Kauai Visit- Mom & 9 yo son

We will vacation in Hawaii the last two weeks of August 2008. I%26#39;m at the early planning stage and am thinking Kauai and Oahu. In Kauai I%26#39;m thinking Waimea Canyon, the Outfitters Kipu Falls Zipline Safari, and the Queens Bath seems interesting. I%26#39;m looking for feedback about the about those activities and suggestions about other ';must sees.'; How long should I make my visit and suggestions for accomodations. What I look for in lodging is clean, economical, and safe. A pool and continental breakfast would be great. It doesn%26#39;t have to be luxury.

Kauai Visit- Mom %26amp; 9 yo son

You%26#39;ll want at least a week on either island. O`ahu is about half and half city and country. Lots of things to do, lots of historic and cultural sights. Pearl Harbor is a must-see.. More built-up than Kaua`i.

Kaua`i is virtually all rural, spectacular scenery, a much more nature-oriented experience but still plenty to do. you%26#39;ll have time for way more than you list in a week. Snorkeling, hiking, ATV tours, tons of beaches, horseback riding, kayaking/canoeing, helicopter (a must-do, albeit rather pricey), and more.

Kauai Visit- Mom %26amp; 9 yo son

Kauai is the best

I think you and your son would enjoy the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu

I took my 8 and 13 year old nephews there this summer and it was perfect

condo w/your own kitchen, dvd players with dvd rentals in lobby

there is a market and restaurants across the street

beautiful gardens with lots of grass areas for kids to play

beach is right there and beach hut has boogie boards and water toys for rental

there is a pool across the street

Queens bath can be dangerous, ok to check it out but be careful if you choose to go in

Outfitters Kauai is a very nice group to deal with, we did their kayak trip and had a good time but the best zipline experience is at the Princeville (they do have minimum weight requirements )

do drive to Waimea Canyon

there are lots of activities in Kauai, helicopter, boat cruises, horseback riding, hiking...

I too would say 6-7 nights is good

Thanks for your responses, thus far. I%26#39;ll continue to do my homework with your comments in mind!

Aloha Cathy! As a parent who has done a few trips to Kauai with my kids, I would highly recommend staying on the North shore since you are going in the summer. The beaches are very calm then and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Ke%26#39;e beach is our favorite, but there are several good ones. Lydgate is also great for kids - down on the East side - a good stop if you are touring around.

Kauai has lots of activities you can do, but my kids were generally content with just the beach.

Here are two of the websites with lots of accommodation choices - we usually stay in a condo just so that we have a basic kitchen. Breakfast in, pack lunch for the beach and dinner out . . . that way you get a vacation too!

www.kauaivacationresorts.com/north.html

vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/kauai

There are many others, but they have the largest selection I think.

Hope this helps - both websites offer lots for every budget. :)