Next June we are planning our first trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We are bringing our 6 1/2 year old son and am having a difficult time deciding which islands to visit. We are planning to stay about 2 weeks. I am at the beginning stages of planning this trip. My husband wants to visit the BI (I do too) and I am torn between Kauai and Maui. I think 3 islands is too much for us let alone a 6 year old. I would consider staying in a condo as long as there are things we could do nearby that would be fun for our son. Or would it be better to do a resort with many activities to choose from? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any advice. P.S. This is a great board!!!

I think that for a first trip, Maui is the best choice. We are planning another trip to Kauai next June, but for our kids' first trip, it was Maui. There is a lot to do in Maui. I think it's less expensive than Kauai (because of more competition, probably).

Kauai is the most beautiful island, in my opinion, so if you're not wanting lots of activities, maybe that's a good choice for you, too. I'm not trying to say that Kauai doesn't have activities, just not as many as Maui.

I also think 3 islands in one trip with a 6-year-old would be too much.

Either way, you will probably love it. There's just no place like Hawaii!

Anyone else? I have a 11 and 14 year old and we are first timmers? Trying to decide betwen Maui and Kaui. Want very tropical atmostphere, snokeling a nice beach, nice condo location, and moderate activity. Also would the kids appreciate the BI and volcano activity? Is it worth going? Thanks.

In 23 days, I'm leaving for the BI. I'm taking my 14 and 15-year old daughters, and it will be our first BI trip. I visited Maui 4 years ago. I'd think Maui would be a bit better for a 6 year old...Kauai may get boring, but definitely not for the parents. On the BI, I've planned lots of things for us to do, but time will tell. I'll try to remember to post again when I return with a well-informed opinion.

From a slightly different perspective...my kids grew up on Oahu and hated Kauai as it was way "too boring" for them. They preferred Maui with at least a day on the Big Island to see the volcano.

Oh, but they never liked any of the islands more than Oahu, where there was always something to do.

Thanks for all the advise. Looks like I will nix Kauai for this trip. Makes for a reason to go back! Happy Thanksgiving ya'll. (obviously in the south!):0)

Now that we've returned from 12 days on the Big Island, I can give you some more insight on your family trip options. The Hilton Waikoloa had lots of activities available for kids and families, including the program "Dolphin Quest", where kids and/or adults can interact directly with dolphins and trainers. It's not cheap, but how many times in your lifetime can you touch and feed dolphins? The resort also has a partially enclosed lagoon that has rental of kayaks, snorkel gear, paddleboats, etc...lots of fun. That doesn't even take into account the regular pool with slides and a sand beach, perfect for smaller kids.

At the volcano, we stayed at Country Goose Bed & Breakfast in the Elua room which would be perfect for the 3 of you, with a queen bed and a daybed. Joan takes excellent care of everyone with a to-die-for breakfast everyday and special touches including movies in the room.

Our condo, Hale Kona Kai was a perfect oceanfront location within walking distance to Kailua-Kona. Simple entertainment here...we spent 2 hours watching "honu" (turtles) on the lava rock just below our lanai.

I hope this additional information helps. Let me know if you need any more details.

I was very surprised that my kids - 7, 12, 16, & 18 - preferred Maui to Oahu. They said that Waikiki felt like any big city that just happened to be next to an ocean. But they loved Maui. We snorkeled - even the 7 year old. We got the greatest Body Glove brand snorkel suit for her at Sam's club. It had flotation devices in it. We enjoyed "Cheeseburger in Paradise". I thought that the Sugar Cane train was a bit of a bore but my daughter loved it. We had fun at the farmers' markets and we loved walking under that giant banyan tree in Lahaina. She spent much time in the ocean and pool and loved the little oceanside park that was beside our condo.

We stayed in the Hale Kai condo: www.halekai.com but alot of the resorts have kid programs.

We took our 6 year old to 3 European countries over 2 weeks last summer with no problems. Your child will be able to island hop over 2 week period if that's what you want to do. He isn't the one who will repack the bags each time- it'll be harder on you. If you want to island hop, go fot it!

We stayed on Maui for a week with our kids. We had plenty to do, and didn't have time to do everything. I have never seen a child with a pool and a beach be bored.

Have a great trip.

Our boys were 6 and 8 on their first trip to Hawaii and we went to Kauai. The loved the various beaches - pole hale park, shipwreck beach(which is now the Hyatt arghhh), annini beach, ke'e beach, etc. We did some hiking, went to the lighthouse, took a helicopter tour (the biggest highlight of all since the entire mountain range/tops were totally clear), etc. They've since been back to kauai, maui, BI and Oahu. BI will be fun - be aware that the odor from the volcano is very strong but he should like the park. maybe buy a book on it before going to explain what he will see.

I've only been to Oahu and Maui, but would vote for Maui for the many reasons already mentioned. Although it is not active, the volcano there makes a pretty spectacular 1/2 day trip.