Oahu or Kauai
 

5 of us (son, daughter-in-law and 5 year old) and grandparents have a chance to go to Hawaii for 7 days. Trying to decide between Kauai and Oahu. We fly in and out of Honolulu so there is some incentive to just stay there. Comments, please.

It depends on what you want to do.

See more sights, like Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, Waikiki, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, northshore (Pipeline). Kauai has a far more laid-back pace.

For a family vacation, I'd chose Hanalei in Kauai, if I could get the Moon Family house on the beach there.

There's a lot more to see and do on Oahu.

That's true if you're into "sights". When I go to Hawaii (or any "sun" vacation for that matter), I don't go for sightseeing, I go for sun and beach activities, shopping and eating. Obviously, Waikiki has a lot more shopping and restaurants than Kauai. Kauai has tons of natural beauty. If I just wanted to relax, I'd go to Kauai. If I wanted "distractions", I'd go to Oahu.

MelissaHI must be busy writing her blog as I was sure she would have weighed in by now. I know she would vote for Kauai. ;;)

As SOON as I saw the title of this post, I knew a K9 would say that! har har. Luv you too BBQ!

Anyone who knows me on this board knows that I think Kauai is boring. I went last year for the first time in YEARS, just for the weekend, and all my coworkers teased me. Friends who called me that weekend (not knowing where I was) would shriek, "You're WHERE?!"

But, I digress. There is more to see and do on Oahu than any other island, and there is much, much more to Oahu (the island) than just Waikiki (a portion of Oahu's south shore). You can get shopping, dining, history, culture, and nightlife; just 10 minutes out of the urban area you can hike in a forest. 30 minutes beyond that has you in some uncrowded, rural beaches where you can beach yourself...and maybe a giant turtle will beach itself alongside you. Yes, I've had that on Oahu!

p.s. my blog, since you mention it:
http://urbanmixplate.honadvblogs.com

We have been to both and enjoyed both however keeping a 5 year old entertained for 7 days on Kauai maybe a challenge.
A Napali coast cruise and a visit to Waimea Canyon are worth a couple of days but you can find plenty of scenery on Oahu.

It really is an impossible question to help with, without knowing the interests of this family!

I've been to all of the major islands and Kauai is my favorite. The reason is it's natural beauty. We enjoy exploring the beaches and doing a bit of golfing so Kauai is perfect for us.

If it is your first visit to Hawaii, I'd suggest Oahu since most people want to see the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor.

If you go to Oahu, try to plan a day on the N. Shore at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

No matter what island you visit, I am sure you will have a great time.

Enjoy paradise!!!

The 5 year old is going to want to spend time in the water (ocean and pool) and on the beach. I can't think of anything more dismal with a child than spending time in a car and standing in line to see paid attractions.
(Actually, I find it pretty dismal for myself!) I've been to Hawaii with 4 of my own children and then
with 4 grandchildren of different ages. Trust me...go to Kauai or Maui. Plan to stay on or near a family beach..preferably one with a lifeguard and a shallow area for kids.

With 7 days, I would stay on O'ahu, rather than fly to another island. I love Kaua'i, but O'ahu has great beaches and lots of good swimming for kids.

We visited kauai last fall, my husband loved it, but, I found it a little "too" laid back. With small children, I would have been very nervous with the beaches. They were too rough for us most of the time. You will find better beaches for family friendly swimming on Maui or Oahu.

My 3 year old loved Oahu last year (he is 4 now). He still talks about the USS Missouri and loved Turtle Bay. We stayed there 1/2 and at the Surfrider for 1/2. We loved both. Waikiki has so many options for families - restaurants, museums, convenience stores with gourmet food, relaxation. My son loved the nightly outdoor concerts on the beach and also the fireworks from the HH Village.

We are going to back to Hawaii this year. I've been meaning to post an "am I crazy to return to Oahu when I've never been to Maui" post. Maybe I will do that now.

I have been to Kauai and was also bored. But, for others it is paradise.

More to see & do on Oahu than any other island.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34812564