I think Hawaii (Oahu) offers the best value family holiday of anywhere I've been. Heaps to see and do. Snorkelling isnt too bad but up in front of the zoo at Waikiki is pretty good. We went off Secret Island and it was terrible. Sharks cove on the north shore is supposedly unreal but its a summer only option.

When I was there in late January everyday there were decent waves. North Shore was huge and almost everywhere else on oahu there were lines of swell of different size rolling in.

I think middle of Waikiki is the best spot to stay for a family holiday. Plenty of touristy stuff to keep the boss and kids happy. Admittedly north shore and other places are a bit of trek but its easy enough to get there.

Maybe stay on the Big Island a few days to see the volcano and waterfalls etc or on Maui and then Oahu?

Go to the Cheesecake factory

My wife and I went 2 years ago. The best holiday we have been on, everybody friendly, no hassles, those that I met like Aussies, no language barriers(unlike some Asian countries) food great and the Islands are simply stunning. All in all highly recommended and would go back in a heart beat

Thanks for the great advice guys

Hey Rowan, was there a couple of years ago, stayed at the Aqua Wave, huge rooms (our room had 3 double bed's) balcony, 2 streets back from Waikiki beach.
we hired a Dodge cougar and drove around the island, easy driving once you get out of the city, stop off at Giovannis shrimp truck for a feed, keep in mind that famous beaches
waimea, sunset, pipe's, have tiny car park's, so if it's school holidays good luck getting a park, good day out for the kids is Kualoa ranch, not bad fun for oldies as well,
(can see Gilligans island from there) There was a private beach down south (forgot the name) which was great for snorkeling, if you have the spare cash go for a helicopter
flight around the island, the pilots are completely nuts, one of the best flight's i've been on.
Aloha