We are planning a trip in August to Hawaii with 2 boys ages 6 & 9. We are planning 2 islands, 3-4 nites on one and 6-7 on the other. The Hilton on the BI is a must and we are deciding between Maui and Oahu for the other stop. The last time we went there was 10 yrs ago - before kids.
Any recommendations on Oahu vs. Maui?

I spent a day on Maui a couple of years ago. I won't go back. WAY to congested. Pearl Harbor was the highlight of that day. We love Maui and feel like it is "tourist friendly" but not so commercial feeling. Lots to do...but lots of opportunities to just veg out. Your boys might enjoy the aquarium and The Kaanapali Beach Hotel has an AWESOME magic show each night. Cant say enough about their magic show (Kupanaha)...we loved it and there were lots of kids at the show too.

Oahu is more kid friendly.

Lots to see & do on Oahu:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

bebalm- Did you mean to say that you wouldn't go back to Oahu, because you went on to say that Pearl Harbor was the highlight?

Yeah, I'll bet bebalm meant "Oahu" although to be fair Honolulu and Waikiki are the congested areas. I found driving much easier around the rest of Oahu. Honolulu and Waikiki were awful.

Oahu is very congested. Maui is much more relaxing. I would stay 1-2 days in Oahu and the rest in Maui. Pearl Harbor is a must. We toured most of Maui in 7 days.

Since you say Big Island is a must, I'd pick Maui as your 2nd island, and stay one of the resorts where you can snorkel right off your own beach.

I love Oahu, and rather enjoy the "congestion" of Waikiki myself, I think kids might more enjoy Maui. You could include a trip up Haleakala, it's amazing.

My son's fave island as a kid and a teen is Maui. He did like the Waikaloa Hiton on the BI, and did the dolphin program there.

Sorry it's Waikoloa.