Kauai or Big Island...with children

I would go to the Big Island. It has the feel of a more secluded island like Kauai, but there will still be plenty for your kids to do. I went to the Big Island a handful of times growing up and it was always cool to see the volcanoes and the interesting lava rock formations. IMO, that will appeal more to younger kids.

 

That might be best answered by some of the locals or perhaps from online reviews. The last time I was there was for a field trip in the 4th grade. I'm sure you'll find some good places in either Hilo (east) or Waikoloa village (west).

 

More to do for both adults and kids on the big island..

 

Big Island.

We have a place on Kauai because it is so quiet. The kids will be bored.

 

Jeff,

Aloha from the Big Island. The island is big enough that you may find it more convenient to stay on both east and west sides. The west (Kona) side is the touristy side in terms of restaurants, up-scale accommodations, and great beaches. The east (Hilo) side boasts the Volcanoes National Park, some waterfalls, botanical attractions, a couple of somewhat down-at-the-heels hotels but some good B&Bs. If you were to go out after dark to the Park or the Kalapana area to see the lava glowing, it'd be a lot more convenient not to have to drive back to Kona that evening, especialy if you were staying at one of the resorts north of town. So spending a couple of nights in the Hilo area might make sense.

If I can help further, send me a PM.

Cheers,
Mark

 

With kids stay in Kona. Visit the other side of the island for sure, but your kids will hate Hilo, I sure do. See if you can get a 2 bed condo at the Kona Coast Resort. Plenty of swimming pools and hot tubs, bar, resturant, and health club in a very secure area. 24 hour guards on duty.

 

You'll like it there. Only a block from a shopping center with food, bars, and a great grocery store KTA. You can also walk to 2 different beaches for shell hunting. My Granddaughter loves it. Be sure to make friends with "Garrett" at the gate house. He is head of security and if he likes you response time is ridiculously fast.

 

if the 4-6 year olds want beach time then Kauai is a better choice.

 

Is security a now problem in Kona? Why is response time a major consideration in choosing a hotel? What happened to you that forced you to call security? It's been a while since I've been, but I have always thought of Kona as pretty sleepy and safe.

 

Hawaii is the "Ice" capital of the world. Think Meth!!!! I like a guarded home when I'm on the islands. I want my Granddaughter in a safe place, and I feel very safe there.
Kona Coast does need upgrades but it is relatively inexpensive for the location. For me...I own a 2 bed there...I like it quiet, and when somebody becomes annoying I want it dealt with immediately or as Garrett knows so well, I'll take care of the problem myself. In the past that has caused the Resort some problems. I once emptied a condo with partyers a few blocks away by myself, andf when security arrived I bit them on the hand hard for poor response. I can assure you that you will enjoy the property, and I wouldn't stay anywhere else for the money.

 

FYI
Kona Village and Kona Coast Resort, are two different facilities. KCR is made up of one and two and three bedroom condos overlooking a golf course and the coast.

 

Someones getting a big insurance claim and vacation!!

 

For kids Kauai is deadsville. My 6 year old Grandaughter will take pool time over beach time any day of the week. Besides I don't like the idea of her being in the ocean. There are beaches within walking distance of most Kona Hotels, and a daily walk for beachcombing is a great pastime with kids. There is also Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa, for an unforgettable experience for 6 year old or older. The Hilton also has the boat canal and train through the entire property that your kids will love. You could spend a whole day there and have access to the pool for no charge if your crafty. The Sea Horse place by the Energy Lab is also a favorite for kids. My Granddughter also likes to just go down to Kona Village and walk around. A day trip to the Volcano is an adventure that kids will like also. The advantage of renting a condo is having meals at home. Beats the crap out of resturant food costs. The advantage of a gated community with a 24 hr guard on an island with daily visitors from around thw world is also a plus. If you were visiting LA with kids, would you want a gated accomodation or a beach house in Venice????

 

Go figure kids don't like the beach, I couldn't get mine off of it.

 

Same here. Took the kids to Maui 2 years ago - they loved it.

I live off the Jersey Shore, and the beaches are probably my children's favorite thing to do in the summer.

 

Don't get me wrong here. My Granddughter loves beach combing, and whale watching and all the rest. She just would rather be at a pool with other kids and some floatation devices. rather that out in the wild so to speak. I feel way more comfortable with her in a pool rather than the ocean also. Besides a cold beer for Grampa is very close, and delivered directly to your umbrella.

 

Yes, I could see that - my kids are less into the waves as opposed to finding shells. For swimming, it's definitely the pool, especially if there are other kids their age.