Hawaii w/toddlers
 

Please tell us what we must do or see while in Maui for four nights and Oahu for three. We are traveling with toddlers. Help!

If you are traveling with toddlers you need help I'd say. Next time try birth control.

That promises to be some plane ride (with toddlers in tow)!

We have been to Hawaii twice with toddlers and had a terrific time. Kids slept most of the way. Hawaii is a popular family vacation spot. Personally, I would keep it simple. Go to the beach, pool, gardens and attractions where you can easily stroll the kids. We have found it easy to carry the kids in backpack-type carriers where the terrain is tough. I think the most difficult part of your itinerary is two islands; be careful not to try to do /see too much. Children will appreciate the simple pleasures. It is possible to spend too much of your time driving on the islands if you are not careful.

Judy, <BR> <BR>We took my niece who was 9 months at the time. We did two islands, no problem. Depends on what kind of travelers your kids are. Other writer concurred. My niece spent most of the flight sleeping. We took her to Lahaina, Makena Beach, Wailea on Maui. Plus shopping. She is a great traveler and enjoyed all the fun. On Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a major attraction, but wherever you take the kids, just enjoy. It all depends on your attitude and mindset. If you go thinking you will have a great time with the occasional moments of frustration, chances are it will be a great time for all. Enjoy paradise! Aloha

Maui is perfect with toddlers - wonderful family destination. Many of the day trips/sight seeing/snorkeling by boat are fine for toddlers. If you're with a few people you can swap watching the kids while snorkeling (it worked well for us), and the kids love the boat ride. The drive to Hana is kind of tedious and long for little ones though. The Laui's have lots for them to look at and are usually quite noisy, dancing, games etc... they are outdoors. I can't remember which one we went to but it was big and at a large hotel, I wouldn't reccommend these large ones without children, but with toddlers it's great, outside and casual. With only 4 nights on Maui you'll have plenty to do. There also is the Sugar Cane train ride (we didn't do this but would have liked to). In Whalers Village there's shopping & quaint little museums (not the kind of museums you'd need to spend hours, just walk through), might work well with kids. We're going to Kauai in July with our two kids - can't wait. Sorry I can't help on Oahu, haven't been there, but it's a big city there should be tons to do. Enjoy!

Don't listen to the nay-sayers--Hawaii is wonderful for little ones. We found the beaches and playgrounds delightful; many local public beaches have man-made breakwaters that make shallow areas for small children to romp safely. Check with a hotel concierge or knowledgeable local.

On O'ahu, definitely the aquarium and the zoo. Have fun!

Judy, <BR> <BR>I just came back from Maui, Kauai, Big Island and saw a lot of couples with toddlers in Maui and Kauai. I don't know how they will handle the flight but these couples seemed like they had a great time at the beach and the pool. Just keep things simple and you will do fine. The Napili area of Maui is family-oriented. <BR> <BR>Cathy