Are you trying to decide between visiting Big Island vs Kauai on your next family vacation? We’ve compared the two so you can make an informed decision about the best Hawaiian island with kids. Scroll to see the results!
This post about Big Island vs Kauai was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Trying to decide between the Big Island and Kauai for your next family vacation?
I’ve been to both islands more times than I can count, and I’m here to help you figure out which one is perfect for your crew.
Both islands are gorgeous, less crowded than Oahu or Maui, and packed with adventures. But they each have their own vibe.
After 40+ trips to Hawaii (I’m kind of a professional tourist at this point), I can tell you the “best” island really depends on what your family loves to do.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Why Choose the Big Island?
The Big Island is all about dramatic landscapes and unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else in Hawaii.
See an Active Volcano
Let’s be real: the main reason most families visit the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Where else can you see actual flowing lava?
I’ve taken my kids there twice now, and both times it was foggy when we first arrived. I was SO bummed. But here’s the thing about volcano weather: it changes constantly. The clouds parted after about 30 minutes, and we got to see the most incredible views of the crater.
My advice? Bring rain jackets (we got caught in a downpour on our last visit) and don’t give up if it’s cloudy when you arrive.
The park is open 24/7, so you can visit during the day or at night to see the glow. Entrance is $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days). Make sure to stop at the visitor center, walk through Kahuku Lava Tube, and hike at least part of the Kilauea Iki trail if you’ve got older kids.
Want to go deeper on volcano planning? I cover everything in my free Big Island email course and my Big Island Travel Guide.
Big Island Beaches Worth Your Time
The Big Island isn’t known for its beaches, but there are some solid options for families.
Hapuna Beach is probably the most famous. It’s got white sand, good swimming in summer, and bodyboarding waves in winter. Just know that it’s gotten pricey: $10 per vehicle PLUS $5 per person (kids 3 and under are free). So for a family of four, you’re looking at $30 just to park.
King Kam Beach in Kona is free and has a protected lagoon that’s perfect for little ones. It’s right in front of the Courtyard by Marriott, so it’s super convenient if you’re staying in town.
Onekahakaha Beach Park on the Hilo side has shallow pools that are great for kids learning to snorkel.
Top Big Island Activities for Families
Kona Atlantis Submarine
If you have kids too young to snorkel or who aren’t confident swimmers, this is THE activity. Adults start at $133, kids at $51. You take a boat ride out to the submarine (my 5-year-old thought this was the coolest part), then descend 100 feet to see tropical fish and shipwrecks. No getting wet required.
Check rates and availability on Viator
ATV Tours
The Aloha Adventure Farm ATV tour in Kona is hands-down one of our favorite Big Island activities. Teens 16+ can drive their own ATVs. Kids 5-15 ride in UTVs with a guide.
But what makes this tour special is the cultural component. You stop at Polynesian “villages” for hands-on activities like poi pounding and coconut husking.
Kauai has ATV tours too, but none with this cultural twist.
Swimming with Dolphins
The Hilton Waikoloa Village has Dolphin Quest programs for all ages. They’re pricey (starting around $200+ per person depending on the program), but my kids still talk about it years later.
There’s nothing quite like looking a dolphin in the eye underwater.
Chocolate Farm Tours
Big Island grows amazing cacao, and Lavaloha Chocolate Farm in Hilo offers tours where you taste fresh cacao fruit and sample their chocolate. It’s delicious and educational.
Coffee Farm Tours
The Big Island produces some of the world’s best coffee. Many Kona coffee farms offer free tours and tastings.
Big Island Luaus
The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort is my pick for best Big Island luau. It’s right on the water, the food is incredible (seriously, I almost licked my plate), and the show is fantastic. Adults are around $143-170, kids 6-11 are $56-66, and kids 5 and under are free.
The Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid is another good option if you’re staying in the Waikoloa area.
Where to Stay on the Big Island
For families who want resort amenities: Hilton Waikoloa Village is the most popular family resort. It has boats and trams to get around the property, multiple pools, Dolphin Quest, restaurants, and a luau.
For families on a budget in Kona: The Royal Kona Resort or Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel are both on Ali’i Drive with easy beach access.
Planning tip: The Big Island is HUGE. I always recommend splitting your stay between Kona (west side) and Hilo or Volcano area (east side) so you’re not spending half your vacation in the car.
Why Choose Kauai?
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island and definitely the most lush. It’s also way smaller than the Big Island, which makes it easier to explore from one home base.
Kauai’s Best Family Beaches
Kauai honestly has better beaches than the Big Island, especially for young kids.
Lydgate Beach Park on the East Shore is my go-to recommendation for families. It has a protected saltwater pool (basically a giant natural kiddie pool), two awesome playgrounds, and lifeguards.
Poipu Beach on the South Shore is perfect for families with kids of different ages. There are shallow areas for toddlers and better snorkeling spots for older kids.
Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is stunning. The waves are gentle in summer, making it great for swimming and learning to surf.
Anini Beach is another North Shore gem with super calm water.
Top Kauai Activities for Families
Kauai Mountain Tubing
This is Kauai’s most unique activity. You float down old sugar plantation canals on inner tubes, going through tunnels with your headlamp lighting the way. It’s like a lazy river meets adventure tour. Kids must be 5+ and 43″ tall. Expect to pay around $90-120 per person.
My 6-year-old was fine in the dark tunnels (I was a little nervous about that), and the guides do a great job keeping everyone together.
Kayaking the Wailua River
The 5-hour kayak and waterfall hike tour is perfect for adventurous families with kids 6+. You paddle upriver, hike through the rainforest, and swim at a secret waterfall.
ATV Tours
Kipu Ranch ATV tours take you through lush pastures and jungle trails with stops at waterfalls. Kids 9+ can participate. It’s a 3.5-hour adventure that covers terrain you’ve seen in movies.
Making Your Own Lei Po’o
On my last Kauai trip, I went with a bunch of travel blogger friends and we spent an afternoon making lei po’o (flower crowns) to wear to a luau and photo shoot. It was SO fun and such a special Hawaiian cultural experience. A lot of hotels and cultural centers offer this, so ask around.
Don’t Miss Attractions on Kauai
Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific for good reason. It’s absolutely stunning. You can drive to viewpoints or hike some of the trails. It’s about an hour drive from most resorts, but worth the trip.
Hanalei Town on the North Shore is adorable. Stop for shave ice, walk through the boutiques, and soak up the surf town vibe.
Spouting Horn is a cool blowhole on the South Shore where waves crash through an opening and shoot water 50 feet in the air.
Kauai Luaus and Fire Shows
Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation does a theatrical show instead of a traditional luau performance. You can ride a train around the plantation before dinner.
The Ahi Lele Fire Show on the North Shore is one of the most unique shows in Hawaii. It’s held at Anaina Hou Community Park in a covered pavilion. General admission is $119, VIP is $139, kids 3-12 are $79. The fire dancing is INCREDIBLE.
Where to Stay on Kauai
For luxury: Grand Hyatt Kauai in Poipu has an amazing pool area and easy beach access.
Mid-range: Royal Sonesta Kauai (formerly the Kauai Marriott) in Lihue has a huge pool and is convenient to the airport.
Budget-friendly: Aston Islander On The Beach on the East Shore is right on the beach near restaurants and the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path.
So Which Island Should You Pick?
Here’s my honest take:
Choose the Big Island if:
- Volcanoes are a must-see for your family
- You want unique experiences you can’t get anywhere else (submarine rides, volcano tours, swimming with dolphins)
- You don’t mind changing hotels mid-trip to avoid long drives
- Your kids are really into nature and geology
Choose Kauai if:
- You want amazing beaches with calm water
- You prefer to stay in one spot and explore from there
- You’re big into hiking and want lots of trail options
- You want a more laid-back, less touristy vibe
Honestly? Both islands are incredible for families. I love them both for different reasons.
The biggest practical difference is size. Kauai is way easier to navigate. You can stay in one hotel and drive to most activities in under an hour. The Big Island requires more planning and usually means two different hotels or A LOT of driving.
Want to Do Both?
It’s super easy to fly between islands. Inter-island flights are usually $80-100 per person each way and take about an hour. So you could totally do a few days on each island if you have a week or more for your trip.
If you’re interested in island hopping, check out my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Talk
Listen, planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming. Should you go to Kauai or the Big Island? How many days do you need? What activities are worth the money? Which beaches are actually good for kids?
This is literally what I do all day. I’m a Hawaii travel expert and certified Hawaii Destination Specialist. I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times, I’ve stayed at dozens of hotels, I’ve done pretty much every family activity you can imagine, and I know exactly what works for different types of families.
If you want personalized help planning your trip, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me. We’ll figure out the right island, the perfect itinerary, and all the details so you can show up and actually enjoy your vacation.
You can also listen to my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, where I share insider tips and interview other Hawaii experts. Here are some episodes that’ll help with this decision:
- How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island
- Why Fall is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii (And the Cheapest!)
- Hawaii Family Travel: Kauai Hidden Gems and Travel Tips with Jessica Sanders
Get My Free Planning Resources
Want more help planning your trip? I’ve got free email courses for each island:
- How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island (7-Day Email Course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai (7-Day Email Course)
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-Day Email Course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5-Day Email Course)
And if you want complete itineraries with day-by-day schedules and kid-friendly activity recommendations, grab my Big Island Travel Guide or Kauai Travel Guide.
FAQ: Big Island vs Kauai
Which island has better beaches for kids?
Kauai wins this one. It has more beaches with calm, protected water that’s perfect for young swimmers and snorkelers. The Big Island has some good beaches, but they tend to have bigger waves and rockier entries.
Which island is easier to navigate with kids?
Kauai is way easier. It’s smaller, so you can stay in one spot and day trip to activities. The Big Island is massive, so you’re either doing a lot of driving or changing hotels mid-trip.
Can you see lava on Kauai?
Nope. If seeing an active volcano is important to you, the Big Island is your only option. Kauai’s last eruption was millions of years ago.
Which island has better family resorts?
The Big Island has more all-in-one family resorts like Hilton Waikoloa Village. Kauai has great resorts too, but they tend to be a bit more low-key.
Which island is less touristy?
Both are less crowded than Oahu or Maui, but Kauai feels more laid-back overall. The Big Island’s Kona side gets pretty busy, but the Hilo side is really chill.
How many days do you need on each island?
I recommend at least 5-7 days on the Big Island (it’s huge!). Kauai can be done in 4-5 days, but a week is ideal if you want to really explore.
Comparing All Four Islands
If you’re also considering Oahu or Maui, check out these posts:
- Oahu vs Kauai: Best Hawaiian Island for Kids
- Kauai vs Maui: Which is Best for Families?
- Maui vs Oahu: Best Hawaiian Island for Kids
- Maui vs Big Island: Best Hawaiian Island for Kids
Ready to start planning? Grab one of my travel guides or book a consultation and let’s make this the best family vacation ever.
Want to connect with other families planning Hawaii trips? Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group!
Don’t forget to pack a reef-safe sunscreen and a good underwater camera so you can capture all those incredible memories.
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Looking for more Hawaii Travel Resources? Get my step-by-step planning guide, learn about island hopping in Hawaii, how to rent a car in Hawaii, and the best Hawaii resorts for kids!
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
