On the Big Island, definitely do a night swim with manta rays. Our teens also liked the Buddha coffee farm tour (it's on an ATV and there are animals). Merriman's restaurant is fantastic and worth the drive. Waikola coffee shop has the most amazing coconut muffins.

In Kauai I've stayed in both locations and prefer princeville to poipu because of how beautiful it is and proximity to hannellei and the naapali coast. both times rented an airbnb versus hotel.

We stayed in a condo at Whalers Cove in Kauai a few years ago - it was fabulous - beautiful water views and a pristine gorgeous pool/hottub and you could walk everywhere for meals/famers market etc. It was a nice base for all of the Kauai activities. Also stayed at a VRBO in Kailua Kona during this same trip. Could walk to snorkeling and amazing sunsets from our deck every night. Our condo was right on the water overlooking a surfing beach. It was so fun watching them in the morning from our patio with coffee - there was a surf shop and fresh poke next door so we really got the local experience - our teens really loved it there.

I would not stay right in Kailua village. We were there a month ago and it felt really grotty bordering on occasionally unpleasant. It receives all of the cruise ship day trippers, too, so it doesn't give you the feel of the rest of the island. There is a lot of room between the Royal Kona and Waikaloa and I think you would be happier somewhere in between those. I don't hate the Waikaloa area if that is an option that matches your budget. When you're on the Big Island, commit to a lot of driving- you'll want to experience all the parts of the island because it's so different from anywhere else in the world. Even driving is part of the experience. My kids loved the long stretches of highway that go through the lava fields and seeing the wild donkeys and goats, and we loved being in the mountains and forests right after that.

Whatever you decide to do, don't skip eating at Teshima's on the Big Island.

We like the Big Island and the Royal Kona too. It’s not fancy but you can get rooms w ocean views and huge extended balconies and watch the luau prep from there. (Assuming they still do that . . . We haven’t been for a few years.)

And driving to see the volcanoes is fun, along w beaches and other attractions. And from I’ve been told, a way different vibe from other islands.

We liked the Royal Kona is Kailua Kona. It’s a cool town and an old school Hawaiian hotel. Not a planned resort place like Waikaloa. It’s a hotel I thought had a great feel and cool snorkel lagoon.

We love the location of the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. Beautiful property. Pools are fun for kids. Rooms are outdated though. Also, nice condo options nearby to rent.

I love the big island!! We usually stay in the four seasons there, though the Hilton also isn’t too bad for cheaper option. You must do a day trip to the volcano.

Westin Hapuna has it's own beach.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We go to Kauai a lot. We like the Hyatt Princeville 2 or 3-bedroom units with kids. The only reason to stay in Poipu is for more restaurants and to avoid the rain. Hands down, Hanalei/Princeville is more gorgeous and has better beaches.

* sorry, westin Princeville.

Looks gorgeous. Unfortunately, I need to stay under $3-3,500 for the Kauai stay.

We stayed at Kings Land condos in Waikoloa over winter break and really enjoyed it. The have several fun pools right on property and you also have access to the huge pools and lagoon at the main Hilton hotel. They have Kings Shops and Queens Shops right there.

The closest beach is ~5 drive away with free parking and a fun restaurant Lava Lava Beach Club. Some really gorgeous beaches are within 10-15 minute drive. Note the Big Island does have beaches, but the island isn’t as well known for sandy beaches compared to some of the other islands.

Make sure to do the manta night snorkel and visit Hawaii Volcanoes NP! Worth the drive across the island.

Anonymous wrote:We go to Kauai a lot. We like the Hyatt Princeville 2 or 3-bedroom units with kids. The only reason to stay in Poipu is for more restaurants and to avoid the rain. Hands down, Hanalei/Princeville is more gorgeous and has better beaches.

* sorry, westin Princeville.

We go to Kauai a lot. We like the Hyatt Princeville 2 or 3-bedroom units with kids. The only reason to stay in Poipu is for more restaurants and to avoid the rain. Hands down, Hanalei/Princeville is more gorgeous and has better beaches.

Anonymous wrote:I would stay in a condo in Waikaloa or Mauna Lani over Kailua Kona on the Big Island. They are much nicer.

Thanks for the rec. When I look at pics of places there, many seem to be next to golf courses. Is there a small downtown there with restaurants, cafes and a few shops?

I would stay in a condo in Waikaloa or Mauna Lani over Kailua Kona on the Big Island. They are much nicer.

Realise I am late to plan this summer vacation but have flights with DH, DD14 and DS17 to Big Island on Aug 3 and out of Kauai on Aug 15. Thought it made sense to split our time between the two and am now looking for accommodation. It's all a bit confusing but I figure we should probably just rent something through vrbo for our entire time on each island. We do not have unlimited travel funds so I thought perhaps we should aim for a cheaper 2bdr apartment in Kailua-Kona and then something a bit nicer on Kaui.

If you have been to Kailua-Kona, did you like it? Lively enough for two teens but also able to reach most things on the island and a nice setting?

Would you stay in Poipu or Princeville on Kauai? Is Poipu nice? Thought it would have a bit more life and walking access to beaches for my teens. Princeville has a beautiful setting though.