We are planning to take my parents (60s) and our toddler to Hawaii over Christmas. We're spending 4 days in Oahu but have another 11 days we want to break up. Initially, wanted to spend the entire 11 days on the Big Island but are reconsidering because it seems like the Big Island isn't great with a toddler.

I really want this to be a special trip for my parents. Which island or islands do you think best showcases the beauty of the destination? I want them to feel like they got a good overview in the short time we have. If you could go only once to Hawaii, is it absolutely necessary to visit VNP?

Ideally, would love to do a mix of beaches, seeing beautiful natural scenery, and some culture.

If VNP is a must see, is it better to just stay the whole time on the BIg Island with a small child OR would you break it up so that you stayed a few days on the Big Island then flew to another island like Kauai or Maui?

Thank you so much!

Oahu is the easiest Family island and offers the best all around taste of Hawaii...

VNP could be a challenge for the toddler and Big Island is much more spread out... not really a "must see" in my opinion

We like the appeal of Maui, especially near Lahaina and along the coast... plenty of culture and great activity...

Kauai is the most dramatic in terms of scenery, but your group may not benefit from the nature/active vibe...

I think the best two island experience is Oahu and Maui...

BUT... everyone here has a different view...

I misread your post... oops... Oahu for 4 days... Big Island for 5 days... Maui as your additional island...

The Big Island is my least favorite except in terms of science--especially with a toddler. If this is everyone's first trip to the Islands, I suggest more time on Oahu and then a few days on Maui. You won't need a car in Waikiki, but do rent one for a day or two to drive around the island. It's a different world on the "other" side.

You might check some travel guides out from your library or visit a bookstore and look through some to see what appeals to you the most. I think everyone should go to Pearl Harbor.

I brought my parents (also in their 60s) to Oahu and Big Island last year. They loved Oahu more, as they thought it was very convenient and was easier to walk around and explore on their own. They liked all the stores within walking distance to our condo and they liked visiting Pearl Harbor. They enjoyed the Big Island too but thought there was too much driving, although they were grateful to see the volcano and black sand beach. I would say if you don't need to see the Volcano then Oahu and Kauai or Maui would be great as I know toddlers can get antsy with long drives (unless yours does ok in a car).

I think Oahu and maybe Maui would be a great choice. I think there is just more to do on Oahu with children. And Waikiki's beach is perfect for toddlers. I think Carolyn's advice is spot on.

If your family love overly crowded metropolis type areas, then Waikiki is the place to go. Oahu is by far my least favorite island and I have been to them all. The Big Island has tons of things for kids to enjoy. Such as: The city of Refuge, Kiluela volcano, Captain Cook's bay, black sand beaches. Maui is my favorite island, there is so much to do there. You can go to the aquarium near Maalaea harbor, ride down Haleakla on a bike, Road trip to Hana, Oheo gulch. Endless things to keep you entertained.

Oahu + Maui. You wouldn't take a toddler to the volcanoes, and there is often annoying vog over the whole island except the Kohala Coast (NW). Winter is the least good season for Kauai's most gorgeous north.

You are late planning for a very busy (and expensive) season. I wonder if you could come at another time of year, given that your child is not school-age. EARLY December is a low season. September is low, too. May *used* to be slower than it is now, but nothing compares to Christmas rates.

Before you choose a second island, see if you can still find a rental vehicle.

I second ChiSue's advice. You don't want to take a toddler to VNP. The fumes and terrain really aren't good for little kids.

It is late to be planning the Big Island. Rental cars book up quickly and when they are gone, they are gone. So, don't make any plans for the Big Island until you know you can reserve a vehicle. With a small child on the Big Island, you would want to be on the Kohala Coast in a condo. Those, too, book up fast but you might be able to find something. Start searching asap in Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Lani. Try to avoid the Kailua-Kona area in the Kona District as it can be hit hard by vog and that is not advised for little kids and those with any type of respiratory issues (such as asthma).

Maui could be a good fit for your group. Lots to do and very well set up for families. More toddler friendly beaches in the winter months. Kauai is gorgeous but pick your spot carefully. Some of the beaches are very rough in the winter and not a place you would want to take a toddler.

Happy Planning!

You do not want to take a toddler to Volcano NP, the vog and fumes are very bad for their lungs, wait until the child is at least 7-8 to visit there.
Normally my favorite island is Kauai and if you decide to go there, stay in Poipu, lots of nice condos to rent down there and lots of restaurants, some within walking distance.
Maui would also be nice for your family, been a long time since I have been there, if you decide on Maui, ChiSue is very experienced about that island, as she owns a condo there.
I used discounthawaiicarrental.com on my last trip and got a nice car from Avis thru them.

Christmas time and you do not have a reservation yet! Might be a bit late for that. Prices are sky high and fill up well before Christmas. earlier in the month better. that is HIGH season. I agree that BI is not suitable for toddlers unless you just want to plant yourself down on a beach. It is BIG and takes a long time to get anywhere. I love the BI but would not take a toddler there.....Love Kauai but not sure I would go in December as Northshore beaches are practically off limits with high waves. Poipu better choice for Kauai. Condo would be your best choice with a family especially a toddler. Oahu has a lot to offer but it is more touristy. Northshore is totally different but not sure how the waves will be that time of year on Oahu. Car needed on Maui and BI but not OAHU unless you will be driving around the island and I highly suggest that you do that. Outside of Waikiki it is like another place entirely....Hope you find what you are looking for....

Aloha from Kauai...gonna be tough on all accounts with last minute needs. 99% of homes are booked. Kauai is excellent family destination over Christmas...plethora of families here savoring the ever changing days,beach, weather, waterfalls, rainbows...It does rain. Never able to predict. last year,rained occassionally, Christmas was stunning and calm chilly mornings, then spring was extremely wet and stormy... Christmas year before, downpours for days at a time and the storms came from the "kona" wind regime meaning Poipu south side was hit most.
Avoid the Big isle UNLESS you are staying put in an all inclusive resort. Vog is an issue year round as well. Driving gets tiring for my kids...plus VNP will be definitely colder/wetter and maybe zero visibility from the distant lookout. remember, crater road is closed still so far away viewing only.
Why not Maui? stay in Kihei/Kaanapali, lounge at a pool, plenty of eateries for any kind of food. No need do much but watch whales and the little one swim...
Kauai does have Hanalei which is why its always booked early; can find a home for your budget, and walk to Hanalei town, beaches, cafes,...most come and never drive anywhere unless to a zipline or trail head. Poipu is nice, more rocky shoreline and lees sandy beaches but comfortable condos and hotels..ease of approach is key here...been searching for a guests and can't find any homes but condos in Princeville are open
Oahu will be choked with hordes of humans. No way to avoid that time of year. Even north shores 2 lane kamehameha hwy is stuck traffic all day due to North Shore winter big waves viewing...