If you had 10 days, and two ten year olds, which two islands would you split your time between? and why?
What hotels would you choose?
Thanks

My personal choices would be Maui and the Big Island. Those would have the best balance of action and relaxation. Plus the unlimited beauty and nature activities. And the towns are quaint and fun. The Four Seasons on each island is on my wishlist for luxury, activities and location.

Islandmom:
I have seen your name on the Hawaii posts before. Did you say you live in Hawaii? I was wondering if you know anything about the two big Hiltons in Oahu and Waikola(can't spell all these names) We may have some hilton miles to use. I was in Oahu ten years ago and found it a very interesting city. We have also been to Maui(the Wailea side). Now we are talking about taking the kids next year. What do you know about the big island? I know there are volcanoes. I think that would be a really neat place to take them. Any input? Also, am I missing something about Maui. I only saw Wailea. We never ventured to the other side.......

I'd do a week in Maui or Kauai and 3 days on Oahu. 3 days is all you need in Oahu to see Pearl Harbour, Diamond Head, etc. One week can be used to explore one of the other islands. If you had two full weeks I'd skip Oahu and spend a week at another island. However, may as well get Oahu outta the way and 3 days is enough to see the sights.

Hi, I live on Oahu. I am in Okla as my grandmother is dying.

Each side of every island is unique. There are no bad islands. Oahu has much to explore and lots of culture. The Big Island has every climate on earth- snow, rainforest, sierra... I forget the exact names for it all. And you should see all of Maui someday since you missed many dramatic sites.

How old are your kids and what do you like to do? That will narrow it down some. Both Oahu Hilton's are nice. Just very different.

I would not split two islands in 10 days. Too much to see and do on each island. Too easy to spend entire days in the car this way, or too many days poolside when you are sick of driving. Don't understand it. I would explore hiking, kayaking, swimming, event (gohawaii.com), snorkeling and eating options before I decided I could see it all in 5 days. Just a thought plenty of people split it up, it just has never worked for me.

I vote for splitting the time between Hilton Waikoloa (Hawaii's Disneyland) on the Big Island, and Grand Wailea (many pool activities) on Maui. Enjoy your stay in paradise!

personally I would split it between maui and oahu. We've stayed at the hilton hawaiian village and it was wonderful. great location, places to walk to. my kids,7,12,13,actually like oahu better than kaui and really didnt care for the BI. they love maui! its a personal choice but it seems a shame to go all the way to hawaii and not see some of hawaiis most wonderful sights.

Islandmom- I am sorry to hear your grandmother is so ill.
My girls are 9 and 10 now. They love just going to the beach and boogie boarding! I would like them to see Pearl Harbor and experience the city on the beach feel you get in Oahu. I know that the first night we arrive, we will be pretty shot(we are coming from the east)Also, the time change would be 6 hours. I know we would need at least 10 days to make the trip worthwhile. We may be able to extend it to two weeks depending on the time of year we go. Anyway,I hate to admit it, but I like the resorts that have it all. You mentioned the four seasons, but I am sure that is out of our budget.
It is highly doubtful that we will helicopter over the volcanoes. We can hike somewhat, but I am not into that persay. We would love the luaus, the culture, the whale watching maybe, snorkeling, beach activities, and just enjoying the scenery. I would love to see the volcanoes though. Is it scary or dangerous(I don't want to sound silly...but..)We are sightseers, but not everyday.
Thanks for all of your opinions!!! Keep posting..Also, I have never been to Kaui-do you think the girls would love it, or am I better off with the other islands?

dmcmom:
Where did you stay on Maui?

Conditions vary daily at Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. I was amazed at how accessible most of Volcano National Park is. You can drive right up to active steam vents and not even have to get out of your car. A few steps is all it takes to enter the enormous Thurston lava tube. The impressive Kilauea crater is reached after a short level walk. The only part we found tricky is walking to the active lava flow at the end of Chain of Craters Road. This walk took us about 30 minutes in March and was hot and you need to bring water. About half the walk to active lava flow was on a closed highway, and the other half over mounds of lava-a series of humps a few feet up and down until you reach the red hot stuff. There are rangers present at the lava flow and the only real irritant for us aside from the heat was the sulfur odor, which happened to be blowing away from us when we were there. Check in at the ranger station before going to the area of active lava flow. Many people were present with children 10 years of age and under when we went, and they seem to enjoy it. Enjoy your stay in paradise!

Here is link to Volcanoes National Park:

http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/lava.htm

Hilton Waikoloa would be awesome for your girls. Every water sport you could imagine. And it's beautiful for parents too. I've been there several times. That crazy volcano is never doing much when I go and is so boring because of the drive. Of course in May I decided to stay by the pool and my parents brought back amazing photos of the lava right next to them. I would call the day of your drive and ask what the conditions are. It would be very educational for kids. And you don't have to stay at the Four Seasons, but can go see their 3pm Eagle Ray feeding. Kona is a fun town too. Try chocolate honus at the Kailua Candy Co. Then there is Hapuna beach which you have to swim. And the waterfalls by Hilo. You could check into night diving or snorkeling with the giant manta rays.

Sounds like the Hilton Hawaiian Village would be good for your family. It's very nice, lots of fish and animals to check out. Right on the beach and all the city action. Oahu always has educational festivals for the kids. There are movies on the beach. Museums, art, unusual foods, etc. I can give you more specific ideas when you have the dates. I love raising my daughter there because Oahu has endless learning and cultural exposure.

THANK YOU so much islandmom!!! I am not sure about dates. We will attempt to get a couple of frequent flyer tickets so that will take some advance planning.Plus we will also use some Hilton miles.(I hope) I am glad to hear the resorts are fun and beautiful.
We could possibly travel at Christmas 2004.(This is better for my husband) We could also plan summer of 2004. Next, I have to convince my husband that this is a must vacation!! After all, I turn 40 at the end of 2004. Who needs a party when you can go to Hawaii...........

John D.
Thanks for your links on volcanoes.......!!!!!