Maui or Kauaʻi, which is better?

If you’ve decided you want to travel to Hawaiʻi but are having a hard time choosing which island(s) to visit, you’re not alone. Given that there are six islands to choose from and that you (most likely) will only have time to visit one or two, you may find yourself in a position where you have to pick between them.

It’s a good problem to have, but still, we understand that this decision can be difficult. Which island is the best fit for your trip? How does one pick between Maui and Oʻahu? Between Kauaʻi and the Big Island?

In this series, our goal is to provide a breakdown of how the islands stack up against one another, comparing their particular personalities so you may see which is most in line with your interests. Here, we tackle the main differences between Kauaʻi and Maui.

For more breakdowns you should have a look at our comparisons of Maui vs. Oʻahu, the Big Island vs. Oʻahu, Maui vs. the Big Island, and Kauaʻi vs Oʻahu.

Maui and Kaua‘i in a Nutshell

Of course we are cutting some corners trying to compare two paradise-like islands in a 1000-word guide but for the sake of trip planning it’s important to know how the islands compare to each other – what they have in abundance, and what you may find lacking. This will help you map out your trip, choose the island that best fits your desires, and arrive with proper expectations.

Below, we give basic overviews of Maui and Kauaʻi, followed by a breakdown of how they stack up against one another.

Maui

Maui contains a little bit of everything that people picture when they think of Hawaiʻi: long white-sand beaches, tall volcanoes, luxurious resorts, and laid-back agriculture. Thanks to its generous size (it’s the second largest island behind Big Island) and lack of a big city, Maui’s vibe is relaxed, made up of a collection of small beach towns. Its natural landscape is highlighted by its two large volcanoes, its offshore islands and whale watching sanctuary, and its more adventurous offerings, like the Road to Hāna and outdoor opportunities in Haleakalā National Park.

The scenic Road to Hana is the undisputed number one attraction on Maui. Image credit: Benoit de Chastenet, source.

Recommended minimum stay: 5 days

Good to know for Maui: On your way up to Haleakakā, you’ll pass through what’s called Upcountry Maui, a belt of small farms on the hillsides of the volcano. Pop into the towns of Makawao and Kula to experience a different slice of life in Hawaiʻi that features high-elevation living, panoramic views, ranches and cowboy history, and small, family-owned farms (lavender, coffee, pineapple).

Don’t miss these 3 things: A visit to the top of Haleakalā and its 10,000-foot crater, with stops in Upcountry Maui along the way; the Road to Hāna; A water activity (boat ride, snorkel trip, whale watching tour) off west Maui.

Kaua‘i

Kauaʻi is home to arguably the most stunning natural scenery in all of Hawaiʻi. For a long time, it flew under the radar in regards to tourism, but those days are over. In the last decade, the island has caught on in a major way, prompting new visitors as well as new residents to discover its laid-back, natural vibe.

It was only a matter of time. Kauaʻi, nicknamed the “The Garden Island,” is home to a collection of dramatic natural features that tower over small, rural communities, and the capacity for outdoor adventure and scenic beauty on Kauaʻi is extraordinary. The two main natural attractions, the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi’s north shore and Waimea Canyon on the west side, serve as bookends for endless stretches of wilderness, including hiking trails, a navigable river, and waterfalls.

The easily accessible Waimea Canyon Lookout on Kauaʻi. Image credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Recommended minimum stay: 4 days

Good to know for Kauaʻi: To best experience Kauaʻi, consider visiting in the summer. The island receives a lot of rain during the winter, and the ocean conditions can be extremely rough at this time.

Don’t miss these 3 things: Experience the Nāpali Coast on foot or by boat; Hike or visit the lookouts at Waimea Canyon; Take a surf lesson at Hanalei Bay.

What island should you choose if you like…

Each Hawaiian island has a little bit of everything, but some islands are stronger than others in certain areas. In this way, it is helpful to come to a decision by considering which factor is most important to you. Here are some things to consider when comparing Maui and Kauaʻi:

1. Outdoor adventures
2. Beaches
3. Volcanoes
4. Food, drinks and nightlife
5. Variety

Outdoor Adventure: Kauaʻi

Maui has a tremendous amount of outdoor activities, boasting an array of quality water, beach, and volcanic adventures. But, while people go to Maui for a variety of other reasons, most visitors to Kauaʻi go for its connection to the natural world. They don’t call it the “Garden Island” for nothing.

Hiking on Kauaʻi is one of the most popular activities, with a wide range of trail options and terrains, including the Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon – two of the most distinct, revered natural areas in the entire state. Because of its age (4-5 million years old, compared to Maui’s 2-3 million), Kauaʻi’s landscapes have been delicately carved and showcase the dramatic, beautiful effects of erosion. Waimea Canyon, for example, is called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” 10 miles long and more than 3,000 feet deep.

Obviously, you can find outdoor adventures on any Hawaiian island, but on Kauaʻi, it’s the main event.

The Nāpali coast cliffs as seen from a helicopter. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Beaches: Maui

Kauaʻi has many beautiful beaches – such as Hanalei, Polihale, and Poʻipū – but ultimately, it can’t match the quality and quantity of what you’ll find on Maui. There are more options, more variety, and more reliable swimming conditions on Maui throughout the year.

Maui’s beaches are arguable the best beaches of Hawaiʻi!

Aerial view of Little Beach. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Volcanoes: Maui

Maui is made up of two volcanoes, including the 10,000-foot Haleakalā and its associated national park, home to hiking trails, star gazing, bike tours, and viewing areas that explore the volcano’s inner crater. Elsewhere around the island, visiting ʻĪao Valley, hiking La Perouse Bay, and snorkeling at Molokini are all experiential ways to explore the volcanic ecosystems on Maui.

Kauaʻi’s appeal lies largely in the activities associated with the weathering of its volcanic landscape. It only has one volcano, but it does feature extra-dramatic formations within and upon it. The Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon are world class in this regard, offering extreme scenic beauty and active, adventurous activities.

Panorama of the Haleakala summit crater. Image credit: Anita Gould, source.

Maui gets the nod here, but it’s not a blowout win. The main differences are that Maui has two volcanoes compared to only one on Kauaʻi, and that Maui offers a more classic volcano experience. Because Haleakalā’s caldera has not been entirely eroded away, it is a good experience for those new to volcanoes because there are more recognizable geological remnants to explore (i.e., craters, cinder cones, etc). That said, if you’ve already seen a volcanic crater and are familiar with the formation of the islands, then Kauaʻi provides the chance to see the implications and effects of erosion via its highly-dramatic canyons and cliffs.

Food, Drinks, and Nightlife: Maui

Kauaʻiʻs food scene is better than it used to be, now supporting trendy gastropubs, such as Street Burger, alongside a local food truck scene with standouts like Hanalei Taro & Juice.

But Maui takes the cake here in a landslide. It’s a bigger island with a bigger population, so naturally, there are more options when it comes to local bars and restaurants in Lāhainā, Kīhei, Kahului, and Pāʻia. Maui’s high-end, luxury tourism market means you’ll find a variety of high-end establishments in areas like Wailea and Kaʻanapali.

Variety: Tie

Obviously, with Maui being a much bigger island, one could argue that it naturally has more quantity and, thus, more variety – and that’s true in many regards. It does have more restaurants, more residents, more beaches, and more towns to choose from. It also has two volcanoes (compared to Kauai’s one), quite some waterfalls, and an Upcountry aspect that most islands don’t have.

That said, Kauaʻi is no slouch when it comes to its diversity of things to do: Boat rides along the Nāpali Coast, waterfall hikes, charming beach towns, rainforests, resort areas (Poʻipū/Princeville), agriculture, plantation history, lots of stunning sights and destinations, and the largest canyon in the entire island chain (Waimea Canyon).

Kayakers on Wailua River (Kauaʻi). Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

So, while it may be true that Maui has “more of everything,” both islands contain an impressive variety of experiences across a variety of interests. We wouldn’t worry about getting bored on either island.

Why you should go to Kauaʻi (and forget about Maui)

Kauaʻi and Maui are both beautiful, but they offer different experiences for travelers. Here are some reasons to take a vacation to Kauaʻi instead of Maui:

1. Natural Beauty: Kauaʻi is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and dramatic cliffs. It is home to Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, as well as the iconic Napali Coast. Kauaʻi also has many beautiful beaches, some of which are more secluded and less crowded than those on Maui.
2. Outdoor Activities and Adventures: Kauaʻi offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Visitors can hike along the Napali Coast, explore the Waimea Canyon, or take a boat tour to see the island’s marine life up close. Kauaʻi also has several excellent golf courses and is a popular destination for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. (See also our overview of Kauaʻi land activities and the 7 most popular water activities on Kauaʻi).
3. Authentic Hawaiian Culture: Kauaʻi is known for its strong connection to Hawaiian culture and traditions. Visitors can experience this through local festivals, cultural events, and traditional Hawaiian food. Kauaʻi also has several historic sites, including the Waioli Mission House and the Kilauea Lighthouse, which offer a glimpse into the island’s past. Check out our list of 11 history and cultural activies on Kauaʻi for a deeper dive.
4. Peace and Quiet: While Kauaʻi is a popular tourist destination, it is generally less crowded and more laid-back than Maui. This makes it a great choice for travelers looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation. Kauaʻi is also known for its small towns and charming local shops (see for example our Hanalei and Lihue city guides), which offer a more authentic Hawaiian experience than the larger, more commercialized areas of Maui.
5. Romantic Getaway: Kauaʻi is often considered one of the most romantic Hawaiian islands, with its secluded beaches, beautiful sunsets, and intimate resorts. It is a popular destination for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Overall, Kauaʻi offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience that may be more appealing to some travelers than the larger, more developed island of Maui.

Why you should go to Maui (and skip Kauaʻi)

Maui offers a diverse range of activities, attractions, and experiences that may be more appealing to some travelers than the quieter, more laid-back island of Kauaʻi.

1. Variety of Activities: Maui is known for offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re looking for hiking, surfing, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach, Maui has something for everyone. The island is also home to several world-class golf courses, as well as the famous Road to Hana scenic drive.
2. Culinary Scene: Maui has a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants and food trucks offering everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international cuisine. Visitors can also explore local farmers’ markets and sample fresh, locally grown produce.
3. Beautiful Beaches: While Kauaʻi is known for its stunning natural beauty, Maui is famous for its beautiful beaches. From the white sands of Kaanapali to the black sands of Wai’anapanapa, Maui’s beaches offer a variety of landscapes and activities.
4. Whale Watching: Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. From December to April, these majestic creatures migrate to Maui’s warm waters to mate and give birth. Visitors can take a whale watching tour to see them up close.
5. Nightlife and Shopping: Maui has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues offering entertainment for visitors. The island is also home to several shopping centers, including the upscale Shops at Wailea and the Maui Mall. Check out our Kihei and Lahaina city guides to get started.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or a vibrant nightlife, Maui is a great choice for your next vacation.

Getting Started: Sample Itineraries for Maui and Kauaʻi

You can find more in-depth guides and itineraries for both islands on our website.

• Kauaʻi: Where to stay on Kauaʻi, our Kauaʻi overview article and 7 day itinerary.
• Maui: Where to stay on Maui, our Maui overview article and 8 day itinerary.