There is at least one submarine ride out of Lahaina harbor.

I come from a frame of mind that a trip like this should be planned around what the parents want to do and see and the kids will adjust. Obviously you have to take into account the needs of your little ones, but they are so young, it is about the experience and not necessarily the actual things they will remember, so you and your husband should plan around what you guys want to see. I think nowadays too many parents plan around the wishes of a toddler--and that is pretty backwards if you ask me. And like you said, you did not fly to Hawaii and spend 12 hours on a plane to play mini golf....lol

When I was little, my parents never dreamed of asking my input when I was 3 years old for a trip. So think about what you and your husband want to see and the kids have no choice but to go along for the ride ;)

I think it's best to organize the trip around the abilities and the schedules of little ones.

Crankiness, naps, troubles with new foods.

I think trying to haul unhappy kids up a 10,000 ft mountain at 3 am so they can cry about the 37 degree temperature is just silly.

Your kids will get older and more able to remember and participate in activities with you. Let them enjoy playing and being little kids, not your travel accessories.

Everyone has their own opinion on this issue; mine happens to be the same as explanations. If you're going to do "adult" things, leave the kids home.

I rather take the kids and they can adjust rather than leave them home. And who is to say that the kids will be so "miserable" doing these so-called adult activities? If they learn to be adjustable from a young age, then they will not complain as much as kids that are used to being catered to and having the whole world revolve around them.

Addendum:

Kids only learn to be adaptable by putting them in many different kinds of situations. Kids will sleep anywhere. Kids learn to adjust. It has nothing to do with making them do things they cannot do.

It is like the parents that say, "Be quiet the baby is sleeping!" I say, "Talk normally. Vacuum. Put the t.v. on." Then you will not have to tip toe around the house for two years.......

Catered kids serve nobody's life for the better. Including the parents, kid and those around them.

I agree with you, at home. In fact, your comment about the noise of the vacuum and tv reminds me that my own mom asked her ob when I was born - can I type (she typed letters all the time) when the baby is sleeping. This was 62 years ago, and he said "best you do. She'll get used to sleeping through noise". However, I stand by my opinion (and I recognize that's all it is) that I don't want to drag kids along on an adult vacation when they're too young to appreciate it. They'll grow up soon enough.

IMO, the 3 a.m. Is no big deal for the kids. My kids wake up SUPER early in Hawaii, and it takes them a few days to be able to sleep until 5 a.m.

3 am is 9 am in FL, so I think that is totally doable the first day. You know your kids the best.

Have a great trip!!!

I agree with sf7307.