HDV,
thank you so much for your suggestions!Sorry for not responding right away, had some problems with the wireless connection.
Following yours and other fodorites advice, I have decided to focus on one island for my first trip to hawaii. I have just booked tickets and hotel in Oahu.
I guess I will have to come back some time in the future( my second trip?)to explore the BI. My daughter is a water freak, you cannot pull her on the shore even after being in the water for a few hours. Our trips to Florida and california have proved it. You cannot do much swimming here in Alaska, so have to venture out to warm places from time to time to thaw! thank you once again.