Which 2 Hawaiian islands?

Question

Hey all!

I am in the early planning stages of a trip to Hawaii for myself, boyfriend, my parents, sister and her boyfriend.

We plan to go for 16 days and visit 2 islands.

However we are struggling to decide which 2 to visit.

Our family is not into bars, don't drink or enjoy the party atmosphere.

We love to see the beautiful island, go snorkeling, road trip to see pretty views, do easy hikes and see waterfalls, and are into fun experiences/excursions-pineapple farm tour, botanical gardens, aquariums,whale watching,etc.

We know we want to see a volcano, and maybe it erupting if lucky, so we are pretty decided on atleast visiting big island.

However would love input from there.

From my current research I was between Maui or Kauai.

We like that Kauai is less busy, but also want to make sure we will have plenty of fun things to do to fill our days. Plus heard road to Hana would be great for us... So would love input on if it's worth doing maui just for this.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions ❤️

Answer

For a 16-day Hawaii trip with a family group that prefers natural beauty, snorkeling, waterfalls, easy hikes, and fun excursions—but is not interested in nightlife or bars—choosing two islands wisely is key to maximizing your experience without feeling rushed.

Since you want to see a volcano, the Big Island (Island of Hawaii) is an obvious choice. It offers:

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where you can see lava flows (active flows permitting), craters, and steam vents.
Diverse landscapes from black sand beaches to rainforests and waterfalls.
Snorkeling spots like Kealakekua Bay, Honaunau Bay, and Hapuna Beach.
Easy scenic drives like Saddle Road and coastal roads, plus botanical gardens and coffee/pineapple farms.
Whale watching opportunities (seasonal, mostly December–April).

For your second island, both Maui and Kauai are excellent choices, but your priorities may guide the decision:

Maui: Offers the iconic Road to Hana drive, which is perfect for waterfall stops, scenic views, and botanical garden experiences. Maui also has Haleakalā National Park for sunrise or sunset visits, snorkel excursions at Molokini Crater, whale watching in season, and relatively more developed amenities and restaurants. It’s slightly busier than Kauai but still provides quieter areas in West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali).
Kauai: Known as the “Garden Isle,” it’s quieter and more laid-back, with spectacular scenery. You can explore the Na Pali Coast by boat or helicopter, visit Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), easy hikes, waterfalls, botanical gardens, and charming small towns. Kauai doesn’t have the Road to Hana, but the scenic drives along the north and east coasts are stunning. It’s more remote and less crowded, ideal for a nature-focused family trip.

Suggested approach:

Big Island + Maui: Choose if you want the iconic Road to Hana experience, snorkel at Molokini, and enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches.
Big Island + Kauai: Choose if you prefer a quieter, more nature-immersed experience with dramatic scenery, hikes, and less crowded beaches.

Given your family’s focus on easy hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling, botanical gardens, and avoiding touristy nightlife, many families enjoy Big Island + Kauai for a balance of volcano exploration and lush, serene landscapes. If the Road to Hana is a priority and you want slightly more tourist infrastructure, then Big Island + Maui is the better fit.

Regardless of your choice, 16 days gives you ample time to split 7–8 days on each island, allowing relaxed pacing without feeling rushed.