My husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii with our 2 years old son. This is the first time for all of us. We have only one week in May, around Memorial Day. Which island, Oahu or Maui, should we pick? Also, what is the best airfare around then? I checked on several websites, and the cheapest I could find was $470.

Any comments/suggestions appreciated.

If you are only looking at Oahu or Maui, then Maui, but I'd say the Big Island deserves consideration. Plenty to do. Volcano National Park is wonderful.

Depending on where you're flying from, $470 could be a great airfare.

I would definitely recommend Oahu over Maui. Oahu has many more things to do and see, but also has as many gorgeous, secluded beaches that Maui does. When my husband and I and a few friends went to Maui 2 yrs ago we were really excited because we'd heard so many times that Maui was the "best" of the Hawaiian islands. We were scratching our heads all week trying to figure out why. Now, don't get me wrong -- Maui IS beautiful and this is merely my opinion. But between the two, Oahu is our choice hands down. Do a search on this site for Oahu (especially the "Why I Love Oahu" thread) and you'll get plenty of feedback about why people love that island. Just don't make the mistake of seeing only Honolulu/Waikiki. Be sure to rent a car and see the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, the Ko'Olina lagoons. Also, be sure to visit the little beach on the North Shore where sea turtles swim in the water and sun themselves on the beach. Well, you'll read about all that if you do a search for Oahu on this site anyway.

You'll have a great time whichever island you choose, I'm sure!

I like both for different reasons. I would pick Maui for a first family trip because it seems more "storybook" Hawaii to me, while Oahu (I only have been to Honolulu) more gritty and "authentic".

The pick of islands really depends so much on your interests (which we don't know). I like the history, museums, tours, hussle and bussle in Honolulu. On Maui I enjoyed driving around, seeing the volcano crater, going a couple shows, walking tour of Old Lahaina, etc.

Gorgeous beaches obviously can be had on any island. Airfare price depends on where you are coming from (which we don't know).

Have you thought about the big Island which is beautiful. I recommend staying at Hapuna Prince. Kauai is our favorite island. Not a big tourist trap, so many beautiful beaches and places to go. More laid back and not fast paced. Maui and Oahu are beautiful too but more for tourist,especially honolulu which is very much a city and crowded.

Can you give us a little more information? Do you enjoy outdoor activities with the little one in tow? Hiking etc? Or do you prefer tourist activities? I really love Maui but Oahu might be easier with a little one. Things like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor can be done with your son in a stroller or backpack.

I haven't been to Kauai yet although we go in a couple weeks but out of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island I would return to the Big Island first. There's Volcano National Park, Place of Refuge, Waipio Valley, a vast variety of different type of beaches with many sea turtles. That said with a two year old it may be better to wait a few years for the Big Island. Maui was pretty just not as interesting as the Big Island. On Oahu we were just in the Wakkiki each area for a few days which is fast paced and reminded me of Las Vegas for some reason but without the gambling and we went to Pearl Harbor which was nice to see.

People need to see more than Waikiki on Oahu!!!

juanita~ why i like waikiki:

because i travel solo, can fly there non-stop, get around using public transportation, don't have the expense of a rental car, and there's plenty to see and do all hours of the day and night.

suze - I agree! Don't get me wrong - I really enjoy Waikiki, too. I only wish more people would see the rest of Oahu. I just read a travel report ysterday that said only about 52% of visitors to Oahu go see the North Shore. What a shame!

In the end, ANY Hawaiian island beats San Jose, CA any day!

Juanita, I am with you! I have been to Kauai, Maui and Oahu and both my husband and I like Oahu the best. For a first time visit Oahu has many pro's. Cheaper airfare, tons of hotel choices, historical sightseeing, shopping, and tons of beautiful beaches. I also love Kauai for a laid back time relaxing at the beach but I would save it for a future trip...of course once you visit you want to keep coming back!

My first Hawaiian island adventure was Oahu in October 04. Will be going to Maui in April.

Oahu is easy to get around on and has much to see. Historic and cultural attractions included. Defintely recommend it for a first one week visit. So much to do.

The airfare and hotel rates were cheaper for Honolulu. Maui flights are about $150-200 more roundtrip. I booked my hotel at the Hawaii Prince hotel for $85 night via Priceline. Haven't been able to secure anything under $200 a night in Maui. Note that I prefer hotels, not condos which may be cheaper.

Hope this helps.

With only one week at two year old and that time of year. I would head to Maui. Its small and do-able. Pretty drives in 45 minutes for different segments of the island.

Oahu also has a lot of nice beaches driving distance. North shore is pretty nice and you will have all the convenience of Honolulu if you want to go in for shopping, dinner or entertainment.

KAUAI
Very beautiful and not as crowded as other islands.
It has it all Waimea Canyon (grand canyon of the pacific),waterfalls,rainforests,beaches great for snorkeling , the very lush and green Napali Coast(great for breathtaking views),Wailua River (kayaking)it is called the Garden Isle.
The Princeville Resort is beautiful but expensive.