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)
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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! Let me tell you something about Kauai that travel bloggers don't usually admit: It's harder to visit with kids than the other islands. There. I said it. Fewer kid-specific activities. More driving. Limited restaurant options. Beaches that require more supervision. Activities that book up months in advance. And yet... it's absolutely magical. We keep going back. How many days in Kauai do you need? → If you're going to Kauai, trip length matters MORE than other islands. Too short...
Aloha Reader! Here's something most Hawaii visitors don't know: there's an island with zero traffic lights, one hotel, and some of the most untouched beauty you'll find in Hawaii. It's called Molokai. And almost nobody goes there. Which is exactly why you should. I had a dream about Molokai last night and I can't stop thinking about it. While everyone's fighting for parking at Waikiki or navigating the crowds on the Road to Hana, this incredible island sits just 30 minutes from Maui......
Aloha Reader! I need to be honest with you about something. I almost canceled our February trip to Oahu and Maui. Not because I didn't want to go. I've been looking forward to this for months. But because even though I do this for a living, I still had to sit at my kitchen table in December and have a real conversation with my 12yo about whether we could actually swing it. I'd booked our hotels back in the fall using Hyatt points (free stays on both islands, check!). I figured I'd worry about...