I have been reading this message board for weeks not and have gotten started on planning, but have a few questions for you seasoned Hawaii travellers
We (myself, DH and 2 sons - who will turn 12 and 16 while on this trip)are heading to Oahu then on to Maui in March 08. I have airline tix and hotels (JW Marriott Resort in Oahu and Westin Kaanapali (sp?) in Maui). Now I'm on to activities. Need advice re:

1. - If you had to pick the "best" luau in either of these 2 islands, which would it be? Is it too early to book now?

2. - Best place for boys to take surfing lessons (definitely BEGINNER!)

3. - Zip line tour?

4. Snorkling?

5. Restaurants - both family ones, plus any suggestions for someplace for DH and I to have a romantic dinner by the ocean?

What other activities do you suggest? I have read the boards and books, but am so overwhelmed. We have about 3 1/2 days on Oahu and 5 full days on Maui. We are not super-athletic/adverturous, but we aren't couch potatoes, either. We do want to do some historical things on Oahu (Pearl Harbor, etc).
Thank you so much!!
PS - Also, thinking of using SuperFerry between to get from Oahu to Maui...anyone have experience with this yet?

Snorkeling is the easy one -- you can snorkel right at the beach at the end of Kaanapali (it's called Black Rock, right in front of the Sheraton, just a few properties over from the Westin). Very easy and very good snorkeling.

I haven't done the trip myself, but I've heard excellent things about the Trilogy Company all day catamaran trip to Lanai from Maui.

My daughter (20) took a beginner surf lesson in Kauai this year and it was a hoot. When she finally rode one in, there was a cheering section on the beach!

Don't count on the Superferry.

There are legal issues that need to be resolved before it starts up to Maui.

Maybe by March.

It will take about 3 hours to go from Oahu to Maui

Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii.

Drums of the Pacific at Hyatt has the best fire knife dancer on Maui.

Oahu does not have a zipline.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

At Waikiki, my 12-year-old grandson's favorite restaurant was Cheeseburgers in Paradise.

Be aware that the JW Marriott property is very nice but it is far away from everything. There are restaurants at the hotel, but I don't know how much your kids will enjoy them. We spent a lot of time driving to dinner!

I recommend the snorkeling at Hanauma Bay on Oahu. Surf lessons can be taken on Waikiki Beach toward the Diamond Head side. There are 3 excellent restaurants inside the Outrigger in Waikiki: Duke's (recommend for lunch), Hula Grill and Chuck's both upstairs overlooking the ocean. Hula grill has a good breakfast but is good for dinner as well. Chuck's is a little more upscale and would be nice for you and DH. I also recommend the luau at the Hyatt on Maui, but I'd skip the Polynesian cultural center. IF you'll have a rental car I recommend taking a drive around the North shore to see the beautiful beaches and large waves.

Note that there's a Hula Grill on Kaanapali Beach, too.