Trying to decide which 2 Hawaiian islands to visit
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Anonymous
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We’re a family of 4 (tween and teen boys) planning to head to Hawaii for 12 nights in August. We like to do active trips with hiking and water sports, but also enjoy learning about local history and culture. We’d prefer to not spend too much time in super crowded areas. This will be our first trip to Hawaii and I’m having a hard time narrowing down the two islands to visit.
I’m pretty sure the big island would appeal with the volcanos, black sand beaches, etc. Oahu appeals with the Pearl Harbor museum and Polynesian cultural center. But I’m not sure about spending a lot of time there after that. Maui looks fun and was recommended by friends, but we’re priced out of the fancier resorts in Wailea. What is it like staying in the more affordable condo areas, like Kihea, which lacks charm according to my snobby Frommers book Kauai looks gorgeous but I don’t know anyone who’s gone there. I kind of feel like it’s hard to go wrong in Hawaii. But I’d love to hear anyone’s recommendations for families with older kids. Thanks! |
Anonymous
| Kauai for hiking. |
Anonymous
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We have done Kauai and Maui. Kauai on honeymoon and Maui with kids (9 and 12 at the time). We loved both. Maui was great with kids and there is so much to do and see- sunrise or sunset at Healakala, Road to Hana, snorkeling at the crater and other spots around the island, surfing (Kihei cove is great for beginners). We spent 12 days just on Maui and still didn't do everything we wanted.
We stayed in a condo on Kihei and really liked it. Lots of great restaurants within walking distance. I am sure the fancy resorts are nice, but we spent most of our time out and about exploring so fancy resorts with nice pool don't really appeal to us in place like Maui. Kauai is beautiful but I think Maui was better for a family. I felt like there were a lot more beaches on Kaui that have riptide warnings. The hike along the Napali coast is beautiful though. |
Anonymous
| Definitely Kauai. Second island could be Maui or the Big Island. Are you coming from DC? I'd plan a 24 hour layover in Oahu and visit Pearl Harbor - couple it with the nonstop to IAD to/from your visit. With 12 days, 3 islands is totally workable. |
Anonymous
| 100000% big island and Kauai. I’ve been to all of them, and those two will give you the best cross section of the state. |
Anonymous
| The Big Island is great. Not sure if it's still allowed, but at Volcano National Park, we hiked through lava fields right up to flowing red hot lava that was slowly creeping along. Also there were some great tourist attractions like the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (place of refuge), black sand beach, snorkeling, coffee plantations, and rain forests. |
Anonymous
| Kauai. |
Anonymous
| I would certainly do Maui—stunning, perfect beaches and lots to do. And then Kauai, which is sleepier and more rural. |
Anonymous
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We are in CA so go to Hawaii often -- Kauai is our absolute favorite all around for natural beauty, relaxation and a more chilled out vibe. Stay at the Grand Hyatt if you have kids or the 1Hotel in Princeville for a couples getaway.
In terms of best resort though, we love the FS Hualalai on the Big Island. |
Anonymous
| We chose Maui and Kauai for our first trip this summer. I ruled out Oahu for crowds and Big Island because everything I kept reading said it didn’t have many sand beaches. |
Anonymous
United rarely offers that any more, and even when they do often change it on people giving them a connection. Just FYI. |
Anonymous
| My suggestion is Kauai and the Big Island |
Anonymous
| Just skip Maui….too touristy. |
Anonymous
Looks like it is Saturdays only from now until mid-Dec when it goes daily until mid-January when it goes to 5x a week through the spring. |
Anonymous
+1. The Hotel Hana Maui is great (it used to be, anyway, I went before Hyatt bought it -- but it's difficult to get to), but otherwise skip Maui. You might as well be in Destin. |