Family of 4, trip in June, which island(s)??

Question

Hello! We are a family of 4, with a 12 and 7 year old, who are in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Hawaii in June. My husband and I honeymooned in Hawaii 18 years ago, travelling to Maui and Kawaii. We really loved both islands, but especially Maui, and we are trying to decide if we travel back to Maui for this trip, or if we should consider the big island instead. I’ve perused the forums and haven’t found any specific posts that have swayed me one way or another, so hoping for some specific feedback with regards to the ages of our kids and what we are looking for out of the trip. Here are some things we have in mind:

-ideally would be in Hawaii for 7-10 days

-would definitely rent a car

-trying to travel to only one island to maximize spending money and time

-what we are looking for out of a location: we want to stay on the beach, but would consider splitting time between the beach and volcano park if we wind up traveling to the big island. We stayed in Lahaina on our honeymoon and loved it, but I have no idea what that town is like since the fires…we would like to stay in more of a resort setting but with condo style living (2 bedrooms and a kitchen, but with resort amenities like fun pool and on site restaurants). Was planning to try to get a time share rental on a site like Redweek or trying for a VRBO, but open to other ideas. We would love to stay in an area where we can walk to coffee or ice cream shops, dining, and shopping. Given all of these pointers, would you recommend any specific locations/towns over others on either island?

-we love to explore and do outdoors adventures, but within the limits of the 7 year old. We loved biking down Haleakala as honeymooners, but my 7 year old is definitely not ready for something that adventurous. What are some activities that shouldn’t be missed on both islands?

-budget for trip outside of airfare is around $5k

I’m sure I’m missing some information that would be helpful, so happy to answer questions that might come up. Again, just looking to narrow down the options because I’m feeling overwhelmed as we start this planning process, so I appreciate being able to tap into the experiences and advice of others!

Answer

Great question — both Maui and the Big Island are excellent for a family trip in June, but they offer different vibes and tradeoffs. Given your priorities (7–10 days, one island, condo-style resort living with walkable shops, kid-friendly outdoor adventures, a budget of about $5K excluding airfare), here’s a detailed comparison and practical advice to help you choose.

Short answer / recommendation: If you want an easier, more “beach-first” vacation with plenty of family-friendly resort condos, walkable dining/shops, and low-impact day activities for a 7-year-old, Maui (South or West shore — Wailea or Kāʻanapali/Kihei areas) is the simpler, more predictable choice. If your family is excited about landscapes — volcanoes, black-sand beaches, snorkeling with more varied marine life, and you don’t mind doing a bit more driving to reach highlights — the Big Island (Kona/West side, Waikoloa) offers unique science-and-nature experiences (volcano park) you can’t get on Maui.

Important note about Lahaina: Lahaina and parts of West Maui are still in recovery from the devastating 2023 wildfires; the community is rebuilding and tourism operations have evolved since then. If you loved Lahaina previously, know the town’s character and access changed and some visitors prefer staying in nearby resort areas (like Kāʻanapali or Wailea on the south shore) that offer stable resort infrastructure and convenient condo options.

Why Maui often wins for families with young kids

Shorter drives between beaches and most family activities (Wailea, Kihei, Kāʻanapali are compact and resort-friendly).
Excellent condo-resort inventory with 2-bedroom units, kitchens, and resort pools — Wailea has many condo villages built for families (Ekahi, Ekolu, Wailea Beach Villas) and easy walking to shops/restaurants.
Low-effort kid activities: calm snorkel beaches with turtles, Maui Ocean Center (aquarium), short nature walks, gentle stand-up paddle/surf lessons for kids, and family-friendly boat snorkel trips. Many of these are great for a 7-year-old and 12-year-old.
If you want to see Haleakalā, consider the family-friendly options (drive to the summit for sunrise/sunset or do a short nature walk there). More adventurous biking down Haleakalā can be skipped or saved for another trip — not ideal for a 7-year-old.

Why the Big Island might be the better fit if you want variety and volcanoes

Dramatic variety in one island: you can do sunny Kona/ Waikoloa beaches, see black-sand beaches, and day-trip to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for volcanic landscapes. That diversity is unique.
Family-style resorts/condos in Waikoloa and Kona (Kolea, Hāliʻī Kai, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kings’ Land) offer 2-bedroom condos, big pools, lagoons, and on-site activities geared to kids.
Volcano viewing is a major draw — but note conditions change and safety rules apply. If you plan a volcano visit, check the National Park for closures, air-quality advisories, and safe viewing updates before you go. Some viewing points can be impressive but are sometimes restricted based on activity.
Some “bucket-list” activities (manta-ray night snorkel) are amazing for older kids/teens — but the 7-year-old might not meet age/comfort requirements for certain night excursions.

Recommended towns / neighborhoods that match your needs

Wailea (Maui, South Maui) — top pick if you want upscale condo resorts within walking distance of shops/ice cream and excellent calm beaches (many 2-bedroom condo options like Ekahi, Ekolu, Wailea Beach Villas). Great for families who want a resort feel + kitchen.
Kīhei / Kāʻanapali (Maui, West) — more variety in dining and price points; Kāʻanapali has resort strips and family beaches; Kihei is more casual and often has good condo deals and easy beach access. (Be mindful of Lahaina town specifically because of recovery status.)
Waikoloa / Kona area (Big Island, West) — family-focused resorts and condo communities, very walkable resort zones with shops/restaurants (Waikoloa Village, Anaehoʻomalu Bay area), and good jumping-off points for day trips (beaches, snorkeling, short hikes).
Hilo side (Big Island, East) — greener, closer to Volcanoes National Park, but rainier and less resort-focused; better if you want to be near the park rather than in a resort setting.

Must-do / kid-friendly activities on each island

Maui
- Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Town or calm reefs off south/west beaches (Molokini is an option but can be a longer boat ride — check age/sea-sickness concerns).
- Maui Ocean Center — excellent for kids and a good “weather-proof” activity.
- Easy Road to Hāna drives with short stops (pick a few highlights rather than trying to do everything in one long day).
- Keawakapu/Big Beach days and resort pool time — perfect low-stress days for little ones.
Big Island
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: short, dramatic hikes and safe, ranger-guided viewpoints (always check current closures and air quality). Great for older kids who enjoy geology.
- Snorkel trips from Kona — good marine life variety; or gentle lagoon swimming at resort beaches.
- Black sand beach visits (Punaluʻu) and cultural stops (petroglyphs, botanical gardens) for variety without long hikes.
- Family-friendly resort activities (pools, cultural programs) at Waikoloa/Hilton resorts.

Sample budget guidance for 7–10 days (excluding airfare, base = family of 4)

Maui (Wailea/Kihei/Kāʻanapali) — mid-to-upper range:
- Accommodation (2-bed condo at resort): $250–$650+/night depending on property and season. For 8 nights that’s roughly $2,000–$5,200.
- Car rental (compact SUV for 8–10 days): ~$500–$900 depending on season/insurance.
- Food & groceries: $600–$1,000 (mix of dining out and cooking in condo).
- Activities (snorkel trip, aquarium, one guided tour): $300–$800.
- Rough total: $3,400–$7,900 (so your $5K budget is tighter on Maui if you want an upscale Wailea condo; look for off-peak deals, good VRBO / timeshare rentals, or Kihei to stretch budget).
Big Island (Kona / Waikoloa) — broad range, often slightly more budget-flexible:
- Accommodation (2-bed condo/resort): $200–$500+/night; for 8 nights that’s $1,600–$4,000.
- Car rental: $500–$900.
- Food: $600–$1,000.
- Activities (park entry, snorkel trips, luau): $300–$800.
- Rough total: $3,000–$6,700 — you may find more options that fit your $5K budget here if you shop condo rentals or package deals.

Practical tips & logistics

Book a 2-bedroom condo early — June is popular and family units sell quickly. Use VRBO, local rental managers, or timeshare exchanges to find good 2-BR units. Wailea and Waikoloa both have many managed condo options.
Rent a car at the airport — essential for exploring both islands. Consider a vehicle with good A/C and space for beach gear.
Check current activity/park status the week before travel (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park updates / trail closures, and Maui community notices about access near Lahaina). Volcano conditions can change; follow NPS guidance for safe viewing.
Plan 1–2 “big” excursions (e.g., a snorkel boat with shallow reef, aquarium, or volcano park visit) and leave the rest of the days open for beach/pool/rest — that keeps the trip relaxed for both kids.
For younger kids avoid long boat rides or late-night activities; choose morning snorkels or short, shallow tours.

Final decision guide (one-line):

Choose Maui (Wailea/Kihei/Kāʻanapali) if you prioritize easy beach days, resort/condo comfort, walkable amenities, and low-stress family activities.
Choose Big Island (Kona/ Waikoloa) if your family wants dramatic natural variety (volcano landscapes + beaches), slightly better chances to stretch your budget on condos, and you’re excited about a volcano park visit (with caveats about safety/conditions).

If you’d like, I can now:

look for 2-bedroom condo options in Wailea vs. Waikoloa for your exact travel dates and estimate total costs (I can scan current listings and give a short list), or
build a sample 8-day family itinerary for either Maui or the Big Island that matches your pace and your kids’ ages.

Family of 4, trip in June, which island(s)??

More Hawaii (HI) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions