WendyLynn

Our family includes our 11 yr old son and 16 yr old daughter. I am beginning research on a possible trip to Hawaii for one week over Winter Break. I know this is a crowded time and a more expensive time but it is the time we have! I have spent the last two days reading over the archives of posts here trying to get a general idea of which island would be the best for our trip. I am looking for the best possible weather and the least over- crowding. We are not avid outdoors people. Simple hikes in beautiful surroundings sound great, as do wildlife cruises, possibly snorkling lessons, strolls on the beach, playing by the pool, and magnificent sunsets. Learning about the history and culture of the islands would be of great interest. Would any of you experts be willing to make a recommendation for this first trip? I am thinking of the south end of Kauai (Poipu) or maybe Maui? Once I decide on an island then the appropriate "revealed" book can be ordered and my real itinerary research can begin. Right now I am an absolute beginner. All help and advice is much appreciated.

sap

Poipu on Kauai probably is the best choice for your specifications. The only thing is that it is likely to be a bit crowded in Dec. I don't know how you're going to avoid that on any of the islands that time of year save maybe Molokai or Lanai. My daughter, who was 12 when we visited Kauai 2 years ago, loved the hiking and snorkeling. I have heard that teens often prefer Maui or Oahu for the more exciting, action-packed atmosphere, but your kids may be more low-key. As for snorkeling lessons, I think you will find them unnecessary. We had no problem learning to snorkel and I usually avoid the water because I'm a poor swimmer. Turns out it was the best part of the trip for me. In fact, we plan to buy our own snorkel equipment for our trip to Maui in June since it will be the first activity on the itinerary every day. Have fun! -- Shari

DB

As long as you can swim/float, I doubt that you'll need snorkel lessons. You can rent equipment rather cheaply, or go to a K-Mart and buy some cheap stuff (especially for kids) that you could leave there. Many hotels and condo groups provide a free scuba lesson in the pool.

I signed the wife and kids up for surf lessons last summer on Kauai, based on a free pool lesson at our Princeville condo. The hotels/condos work with local business to provide free "intro" lessons, so that people will sign-up and pay for more lessons or go on an outing.

The actual surfing was down the road in Hanaelei, and the waves were very small. They did quite well, and really enjoyed it.

One thing I notice that is rarely mentioned in discussion here, is that the condos in Princeville share activities with each other at the different club houses. So, you can sign up for such things as coconut painting (mail it home), lei making, hula lessons, ukelele lessons, surf/scuba lessons, etc., at different times and different clubhouses based on their published schedule.

pdxgirl

My first trip to Hawaii was to Kauai during Christmas week. It did not feel crowded to me at all. We had a great time.

WendyLynn

Thanks so much for all of the input so far!
It sounds like, while more crowded than other times of the year, Kauai has a more laid back kind of atmosphere. Relaxing, even? Having a variety of activities as an option is great but an action-packed atmosphere isn't necessary. About the snorkling....I guess I was thinking of going on one of the boat trips where they take you out to interesting snorkling locations. I am a real chicken when it comes to the ocean (sharks, waves, undertow, you name it) and would want someone "official" around to tell me it was a safe place for the kids to be in the water. Mid-western paranoia I guess
DB: Could you tell me a little more about the condos in Princeville? The one place I read about was up on some cliffs. Is Princeville oceanside as well? Would you recommend the condo where you stayed?
Thanks all!

crazy4Hawaii

I vote for Maui first trip to Hawaii (and I love all of the five islands I've visited). That way you get a neat combination of beaches, activities, shopping, restaurants, scenery (from volcano to rainforest), etc. Don't worry about crowding. Hawaii never FEELS crowded to me... Staying at the Hyatt or Westin would give you a great pool and the popular Kaanapali location. Embassy (or Kea Lani in Wailea) would give you a suite which is handy with two children. I'm going to Kauai this summer (AND Maui) but I'm glad I did the Maui thing first! I've done many of those "must do" things and I'm ready to experience the oldest and most lush of the islands (i.e. RELAX). I'm staying in the Wailea area this time when I go to Maui but it's because I've already enjoyed the "happening" Kaanapali area and want to try something new. If you read the book "Hawaii" by James Michener or other more authentic historical tomes, you'll see that Lahaina (in Maui) is a good place to visit. - And don't miss the Old Lahaina Luau.

anita

We(kids at the time were 13 & 14)spent this past Christmas on Maui at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. The area was definately busy. We had a great time. We did the snorkel excursion, whale watch tour, golfed, drove to Hana and Wailea, layed on the beach and shopped. If we go back I would stay in Wailea.

If you decide to snorkel I would also recommend that you try it from the beach first. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to float. The snorkel tours have those noodle things on hand for those that want to use them. Also they won't take you into unsafe water conditions.

We do however prefer Kauai-Poipu over
Maui. It's more laid back but still has a ton of things to do and see. There aren't as many restauarant choices though.

WendyLynn

Thanks crazy4Hawaii and anita for the additional input. I am buying the Fodor's Hawaii book today and will read up on both Kauai and Maui to make up my mind. I am finding though that Maui seems to be more expensive than Kauai for rentals and hotels. Is that true? Maybe I just haven't looked in the right places. Though we would like two bedrooms, the big hotels like Sheraton and Westin seem to be $4oo/night. Can't go there. I will need to do more investigating into condo options and prices. The incredible pools at the big resorts look like lots of fun but the prices are out of our league.

crazy4Hawaii

I've spoken to two people in the past week who've gotten either the Hyatt or the Sheraton for $150. per night. Look at biddingfortravel.com and Priceline!

WendyLynn

Wow! Thanks crazy4hawaii!! I will give those sites a try. I wonder if the issue is that we are going to be in Hawaii over Christmas (something like the 23rd-29th). I certainly will keep trying. Thanks for your help.

sap

WendyLynn: We have always had the same problem with cost vs. room for all of us since we usually take our two youngest of 5 kids on vacation. My husband is loathe to spend the money for two rooms in Hawaii where the cost is so high for a decent place. In Kauai, we solved this problem by getting a condo, which worked great. This year in Maui, we're staying at the Kea Lani in Wailea which is an all-suite. I second the recommendation that you first learn to snorkel from the beach. If you stay in the protected coral coves, those dangers you mentioned are really not an issue and there's likely to be a more than a few other snorkelers around you, so you won't be venturing out alone. -- Shari

DB

Wendy,

There are innumerable condos in Princeville, from 30 years old to brand new and still under construction (mostly owned by Pahio Resorts). The Princeville area is basically on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but not necesarily withing easy walking distance thereof.

We have stayed at Ka Eo Kai, which are large older units but cheaper, the two bedroom units are great for a family of four. It also has the best pool in the area, the Price-ville hotel aside. You can walk across the golf course and down to the ocean, but it's probably better to go snorkeling at the cove behind the hotel.

Also, look for hotels such as the Radisson in Lihue that allow children under 17-18 to stay free with adults. Lihue is a great central location that allows you to easily go on day trips either north or south, it is also close to great shopping and restaurants. The Radisson Vacation Villas condos, next to this hotel, are also a Pahio property and can be rented (you can also use the five Radisson pools, which are pretty nice).

The Aloha Beachboy Hotel in nearby Kappa (at Lydegate Park) is apparently newly rennovated, and is one I would look into for a future trip at reduced prices.

dita

MAUI, GRAND WAILEA would make your vacation with the family memorable.
Grand Wailea is a lot of fun in itself.
Your children and yourself will definitely have the time of your life. PLUS, Wailea has one of the best spas in the U.S. What's not to like !

WendyLynn

Thanks so much for all of your help. I am currently reading the general Fodors guide to Hawaii and will make up my mind and start asking more specific questions. So far, Maui seems busier and Kauai seems more restful. I don't know if it is possible during Christmas season but I am thinking of 2 nights at a resort (for the experience of the pools and general environment) and the rest of our time in a condo (for the economy, space, and in-house eating opportunities).

DB: Thanks for the specifics! I will look into the areas and condos you described.

Crazy4Hawaii: Though the bargains may be awsome, I can't use Priceline because I can't be specific enough there. I MUST have two rooms adjoining with a connecting door and you can only request two rooms on Priceline with no guarantee of bed type (one of our rooms MUST have two beds) or room location. Perhaps on a future kid-free vacation.....

bonniebroad

Wendy, I doubt that you will find a condo rental for less than a week at that time of year, so if you stay two nights at a resort, you'd probably still have to pay for a week at a condo. (Some will only rent for two weeks at Christmas!) In general, yes, Kauai is definitely less expensive for the same thing, in comparison to Maui. I love all the islands.......... I don't think you could beat the Poipu area of Kauai for your visit that time of year, all in all. I LOVE the Wailea area of Maui, but it will be more expensive than Kauai. Good luck with your planning!