Hawaii Vacation with Children

When my daughter was just 16 months we went to Waikiki for my BIL's wedding. We LOVED it! There was so much to do: the zoo, sea life park, aquarium, international market, pearl harbour, luau, Buddhist Temple, North Shore, shopping, the beach - there's loads more, but we didn't get to do *everything*. Because she still napped in the afternoon we'd hit the beach in the morning (when the water looked amazing and the crowds were thin), then nap (I was also 3 months pregnant), then head out for the afternoon.

We stayed at the Waikiki Banyan. It was great because it was a converted condo so we had a living room and kitchen - a MUST for kids! And we were only a block from the beach.

It depends on which Island you will be going to. I lived on the Big Island for 5 years and on the Kona side of the island, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is an awesome place for everyone! It has a private beach and you can swim with the dolphins. Expensive, but worth it.

Almost forgot - Big Island has Hawaii Volcano National Park - Great place to go with kids!

We've been twice with our daughter. The first time she was about 2 and the last time she was around 10.

LOVED it both times. We go to Maui, stay at Kaanapoli, eat & shop at Lahania. LOVED the whale watches, luau and everything about it.

What Island?

Hawaii, consists of several Islands:
Hawaii- The Big Isle
Maui
Oahu
Lanai
Kauai
Molokai

Each island, is very different from each other.

Personally, I would wait until they were older and could appreciate the
beauty of Hawaii. It is very expensive. Kids that are 8 and 5 do not need
expensive vacations to be happy. The national parks are great. Grand
Canyon, etc. Have you ever thought about a dude ranch. We went to
Drowsy Water Ranch in Granby Colorado and it was the best vacation
we ever had. At 8 and 5 they would absolutely love it. Nice family ranch.
Beautiful weather, lots to do, no cell phones, TV's. Campfires, board games, cookouts. You never miss technology. It is a nice break.