Marti

Have taken our kids to Hawaii each year since they were born. Our oldest just turned eight. Here are their favorite things to do: swim in the pools, play in the ocean. Play a lot with their dad who just isn't home enough during the week. Look for geckos at night. Watch gecko's catch insects. Go on nature walks (just about anywhere.) Look for frogs during rainstorms. Eat shave ice. Crack open coconuts. Play.
Yes, we've hiked with them (favorite all time hike was one on Kauai where we can upon an abandoned toilet in the middle of a forest. Kids are kids), visited the volcano, gone to a church service in Hawaiian- cool stuff but the kids love to play at the beach more than anything else.
Haven't been to Oahu. On the Big Island our kids have enjoyed kayaking with us in dbl kayaks on Kealakekua Bay where we have often been surrounded by spinner dolphins in the early a.m. There are usually some local guys at the dock that will help you load and unload the kayaks -essential with young kids in tow- and appreciate a tip when done. Our 8 year old thought the place of refuge was cool, especially the Hawaiian checkerboard. We've also done some waterfall hikes on the Hilo side where the high point was skinny-dipping and watching daddy swing like Tarzan from a ropeswing. They also like the naturally heated pool in the Puna area-Ahalanui Pool. The Volcano is cool, but the high point for the kids up there was the lava tubes. On Kauai, my kids like to chase chickens around up at Kokee State Park but we have done some easy hikes up there with them. Watch the road up- some may get carsick. They also like the Green Garden restaurant in Hanapepe and love Parrot Talk at the Hyatt, free at 10 am every morning in the Hyatt atrium. They get to hold and learn about the hotel's macaws. They love playing at Hanalei Bay.

lisa

I'm surprised noones mentioned the Dole Plantation on Oahu. It's not a long drive. You can get a nifty drink there (Some sort of pineapple smoothie, of course), and learn how pineapples are grown. Our kids really enjoyed it.

Our kids took to snorkeling on Kaui, and could have done it all day. Not sure if your six year old is too young for it. You might try it in the bathtub first. Someone on this site suggested having the child lay on an air mattress mask down in the water. That would be a great way to start. There is easy snorkling for great tropical fish in Poipu. You can stand in the water with your face down.

They'll love a luau. We went to the Smith Luau on Kauai and it was great.

Be sure to get some good guide books. The Ultimate Kauai Guide Book is a good one for Kauai.

You can't go wrong in Hawaii! It's a great family vacation for any type of kids and any type of parent. You can spend your time getting educated; being physically active; or just hanging out on the beach or by the pool, or all of the above! All equally valid pursuits for a vacation!

John

Lisa did you learn that much about pineapple growing at the dole plantation? I always skip that place because the fact that they shackled field workers in their early days has always haunted me. Sandford Dole was also the first president imposed (not elected) on the Hawaiians when it was illegally annexed in 1895? Not sure about the year. When you walk into the Dole plantation there is a plack that says something to the fact that he came with only $1800 in his pocket (this was a hundred years ago). They neglect to tell you that his larger asset was the trust and tolerance of the Hawaiian Monarchy.

But apart from all this is the Dole Plantation anything more than a gift shop with free samples of juice on a drive to the North Shore.

I am another person who cares about an informed tourist. Don’t live in Hawaii but think you should know something about the place you visit.

Kelly

Wow I can't imagine not visiting the planatarium at the bishop museum. They even host night views with a high power telescope once a month I think.