first time to Hawaii with 3 year old
 

I've been scanning the various discussions on Hawaii and although our plans overlap with some, we are looking for something particular. We have a 3 year old in tow who is a bit timid with beaches, a pretty good and flexible traveller, very excited about volcanoes and keen to do a bit of hiking (in the 2 mile range). Looking for advice on where to stay in February to ensure a calm beach and reasonable access for the hiking and volcano parts of the trip. We are leaning to Maui. We'd like advice on activities and somewhere low key (not big resort style, maybe a condo?) to stay that's on a suitable beach and has a pool. I also get a vibe from other posts that the Big Island would be worth considering.

Big Island is the only one with an active volcano. If you've been reading replies on other threads, then you'll know that unless you take a helicopter tour, you won't see any lava flow. Lots of craters to hike into or see from overlooks.

http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

Even if you book a helicopter tour, if it is raining or there is cloud cover in the area you may not see lava flow.

Haleakala is a volcanic crater on Maui and is a nice park to visit.

On Oahu, you can hike up to the top of Diamond Head which is a volcanic crater. So is Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific).

On Oahu, Bishop Museum just opened a multi-million dollar volcano exhibit.

For kids, Oahu also has Children's Discovery Center, Hawaiian Adventures Water Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Sea Life Park.

Waikiki Beach is safe for kids in February.

Lots of info for Oahu. Many of the sites are good for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34696831

Maui:

www.mauihawaii.org Great site from Maui Jon

www.visitmaui.com

Big Island:

www.bigisland.org

Kauai:

www.kauai discovery.com

www.kauai-hawaii.com

The area at Volcano National Park (on the big Island, not Maui) going to and from the active lava flow is quite dangerous if you fall down. It's like falling on broken glass! I can't imagine taking even an active toddler on this! It is also very hot during the day, and it is pitch black at night (you'll need flashlights), which is difficult even for seasoned hikers. There are some paved hiking trails, such as the Devastation Trail and Thurston Lava Tube, but these aren't nearly as spectacular as the lava flow. I honestly doubt that any of the helicopter companies would take such a young child.

Thanks a lot for the advice. Sounds like we should keep expectations under control for the volcanoes-- I think a walk near/around a crater would probably satisfy.

With everything you mentioned I would have to say the Big Island would be a slam dunk for you. The Hilton Waikoloa (about 25 miles north of Kona) was voted the best family hotel recently. It has 3 different pools with waterfalls and slides. It also has it's own lagoon where you can swim in and actually see sea life without having to worry about waves knocking you over. They also have a day camp there called Camp Menehune and Dolphin Quest where you can feed and touch the dolphin (for a fee) but you can't swim with it.

It's not an active volcano but the crater at Haleakala is amazing and something fairly easy to see as a family traveling with kids (it's on Maui).

Kauai has much safer beaches for young children - particulary for those a bit timid in the water. Poipu Beach on the south shore has a great "kiddie pool" type beach. Ludgate State Park on the east shore has a breakwater to provide a calm spot and a playground nearby. The north shore has reef-protected Anini Beach which has calm, shallow water much of the time (and some pretty good snorkeling too for the adults).

Just something to consider. Though I think Maui is a great island, the waters there tend to only be fairly calm in the morning hours, and often pretty rough (epescially for little ones) in the afternoons as there are no real reef protected locations.

Ken

My kids love the beach and pool and would be happy being there all day every day. Here are my suggestions:

1. Get your child shave ice

2. On Maui there is the Sugar cane train. Quite touristy, but might be fun for your child.

http://www.hawaiitravelnetwork.com/~paniolo/

3. I did a short hike in Lahina (on Maui) through the sugar cane fields to some petroglyphs. It was flat and short and could be a good teaching experience for your child.

4. On Kauai there is the Children's Discovery Museum. Might be a good rainy day or get out of the sun activity.

http://www.kcdm.org/


Alan