whats the best way to see hawaii
going with two pre teens last week in august for 7 days? cruises, land tours etc...

With only seven days, I think I would pick an island and stay there. A cruise will only give you a short stay on any island. On a snorkeling trip I met a woman who said that they stopped in Kauai on a cruise and didn't see what the "big deal was". She actually didn't think it was a very pretty island. That to me was an excellent example of what you don't see on a Hawaiian cruise. I would think that two pre teens would like 5 days on the Kona side of the Big Island at the Hilton Waikaloa and then two nights in Volcano National Park. Another option would be Maui for 7 days or Oahu where you could enjoy the beach, spend the day at Pearl Harbor visiting the Arizona and other historic sites, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the zoo, the North Shore, etc. There are lots of options.

I think two islands would be possible in 7 days. My kids enjoyed Oahu (Pearl Harbor/Arizona, Hanauma Bay, climbing Diamond Head, and the pineapple plantation with maze), and I don't see how anyone could go all that way without seeing the volcanoes on the big island -- the stinky sulfur vents were a highlight of the trip!.

Oops, didn't really answer your question -- no, cruises and land tours are not the way to go -- these islands are quite manageable with just a rental car, that will let you go at your own pace.

Stay on one island to maximize your time, since 7 days is rather limiting. Kids usually like to spend time not rushing in and out of places "seeing it all". On Oahu, you could spend 3-4 days exploring the island, spend another day or two doing nothing but relaxing, and perhaps add a full day towards a hike in the mountains, assuming your kids are reasonably fit. That would make for a great trip and this is coming from someone who lives there! I would agree to stay away from cruises, though you can take a 2 hour boat excursion into pearl harbor and surrounding areas, which can be kind of fun.

We took our kids to Maui and are taking them again in the fall. There's plenty to do for them to do there as most hotel have great pools with slides, etc. There is snorkeling and lots of dining options. We recently went to Kauai but did not take the kids. I'm sure they would have enjoyed it there if we'd stayed at the Hyatt in Poipu which has awesdome pools and grounds. I would not take a cruise around the islands. I'd pick one place and stay there.

Stay in one place. You will waste one day transfering islands. By the time you check out, get to the airport, fly , get a rental car and check in to your next hotel, you will have shot one good day. Besides your arrival day and departure days are short ones too, so highly recommend you stay put on one island and get a rental car. Cruises do not let you see anything, too short visits to the islands.