Maui versus Big Island in March

[Anonymous]

We're planning our first trip to Hawaii for 7 days and are trying to decide which island to visit. We're not especially interested in water activities like snorkeling or surfing, but we're excited about exploring lava fields, rainforests, national parks, hiking trails, and other land-based adventures. We’ve also heard that volcanic smoke on the Big Island can sometimes obstruct views—how much of a concern is that? We'd really appreciate any guidance to help us make the right choice. Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

Vog is around if Kilauea is venting or erupting. Vog can also blow up.to Maui. It is what it is. We never had it crimp our trips. If you have severe asthma don't go.
Big Island is huge and requires split stays or a couple of very long daytrips.
Maui more doable in short trip, no active volcano but lava fields at La Perouse are starkly beautiful. I find the idea of Maui a bummer now because of the fire but we had been many times. If you aren't missing things because it's a first trip probably ok.
Is it 7 nights?

[Anonymous]

Maui has some lava fields but nothing like what you can see on the Big Island. I thought the hiking was better on the Big Island personally.

You're really missing out if you don't get in the water. If you're nit strong swimmers you can do a snorkel with flotation help.

[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine going to Hawaii and not snorkeling or swimming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vog is around if Kilauea is venting or erupting. Vog can also blow up.to Maui. It is what it is. We never had it crimp our trips. If you have severe asthma don't go.
Big Island is huge and requires split stays or a couple of very long daytrips.
Maui more doable in short trip, no active volcano but lava fields at La Perouse are starkly beautiful. I find the idea of Maui a bummer now because of the fire but we had been many times. If you aren't missing things because it's a first trip probably ok.
Is it 7 nights?

Ye, 7 nights

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maui has some lava fields but nothing like what you can see on the Big Island. I thought the hiking was better on the Big Island personally.

You're really missing out if you don't get in the water. If you're nit strong swimmers you can do a snorkel with flotation help.

We can try snorkel

[Anonymous]

If you do go with a boat. They get you out to clear water where the stuff is and you aren't battling through shore break. Fair Winds, Sea Paradise, Ocean Sports on Big Island.
Trilogy or Teralani on Maui.
March isn't the calmest ocean but there are good days. They don't go out if it's not suitable. Beats driving around looking at free shore snorkel spots that don't work that day.
If you can fly into Hilo you could stay 3 night there. See Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Botanic Garden, stop at Waipio Overlook on your drive north to the Kohala Coast. 4 nights there.
Westin Hapuna, Fairmont, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Marriott depending on taste and budget. Beaches, drives for shoreline hikes, Puuhonua o Honaunau, Puu o Kohola, coffee farms.