Originally Posted by full of luv

I'd put in a vote for the Big Island though, especially with kids. Much more "affordable" accommodations options than the other islands, and if you can get a Delta rate at the Hilton Waikoloa, grab it.
While there with kids, snorkel at "two step"(approx 25 miles away as I remember), easily the best snorkeling spot (and safest for kids) in the whole Hawaiian islands.
Take the family up to the mauna kea visitor center (around 10,000ft) one evening and you'll get to look out of a bunch of telescopes in addition to seeing what the scientists at the top of the mountain are watching.
Visit the Green sand (with a short hike), and black sand beaches (right off the road).
Go visit the lava activity depending on what's going on at the time and the state of the national park then.
The hotel in Waikoloa itself is good for at least a couple of days of activities with multiple pools and it's own lagoon, a boat, train to ride between the towers. Of course they have daily activities to do. A couple of golf courses there as well. Waimea, a real western town is a great day visit. And lastly, on the Hilo side you have the full rainforest feel with waterfalls, ginormous vegetation, flume rides and zip lines.

We lived on Oahu for 8 years and did over 12 family trips to the big island and it really is a great "family" destination.

Don't know if Hilton Waikoloa is still our crew hotel on the big island, but if they offer a crew rate, or if you have a military affiliation that is a great hotel to bring the family, just standby for HIGH food costs. We'd usually stop at the COSTCO enroute from the airport to Waikoloa to stock up on snack and breakfast items to help keep the food costs down to one expensive meal a day (and drinks of course).