We're planning a trip to Kauai and the Big Island next year and was thinking of splitting up the trip; a week on each. Is a week too long on the Big Island--should we stay on Kauai longer. Last year we stayed two weeks on Maui and loved it. Thanks in advance for your input.

In 1998 we spent a week on the Big Island. One night in Volcano National Park and 6 at the Hilton Waikaloa Village. We absolutely loved the Big Island. It is big and diverse. This summer we are returning to Hawaii, first visiting Maui and Kauai and then the Big Island. This time we will spend 2 nights in VNP and 5 in Kona. We loved the volcano, snorkeling at Captain Cook's monument by zodiac boat, horseback riding in Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, etc. but there is so much to see and do that we didn't take the time. The Hilton was wonderful and destination in itself. This time we will be staying at a condo Kanaloa at Kona and hope to see more sights.

We spent 2 weeks on the Big Island in March, and could have used another week. There is so much to see and do. The island is very diverse and each area has its own delights. We stayed on a coffee plantation in Kona and used that as home base - it was great and I'd love to go back!

The Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. So big in fact that we, and many others, stay on the Kona/Waikoloa side for half our stay and the Volcano/Hilo side for the other half.
You won't be wanting for things to do, especially if exploring is your thing.
Hilo is a pretty town with interesting shops and restaurants, and since it's on the wetter side of the island, there are lots of waterfalls to see. Go to these links to have a look:
Onomea Falls:
http://www.hawaiigarden.com/
Umauma Falls:
http://www.icontech.com/~lrusnak/Hawaii/wh17.jpg
http://www.wbgi.com/main.htm
Rainbow Falls:
http://www.icontech.com/~lrusnak/Hawaii/wh.jpg
As you can see there is quite a variety.
On the dryer Kona side we concentrate on the beaches and shoreline drives, and love the cool drive up to Parker Ranch, and the gorgeous scenery in the North Kohala District.
Visit our website to learn more about North Kohala:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com
Click ENTER, then CHOOSE AN ISLAND, then BIG ISLAND.

Richard-NO SOLICITATION OF ANY KIND ON THIS SITE!!!!!!!! Read Fodor's rules you scummy travel agent.

We too spent a week on the BI two years ago. There is plenty to see and do, and since it is so large you can put a lot of miles on a rental car. I would actually consider 8 or 9 days on BI and the rest on Kauai.

It depends to some degree on your own style. If laying on a beach and moving from pupu to maitai is your idea of a full day, then the Big Island may not be the best place. On the other hand, if you want to see amazing diversity, actual local people and a local economy not built entirely on tourism - coffee plantations and cowboys, flowing lava and snow on top of (really big) mountains, then the BI is for you.