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Question: Any recommendations on the best hawaii island for a family vacation?

(Posted by: AzizaAngel on 2008-06-18 06:49:42)

I'm looking for a kid friendly island with lots of fun activities...thanks for the help!

Posted by: Leafsfan29 on 2008-06-18, 06:56:53

Depends on what you're looking for. The big island of Hawai'i is a nice blend of things. Oahu (Honolulu/ Waikiki) has plenty to offer including a busy downtown. Kauai is very laid back but quite relaxing.

Posted by: OKIM IM on 2008-06-18, 06:58:40

Oahu for international food and shopping. Kauai for the gardens. Hawaii for the volcanoes.

Posted by: Jos on 2008-06-18, 08:13:37

I spent three summers on Maui with four children. We usually stayed busy. Lots of beach time (sand, snorkle, swim) in the early mornings before the wind picked up. Afternoon activities included the Maui Tropical Plantation, the road to Hana, whale watch, Maui Ocean Center, lei-making class, taking the Sugar Cane Train, going to Haleakala, etc. There's plenty to do if you do a little searching. Some of the resorts have FANTASTIC pools with waterslides and bridges and things kids love. Even if you don't stay at one of them, many will charge a day fee so that you can use them as long as you are there off season. Hawaii is incredible. You'll enjoy anywhere you go.

Posted by: Kuuipo Michelle on 2008-06-18, 08:38:08

We... (Myself and 3 kids ages 12,14 and 17) Love Oahu and Maui..but my kids prefer Oahu (Waikiki) just because there is so much activity centering around Waikiki...if you are only going to 1 Island then I suggest Oahu for a multitude of Kid-Friendly activities...the other Islands DO offer alot but your children may be too young to be included...Whereas almost everything you will do on Oahu is focused on ALL ages, even young children...So here is my TRIED and TRUE list of things to do on Oahu...

Posted by: iwant2move2hawaii on 2008-06-18, 08:43:16

OOo!!!! definately oahu!!!! it has pearl harbor, the dole pineapple plantation, and sea life park where you can swim with dolpins!!!! :)

Posted by: xlaurenx1812 on 2008-06-18, 10:41:04

When my mom and dad took me and my sister to Hawaii we went to Maui. There are some activities to do there, but its more beach related. My sister and I LOVE the beach so it was perfect for us.

Posted by: uwaiu on 2008-06-18, 11:20:29

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own personality and character. So, knowing what type of person you are and what you like to do will help you decide which of the islands you will like. If you like tourists and fishing you should like the Kona area of the “Big Island� of Hawaii. If you like solitude, a tropical feel, a rural atmosphere and you don’t mind rain, you should like the Hilo area of the Big Island. The west side of the Big Island has a few nice small beaches, including black sand beaches. Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the island you will find a green sand beach. Big beaches are not prevalent on the Big Island. If you enjoy scenery, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing and don’t yearn for “night life� then the oldest of the islands, Kauai is for you. If you are the kind of person who keep a bathing suit, snorkel gear or a surfboard in your car, then Maui is for you, because it has 120 miles of easily accessible and swimmable coastline, more than any other island. If you have an artistic temperament or perhaps you like to get away and write, then seek out the island of Lanai. If you love nature, hiking and solitude, then “the most Hawaiian� of the islands, Molokai is for you. You’ll enjoy Oahu if you like beaches, shopping, tourists, high-rises, traffic and don’t mind a lot of other people. Honolulu is like a tropical version of NYC, or LA as it was in the smog-free 1950's.

Posted by: Juls on 2008-06-19, 03:53:26

I think Oahu has the most to offer for a family vacation. I read the other answers, the zip line is only on Maui. Its Maui's newest adventure, not Oahu. But, Oahu has a Water Adventure Park which is great on a hot day. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a MUST and is a all day thing. The Waikiki Aquariaum is beautiful! The beaches are great! And they have transportation to activities from your hotel. But, only on the Big Island can you see the desert, beach, a volcano erupting with lava flowing into the ocean and a mountain with snow, all in one day, on one island.