What are 10 best things to do in Oahu or Maui?

1. Hana noma bay 2. Pearl Harbor 3. Diamond Head - if there arent loose rocks falling 4. North Shore 5. Luao's Im not exactly sure if a three yr old would get much pleasure from all of the above, my kids were teenagers when we went to Oahu (14 and 17 yo) and we rented a jeep and took the top down and just had a blast!

In Maui - there is a great aquarium near Kahului. We went there in May with my niece (she is almost 2), and she had a blast. There are a few open exhibits - with large sea turtles, and even a huge tank w/ Tiger Sharks. If you know how to SCUBA you can pay $200 to dive in with an instructor - up close w/ the shark! Close to Lahaina...

These are in no specific order: 3 year old is tough. if i were you i would change your plans and go see grandma or other relatives. wait til your kid is older. i think 7 is probably a good family hawaii age. i am sitting in an airport right now, and i just want to say what ever you do, please control your child. there is nothing worse than sitting in front of a loud or crying kid for a long flight. here is an attempt at a list knowing you have a 3 year old: 1. The Beach: If you have a rental car and you want to get away from the crouds, head of to Lanikai Beach on the East Side or to Sunset on the north side. During the summer the conditions on the North Coast are really flat (no waves). Plus, there will be less people over there, so you don't have to worry as much about your kid. 2. Bishop's Muesuem might have some kid programs. This I think is a must see for anybody. There is a lot of history here. 3. Check with the hotel you are staying at an see if they have any daycare kid's programs. If they do, leave the kiddo at the hotel for the day and head out by yourselves. You deserve it. Either go on a day cruise or maybe drive around the east Side of the Island. 4. Haunaumau (spelling) Bay: The is a conservation area, so there is a lot of marine life there. Just becareful with the little one, sometimes the currents can be a little strong. 5. PCC and Luau. This is a good one for a family. The Polynesian Cultural Center would be a good place to spend the day. The complex has little areas that represent different islands around the pacific. Each area has presentation on that particular island nation. Its kind of like a little South Pacific Epcot. Also, the Luau at the end of the day is Alcohol Free, so you don't have to worry about a bunch of boozed up partiers corrupt you childs poor little mind. 6. Pearl Harbor, but mind you rchild. This should not be considered a tourist attraction. It is a Registered National Cemetary. It is kind of a serious experience. I don't think the 3 year old will have any idea what is going on at this one. 7. Dole Pinapple Planatation: I have never been, but I think it is geared for families. 8. Surf: Go to the beach in front of Duke's Restaurant. There will be some blue umbrellas there. Look for the Beach Boys giving surf lessons. Ask for Barney. He does a great job, and he is a friend of mine. Very cool guy with a great spirit. Have him give you a surf lesson. I am not sure how much they charge, but it is worth it. Very important: TIP WELL!! Take turns watching the kiddo, and let your wife have a shot too. They also have a couple of surf canoes there, but i don't know if they will allow a three year old. 9. Hale Iwa for Shaved Ice: Its the little town on the North Shore. Go to Matsumotos and get a Shaved Ice with Ice cream on the bottom. 10. West Side: The most beautiful beach on the island is Makaha. The natives can be a little sensative, so when you go have respect for the place and the people that are there. Leave the tourist attitude in Waikiki. Be cautious of your rental car. There have been some issues out there with thievery, and they target rental cars out of respect for the locals. Also, be careful in the water. The currents can be strong out there. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a rip current form at Maili beach in about 3 seconds. it pushed the kid about 200 yards down the beach instantly. it was a pretty amazing site.

On the North Shore of Oahu there's that beach where sea turtles come up and rest on the sand. It was incredible to see them so close and in the wild! I can't remember what the beach was called, but ask around at your hotel.

Oahu - Arizona Memorial - Pauli Drive - Tantilus Rain Forest - great view, and drive - hard to find. - Macapu Beach (maybe too much for 3 yr old, ride waves) - Sea Life Park - Hanauma Bay - Polineasian Cultural Center - Lei Greeting - when you get off the plane - Helicopter Tours - Beaches- Beaches - Beaches - Banana Shake on the Windward side - Drive around the Island, stop frequently. - Dole Plantation - Eat sugarcane

1, Kids discovery center 2. Ala Moana Mall 3. Zoo 4. Pearl Ridge Mall 5. Aquarium 6. Sea life park 7. Stadium Swap Meet 8. Hanauma Bay 9. Bishop Museum 10. North Shore

Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. The beaches are fun too. Drive through the pinapple fields and stop at the Dole tourist thing. Id suggest going to a luau, not sure if I remember any younger kids there, but I don't see why not (good food, reasonable price). We went to Germaine's Luau (I may not have the spelling right, but it's pronounced that way). The hotels will have plenty of brochures. Be sure to try a Mai Tai.

for your 3 year old..go to the East Maui Animal Refuge...aka "The boo boo zoo". It is a no kill wildlife rehab/shelter for all sorts of birds, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, etc. It is set up like a little zoo, visitors welcome. Took my neice there when I was in Maui and she loved it!

Lotsa good answers from the locals here (you too localgirl420 - visitors always forget to bring the sun block). Dirtt makes an excellent point about catering to the enjoyment of your three year old. As usual, braddah pmiya1 forgets to read the fine print about your 3-year old keiki! The only other point I can add is to remind you to bring the stroller - the one that comes with that shade thingy that acts like a roof over little keiki's head and one where the backrest folds down to form a bed. There's lots of sun on both O'ahu and Maui. Plus you can hang all your bags on the stroller handles, put drinks and beer in the storage rack, and stuff packages of souveniers inside with the baby... just remember to check on the little one every now and then :o) Aloha