Rate the Islands

[wanderlust7]

I think the Big Island is more unique. Coming out of Kona airport, the scenery is of barren lava rocks, but the Hilo side is lush. Where else in the world can you tour a live volcano? Kauai is beautiful, lush, and laid back. But for uniqueness - Big Island wins hands down.

If you do go though, be aware of vog (i.e. volcanic fog) for your 1 year old.

http://www.hawaiiso2network.com/

Also on the Big Island, take a day & venture around the coffee plantations. SO MUCH FUN!! Hula Daddy was exceptionally cool to visit. Our then 8 & 6 year old had so much fun too.

Thanks for the coffee plantation info! I was looking to tour one. Good to hear your kids enjoyed it too, especially since mine will be similar ages (5 and 8).

 

[ebenmax]

Oh my goodness! Thank you for the forewarning! I have never even heard of vog! (Shows you how much I have to learn before our trip.) We will be sure to keep tabs. Is it generally safe for a baby?? Certain times of the day/month/year better than others??

Thanks!!

 

[Midoria]

From what I'm reading, Maui sounds most like Aulani/Ko Olina?

In terms of what? Just curious.

 

[wanderlust7]

Oh my goodness! Thank you for the forewarning! I have never even heard of vog! (Shows you how much I have to learn before our trip.) We will be sure to keep tabs. Is it generally safe for a baby?? Certain times of the day/month/year better than others??
Thanks!!

I don't think it's predictable since it depends on where the volcano is erupting and the wind conditions. We've been to the Big Island twice with no kids and never worried about vog, it's only this time that we're bringing the kids that I've looked into it.

Here's another link with good info:
http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/FAQ.pdf

 

[ehrawn]

I don't think it's predictable since it depends on where the volcano is erupting and the wind conditions.

Here are current conditions provided by the State. http://www.hiso2index.info/

 

[ebenmax]

In terms of what? Just curious.

I was getting the sense that Maui was more of a blend of Aulani and Waikiki (only much tamer) with spending time at resorts, shopping, dining vs. the volcanoes of the Big Island or the jungle/adventure of Kauai.
The Big Island and Kauai just sounded more unique from descriptions I've read and heard.
I'd love to learn more about Maui before we decide!!

 

[ggc]

That's the beauty and attraction of Hawaii, each island is unique and the lure to explore more and more is undeniable.
One thing for sure you cannot compare Oahu and Aulani to any of the other islands. For many Oahu loses it's luster once
you venture out and experience the others.

 

[Midoria]

I was getting the sense that Maui was more of a blend of Aulani and Waikiki (only much tamer) with spending time at resorts, shopping, dining vs. the volcanoes of the Big Island or the jungle/adventure of Kauai.
The Big Island and Kauai just sounded more unique from descriptions I've read and heard. I'd love to learn more about Maui before we decide!!

I agree with member ggc about the inability to compare Oahu and Aulani to anything else. Even more for Aulani because it's 100% man-made and can only be compared with other resorts in the state, not actual islands. All the open islands except Molokai have large resorts that are comparable to the Aulani in terms of size and offerings. Having said that, Maui is probably the most developed island after Oahu.

 

[blondietink]

We have paired either Kauai or Maui with our trips to Aulani. Kauai is very laid back and quite lush on the east and north sides. We found some fabulous beaches on Kauai where we were the only people on them. We are going back to Maui in September. Lots of beaches, great snorkeling, very lush in spots. The Road to Hana is ok once, but we won't do it again. Going up to the top of Haleakala was a great experience and the views are amazing. Also lots of gardens, turtles, a lavender farms, distillery, etc. Funky beach towns. Never been to the big island yet, but hope to in the future. I agree with others, you can eat up a lot of time just by flying between islands. Driving to the airport in Honolulu, drop off rental car, check-in, wait around an hour and a half, fly to another island, get the luggage, get a rental car and drive 45 minutes or so to your hotel and unload takes up a lot of time. We figure we lose a day on either end of flying to/from an island.