We're planning a trip this September and deciding between the Big Island or Kauai. Any advice between the two?

more varity on the big island,but not much surfing.a few sandy beaches.You have 2 volcanos,the best snorkling for beginners,the manarays,excellent fishing,parker ranch,hilo,plush resorts.star gazzing.kuaui is more relaxed,nice beaches,and good kayacking,surfing.I have been to the big island about 6 times and kauai only once.I do believe the big island might be a little cheaper,as far as lodging and gas.You really can't lose they are both fun

We alternate between the two islands. We think of Kauai as our hiking island and the BI as our snorkeling island.

The big island is BIG so if you want to see Kona, the volcanos and Hilo, you'll be in the car a lot.

If you are more specific about what you want to do on your vacation, you'll get better advice.

For what it's worth, I just came back from my first trip to Hawaii and chose the Big Island over Kauai, which was a close second. I loved the BI for its size, its varied terrain, the volcano, and especially because I fell in love with the looks of Kona Village Resort. We split the stay between a couple of B&Bs on the east side and a stay at Kona Village. I've not worked up my trip report yet because I want to do justice to it.

I'd say my highlights were doing Volcanos National Park, taking a leisurely pace to explore the lush side of the island, the airplane ride over the volcano, and snorkeling among the sea turtles at KVR.

On our last trip we did a split between the two, and it was great. Any chance you can do both?

Kauai had gorgeous beaches, and we loved the helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast.

On BI, we loved hiking out to see the lava and thought Akaka Falls was just amazing. We did a split there between the Hapuna Beach Prince and the Kilauea Lodge and really loved them both.

On our last trip, we did both, and they are spectacular together because they are so different! We have been to BI 3 times, and Kauai 2 times, and honestly, IMO you can't go wrong either way. If you can only do one, just make sure to do a lot of research since they are so different and pick the one that's right for this trip.

Been to both but prefer Kauai with the BI in a close second of any of the other islands.

Kauai has so much natural beauty and is less commercialized. Lots of great hiking trails and beaches to hang out on.

BI has quite a diverse terraine which is really neat to explore, and of course the active volcano.

As said before, you can't go wrong on either island...they are both a part of paradise!

If you are a hiker, Kauai is the island for you. Some of the hikes are tough but the views are spectacular and well worth it. I have not been to the Big Island, but I would go back to Kauai in a heartbeat!

Hard choice as I love both islands. we are also going in Sept. and staying half and half between each island. Love the Big Island because we stay at kona Village and just love it. All and all its a tie!!!

I think it depends on what you are most interested in for your trip and also what you like to see.

We love big fancy resorts and exploring little rural communities and the Big Island has those. It feels far less lush and also less populated than Kauai.

Kauai has lush greenery and a very far away feel to it. It's smaller so you can see 'all' of it on a shorter trip than seeing "all" of the BI.

Both have their "honky tonk tourist" areas that are very easy to avod!

Both have lots of hiking to explore.

If you are visually oriented, there is possibly no better view than looking out from the Princeville Resort's lobby/rooms at Hanalei Bay.

I would do both if you have more than 10 days, just stick to one or the other with fewer days. It depends on your style of vacation.

What do you prefer to do on vacation? How far are you coming from? Where else do you like? Are you just two adults or bringing kids?

More info will help get you more answers.