Hawaii trip - Kauaii & Oahu
 

My wife , our 18mnth old daughted and I are heading to Hawaii for 10 days and am seeking advice for our stay. We will spend 5 nights at Hanalei Bay and then 5 in Honolulu.
i have been to both years ago mainly surfing , no being a family holiday wanted to make sure not to miss anything important. I am told we must visit the Waimea canyon and maybe do a helicopter ride in Kauaii - otherwise just want to surf and relax.(we have a car for our stay)

My wife is very excited about shopping in Oahu - i know of the Moana centre but have heard there may be good outlet shopping avilable also(mainly clothes).happy to hire a car if receommended.

We also love our food - fine dining might be out this trip but any tips or must eat places , please advise.

mahalo.

When you drive up to Waimea Canyon, don't stop there, continue on up to the Kalalau lookout, it is an absolutely spectacular view http://500px.com/photo/7667021

Personally I think the best thing to do on both islands is relax and enjoy the various beautiful beaches!

There is lots of shopping in Waikiki, everything from discount t shirts to Tiffany.

You will probably want a car for at least part of your O'ahu stay, to get out to different beaches if nothing else.

Places we like to eat in Hanalei are:
-Hanalei Gourmet for a casual, laid back meal.
-Hanalei Dolphin for good fish at the restaurant. Take out sushi from the fish market makes for a nice, easy meal on the beach.
-Village Snack Shop for good plate lunch and fresh malasadas in the morning. Nuthin fancy.
-Hanalei Wake-Up Cafe is a good spot for breakfast.
-Hanalei Pizza is surprisingly good!
-Pat's Taqueria is a trailer parked right by the Hanalei Pier. Great tacos, burritos and quesidillas. They are open from noon to 3pm. The line starts forming well before noon.
-Check out The Right Slice pie booth at the farmer's market just outside Hanalei at Waipa Farms on Tuesday afternoon. Fantastic pies, including the chicken pot pie! ~:>

We also like The Tavern at Princeville, Postcards, The Mediterranean Gourmet and BarAcuda, but these might not be exactly what you're looking for with an 18 month old.

we have accomodation booked already - really seeking food , shopping and sights advice, thank you .

Don't forget to check out the Princeville Center - and they have a number of dining options/shopping, etc.

http://princevillecenter.com/

And drive out to the end of the road at Ke'e beach (over 7 one lane bridges) - which is our favorite.

You can swim/snorkel/hike (there is a lifeguard but always check local conditions)- and maybe enjoy a picnic lunch/dinner - and also - you might catch the "green flash" at sunset. :)

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_b.../kee_beach.php

The outlet is in Waipahu about 30 min drive from Waikiki http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=29 There are shuttles available from Waikiki if you don't want to rent a car.

For dining on Oahu, check out this thread http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...n-honolulu.cfm Some options will depend on whether you're renting a car or are OK with taking taxis. I assume you're staying in Waikiki? In Waikiki, you could consider Tiki's and I love the entertainment and atmosphere of House Without a Key and have seen kids there. Within driving distance and on the very casual end, I like Nico's Pier 38, Whole Ox Deli and The Pig & The Lady (at various farmer's markets). Moving up a little bit but still casual are Town and Salt, both in Kaimuki. If you're on the fence about fine dining, consider Alan Wong. It's fairly casual and boisterous for a higher end restaurant.

For Oahu recs, suggest the website "nonstop Honolulu" and one of the blogs from fellow FFFs, MelissaHI and Mari808: http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/category/blogs/

Great ladies in spite of hanging around lcuy from time to time. O:)

As for Kauai, ditto wekewoody's recs on Hanalei Pizza, The Right Slice and The Tavern (beautiful views-good food).

If you guys liked the movie <i>The Descendents</i>, go into Tahiti Nui for a pop and some munchies and see the scene where Clooney met Bridges was filmed.

You may wish to see a sunset from the Westside and since you have an 18 mo old, Salt Pond might be nice. Keiki pool and facilities. Local family hangout.

loving the ideas thank you very much.