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July- Kauai vs. Maui- will Maui be too crowded?

rooey5004rooey5004 member
100 Comments First Anniversary
in Honeymoon Discussions

Hi everyone. I have been reading a lot about the Hawaiian islands as my fiance and I are planning a honeymoon for the 3rd week in July. We're trying to decide between Maui and Kauai, so I'll tell you a little bit about us.

What is important to me: Clear water and great food. Ziplining. A luau.

What is important to fiance: Avoiding crowds. Nice scenery and waterfalls.More to do than just sit on the beach. He loves to fish and also loves to go out to dinner, so good restaurants are very important to us. He would also love to experience a luau.

 So it seems to me that Kauai would be best to avoid crowds. However, it seems that Maui would be more appropriate for restaurants, beaches, and fishing.

 So my question is... will we likely feel too claustrophobic to enjoy Maui in July? Are there less crowded areas in Maui that are still close enough to Lahaina so that we could go to the luau and enjoy nice beaches and restaurants?

Finally, are there areas in Kauai that might have a good mix of what we are looking for? We are looking to spend $200-$300 per night on accommodations.

 Thanks in advance!

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Re: July- Kauai vs. Maui- will Maui be too crowded?

  • Jells2dot0Jells2dot0 mod
    Moderator Ninth Anniversary 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    Is there supposed to be more to this post? I think "crowded" is subjective. I do not like crowds and prefer to vacation at resorts with less than 50 rooms, but I have been to places that have over 100 rooms and have felt like the only person there.   It also depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If Maui has more of the amenities you want for your trip, then I wouldn't skip it just because there might be more people around. I have been to both places and think Kauai is a little less crowded, but you can avoid some of the crowdedness in Maui by staying in Wailea, which doesn't have as many resorts as the strip in Lahaina or Kaanapali.

     







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  • Jells2dot0Jells2dot0 mod
    Moderator Ninth Anniversary 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    For some reason, your post didn't show up when responded before. Now that I see, it answers a lot of the questions I had! I think you'll find that Poipu and Lahaina/Kaanapali are going to be the best areas to find accommodations within your budget. Unfortunately, they are the busier areas. The Marriott in Wailea may be within budget range, or maybe some condo places on the fringe of Kaanapali. However, based on some of the points above, it does sound like Kauai may be the better fit. I've only ever stayed in Princeville, but check Tripadvisor to see if there are any condo units in or around Poipu. I'm sure there are and I think you'll be happy with the mix of what Poipu will offer.

     







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  • daria24daria24 member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary First Answer
    We went to both Kauai and Maui in June/July. Kauai is definitely less crowded as a whole, even the most tourist-y areas aren't too bad. If you stay in South Maui, it is far less crowded (And a reasonable drive to West Maui/Lahaina). In Kauai I would vote for the north shore-the resorts are more spread out than Poipu which can feel crowded. The North Shore also has more interesting beaches.

    Maui is more expensive than Kauai, it will be harder to find a hotel in your price range on Maui. I would look into renting a condo, as PP mentioned. 

    You can go to a luau on either island, both islands have good restaurants, though I would give Maui the edge in the restaurant department, mostly because there are just so many more options. 

    No matter which island you choose, there is PLENTY to do other than lay on a beach. But if I was going back again, I would choose Kauai. It was just more our speed. 
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  • Dreamergirl8812Dreamergirl8812 member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its Second Anniversary First Answer
    I think the most important thing for you is the resort. If you want to spend more time with each other, and not be that social, then Kaui. However, I stayed at a beautiful resort in Maui called Hotel Wailea. It was a small resort that was kind of spread out. The rooms are 4 unit bungalows, rather than stacked like a hotel. It was quiet and we felt like we had the whole resort to ourselves (in a good way).

    The restaurant onsite (I forgot what it's called) was really good. Room service was incredibly limited and bar service was somewhat limited. We just loaded on booze in our room and then walked around with red plastic cups. I digress.

    We also ate at the Grand Wailea (he proposed on the beach right after our meal there). Anyway, I would check it out. The only thing is that it's not ON the beach. So when you want to go to the beach, you go to the lobby and an escalade takes you. It was pretty cool.

    http://www.hotelwailea.com/



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  • rooey5004rooey5004 member
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    Thanks all!  Really appreciate the suggestions.  I was pleased to see that Hotel Wailea is actually in our price range.  I didn't think it would be given the other $$ resorts in the area.  Looks very peaceful too.  The Pu'u Poa condo is absolutely beautiful.  I was mostly looking at the Poipu area but now you guys got me into looking up north.  I just didn't realize that the beaches would be swimmable.

    Got some options to talk to FI about now when he's ready :)  We're also going to be moving into a new house soon, so he reports being unable to think too much about the honeymoon now.  So for now I'm just doing the research!
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