re: Going to Maui and Kauai - Any tips or recommendations appreciated...

Maui:

Did Road to Hana (pools at Ohe’o were off limits for swimming), Haleakala sunrise (cold as a mfer), snorkeling at Molokini crater, Old Lahaina Luau, walked Paia and Front St.

Favorite eats: Mama’s Fishhouse (best sashimi of my life), Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at Grand Wailea (really nice at sunset), Monkeypod, South Maui Fish Co. (the poke bowl, holy shite).

There’s a legit cinnamon roll place in Kihei just across the road from the beach in a strip mall.
On road to Hana, hold off on banana bread until you get to Halfway to Hana. Don’t remember the name of the stop but where the vendors and shops are, the fish and chips at the converted RV were solid.

Outside of the obvious sites, there’s an awesome lookout on the way to Paia where you can watch surfers and grab a bite to eat at a food truck. Duck under the railing and walk down to the water; there’s a little memorial spot for lost surfers.