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Is it worth switching from Kauai to the Big Island?

Thanks everyone, this is all really good info. I'm still undecided so I'll probably just wait and see what matches come up with my OGS on RCI. If something good shows up and is right at the water I'll probably take it whichever island since they all seem appealing to me. At least we can enjoy looking at the ocean if not actually going in it. And maybe we'll just have to go back a second time to try another island.
 
I biased to BI, but either is good. The best beaches are on the South Kohala Coast, where Waikolo’a Beach Resort is located. Best snorkeling as well. Plenty to do there as well as accessible area on BI many times greater than accessible area on Kauai, even with VNP closed.

That said I look forward to returning to Kauai, it’s so beautiful.
 
Firepath said:
Thanks everyone, this is all really good info. I'm still undecided so I'll probably just wait and see what matches come up with my OGS on RCI. If something good shows up and is right at the water I'll probably take it whichever island since they all seem appealing to me. At least we can enjoy looking at the ocean if not actually going in it. And maybe we'll just have to go back a second time to try another island.
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You definitely should enjoy the ocean. There are many places that are normally free of strong currents, dangerous reef, and sharks. Just make sure you do your homework and ask the questions at the hotel or the lifeguard stand before you venture in.
 
We are at the Bay Club on the Big Island right now and it is amazing! We have a 1 bedroom, but would love to get a 2 bedroom at Bay Club as they face the golf course. If you are looking for great beaches for the kids to paddle board and snorkel, there are 3 beautiful beaches within 15 minutes of the resort. We went to Mauna Kea our first day and it was calm and gorgeous. It's about 15 minutes away and has paddle board rentals at the Mauna Kea Resort. Hapuna beach is just south of Mauna Kea beach and is equally beautiful, but just a tad more choppy. Today we are headed to A-Bay which is actually the closest to the resort (5 minutes). We have visited Kauai, Oahu, and Maui and I would highly recommend the Big Island. The only downside I see to this island is the vog. You definitely don't want to be staying in Kona right now as the vog is pretty heavy. It hasn't effected our breathing when we were in Kona, but the skies are gray and ugly!
 
So it looks like I likely can choose from the following in Kauai: Kauai Beach Villas (Lihue), Lawai Beach Resort (Koloa), and Pono Kai (Kapaa) in the south and east sides. I think they are all closer to where we'd want to spend most of our time. Have any of you split your stay between the east/south and north sides of the island? I'm wondering if it's worth maybe 4 days in the south or east and then move to the north coast for 3-4 days. I think I could get Bali Hai or Ka'eo Kai there, maybe Shearwater if I was really lucky. I know it's a pain to pack up and move but I'm thinking we might be able to avoid traffic by not driving back and forth. If I had 2 full weeks I think I'd do it for sure but we can't all get away for that long.
 
I haven't split my time, but I owned at Kauai Beach Villas for years. Staying right there is so central to everything, you just make a right or left turn outside of the resort, and head to wherever you want to go. If you stay way south or north, you really have to commit to driving somewhere else. Given your choices, I'd say stay at Kauai Beach Villas or Pono Kai for the whole time. Then drive north or south and spend the day. It isn't THAT far away.

Another point about staying central on the island is that stores in Kapa'a, Lihue, and the airport, are very close by. If you stay far north or south, again, it's a commitment to get to "town" for something.

Dave
 
We move from north to south but we are there for 2 to 3 weeks. Lawai is right across the road from a good snorkeling spot where you can see numerous fish and Moray Eels. Only a very small area of sand, mainly rocks. We snorkel there a lot. Only a short drive from safe beach at Poipu. Not far from Spouting Horn. Easy drive to Waimea Canyon.

Others will have to talk about KBV and Pona Kai. I believe they are both located on beaches. Just don't know how safe for swimming. Anini Beach is triple reef protected and shallow. It is between Kapa'a and Princeville.
 
Firepath said:
So it looks like I likely can choose from the following in Kauai: Kauai Beach Villas (Lihue), Lawai Beach Resort (Koloa), and Pono Kai (Kapaa) in the south and east sides...Have any of you split your stay.
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I think I'm as uncertain as you are. So here are a few observations that stop short of advice...

I've stayed both on the North and South Shore but I've never split stayed. We liked the Koloa area best and bought there. But both are more vacation paradise-y than the East Coast.

Kapaa is cute and Lihue is not...but both have great eats. Hamura Saimin has been a favorite of ours for longer than I care to admit and the Kauai Beer Company has become a 'must go' spot while passing through Lihue.

For people who want to be in the water I tend to recommend the South Shore. That said, the Waimea River on the East coast is THE place for year round paddleboarding with the North Shore's Hanalei River second and South Shore's (far west) Hanapepe River third.

Lawai Beach Resort is a great location - right across the street from Lawai Beach and the Beach House restaurant and a very short trip to Kikui'ula Village and the next door strip mall with a world of good eats...from Da Crack and Makai Sushi to Merriman's and Roy's 1849. Poipu Beach with it's protecting reef is amazing for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing wildlife and is a short distance to the East.

You will love Kauai no matter where you stay.
 
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