meesha26

My family and I are trying to plan a trip to Hawaii. Total of 8 people travelling ( 1 senior, 2 adults, 4 children and 1 toddler)

I am planning on going in August (or July if something better comes up) and would like to exchange my timeshare. I have more then enough points/trading power to book 2 weeks on 2 separate islands so that is not my struggle.

I am overwhelmed with all the information on all the different islands. I am most certain we would like to go to Kauai because of the beautiful hiking, waterfalls, etc. It just seems to fit my family well as we are nature lovers. But every time I read more about the islands I find it harder to choose for sure.

It is almost impossible to find any availability on Maui (through my timeshare). Very little on Oahu, although I did find something at Waikiki.

I am just trying to get some help with what is best/easiest with large families including smaller children. We are not necessarily interested in all the touristy spots - but if we are able to hit them that would be great. Just trying to get the most out of our 2 weeks for first time travelers to Hawaii without spending more time in a car then anywhere else. (night life and the best of dining are not important to us)

Thank you.

sf7307

I'm a little unclear - you say you have more than enough trading power, but then you say there's very little available on Maui and Oahu.

What places ARE available?

Kathie

I'd suggest you choose just one island. All of the islands have plenty to keep all of you busy and interested for two weeks, and they way you will really get to know an island. And you won't spend all of your time in the car!

While Waikiki can be fun, I don't think it is the best choice for your family group. I spend a month in Kauai every year now (the joys of being retired!) Think of this as your first trip to Hawaii - not your only trip. Where have you found availability on Kauai? I love the Poipu area, but there are other nice areas as well. You will want some full day trips to places like the North Shore and Waimea Canyon. The kids might enjoy a visit to the Kiahuna Plantation with the train ride. And the adults might enjoy the rum tasting there. Also look into a boat tour of the Napali coast. There are several companies that do this - we went with Captain Andy, but I understand all of them are good. You'll get a chance to see whales close up as well as seeing the beautiful coastline.

jamie99

Kauai is lovely, I owned a timeshare for almost 17 years at the Marriott in Lihue. If you can get into the Marriott in Waiohai snap it up. The one in Lihue is nice also but being a remodeled hotel (used to be a Westin)it only has kitchenettes (small microwave and dishwasher and fridge). The Marriott in Poipu was purpose built as 2 bedroom timeshares with full kitchens.
Also maybe look at Hanalei Bay Resort up in Princeville, North Shore should be beautiful that time of year. It has 2 pools and a bar with light food.

meesha26

sf7307 - Maui & Oahu (I am told) do not have a lot of resorts especially ones that are trading through timeshare so there is very little (if anything at all) for me to choose from.

meesha26

Kathie/Jamie99 - we have found availability on Kauai in Princeville. Specifically the Wyndham Bali Hai. If you know anything good/bad about there I would love any feedback. Some other resorts were not available for a full week or had large enough units for us. The only other option is called Banyan Harbor in Lihue - just not the best of ratings.

Are there whale sightings in August? I was hoping to see them but thought it was too late in the year.

Kathie

Sorry, I don't know that property. I'm not fond of Princeville, but it will put you close to the North Shore. A regular poster here, Songdoc goes to that area every year. I wouldn't choose a property in Lihue.

Good luck!

Inakauaidavidababy

August is a wonderful time to be in Princeville and hang in Hanalei! I also have not stayed at the property, but think it would be a great choice. Jump before it goes.

Inakauaidavidababy

Oh, and whales frolic in the winter months. They will have moved on, but the waters will be much calmer in the beautiful north shore.

meesha26

Would it make any sense for us to try and fly to another island for a night or 2 (to see Pearl Harbor or the active volcano) and then fly home from that island....or not really worth the time and troubles?

Kathie

For me, it wouldn't be worth it, especially with all the kids. I'd just stay put on Kauai. But it is your trip.

suze

I think Waikiki (Oahu) and Kauai would make an excellent combination. One week each island.

sf7307

With two weeks, I'd also try to do 2 islands - Kauai and Oahu would be my choices.

jamie99

No way I would take a toddler or young children to Volcano NP due to the Vog which is harmful to young lungs:
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/safety.htm
I have not seen Wyndham Bali Hai but out of the various Wyndham timeshares it is the most popular.

meesha26

The only resort available to me right now on Oahu is the Wyndham (again) Vacation Resorts at Royal Garden at Waikiki ....they are all 1 bed hotel rooms so I would have to get 3-4 rooms.

So hard to decide! I am sure we would find enough to do on 1 island for 2 weeks, I just don't want to miss out on something else/different if we can manage it.

Dai

Kauai is positively gorgeous and it would be a heck of a lot of fun to spend two weeks there. We have enjoyed staying in Hanalei (near Princeville) on many occasions. Hanging out in Hanalei Bay is a nice way to spend the day with little ones too because the water is calm and there are several options to grab a bite to eat.

You can keep going north on another day and drive to the end to hang out there at that beach. There is more hiking at the end of the road too. There were always some locals with a truck full of fresh coconuts who'd sell them cheap and crack them open for you and hand you a straw.

There is an awesome hike between Princeville and Hanalei called Okolehao Trail. They have a beautiful garden in the area and also the lighthouse is nearby. Such pretty views.

They have a couple of farmer's markets per week in Hanalei. OMG their fruit is so killer. I'm salivating just thinking about their apple banana.

A couple weeks on this beautiful island will give you time to set out and explore other hikes to the south and the west, and see some pretty falls.

meesha26

Thank you Dai...and everyone else for you all of your feedback. I feel much better about spending more time on Kauai rather then hopping to another island for a few days. I knew it would be a lot to handle but wasn't sure if I would end up being disappointed I never did it. I'm sure we will fall in love and want to go back again another time when the kids are older and easier to hop around with !

Dai

So glad you're all in now. This will be both relaxing and adventurous as you set out to explore. Be sure to pick up the free tourist magazines which will have "The 10 best hikes on Kauai" and the "10 best waterfalls", "10 best beaches" etc for even more ideas plus coupons for snorkel equipment, meals, etc. you will not regret it. And like the other poster said, it will be your first trip, not your last ��

aucho53

Hi Meesha26,

I actually stayed at the Wyndham Royal Garden and I really enjoyed my experience. We had a beautiful unit on the 19th floor. It is close to everything and was a nice quiet property.

I was in Hawaii for 16 days and we did 2 islands (Maui and Oahu)...If I were to go back for that amount of time I would definitely do 2 islands again. It is definitely doable. It just depends on your family's personal preferences.

Good luck!

Songdoc

I've stayed next door to the Wyndham Bali Hai many times, but never in the property. I love that location and if you're oceanfront, the views are stunning. I'd jump on it.