Definitely include the big island for actually seeing a volcano in action with your 8 yrar old!

If you are doing Wkiki beach, only stay at the Hilton Hawaiin Village. It is hands down the best resort with a spacious beach. The resort is geared to families but you still feel like you are on a fabulous adult vacation.

Anonymous wrote:Kaanapali is the last place on Maui I would like to visit but if you like Waikiki type of environment it may be for you. It is noisy and touristy.

I agree. I'm amazed to see so many recommendations for Kaanapali. I wonder if it's because people like the crowds, or if it's because they haven't tried anywhere else? I went to Kauai first, and then Kaanapali, and found Kaanapali very disappointing.

Re: Maui. We stayed in Kihei once which is not ideal beach wise and has medium-range condo rentals but has a big advantage of being central, with easy restaurant and shopping options - you can do Wailea and Makena area one day and Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua the next, take the snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater from the Maui Ocean Center, drive up to Io Valley etc. On our first day (traveling without kids) we drove to Ahihi Bay and snorkeled with sea turtles and then went to Little Makena Beach.
Maybe check out the Westin Kaanapali for kids - waterslide, pirate ship pool, kids camp, villas...

Kaanapali is the last place on Maui I would like to visit but if you like Waikiki type of environment it may be for you. It is noisy and touristy.

I love Kapalua and Wailea.

I would stay on one island, but you can book a flight on Hawaiian Airlines to other islands inexpensively.