1st Time to Hawaii
 

I am starting to plan a trip to Hawaii for next year and know absolutely nothing about the area other than the islands look beautiful! We have three kids, 17,9&5 that will be going with us and love the water. Is one island better that another for family activities? What is the best time to visit? Any advice would be appreciated. THANKS!

We, too, went through this dilemna on our first trip - I bought the book "Hawaii for Dummies" in which they had a little "test" you take where you check your interests in many catagories and they they suggest the island(s) that you may enjoy the most. My personal opinion is that the kids will most enjoy Maui and the Big Island, or Oahu where there is much to do and see. Kauai is more laid back and romantic (in my opinion). If the kids don't mind a LONG walk - the hike to the lava at the volcano of the B.I. is memorable. A trolly ride through Honolulu (Chinatown, farmers markets, Waikiki Beach, etc.) is fun for kids. Enjoy! (By the way, your 2 younger ones would love the pool at the Marriott in Maui (w/ caves and waterslides and waterfalls).

We went last August with our three children also. They were 15,12and 8 at the time. We went to Maui and Oahu,but after Maui they were underwhelmed with Oahu. I would still go to Oahu but I'd go there first, then Maui. We stayed at the Grand Wailea which is a kids dream come true, even for my 15 year old. There were many children there, but they were busy all the time and loved it. They would love to go back!
Please feel free to ask any questions.

Go to http://www.gohawaii.com/ then you can "visit" each island and order the free planner for each, quite useful & priced right !

2 words LEAP to mind for the 1st timer:
SUN SCREEN!!!
Even tho it's overcast on some days, LATHER UP! I got some of my worst burns on dreary days where I thought I really didn't need it.

CHEE WAWA!!!!! ((#)) :-@