Kauai Travel Forum

My husband and I want to go to Hawaii for a week. I realize that's a short amount of time, so we'd like to stay on just one island. We're not into nightlife or city stuff, and we enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, snorkeling, photography, and just looking at beautiful and varied scenery. We like non-touristy places and we like quiet. We're not people to sit on a beach all day.

I know we pretty much can't go wrong on any island but I'm looking for advice on whether we should choose the Big Island or Kauai. We have enough Hilton points for a few free nights in Hilton on the Big Island, so that's a plus for the B.I. But I also think we'd enjoy the less-touristy aspect of Kauai, so that's a plus for Kauai.

Can anyone give any good comparison descriptions of one versus the other, or point me somewhere that can? There is so much info on Hawaii out there, it's actually hard to find what I'm looking for... Thanks all! :)

Definitely Big Island if you enjoy the outdoors. A lot of hiking and snorkeling opportunities, you won't be bored.

My wife and I are just like the two of you. We prefer to explore the beauty of the destinations we choose. No sitting by the hotel pool or on a beach while on the islands. We get out and explore non-stop.

I also agree with the previous poster about the Big Island. It will provide much of what you seek.

I have some info on my pages but strongly suggest you pick up the guidebook "Big Island Revealed" by Wizard Publications. I also suggest you split your stay to a few days Kona-side and a few days Hilo-side. The island is large and you cannot effectively explore HVNP because of the long drive from Kona.

They also print guidebooks for Maui, Kaua`i, and O`ahu if you decide to go to any of those islands.

You cannot miss a couple days at HVNP. The lava is flowing not too far from the end of Chain of Craters Road right now (but it can change at anytime). So you should be able to hike out to see the surface flows at night. It's a sight you will never forget (I have a couple infrared photos at night of the surface flows in my B.I. travelogue).

Also, Waipi`o and Pololu Valleys cannot be missed. If you get the book, you will find them.

Pu`uhonua o Honaunau is also a must. After seeing everything there, hike the coastal trail south from the park. The coastal views are amazing. And if you go far enough and look closely, you will find a somewhat hidden lava tube that has a spectacular exit (hint: the water is deep enough if you jump).

Sunset from the top of Mauna Kea was pretty amazing. But we took a tour with www.arnottslodge.com for that because of the altitude. After sunset, we got to stargaze. I never knew there so many stars.

Check Arnotts website for their lava tour. We've taken it twice and enjoyed tremendously. Also, he has great updates on the surface flows.

I could go on and on. I'll just stop here and say to just get the book. You will not be disappointed.

We have been to both islands and would definitely recommend Kauai over the big island. Kauai is much more compact and easier to get around, yet has tons of great natural scenery. Highlights include Waimeia Canyon (3000-foot deep canyon), the Na Pali Coast (rugged seacoast with 2500 foot cliffs), and the Kalalau Valley (beautiful valley surrounded by mountains). Not to mention plenty of beaches and great scenic drives. Anytime Hollywood needs a paradise for a movie, they film it in Kauai (South Pacific, Jurassic Park, Fantasy Island, etc.). The only scenery in the United States that is comparable to Kauai is in Yosemite National Park or the mountains of Alaska. It is that beautiful! There are numerous great hikes that you can take on Kauai. You will not be disappointed. Also, if you get a chance, spend the money and do a helicopter tour. It is a great way to get an overview of the island and see some of the less-accessible parts.

We did a tour to the Big Island simply because of the volcanoe and saw enough to plan a future trip

I have been to both the Big Island and Kauai. 10 days on both. And I think I would recommend the Big Island if I have to choose one of them. Hawaii is larger and receives less visitors which gives you more space for yourself. The variations of the landscape is more varied from the green valleys to the volcanoes and the snow capped Manua Kea. Not that i did not like Kauai, that's also a wonderful island, but slightly more crowded and the some of the interesting places are kind of out of reach. The weather and seasons on Kauai may prohibit snorkeling some places and some of the amazing views are only available from a helicopter (well so is BI too).
My BI trip started with landing in Kona and flying out of Hilo, and I stayed at various places around the island.

As BlueCollar says, the Big Island guidebook from Wizard, and the tours from Arnotts Lodge are highly recommended. Regardless of which Island you'll chose, get the Wizard Guidebook for that island. If you can't decide buy both now and find out for yourself which island to go to.