Going to Oahu in Feb. for three nights and BI for 8 with husband and two boys, 12 & 10. During time on BI we have the weekend to island hop for a day and would like to know if going to Kauai is a good idea. Husband and I have been to Maui and I to Kauai and thought it would be nice for my husband and boys to see it. Any suggestions? Also, any must sees on the BI while there? Of course we will see Pearl Harbor while in Oahu. Any other ideas? Should we rent a car also? Thanks for the help!!!

Oahu - Arizona Memorial, Pali Lookout, Circle Island tour, Polynesian Cultural Center, North Shore, Iolani Palace and other Monarchy buildings, Waikiki and Diamond Head.

BI - Volcanoes National Park, of course, Waipio Lookout, drive through Waimea country, Akaka Falls. Lots of time enjoying the pool, the beach, and the surf at whatever resort you staying at.

On the Big Island, rent a kayak and paddle out to the Captain Cook monument for great snorkeling. Also, I found the Place of Refuge to be worth a visit. More great snorkeling near it, at Hounaunau (sp?) Bay. You will need a rental car on the Big Island, of course.

Thanks for the suggestions! What about going to Kauai for a day trip? Too much like the BI, should we do Maui or what? Also, has anyone driven on Oahu? I just remember the traffic when I was there in '99. Did enjoy the circle tour and thought about it with the boys in tow this time. Just really want to give the boys an adventure while mixing with all the history as well. Really can't wait to go!!!!

Personally, I wouldn't try to do a day trip to Kauai. Kauai is wonderful, and you really could not do it justice in one day, IMHO. That's why on my next trip in January, I'm spending a week on the Big Island and a week on Kauai. They are both great and I couldn't pick just one!

Also, I'm not sure you can fly direct to Kauai from BI. You might have to stop in Honolulu, so you'd be spending a lot of the day on the plane or in the airports. I could be wrong though. Check the interisland schedules on Hawaiian Air or Aloha Air websites.

On the BI you will need a car. You should try to take a trip to the Waipi'o Valley, on horseback. It is not accessible by car and is really beautiful.
Visit Volcanos Park and see the volcano.
Visit the Parker Ranch.

There is an observatory on the BI. Though you can't use the observatory telescopes you can go to the visitor's center. For more info on this http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/visiting.htm

Have fun!

ON the interisland flight issue, We flew from Kona through Maui, (no deplaning-just drop off and pick-up) and then to Kauai on Aloha Airlines. The BI and Kauai are different. Kauai is the oldest of the islands and has had many more years to develop the lush vegetation. As you drive around the BI there are many parts that still feature the lava flows with very little vegetation. This is especially tru on the western side near Waikoloa. Many miles old lava flow with vegetation near the shore (and the resorts!)

Wouldn't your boys have a better time taking a horseback ride, fishing or snorkeling trip rather than sitting around an airport/airplane for another day? I have to think that the natural beauty of Kauai will be something of a disappointment for them. Stay on the BI and splurge on something local.

Patg, sounds like a good idea. You're right when it comes to appreciating the natural beauty at ages 12 & 10, not gonna happen! Since we are staying in Oahu 3 nights maybe really seeing and enjoying the BI is the best idea. Have to look into some ideas shared here. Thanks all!

Laurie, thanks for the nice reply. I have been going through a lot of the same decisions as you; we are going to the BI next year, with boys 10, 12 and 15!

One place I found has really intrigued me - it's a house rental, beachfront, south of Hilo. The kids can kayak and swim right across the street! Resorts are nice, but kind of surreal. See what you think.

http://www.8hawaiibeaches.com/

Maybe you could do a helicopter tour to Kauai. We did one of the Big Island and it was incredible. I am thinking the Napili coast of Kauai would be spectacular from a helicopter, the zoom in close to waterfalls etc... Usually they have narrative from the pilot and if your kids have not been in a helicopter this would be a unique experience for them. It is really cool how they take off, almost straight up. The only drawback is the cost as it can be pricey. There is a waterpark in Oahu but I am not sure what it is called, big slides and all that stuff. Have a great time!

Having gone to Hawaii with three water rats (ages 9,13 and 16) this summer, I'd recommend Haunema Bay for a morning (get there early before the crowds arrive), and then go to a North Shore beach in the afternoon - Waimea Bay Beach is beautiful or check out Sunset Beach/Banzai Pipeline and have them marvel at the surfers ( the surf should be up in Feb). I think the kids might enjoy that more than the PCC. You might also consider letting them take a surfing lesson on Waikiki from one of the beach boys there - they do a great job with the kids

On Oahu, the kids might enjoy a day visit to the Wailea beach area - great beach and my kids had a ball with the trampoline that they anchor off shore. A trip out to Molokini crater is worth it (in addition to great snorkeling, we even had a slide off the back of the boat). My kids also loved doing snuba

I can't imagine doing Kauai for just one day. But if you have one day to spend on kauai and can figure out a way to get there without chewing up too much time in the airports, take them on the helicopter trip (if it is in your budget) - my kids loved the experience. If you can't afford the helicopter, take the drive up through the Waimea Canyon lookouts - pretty spectacular experience.

Above all - have fun!

I wouldn't waste a day driving the circle on Oahu. I thought it was boring. I would recommend getting a car and going to Hanauma Bay for a half day (find out which day it's closed, I think Mon or Tues). And Pearl Harbor for a half day. With the tour comes a movie first (required), then the little boat takes you out to the memorial so it takes probably an hour.
Of course you'll have to swim on Waikiki Beach. Get a shave ice. Find your way to the police station on the beach and watch the surfers from around there. Skip the aquarium. Zoo is nice but like any other zoo. Take a catamaran ride off Waikiki Beach. Several of them go out for 1-hour rides for $15-20/person and it's so beautiful out there. No reservations, just find one and ask the captain if you can go.
Walk through International Marketplace to see people haggling for purchases.
At Hilton Hawaiian Village, they have a pond with penguins and turtles that get fed at 3 PM. On Fridays at 8 PM Hilton has fireworks over the beach. Ilikai, Hilton and several others have free hula entertainment evenings.