and prioritizing your budget, renting a campervan may present the most cost-effective option of all.

💰 READ MORE:

🚗 Getting Around Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🏖 Maui makes it easier to book an extended stay without needing a rental car.
🚘 Visitors of Kauai will almost certainly need to rent a car, but driving is easy here.

If you plan on leaving your resort and exploring the islands, you will most likely want a rental car regardless of whether you decide to visit Kauai or Maui.

Public transportation in Hawaii is very limited and should not be relied upon. If you want to do any exploring of your own, which I highly recommend, you will need to rent a car.

Those uncomfortable driving in Hawaii will probably want to choose Maui for their Hawaiian holiday. There are more tour operators who provide shuttle services on Maui and more areas to stay where all services are within walking distance.

The major draw of Kauai is the beautiful nature and greater sense of peace and quiet. While you could certainly plan an entire stay in a resort in Princeville or Poipu and never need to drive, it would make more sense to choose Maui over Kauai if all you seek is a beach resort.

Luckily, rental cars are surprisingly affordable, beginning at just $30/ day during off-peak seasons and rarely landing over $65/ day even during peak season.

📸 Top Sights, Activities & Things to Do: Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🏝 Maui has better beaches and provides more activities & tours for tourists.
🐠 Kauai has the best landscapes and nature in Hawaii, but requires more effort to see.

Maui and Kauai are the two best Hawaiian islands for nature and adventure lovers. Both are home to a surprisingly diverse range of photogenic ecosystems.

If your perfect Hawaiian vacation involves sightseeing and tours rather than just co*cktails on the beach, you can’t wrong with Maui or Kauai.

The major highlights of Maui include the mighty Haleakala Volcano, Red Sand Beach, Molokini Crater, several waterfalls, countless pristine beaches, and the world-famous “Road to Hana” scenic drive. All of these can be done via tour or on a self-drive.

In Kauai, the incredible Na Pali Coast is hands-down the major attraction. This can be visited by air or sea only, with a slight exception for the Kalepa Ridge Trail and Kalalau Trail, which provide limited land access.

The other major attractions in Kauai include Waimea Canyon, aka “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Wailua River, Hanalei Bay, and a myriad of impressive waterfalls.

With the exception of the helicopter and boat tours of the Na Pali cliffs, most of Kauai can be explored by self-tour.

🦖RELATED GUIDE:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAUAI

🤙🏽 Vibes & Atmosphere in Kauai vs Maui

Quick Takeaway
😴 Kauai is the quietest and least-visited island, with the chillest vibes.
⛱ Maui is a major destination with more buzz than Kauai, but still gets very quiet after dark.

Maui sees almost 3x more visitors annually than Kauai, so it comes as no surprise that there is a bit more buzz and bustle on “The Valley Isle”.

While Maui is seen as a premier tropical getaway, the perpetual rain that frequents Kauai keeps most visitors at bay.

The result is exactly what you would expect. Kauai is a quiet island that enjoys a slower pace and calmer atmosphere than Maui. Everything is closed after dark and nightlife is difficult to find. Many find the locals less hospitable to tourists on Kauai than any other island.

Maui, meanwhile, caters heavily to tourists, and there are a lot more of them. You can expect to occasionally have difficulty finding parking or solitude, but you will never struggle to find the services and amenities you require.

Maui is surprisingly quiet after dark, however. While each of the major tourist hubs will have at least one or two bars open late, this is by no means a “party island”.

🏨 Accommodation & Resorts in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🏡 Maui has better accommodation options for honeymoons and special occasions.
🏩 Kauai has more affordable starting rates but fewer options.

Maui has almost three times the number of hotels than Kauai and sees far more tourists each year.

As a result, there is a much wider selection of accommodation to choose from, but also more competition for them, especially during peak season.

⭐️ Pro tip: Hawaii hotels and rentals have additional taxes and resort fees. Ensure you click all the way through your booking to get a final estimated price, as these additional fees can add up quickly!

Accommodation on Maui

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On Maui, most of the accommodation is found on the western coast of the island, especially aroundWailea, Kihei, and Ka’anapali.

The majority of Maui’s resorts are located in the Wailea and Ka’anapali regions.

Maui is well-known for its luxury, oceanfront resorts, and honeymoon hotels, making the island a favorite for couples. Additionally, it is easy to find condo rentals that are perfect for family vacations.

🏠 READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY ON MAUI

Accommodation on Kauai

The vast majority of visitors to Kauai choose to either stay in Princeville or Poipu.

In the north of the island (the wet side), Princeville has more affordable small hotels and vacation rentals available. Conversely, Poipu in the south (the dry side) has more expensive hotels and larger resorts.

While Kauai has a few excellent luxury resorts, there aren’t as many of the same caliber as you’ll find in Maui.

For those up for an adventure, Kauai is a great place to explore by campervan. Not only does this make for an unforgettable experience, but renting a campervan provides the most cost-effective option for visiting any Hawaiian island available.

🏠 READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY ON KAUAI

🍹 Bars & Nightlife in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
😴 Kauai has almost no nightlife outside of the resorts.
🍹 Maui has some upscale dining but is still very quiet at night.

The only metropolitan city you will find anywhere in Hawaii is Honolulu on Oahu. Outside of that, nightlife is limited on any island and mostly limited to low-key bars.

If nightlife and clubbing are important elements of your Hawaii trip, Maui will be a much better choice than Kauai. In particular, the Kihei region on Maui is where you will find the most activity after dark.

There will always be some bars open until 1am, even on Kauai, but don’t expect to find much beyond this.

🍽 Food & Restaurants in Kauai vs Maui

Quick Takeaway
🍴Maui has more fine dining options and a wider selection of restaurants.
🍱 Kauai’s higher-end restaurants are limited and mostly found in Poipu.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion in Hawaii and fine dining is a priority, or looking for casual places to take the family, Maui will have a few more options to choose from.

Surprisingly, one of the fanciest places to eat on Maui is tucked away in the Paia region along the North Shore. Mama’s Fish House offers mouth-watering fresh seafood and is widely considered the premier restaurant in Maui.

Kauai has a few high end options of its own, most of which residing in the resort town of Poipu on the south side (also the dry side) of the island.

If you are looking for local, casual *grindz*, you can’t go wrong with either. Hawaiian food is delicious, and both islands boast no shortage of amazing food trucks and small-kitchen destinations to grab something affordable and authentic.

*Grinds, commonly spelled with a “z” as grindz, is a Hawaiian slang term for food or a meal out.

🌿 Natural Beauty & Scenery of Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🌄 Kauai is more beautiful overall with incredible, diverse nature everywhere you look.
🌸 Maui has a lot of natural treasures and amazing sights, but they need to be sought out.

Not everyone dreams of sitting by the pool all week on their vacation. If you are anything like us, the best trips offer plenty of sightseeing as well!

Maui is better than Kauai if you are looking for a mix of beach days, dining, and outdoor adventuring; especially if you prefer to explore by car than by hike.

There is the famous Road to Hana drive through lush, waterfall-laden rainforest, as well as a red sand beach, Haleakala volcano, O’heo Gulch, Olivine Pools, and so much more.

Kauai, meanwhile, is beautiful in every direction you look. The frequent rain has created a lush landscape, earning this island the nickname “The Garden Isle”.

There are also a handful of incredible places to find with amazing photo opportunities such as Na Pali Coast, Queen’s Bath, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, and plenty more.

If landscape photography and hiking is your thing, you will want to choose Kauai over Maui.

⛱ Crowds in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Maui is the second most popular Hawaiian island, but crowds are mostly well-dispersed. Expect company in most places, but crowds only in the Kamaole Beaches & resorts.
🌴 Kauai is the quietest island in Hawaii with lots of hidden beaches. Expect crowds only in Poipu and Hanalei Bay (Princeville).

Maui sees about 3 million people annually on average, compared to only about 1.3 million on Kauai. It should come as no surprise then that Kauai is the quieter island with mostly smaller crowds.

I say mostly smaller because there are also far fewer places to disperse the crowds that do exist on Kauai. Nearly the entire west coast is inaccessible due to the sheer Na Pali cliffs, and many of the beaches are not easily accessible on Kauai.

Accordingly, you can expect the resort-centric beaches of Poipu and Hanalei Bay to be very crowded at all times.

Maui, meanwhile, has more visitors overall but also a far more easily accessible shoreline. Places like Kihei will always be abuzz with visitors, but finding a quiet place for a beach day is actually surprisingly easy as there are just so many to choose from along the entire west coast.

Ka’anapali is the Waikiki Beach of Maui. It is where you will find large resorts right on the beach with families and beach bums who don’t plan on straying far from their hotel rooms.

Hana and the Maui North Shore Region are two great options for those truly trying to get away from the families and crowds.

🏘 RELATED GUIDE: THE TOP 10 BEST TOWNS IN MAUI

🐠 Snorkeling & Diving in Kauai vs. Maui

Quick Takeaway
🤿 Maui is the best island in Hawaii for beach-access snorkeling, and Molokini Crater is the most famous snorkel site in the state.
🌊 Kauai is the worst of the Hawaiian islands for snorkeling.

Most consider Maui to be the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are more beach-access snorkel spots on Maui than any other island, plus an assortment of excellent locations you can reach by boat tour.

There are several locations with guaranteed turtle sightings on Maui that are free to visit and easy to access, a few Marine Sanctuaries you can visit for free, plus the world-famous Molokini Crater.

🤿 READ MORE: BEST SNORKELING SPOTS IN MAUI

Kauai, conversely, is easily the worst of the islands for snorkeling. Most of the “good” spots are beaches with seasonal limitations due to dangerous swells and conditions. These include Ke’e Beach, Tunnels Beach, and Anini Beach.

Bottom line: if you plan on spending significant time underwater, you will definitely want to choose Maui over Kauai.

🥾 Hiking in Maui vs Kauai

Quick Takeaway
🏃‍♀️ Kauai is (arguably) the best island for hiking and exploring.
🧗 Maui has a few fun trails, but most things can be seen from the roadside.

It is not to say that there is more hiking on Kauai than in Maui, but most agree that the hikes available are more spectacular.

In particular, the Kalalau Trail is probably the best in all of Hawaii and one of only two ways to explore the Na Pali coast by foot (the other being the amazing but now-closed Kalepa Ridge Trail).

Maui has plenty of hiking opportunities, especially around the West Maui Mountains, but very few outside of the locals tend to hit these trails.

The most famous hike on Maui is the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park on the Road to Hana. This hike takes you through an incredible Bamboo Forest to different waterfalls.

The great thing about Maui is that most of its most beautiful destinations can be seen with minimal walking as long as you have a car. Kauai demands a bit more hiking if you want to truly see the best of the best, but is more lush and beautiful overall.

🙋‍♀️ Maui vs Kauai FAQs

Use the drop-down boxes below to find the answers to the most frequently asked questions comparing Maui to Kauai.

📚 More Kauai, Maui & Hawaii Travel Guides

I hope you’ve found this guide comparing Maui vs Kauai helpful as you plan your next Hawaiian vacation.

Before you go, we have a plethora of other guides to both islands and the entire Rainbow State to browse. Each of these will be useful as you continue planning the vacation you deserve!

General Hawaii Travel Guides

• TRIP TO HAWAII COST: How to budget for your trip
• PLANNING A TRIP TO HAWAII: Start to finish planning guide
• HAWAII BUCKET LIST: Best Things to Do on Each Island
• 7 DAY HAWAII ITINERARY:
• 10 DAY HAWAII ITINERARY
• 14 DAY HAWAII ITINERARY
• HOW TO ISLAND HOP IN HAWAII
• BEST BEACHES OF HAWAII GUIDE
• HOW MANY DAYS IN HAWAII?

Maui Travel Guides

• MAUI PACKING LIST: A printable essential packing list + 25 useful items to consider
• 7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: How to see the entire island in one week
• WHERE TO STAY ON MAUI: The best places and areas to stay on the island
• PLANNING A TRIP TO MAUI: Step-by-step guide for planning your first visit to Maui
• ROAD TO HANA STOPS: The Top 25 places to visit on the Road to Hana
• ROAD TO HANA ITINERARY: How to plan for a 1-2 day self-drive.
• BEST MAUI PHOTO SPOTS: 15 best places for photographing Maui
• SECRET BEACHES OF MAUI: The 10 most incredible hidden beaches on the island
• MAUI SUNSETS: The Top 10 places & activities for watching sunset in Maui
• KIHEI BEACHES GUIDE: Photos, locations, and descriptions for all 15 beaches in Kihei
• BEST SNORKELING IN MAUI: Best snorkel spots, tips, tours, and more.

Kauai Travel Guides

• PERFECT 5-7 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY
• PLANNING A TRIP TO KAUAI: START-TO-FINISH
• WHERE TO STAY ON KAUAI: BEST AREAS
• 35 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAUAI
• COMPLETE KAUAI PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
• WHERE TO WATCH SUNSET IN KAUAI
• 19 BEST WATERFALLS ON KAUAI

💬 Final Thoughts on Maui vs. Kauai

I truly hope you have found this guide comparing Maui vs Kauai useful for deciding which island to choose for your next Hawaiian adventure!

If you still can’t decide, might I recommend visiting both?! Island hopping in Hawaii is incredibly affordable and a great way to experience two very different places for yourself!

Now we’d love to hear from YOU!

If there are any questions I have not answered, revisions I need to make, or other suggestions for improvement, please let us know in the comments below.

Likewise, if you have found it useful and want to leave some kind words, those are always appreciated.

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