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

Like someone mentioned earlier, if you decide to do the 4 mile roundtrip portion of the Kalaupapa Trail to the beach, it is described as "strenuous and tricky".

You need to have good stamina, balance, and, of course, good shoes/boots. They will get stained from the red dirt/clay.

I was in good shape, but wore some open toe Merrell hiking sandals and nearly busted my butt several times. The first 1/2 mile is literally like doing an uneven, muddy, slippery stair climber. I thought about turning around.

I ended up doing the additional 4 miles to the water falls. That section had a few spots that were tricky also.

Said I would never do the hike again, but within a few months, I think I've changed my mind. Headed back to Hawaii in Mar '23, and may do Kauai and the hike. If I do, I will definitely have better shoes.