memee

After a lot of discussion and planning, our 3 families took off to Hawaii. We had rented a beautiful house in Big Island for 5 days. We lounged the first day spending time in the pool and catching up. We also stocked up on groceries from Costco and Safeway. The next day we were off to Waipo Valley - it was v. pretty (not spectacular - maybe because it wasn't a very clear day). We ate at the picnic tables by the valley. On the way back we went to Hapuna Beach. It was nice (though it doesn't derserve it's reputation of being one of the best in the country), and we were introduced to boogie boarding which we had a blast doing. We decided to skip VNP the next day and go to a beach instead (we figured the kids 7-6mos would get bored at the park). We went to Kua bay - which was a little nicer than Hapuna.

After 2 more days of lounging and short drives, we were off to Maui. One family returned home. The other family checked into the Marriott Wailea and we were at the Grand Wailea. After hearing rave reviews, I was a little disappointed with this hotel. The rooms were plain. The beach was ok. The pool however was spectacular. We relaxed for a day at the hotel and went on the drive to Hana the next day. It was a gorgeous drive. We got to Nahiku and turned back. The waterfalls weren't spectacular as they are experiencing a drought, but overall the most scenic part of the trip.

I have to admit I expected a lot more from Hawaii. Maybe because it's marketed so much or maybe because we travel a lot we were expecting something a little more spectacular. I would like to return there, when our kids are a little older (mine are 3 and 6mos), and that time around I'll go with lower expectations.

anna_roz

Hi Memee:

I read your trip report the day it was posted and really did not want to respond, pending someone else's comments, but no one did, so I will after all..

Many-many years ago, my husband took me (without our then six and two year old kids) to Maui for my 30th B-day, and I remember thinking what you are saying here: what is the big deal, nothing all that special about Maui, the Road to Hana is the pits, the helicopter ride made me sick, etc.

Fastforward 20+ years and 20 subsequent visits to the islands, and I can attest to the fact that Hawaii is a wonderful--and relaxing--travel destination; however, it requires a certain state of mind.

As long as you expert to enjoy the time with your family without work interruptions; generally great weather; blue skies, incredibly blue and warm ocean, lovely scenery; whales, if you are there during winter months; relaxing, if not gourmet, meals, and you do not have to do the dishes, well then, here are pretty high expectations, as far as I see them, so no reason to adjust yours.

Also, with your young kids, you may consider renting a nice condo where you do not need to be cramped into a hotel room no matter how luxurious the hotel may be.

Anna Roz

memee

Thanks for the response. We did find Hawaii relaxing and the house that we had in BI was a much better arrangement than GW in Maui (Anyway, GW is overrated). However, I don't think it was worth the effort from the East Coast. Often travel is about meeting expectations. Because Hawaii is marketed so much and considered paradise, I expected to be wow-ed. And I wasn't. My two recent international trips that wow-ed me were New Zealand and South Africa- maybe because I didn't know much about them and was stunned when I actually arrived. I guess it's partly to do with over marketing and partly the information age where we know too much to be surprised by it.

suze

<Often travel is about meeting expectations.>

I really want to say I feel the disappointment is not anything about Hawaii (which is what it is) but rather because of, as you say, your own "expectations".

If you try to travel without expectations and an open mind, this will never happen.

That said, still doesn't mean Hawaii is the right place for you and it IS a long way from the East coast.

anna_roz

Apples and oranges, Memee, apples and oranges.

I could not compare Hawaii to Venice or Rome or Paris or Jerusalem, but these are different type of trips. These--as may have been your trips to New Zealand and South Africa--are more of a vertical type of vacations,i.e., museums, adventure, exploration. Hawaii is definitely a horizontal form of travel, all about relaxation, decompression and recharge.

Another thing to consider, Hawaii is still the New World with no ancient art or architecture to speak of, not to mention that there are Macy's and The Gap and Sizzlers and Costco there, so it is sort of like home but that much prettier and warmer. Sure, it is gorgeous but, frankly, if we drive North on Hwy 1 of our California coast, well, that may rival a view from the Kalalau trail on Kauai. But, California is home and bills are here and clients and kids and elderly parents, so Hawaii is everything about an easy escape for us.

I am not trying to convince you to love Hawaii, just brooding here, really.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Anna Roz