Maui and Big Island

We have been to both islands as well but didn't have kiddo's at the time which made it a bit easier. I think that Maui would be the better choice which has more to do and see. The Big Island is also nice but like some of the other poster's said...it's more quiet. Have a wonderful and safe trip whatever you decide.

Looks like everyone is in general agreement. I've been to Maui several times and I participated in a Train to End Stroke marathon on the Big Island. I have been to Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai so I was excited to visit the Big Island. When I got off the plane, I was disappointed until I drove the entire island the day before the marathon. The area around Kona was mostly lava rock and kind of ugly unless you like lava rock! But the other coasts were much more beautiful. I think it is definitely worth seeing, but just does not have as much activity as on Maui.

Big Island:
Volcano
Drive around the island with stops along the way
Green turtles in Kona
Downtown Kona

Maui:
Drive to Hana - kind of fun if your child can stand to stay in a car seat for a while. We always continue around the island even though there were warnings for rental cars. The roads get a little bad and there isn't much between Hana and Wailea, but it's a beautiful drive.

Haleakala sunrise is nice - if you go to Maui first, plan to go there early in the trip when your body is still on the Central time zone since you have to be up very early to make the drive to the top. Bundle up!

Depending on when you're going, you might catch whale watching, which is fun.

We always stay in condos in Kihei, which isn't as touristy, but has nice beaches and no big waves (unlike the other side of the island).

Lahaina - cute touristy city

Maui Tropical Plantation - http://www.mauitropicalplantation.com

Restaurants to visit: Mama's Fish House (other side from Kihei where you can watch windsurfers) and Haliimaile General Store in Makawao.

Have a great time!!!

Hi Vanessa-I've been to both and think that Maui has more to offer for all of you than the Big Island. The Big Island is nice but very quiet in my opinion. Maybe I'd do 5 days Maui,3 days Big Island?

There seems to be alot more adventure, go and do type of things on Maui. Watching the sunrise on Haliakala was amazing, you can take a bus tour. Good to do the first morning after you fly in to help adjust with the jetlag. The Big Island seemed to be more restful and exploring on your own. Please go to the volcano. So cool to walk on a live volcano, a once in a lifetime experience.

The Big Island is really quite and doesn't have much other than the Volcano Park and the black sand beaches. Both are cool to see, but the volcano park is a lot of driving and isn't really interesting for someone so little who might not really understand why it is soooo cool to see all the lava and pits and stuff! Never been to Maui but I do know that there are a lot more beaches and stuff to do!!

We've always done Maui only. Our daughter was 2 on our first trip to Hawaii and we all enjoyed the trip.

We stay in the Ka'anopoli area, Lahania is great for shopping and activities. There is a great luau at Lahania (book ahead) You can catch a boat to Lanai (I think that is correct) from Maui, go on whale watches, and many activities.

My vote would be Maui. I love Maui! Have a great time.

We just got back from Maui yesterday. We have been to both Maui and the Big Island. I would definitely recommend spending more time on Maui, if not all of your time.

Vanessa,
I am a Travel Agent and a Hawaii specialist. I have 7 kids and 12 grandkids so I know a little bit about traveling with children. I would spend more time on Maui. Have you been to Hawaii before? The Big Island Hawaii does not have much for children other than the Volcano and he is a little young to appreciate that. The beaches are rocky as well.
A great alternative is to take the NCL cruise that goes to all the islands. They have a great kids program for 2 year olds and you would get a little break. I always laugh and say there is no "K" in vacation. The flight to Hawaii is long and for a 2 year old a beach is a beach.
If you need more information on Hawaii please let me know.
Thanks
N. Cox