Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure which to do, afraid that the Big Island would be more of an adventure vacation vs a relaxing, easy one. However, I have fomo about not doing things like the volcano viewing and manta dive on the Big Island.

Older teens have never been to Hawaii.

You should have fomo for these, they are amazing experiences.

But with 7 days and staying at the right place (I'm partial to the Mauna Lani, but there are multiple great options), you can have a very relaxing time even while doing these things (and a few more -- drive up to the observatory for a night sky program if you can).

This. Also, do not leave at sunset. Hang out at the Mauna Kea visitor's center for about an hour and then go outside. You will see more stars than you have ever seen before.

Anonymous wrote:We did 1 week big island and 1 week maui a few years ago. All 4 of us (including 2 teens at the time) loved Maui more. You can do the beach in Maui (we are not big spending all day at beach people at all), but there is plenty of big drives and hikes, including across lava fields that you can do in Maui.

ok interesting, we are thinking about just extending the vacation and doing both islands, but maybe more time at the Big Island.

We did 1 week big island and 1 week maui a few years ago. All 4 of us (including 2 teens at the time) loved Maui more. You can do the beach in Maui (we are not big spending all day at beach people at all), but there is plenty of big drives and hikes, including across lava fields that you can do in Maui.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure which to do, afraid that the Big Island would be more of an adventure vacation vs a relaxing, easy one. However, I have fomo about not doing things like the volcano viewing and manta dive on the Big Island.

Older teens have never been to Hawaii.

You should have fomo for these, they are amazing experiences.

But with 7 days and staying at the right place (I'm partial to the Mauna Lani, but there are multiple great options), you can have a very relaxing time even while doing these things (and a few more -- drive up to the observatory for a night sky program if you can).

There are some more relaxing traditional beach options on the dryer side of the Big Island. You could do a combo.

The Big Island is my favorite, honestly because of Volcano National Park. If you get lucky enough to catch an eruption it's absolutely amazing.

We’re going to the big island in May with two teens. Staying at the Fairmont Orchid. Fingers crossed!

Big Island for adventure. Caribbean for relaxing.

Defintely Big island.

If the goal is just sitting on a beach and having an "easy" vacation, i'd choose a resort in the caribbean. Hawaii is about exploring nature in all forms.

Anonymous wrote:Just came from Maui. If you want relaxing - why not go to Costa Rica that's cheaper and so much of a shorter flight? We stayed in Lahaina which was lovely but just a lush beach (we were there for work so no choice). We did add on Haleakala and Road to Hana so we felt like we got a taste of Hawaii but then you're back to the adventure.

One week is too short for both islands IMO.

We thought about that but it's the rainy season

Just came from Maui. If you want relaxing - why not go to Costa Rica that's cheaper and so much of a shorter flight? We stayed in Lahaina which was lovely but just a lush beach (we were there for work so no choice). We did add on Haleakala and Road to Hana so we felt like we got a taste of Hawaii but then you're back to the adventure.

One week is too short for both islands IMO.

Neither. Go to Kauai! That's the real deal. It has everything.

Split the week and do four days at both.

Big island is my favorite if you’re only doing one and you only have a week. It has everything. Volcanos, rain forest/waterfalls, beaches, turtles, manta rays.

It doesn’t have to be adventurous, or rather it’s easy enough to build in down time. Snorkel in the morning, hammock nap in the afternoon. Drive the lava flows instead of hike, have lunch at the visitor center in the middle of the park. Spend a day lounging one of the gorgeous beaches, then manta rays at night.

You’d enjoy Maui too though. You really can’t go wrong with any island.

Not sure which to do, afraid that the Big Island would be more of an adventure vacation vs a relaxing, easy one. However, I have fomo about not doing things like the volcano viewing and manta dive on the Big Island.

Older teens have never been to Hawaii.