destination half way between china and CT

Without knowing where in “China” members of your family will be coming from, it’s hard to give precise advice, but as a general matter, getting to Hawaii from the PRC or Hong Kong can be a pain in the butt. There are no non-stops, and you generally have to go via Japan. This ends up making what is not actually a long flight in terms of distance into a rather long flight in terms of flight time. Also, unless you want to stay on Oahu, you usually have further onward connections to get to or from more interesting Hawaiian islands. Look at flight schedules and see what works. (Guam would have been a good choice, but you also have to go via Japan as well.)

Lunar New Year starts on February 10 in 2013, so bear that in mind when asking relatives to travel in February 2013. They will certainly want to avoid traveling on Feb 9 if possible and most likely will want to avoid traveling around February 15-17 (but they probably already know that).

I think Thailand could work, although people from the US will have a longer flight. Singapore or Bali would also work, only the latter has beach options (while Singapore has beaches, you don’t go there to spend time on them). The west coast of Malaysia, like Lankawi would work, as would beach areas of the Philippines, like Palawan.

Although I am not a fan of Dubai, it is nice weather in February (not too hot), tons of non-stop flight options for most everyone, and about as “halfway” as you might be able to get for your group. In that region Jordan is far more interesting IMO and would be a good choice, although it does not have beaches. Egypt may also work and does have beaches, although there are some security concerns.

I think South Africa could work well, and is about the same in terms of flight time for the group (although admittedly a long flight for all, at least it is “fair” in that sense). Great beaches and wildlife and good value for money. (Water is pretty cold, but sitting on beaches is quite pleasant.) Crime is something of an issue, esp compared to a place like Thailand. Places like Tanzania may also work.

I have to say that in terms of ease, it might just be best to go to southern California, as there are lots of non-stop options from various PRC cities to LA, they only take 12 hours versus 6 hours from the NYC area (and on the Asian flights you “gain” a day on the way out) and the weather, beaches, children’s activities, etc make for a good family vacation spot. Esp as you will have very young children.

Mexico may also work, assuming good flights from the PRC can be arranged.