byodo temple go online for a photo, beautiful

Wow, what wonderful suggestions. After hearing people talk about Waikiki being too crowded for a family with little kids, we are having second thoughts. The only reason we considered two islands was because the only Frequent Flier flights available to us was an arrival flight to Honolulu and a departure flight from Kona (Big Island). So we have to do an Island Hopper flight in between. My husband suggested immediately flying to Kona after we arrive in Honolulu so we could just spend our vacation in one island only. We might just do that, although it might be hard on the kids, having to to switch airplines three times in one day with two- to three-hour layovers. On the other hand, my husband argues, it saves us having to pack and unpack our things so we can transfer to another hotel in another island.

Either way, I am more educated and informed should we go to Oahu now or when the kids are older. I just discovered that we have enough Marriott Rewards points to stay for one night at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, so if we do go this summer, we might end up just staying there.

Thank you for all your help!

One way to get around your husband's reservation of having to unpack/pack an extra time if you stay on Oahu is to pack all that you will need for everybody into one suitcase for that day or two instead of into different bags for everybody.
My husband and I recently used this strategy on a trip to Europe with 4 destinations and it worked out really well. That way we were only in and out of one bag at a time - really cut down on the hassle of transit.

anneofingleside I would stay on one island for kids. I hate island hoping. I have done it and been happy just find it more relaxing to stay in one spot. Big Island is so massive you want two weeks to explore. Your kids will probably hold up better than you. There is a thread on here on how to keep kids occupied. Do an archive search sounds like an exciting trip!

With little kids, one island may be better. Thanks, everyone, for all your suggestions.