For boogie boarding nothing beats Makapu. Boogie board capital of the U.S. You might even see a tournament. I remember going to this beach (not for your 6 year old) and jumping up and down with the waves. The waves lifted us of the ground by what felt like 5 feet it was fun.

I spent three weeks in Maui on my honeymoon ten years ago. Napili Bay is an incredible spot, very peaceful and laid back, with the most beautiful view of whales and islands in the distance, and beautiful tropical fish in the bay. Be sure you invest in snorkeling gear as soon as you get there, it doesn't need to be that expensive, just something to let you put your face underwater, to see THE MOST AMAZING COLORFUL WORLD OF FRIENDLY FISHES!! Never knew underwater was such a fascinating place. Each bay in Hawaii has DIFFERENT tropical fish that have evolved in that one spot. We also enjoyed the sunrise at the top of Haleakala Crater. We did that on our second morning there, since we woke up really early anyway due to the time zone difference. Be advised--it's really cold up there before the sun comes up, down-jacket-cold. If your family is in to biking, you could consider the mountain bike trip down the road from the top of the volcano, see www.bikemaui.com, 888-922-2453, it's called the Haleakala Bike Company. Haven't done it myself but it gets really good reviews.
That's all for now, enjoy yourselves over there. The last day is painful, getting on the plane to leave Paradise. The only consolation is to promise yourself you will return.

This question always opens Pandora's box. Both islands are lovely, but it depends on what you are looking for. Kauai and the Big Island are our favorites. However, we like peaceful, serene, lovely beaches, hiking, kayaking, and out of the way spots. The North Shore of Kauai is breathtaking - if the weather cooperates. It doesn't get any better. And the BI has much to offer as well. The Kohala coast is our favorite spot to stay. However, many people love Mauai. We did too, at first. We have been traveling to HI annually for the last fourteen years and parts of Maui, i.e., Kaanapali, has gotten too congested for our liking, but when we go to Maui, we like either the Wailea area or Kapalua. Again, it depends on what you are looking for. These are all lovely islands, and we tend to get "picky" the more often we travel to them. I agree with some in that if I were to "give up" an island, it would be Oahu, but again, when you get away from Honolulu, it, too, is a beautiful island. These are good choices you have to make. Take an overview of these islands your first time, and you decide what is your favorites. Hopefully, you will be able to return and make informed decisions on your own the next time based on your likes and dislikes.

In my estimation there is no choice to be made. Kauai is the winner hands down. We leave for Kauai one week from today! It will be my fourth trip to Kauai and we will be staying for 3 weeks. We have also stayed on Maui and Oahu and feel that Kauai is where we find rest, relaxation, no crowds and relative paradise. We enjoy hiking, exploring non-tourist oriented places and of course beaches! Maui and Oahu are definitely the places to go for nightlife, non-stop tourism and less of the "real Hawaii". They don't call Kauai "The Garden Island" and the "Island of Discovery" for nothing. Aloha and have a great vacation whatever you decide on ----- any part of Hawaii beats the mundane of our hometown!

We are going to Kauai in November, which part of the island is the best to stay - Coconut Coast or Poilu, particularly in respect of the weather? I have heard that the Coconut Coast can be very rainy at this time - true or not??

I would skip Kauai entirely in November that is the beginning of the rain season. Why not consider Maui or Big Island.

I am going to visit Kaui this December and it sounds like I'll be spending the majority of my time on the south shore.
We'll be there 5 days.

Questions:
What's my best bet for helicopter tours?
What are my best bets for restaurants?
What are my best bets for snorkeling on the south shore and is Cancun or Cozumel snorkeling better?

The last time I was in Hawaii in February '01. I stayed in Oahu and Molokai. I absolutely loved Alan Wong's and would only go to Oahu just for lunch at the Pineapple Room for lunch. I'm not a die hard fan of "presentation of food" I just like good food so even local spots that may be deemed "dives" would be appreciated if the food is good.