The Hula Stand and bar can accomodate a self purchase, but that is not what you asked.

To have a lei greeting at the airport, several services are available. You need to plan in advance, about a week. Also some hotels provide lei greetings as part of your stay you can call and ask. In answer to your question of lei greeting at the AP go to http://www.leisofhawaii.com/homepage.htm and see if you want to spend at that level.

Suggestion elsewhere to rent for the day is good, and I have done such. You can search rental locations close to your hotel on the web, that way it will be easy to plan rental car transportation. Formal tours are usually much cheaper for a family this way.

The Bus is the best way to get around "generally". If you children are old enough they can do this on their own.

Do go to the Poly. Cultural Center, Aquarium, and the Bishop Museum. Take the Navy Pearl Harbor tour. Take the Bus for one "round" of the island. Shop in Waikiki for cheese gifts and souv. Get copies of "everything" at the airport...This Week in Hawaii (they also have a web site) and the many booklets and discount cards.

If you are going to spend the big bucks and go snorkling, parasailing and/or helicopter tours then lots of discounts are available. If you don't mind giving up some time and have a will of steel, you can even attend a timeshare presentation and get some freebies. The Entertainment book for Hawaii (all islands in one) is $30 1-800-374-4464 (they also have a website).

In my opinion, you are approaching Hawaii the right way. The first trip should be to Oahu. It is commerical yes, but it also have Diamond Head and the few very good activities that I have mentioned above.

Remember sunscreen and take it easy on how much exposure to the sun. A sunburn can ruin your trip and lead to possible problems later on.

If you drink, have a mai tai. They are fun and many hotels offer them at happy hour at a very reduced rate. Make sure you get pineapple, cherry and an umbrella. They can be had without the booze for the kids. A fun memory, with modest cost.

Aloha