I've visited Hawaii more than 40 times and I know ALL the tips and tricks for planning the ultimate Hawaii family vacation! I offer free Hawaii planning email courses. I also send weekly emails on Fridays where I share my top things to do in Hawaii with kids, the best family resorts in Hawaii, and my ultimate packing lists! Mahalo!
Big Island or Kauai? (It's not even close for most families)
|
Aloha Reader! Quick question: Have you been daydreaming about volcanoes or waterfalls? Because that's honestly the fastest way to choose between the Big Island and Kauai. 😊 ​Big Island vs Kauai - which is best with kids? →​ I put this comparison together after taking my family to both islands multiple times, and here's the truth: they're both amazing, but they're amazing in completely different ways. Choose the Big Island if:
Choose Kauai if:
But there's a lot more nuance in that full comparison – including which island is better for different age groups and family styles. One thing both islands have in common: they're NOT first-timer islands. If you've never been to Hawaii before, honestly? Start with Oahu or Maui. But if you're ready for something more adventurous, either of these will blow your mind. ​Still trying to figure out how long to stay on Kauai? →​ Happy planning! Marcie P.S. These "which island?" decisions are exactly what I help families work through in consultations. Sometimes you just need someone who knows these islands inside and out to help you choose with confidence. |
Aloha! I'm Marcie with Hawaii Travel with Kids
I've visited Hawaii more than 40 times and I know ALL the tips and tricks for planning the ultimate Hawaii family vacation! I offer free Hawaii planning email courses. I also send weekly emails on Fridays where I share my top things to do in Hawaii with kids, the best family resorts in Hawaii, and my ultimate packing lists! Mahalo!
Aloha Reader! I'm just going to be upfront with you: Hawaii is not cheap, and the numbers have gone up. If you've been Googling "how much does a Hawaii trip cost" and getting estimates that feel surprisingly low, it's probably because those articles are using old data. Here's what the realistic picture looks like for a family of four in summer 2026. Flights This is where a lot of families get sticker shock. The old benchmark of $450 to $900 per person roundtrip that you'll still see in a lot...
Aloha Reader! I got a version of this question a lot in February: "We have 10 days in Hawaii. Should we do one island or two?" Sometimes it's "should we do Maui or Oahu for our first trip." Sometimes it's "we really want to see both but we're not sure we have enough time." The wording changes but the underlying question is the same. How do we make sure we're making the right call on something this big? Here's the honest answer: it depends, and the things it depends on are really specific to...
Aloha Reader! Here's something I wish more families knew before they started planning: the activities are not something you figure out once you get there. The good ones sell out. Sometimes months out. And finding out your must-do luau has no availability for your dates is a really deflating moment when you're excited about a trip. So let's talk about what to book, when to book it, and a couple of things to watch out for. Before anything else, check the fine print. If anyone in your family...