Hawaii with a 10 year old, 10 days to 2 weeks
 

Hi - My wife, son and myself are planing to go in August and have never been. We want to stay away from things too commercial (we typically tent camp & hike on vacations), but also know our son has more fun when he can hook up with other kids. In looking at everything it seems the Big Island is a must see, and either Maui or Kauai also (I was thinking Maui originally, but friends who have been have all said Kauai). Any recomendations? And yes, I'm completely willing to skip the 2nd island and just stay on the Big Island if that seems best. We will primarily be hiking, swimming etc - we are not night life folks.

Thanks!
Dave

Kauai and Maui are both great, but they're very different. Maui is more "resort-y", more developed. Kauai is more natural, less developed and thus, quieter. Hiking and swimming are abundant on both. I'd recommend Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai (Poipu Beach -- great condo resort, beautiful grounds, on the beach, across from a small shopping center with restaurants, only negative is no air conditioning, and the pool is across the street (away from the beach) at the tennis club. On Maui I would recommend the Marriott Villas in Kaanapali Beach.

I was surprised to learn recently that only 25% of Maui is "developed".

Yeah, but only <b>4%</b> of Kauai is developed!

If it were me, I'd do 8 days on the Big Island, and 5 days on Kauai. Something like that. Both islands are the least commercial, and are quite different from each other geologically.

The Big Island is so diverse, and Kauai is so lush and beautiful. The Big Island has many wonderful small towns to explore, historical sites, petroglyph fields, paniolo (cowboy) culture. So many things that will be exciting for your son, not to mention the volcano and tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. Lots of great music and hula.

The Hilton Waikoloa is fun for kids with its dolphin program, monorail, and little boats. It's usually not too expensive. Most if not all of the Kohala coast hotels are very nice, and are close enough to explore Hawi, Kona, and Waimea within a 45 minute drive.

You'll probably want to spend a night or two in the volcano area or Hilo. Hilo has several museums, a zoo, and some beautiful gardens in the area.

Thanks All -- you are re-affirming what I'd thought I'd figured out - looking like big island and kauai! and lots of much needed rest. :)