rdpesq

We are thinking of going to Hawaii this August. for seven days. We have been to Oahu, Maui (twice) and the Big Island. I love each island. We are traveling with are tow kids, ages 7 and 4. Both have been to Hawaii before but when they were much younger.

We are considering Kauai and specifically the Hyatt. While I have always wanted to go to Kauai, I confess that I am concerned it may be a little too slow, especially for seven days. Any advice would be great.

Alternatively, we are considering Oahu because of the great diversity of activity for kids. Waikiki is great for kids and I hear that have movies on the beach, something they did not have in 2002 when we last visited. I also missed the Polynesian Culture Center the last time around.

A second alternative is the Big Island, my personal favorite though not my wife's. We stayed at the Hapuna Prince and I had a blast. We are considering the Hilton it we return because of all the kids activities.

Generally, we like all the usual stuff. A nice hotel, great pool, hiking, snorkling and eating at local joints.

Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks a million.

girlonthego

The Hilton on the Big Island is huge and we enjoyed our stay there with our kids. They were a little older (around 11-12) when we went, but there are lots of things to do. We really liked the Big Island. You can swim with giant turtles in their lagoon. Also, the snorkeling is great on Big Island.
The Hilton in Oahu was great too. Nice hotel and near everything.
I have not been to Maui in 15 years and I was never in Kauai. We went to Big Island and Oahu about 3 years ago for spring break. It was great and we would love to go back!

FrankS

With kids, I found any place with sand works well. So figure you cant miss. I think Maui is the best Island for kids, and maybe the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big island as the best overall resort. Maui has the Aquarium, Sugar Cane Train and Cousteau Ambassadors(you might have to stay in Kapalua for this) programs for kids in Kapalua.

rdpesq

Thanks girlonthego and FrankS. Anyone with experience at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. When we were on the Big Island, we visited the Hilton Waikoloa which looks great for kids. It does not look like it has much of a beach. However, it looks like there is so much to do there, you may not need a good beach. I must say, I have poor experience with the Hilton in San Francisco and elsewhere. It could be property specific. Any additional insight would be great. Thanks.

SAnParis2

These posts always cause a bit of a smile to cross my face. The kids will likely adapt fine wherever. They are unlikely to care about fine dining, a great hotel or other grownup gobbledegook. Give them a shovel & pail, & some beach, & they'll likely be fine.

rdpesq

Great advice. The kids are easy. My wife . . . that is another matter.

iamq

The Grand Hyatt is a large resort with great pools, very nice facilities, and lots of families.

Kauai is a pretty boring island, but I am sure you'll find plenty to do.

chepar

Oahu would have the greatest variety of activities for kids.

However, if you are planning to stay primarily at the resort and spend most of the time at the pool or beach, the Hyatt on Kauai (or any of the large resorts on any island, for that matter) would work.

The Waikoloa on the Big Island does not have its own beach, but there is a beach within a 5 minute drive. However, their pools are great and the lagoon offers a beach like setting. All the kids in our family love the Waikoloa and it is always their first choice if we're looking for a weekend getaway.

sf7307

I haven't to the Hyatt Kauai myself, but many here have previously mentioned that it does not have a beach (or at least a swimmable beach), so if that matters to you, just know that you'll have to drive to the beach (quite close).

If you want to do more than "play" at the resort and on the beach, I would think either Maui or Oahu would be better than Kauai. Will your kids be impressed by the views at Waimea Canyon (doubt it)? Oahu is obviuosly the most "developed", followed by Maui. Kauai isn't even in the running!! With kids, I would probably choose Maui.

girlonthego

Hilton Waikoloa has some very good restaurants and I was a little surprised at how good they were. The Hilton Waikoloa and Hilton Hawaiian in Oahu are to me the best Hiltons we have ever gone to. Sort of a flagship for them. The Hilton Waikoloa has many buildings. I believe we stayed in the Ocean one and we did have a view of the ocean. There are many pools. You can swim with the dolphins for a fee. You can swim with the turtles for free. The lagoon beach is small, but the water is calm and your kids can run in and out and see turtles.
There is a great boogie boarding beach just a few minutes up the road at the Hapuna Beach. The marriott next door also has a beach.
We liked the Hilton and we would go back. Your kids are young and would probably be happy anywhere there is a pool with a slide and a beach
Anything else you want to know? We stayed there in April 2006.

dusty56438

You already know what Oahu is like & what you missed.

If $$$ is not too much of an objective, spend 2-3 days on Oahu & the rest on Kauai.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures. You can order the brochures & now you can download the brochure for most of the islands.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

rdpesq

We have narrowed between Oahu and the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island. Someone suggested island hopping. On such a short trip with young kids, packing up and moving -- card seats and all -- too much work.

We stayed at the Marriot Waikiki in 2002. Girlonthego suggested Hilton Hawaiian. Any other suggestions for a Waikiki resort that is great for kids? We having been saving and are willing to splurge a little for something nicer with good amenities.

oahufam

I think the Hilton Hawaiian Village is your best bet as it is one of the most kid friendly resorts in Waikiki.

Of all the islands, Oahu has the most kid friendly activities.

For more ideas of things to do with kids visit http://www.oahufamilyactivities.com/

Mahalo and enjoy your visit.