REQUEST -- Suggestions for two weeks in Hawaii around Christmas

Folks, looking to create a Hawaiian vacation for our family of 4 adults, around Christmas/New Year's.
Thinking of spending a week in each of two islands.
Would appreciate suggestions on which two islands would be most enjoyable.
Likes: outdoor activities, beaches, snorkeling; evenings: the usual entertainment, and my kids (31 and 26) like the bars, so I might tag along as well.
Budget: I figure around $1k-$2K per week for lodging -- does that sound realistic?

Have browsed this FW topic, but would like more info on each island's offerings from those who've been there.

Thanks

Limitation is nighlife - PLENTY on Oahu, some on Maui (primarily Lahina, some in Kihei), less on the Big Island (Kona), little if any on Kauai. We tend toward Maui and the Big Island, as there is a good mix of everything, but we are not club rats.

germanpope said:   for your first trip I am thinking you might want a few nights Waikiki, a few nights Ko Olina --- then a week on Maui
If you're staying in Waikiki, just cruise around there for a day or two, and then get out. Waikiki is NOT the Hawaiian experience you are probably looking for. There is a lot of nightlife on Oahu, but also good hiking, beaches, cliff diving, etc elsewhere on the island. You just need to get out of the tourist trap first.

Not to thread jack, and I feel this might benefit the thread. Whats the best way to island hop. Im staying in Maui via VRBO
in August and want to do the shark cage dive in Oahu and a bike down the mountain tour. Ive seen Hawaiian Airlines and Go for around $130/pp. Any other cheaper alternatives. On the plus side, I did get my airlines tickets for free thanks to FW, United CC and Chase Sapphire.

I know a lot of people that have either climbed an active volcano or have taken surf lessons, both sound like great options!