[jules17]

We are looking very seriously about going to Hawaii this winter...probably in February.

I have heard really good things about Kauai and so that is where we have been looking.

For you "Hawaii experts," where are the good spots? We like nature and not a lot of commercialism. And, of course, we would have 2 one-year-olds with us!

Thanks!!

[becky]

Well I am not a Hawaii expert...but I LOVED Maui. We took our kids and it was awesome...the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

[mommy2gabi]

I have been to Kauai 3 times!!! I love it and hope to be going back soon and would love to take Gabi. Kauai is more relaxing and not as crowded. If you like lots of people then I would say Maui. But if you want to relax Kauai is amazing!! There is SO much to do, GREAT food and shopping. There are so many beaches! We went to beaches that we were the only ones there, it was so beautiful and peaceful. I have been there once in March and twice in January, the weather was beautiful every time. All 3 times we stayed at the Sheraton Kauai, I won't stay anywhere else Anyway let me know if you have any other questions, I don't have any pictures on my laptop I can move some if you want to see some pictures.

[WAmomx3]

It's hard to go wrong in Hawaii - we have been to Maui many times, and always love it. The Big Island is great - just keep in mind that there is a rainy side and a dry side. The National Park is great, but it is on the rainy side, which is tough with kids...

[Anne1377]

Hi!

We took our 4 kiddies to Hawaii a few months back. We loved Oahu and Maui. We also spent a few days on the Big Island ( both sides- Hilo and Kona) and two days in Kauai. I think for what you are looking for, Kauai is perfect. Personally, I loved Oahu best followed closely by Maui ( Lahaina was very nice!) Kauai has some beautiful scenery but it isn't nearly as commercialized as Oahu, which is a huge city with lots going on! It is much more of a quiet island but there are still some nice beaches, beautiful landscapes, and good restaurants.

We are actually returning to Hawaii next year because we loved it so much!!

Have fun planning!! It is just a beautiful place to visit.

Diane

[kzwief]

I don't know anything about Kauai, but have been to the Big Island. I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat! We were there a couple years ago for a week in Decemeber. It was a bit weird being there in December with Santa figurines and lights in the palm trees! We stayed in Waikaloa Bay, about 30 minutes from Kona. It is beautiful, very nice beaches and the Hilton at Waikaloa Bay is AMAZING! We rented a car and spent the day in Hilo (on the other side of the island) and it rained for the majority of the day, but it was so cool to see the lava flow at Volcanoes National Park.

[saranbr]

We've been to Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. All have their good points, but the Big Island was my favorite. It was quiet, though you could easily do tourism on the Kona coast and Hilo is a big city. I loved the black sand beaches-- if we ever get back we'll rent a house for a week down below Hilo where the black sand beaches are. Kauai is beautiful-- called the garden island for a reason and yet really has a diverse country side. It's much smaller than the Big Island, so less time in the car with the little guys getting places. Oahu is great for history with Pearl Harbor, Punch Bowl, etc. That was my favorite part, but then I'm a bit of a war history buff. There are some quieter parts of Oahu, but Honolulu is just a big city, no getting around that.

[KellyMigoya]

I go to Maui every February with my kids and the weather is always beautiful.
Have fun!

[susy...patience]

I loved Maui (stayed in condo on quiet beach & it worked well with a 2-year old niece in party). Also like Kona Village resort on Big Island....pricey but all-inclusive and have privacy. Also went in February to Lanai not heavily visited at all. There are 2 very pricey Four Seasons hotels but also small hotel in only town in middle of island. It has no view but if I went back to that island I'd stay there & visit the fancy beaches. Whole island used to be a pineapply plantation. A friend & I (went with no kids) rented a jeep & went off road to various beaches.

[tlcsha]

I moved to Oahu this year and haven't had a chance to visit the other islands yet. Kauai is first on my list and I already have a reservation for when DH gets back from his deployment!

One thing I do like on Oahu is outside of the city many of the resorts have built their own lagoons that are sheltered, shallow and great for kids. I find them great for snorkelling especially this time of year when half of the island is getting 20 foot+ swells. This is probably true for all the islands (north and leeward shores) and most resorts are not likely to be in a dangerous spot.

There is so much to do and all the islands are very keiki friendly, I think your hardest choice will be picking only one island!

Have a great vacation,
Tara

[LISAKAYE]

I've been to Maui and Oahu and we are going to the Big Island this June. Maui is FABULOUS.

You can buy a book called "Kauai Revealed" it gives you info on everything to do on the island.

We got the book for Maui and it was a great help.

[annaguat]

We have gone multiple times to Hawaii. We went to Oahu visiting bio family with 4 children last January. DS 5 was born in Honolulu. We have previouisly stayed at the Big Island Hilo (one of our most favorite places and we even considered moving here)and by Volcano (only place I did not like as it is always cold there). We also did Maui and I realy like it but my favorite place is Oahu. We like all the activities there are on Oahu and also enjoy snorkeling in Hanuma Bay. I would highly recommend getting a car if staying on Oahu or the Big Island but you can easily get away without one on Maui. I have friends that go to Kauai all the time and from what you are saying this might be the best location for you or Lanai. The snorkeling is awesome of Lanai (small island of Maui).
Anna, who is also planning to go the Hawaii next year. Probably Oahu again.