We have twelve days to visit Hawaii. We will spend 6 nights in Maui and 6 nights on another island, but cannot decide between Kauai and the Big Island. They both sound great, but can only visit one or the other this trip. Any suggestions on which island to visit and any great places to stay? We have two children ages 12 and 8. We all love to snorkel and the Dolphin Encounter on the Big Island sounds great for them and also the snorkeling there. Kauai is my first choice, but I'm not sure if it would be that great for our kids. Help! Thanks! Is the Big Island as beautiful as Maui or Kauai?

Both islands have their charm. Are you looking for natural beauty---Kauai is the Garden Island and has lush scenery. However, the Big Island has the volcano...which is breathtaking. However, with two children, I might pass on the volcano because of the amount of walking/hiking necessary to get to the look-out point. Hence, I would say Kauai....be sure to consider the north (Hanalei), which gets less tourists but has some beautiful beaches. Lihue and the south will be more crowded with tourists In my mind, you don't go to Hawaii to see hoards.
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Aloha! Both islands are beautiful, but our favorite is the Big Island. We've done the Big Island with kids (toddlers) and without, both trips were wonderful. Volcano Nat'l Park is great: hiking through a lava tube and watching the embers glow as the sun sets and the park gets really dark are two of our fond memories. I hiked the park when I was pregnant, there are plenty of trails from beg to advanced. Insider tip: If you go to the park, pack a cooler. The Hilton with the dolphin encounter is a lot of fun. Our kids loved the train and water tram that take you throughout the resort and to your room. The resort has so much to do, you won't feel guilty if you spend a day at the hotel. If you like coffee, tour one of the Kona coffee plantations that are usually small, friendly and very informative.

We had to decide between Kauai and the Big Island also last June. Kauai is very beautiful and green, but since we had never been to Hawaii, we chose it for our destination. The first week we stayed at Kona Village. No television, no phone - It is like a summer camp - with 4 stars! Lots of organized activities for children such as lei, hula skirt, headband making, pressing flowers, gekko hunting, seaside walks, dinners and games afterwards. Very good snorkeling too. There is a separate activity schedule for teens. The kid's programs run during the summer months, and school holidays during the rest of the year. We had the best meals (which are included in the price) we have ever eaten on the Islands at this resort. This is not a hotel, lodging consists of individual hales (houses). Lots of flowers, birds, relaxation for my husband and me...Don't miss the Friday night Luau, it is the best on Kona. We loved everything about Kona Village. The second week we had reservations at the Hilton. It was too big, too noisy, too disneyland-like for our mellowed state of mind, so after the first night, we changed to the Orchid Hotel. If we do visit the Big Island again, it will be Kona Village for us.

I highly recommend visiting Kauai. My husband and I visited this August and we loved it. The Hyatt Regency is a spectacular hotel.

There is lots to do such as a boat trip along the Napali Coast, horseback riding in Princeville and exploring the Waimea Canyon.

We also visited Maui and thought that Kauai was so much beautiful and less built up as Maui. Don't get me wrong, Maui was really nice but my first choice was Kauai. In Maui, be sure to visit and shop at Lahaina. Also in Maui by the Kea Lani hotel area there is lots of lava rock built up by the ocean and great to drive by and see.

Have a great time.

I've been to all 3 islands (2x each at Kauai and Hawaii and 1x at Maui). I guess given your children, I'd recommend the Big Island, particularly if you take 1-2 days and drive to see the Volcano. It is one of the most spectacular memories of my 50 year old life! (be sure to see the flow at night tho). But a lot of it depends on what you like and where you stay. Either island will be wonderful!