Maui Vs. Kauai with teens

We%26#39;re planning on going to Hawaii next summer and really leaning toward Kauai, but slightly on the fence still. I%26#39;ll be booking our flights next week and am just trying to ';make sure'; we%26#39;re making the right decision. I realize either island will be wonderful. Just wish I could be crystal clear in my decision.

Just curious, is Kauai considered less expensive than Maui?

Things for 15 %26amp; 16 year olds to do... Snorkeling, hiking, cycling, helicopter ride, boat tour, zip line, beaches, kayaking, .... this is a lot - am I missing anything, especially anything special that Kauai has over Maui?

DH and I did Oahu 20 years ago and don%26#39;t feel the need to do that again... and I realize if we do Kauai this next time, then we may try Maui the next time, although it may be another 20 years. So... with 2 teens in tow this time, would you do Kauai now, or Maui now?

Thank you so much for your replies.

Maui Vs. Kauai with teens

I%26#39;d do Maui with the teens and Kauai after they%26#39;ve flown the nest.

There are more man-made things to do on Maui -- along with the beaches and other outdoor activities. Snorkeling is better the farther south you go in Hawaii. (Big Island is tops.) Both are beautiful islands; Kauai is the more tropical. Maui has Road to Hana and the dormant volcano, Haleakala. Both have zip-lines. Maui has the widest choice of lodgings and restaurants outside of Honolulu.

When we decided to buy something in Hawaii where we would stay for a month, we chose Maui. It is beautiful AND it has more %26#39;things%26#39; to do -- if you want them.

Someone recently posted, asking what her teens could do of an evening around Princeville; there%26#39;s not much.

Maui Vs. Kauai with teens

The two islands are very different. You know best what your family is looking for, as well as what sort of things your kids like. From what you say it sounds as if you plan to be busy/active and either of the islands can offer all those things - except kayaking on a river is only on Kauai.

How long will your visit be?

Do you plan to stay in a condo or hotel? Do you plan to eat meals in or out? Is a pool majorly important to you?

There seems to be a lot of conflicting opinons on which island is the most expensive - frankly I think the costs are about the same when it is all boiled down. You can find low cost or high end accomodations on both islands. Both islands food is expensive - with both offering budget/family friendly places and total dining venues.

In short it depends on what you expect to get from your vacation. So your question brings up a few.

To be brief, I%26#39;d have to say Maui offers more for teens, as the word ';action'; would imply.

';LesRose';, what is that picture on your avatar. It is absolutely beautiful!

I totally agree with ChiSue and CaddyShack - but I have to counter that with the notion that all teens are not the same and there are some who might dig the quiet of Kauai - many do. We traveled with two teens (ok, 12 %26amp; 13) and they really loved Maui, yet both say they want to %26#39;see%26#39; Kauai - but I know them and think they would be bored. We still prefer Maui.

Caddy - thank you! My avatar is actually hubby %26amp; I parked literally just about four feet from waters edge - what you see is our four feet kickin%26#39; back in a hammock at Mauna Lani Hotel enjoying a gorgeous sunset. BLISS!

LesRose! I wish those avatar pictures weren%26#39;t so small. But I can see that now! Wow!

I only have one word for you: AWESOME! :)

CottonGin....

Maui without a doubt.

A father with 3 kids here, 1 a teen. Also, went with relatives a couple of years ago with 2 teens. I%26#39;ve been to both islands and definitely recommend Maui based on your post. Have fun!

Definately Maui with teens....so much to do, lots of restaurants they would enjoy....Kauai when the kids are little and when they are gone.

Hi CottonGin...........I am going through posts and am hoping you can advise me on what you finally did for your trip to Hawaii with your teens. We have 2 teenage boys, 13 %26amp; 16, and we have traveled fairly extensively with them (Europe several times, Caribbean islands, etc) Like most teens, they like to stay adtive and not just sit around looking at the scenary with us parents. IT%26#39;s that delicate balance you have to find when you travel with kids!

We went to the Big Island 3 years ago ( first time for all of us to Hawaii) and we were VERY dissapointed. Not the stunningly beautiful Hawaii we expected! We are willing to ';give it another try'; and I want to make sure we pick the ';right island'; this time.

What did you decide to do and how did it turn out? We are debating Maui or Kauai. I am considering the Grand Hyatt Wailea or the Grand Hyatt Kauai mainly for their large grounds, activities and fun pools. Any advise on where to go, where to stay, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Beth

QueenB

We took our two nephews at ages 14 %26amp; 16. They two have traveled lots and lived in Costa Rica and Honduras.

Their top likes:

They loved boggie board/skim boarding at PoloBeach (in front of the Fairmont in Wailea).

Midday trip up Haleakala through the clouds..views of the carter short hikes.

Pipiwai Trail hike (about 3 31/2 hours) through the bamboo forest to the 400 ft water fall.

Wai%26#39;anapanapa (back sand ) Park. What they didn%26#39;t like was the long trip to get there (Road to Hana)

Maui Ocean Center.

Nakalele Blowhole

And all the island food!!!

Low on their list was the boat snorkel trip to Molokini.

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