where to stay in Hawaii

[tim atherton]

maybe this should be in the Lounge as it's rather off topic...

but now the Canukistan dollar is almost on par with the great american greenback I've been thinking maybe this is the time to make a trip to Hawaii - somehwere I have never been before

However, most of what I come across easily is highly tourist oriented - as in those who want a tropical disneyland experience.. either that or watching episodes of Dog the Bounty Hunter...

So, drawing on the collective accumulated wisdom of this list any good ideas for which island to visit, what sort of places to stay, etc etc

while there will be some photography involved (he says hopefully - and any suggestions for such will be gratefully accepted - lets say I find Beahan & McPhee's photos of the islands interesting) it will primarily be a vacation with two wee ones along as well. And while a sandy beach is nice for a couple of days, we aren't exactly the lay on the beach until you are as pink as a lobster sort of folks. So mountains, forest, waterfalls, wildlife (along with good food) etc are also equally attractive!