We're contemplating a trip to Hawaii next summer for about two weeks. My wife and I have two girls who will be 16 and 13 by then. I'm thinking two islands is about right for that amount of time. Would like to skip Oahu(although will probably land there), but can't decide which two of the others we should visit. Should the Big Island definitely be one of them? Should the other be Kauai, Maui, or Lanai? We would surely want lots of beach time, but would also want some natural wonders, hiking, car touring, etc. Want to avoid big crowds, how impossible is that in July or August?
Thanks.

Big Island and Kaui. Too much traffic on Maui. Kaui is so beautiful and lush! And it's neat to see all the lava land and shores on the Big Island. Also did Lanai but I think your kids will be terribly bored. Enjoy!

Kauai is beautiful. The beaches & snorkeling were terrific and I loved hiking in Waimea Canyon. Also the horseback riding to a waterfall was so serene. FYI...I stayed in Poipu, where it was dry.

Have fun!

Big Island and Maui. Good blend of hiking/natural wonders (Hawaii) and Maui (shopping, nightlife, restaurants and beaches). If you have two teens, I think they would want some time in a livelier spot than Hawaii and Kauai. Also, may consider a night or two in Oahu to at least see Diamondhead, Pearl Harbor (if you have to fly through anyways).

I just came back from Maui and Kauai and I have to say that Kauai was my favorite of the two. It was so laid back and not very touristy. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kauai (which is the most beautiful resort I have ever seen). I saw lots of teens there. We did the Princeville Ranch Hike and Kayak tour and there were some teens on that who loved it.

Maui was ok and my husband who has been to both the Big Island and Oahu thinks that Kauai is the place to be.

How many chances in your life will you have to visit an active volcano? Do not pass up the Big Island...

I cast my vote for the Big Island and Kauai. In fact, that's where I'm spending two weeks next January. I've been to both before. Great hiking on Kauai and great snorkeling on the Big Island, plus so much more. Haven't been to Maui, because I'm just not interested in the nightlife and shopping options.

So many people don't suggest Maui because it is too 'touristy'. That is exactly the reason I like Maui! The people give you that Hawaiian 'feel'. The people on the Big Island just made it seem like the mainland U.S. with superb scenery.

Are you kidding, gg? There are more native islanders on the Big Island than on Maui. Besides the people Maui is almost as congested as Oahu, not that the number of people are comparable but they have failed to plan and build road to accommodate all of the traffic.

I think Maui and Kauai. I would start out on Maui - more things to do, great snorkeling - a great place. It is beautiful and not overcrowded like Oahu. Kauai would be great for your next week. It is less touristy, very relaxing. We stayed at the Poipu Kapili on the sunny side of the island. It was immaculate and one of the nicest condos on Hawaii.

I too vote Maui and Kauai. Maui touristy? Please! Yes, it has more shopping/restaurants, great art gallerys. Not once have I ever felt like it was a tacky touristy place. You will love it and I am sure your girls will too. Kauai is wonderful too. The islands are different but all are beautiful that's what makes special.

Don't forget Kahoolawe, Molokini and Nihau

I didn't say Maui was touristy - I said Kaui is less touristy! As I said, Maui is beautiful. It just so happens that Kaui is less touristy, which you have to agree. Touristy doesn't necessarily mean tacky. Maui is a great place to enjoy natural beauty as well as see people and do more shopping and activities. A great place.

Well, we are leaving on Thursday and I picked Kauai and Maui. Kauai is the best island because I love the scencery of the Napali Coast. It takes me to a world far away. Maui is also nice because it is less developed than Oahu and has nice scencery but also has plenty of restaurents and activities. I've never been to the Big Island, but will go next time if I can.