sfmaster

My super uber busy single mom/doctor friend with a mega mega commute and 2 boys 11/13 needs to getaway for Summer fun.

I said I'd help her figure out where to go in Hawaii but wow I'm getting overwhelmed by all the options (and I have some time to sort through so I guess this is why she hasn't planned a vacation for a while!).

What I want for her.

She needs a turn key resort experience - not necessarily all inclusive..by turn-key I mean she can just relax, high quality, great service.

She commutes for HOURS every day - so it's imperative that the beach at the hotel offers good swimming and snorkeling. Of course they'll end up driving for fun adventures too but not every day....and not super long distances

Active boys - will want some of the higher energy outings - so maybe not the smaller quieter areas???

She can spend up to $450 probably....

She's pretty simple so big malls, fancy restaurants not her thing. A view of the ocean, nice pool, great beach.....

Help me help her!

explanation

Most people with more than one kid prefer a condo, so they can do simple breakfasts and snacks. Is that what she would prefer or does she prefer to have to dine in hotel restaurants all the time?

There's only one all-inclusive in Hawaii and it is in a remote location in Maui. Not for her.

Will she need two hotel rooms?

If she would consider a condo, Honua Kai on Maui has a great pool for the kids and also has a restaurant on-site.

sfmaster

Thanks so much for your thoughts.

Hotel room would work but condos nice too for space and a little food flexibility.

As I read tripadvisor reviews it seems that the issue with condos is that at one property there can bea real variety in units - how to control for that? It also seems different companies can all be involved in the same property.

She would want the sense of safety and service from full hotel but a little extra room is great.

Thanks for any thoughts

emalloy

With kids those ages, I would look for a resort on the Kona side of the big Island and then take some tours to the volcano NP, down through the lava tubes, chain of craters road, and maybe a boat ride or helicopter trip over the area.

taitai

Well, if she wants both a hotel and condo, why doesn't she rent one at one of the big hotels. The Marriott has condos in Muai as does the Westin. She can go to Redweek.com in order to find availability for her dates. Alternatively, go to vrbo.com to find condo availability. They really are the way to go for Hawaii, especially with kids.

The Big Island is my favorite and would be great for kids her age but you said she doesn't want to drive and the Big Island is Big. There is a LOT of driving involved there so probably not her best bet. Too bad....great condos, great beaches, the Volcano, waterfalls, snorkeling, etc.

explanation

Maui is a great island for kids. Lots of good beaches for swimming, snorkeling, boogiboarding, easy places for surf lessons. Ocean center, miniature golf, ziplining, snorkel trips.

As much as I love the big island of Hawaii, I think Maui is an easier island for what you describe.

tifa2276

I would second the Maui rec and I would stay in the Kaanapali beach area. I just seem to think it's perfect for what she's planning...beach and relaxation, not too much driving compared to BI, restaurants and shops, plus activities if she wants to do them. I also second the Honua Kai - it looks wonderful, upscale, and has fantastic pools, plus the Dukes restaurant is right there. If she goes through the condo owners directly, like via VRBO or HomeAway then she'll be able to see exactly which condo she's getting.

Another thought are other resort/condos on Kaanapali beach. Sheraton, Westin (also has condo/villas), The Whaler, etc. It's right next to the Whaler's Village which has shops and restaurants. She'd never really have to leave. It's also a short drive to Lahaina which has even more shops and restaurants in case she doesn't want to cook.

To me the Big Island requires a lot of exploring and driving in order to see all the amazing things on the island. If she is open to that, then I would suggest the Waikoloa Beach Resort area with the Marriott or the Hilton, both of which have expansive water park-type pool areas which the kids would love. They are both full service resorts as well. There are also a lot of other condos in the resort area which can be booked via vrbo (Hali'i Kai is my fave). They won't be as full service as the hotels but there are the Queens and Kings shops right there which will provide shopping and dining. The only downside is that none of these are right ON the beach, but A-bay is only a 5 minute drive, and Hapuna beach is like 20 mins. Another option is the Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, or Hapuna Beach Prince hotels which are beach front.

explanation

The downside to hotels is having to go to a restaurant and pay for every meal. With two kids, that is going to get expensive and annoying.

That's why I like the Honua Kai concept where there are on-site dining options, as well as kitchens for being able to eat what you want at your own pace. Much cheaper with kids.

There is also a spa on-site for Mom. HK is a new development and is getting very positive reviews.

sf7307

I think both Honua Kai and the Westin Villas would work perfectly, but I'd also look at the Marriott villas (not the Ocean Club, which is perfectly nice, but only two connected rooms and a partial kitchen) because I prefer the main part of Kaanapali Beach. All of these will have "consistent" units, which the Whaler most definitely does not. Also, the Whaler pool is very small and not great for kids.

sfmaster

Thanks for all the thoughts.... I think if driving is easy, pleasant she won't ban it all together.... especially for fun stuff.

I worry a lot that maui will feel too commercial and developed, malls etc.

That fear of too much touristy biz makes me lean toward BI.....

One friend thought we'd be happy at Waikoloa Beach. Maybe splitting the week with another BI location.

Ideas?

explanation

Maui is not anywhere near as developed as Waikiki on Oahu.

It is not worth splitting a week's stay between Maui and The Big Island.

Interisland flights will cost about $90 per person each way.

You lose about half a day in the interisland trip.

sfmaster

Good perspective. I was thinking of two locations on the Big Island not splitting between two different Islands.

emalloy

The Waikoloa area would be fine for beach activities and if you wanted to split the week, look at the Hilo side. This would be for exploring Volcanos NP.

edjim

Maui -- either the Kannapali area or the Kihei/Wailea area. Wailea has some great beaches for kids, pools, too. Snorkeling and turtles. I wouldn't worry about malls -- Maui doesn't have much like that. There is development but it's not overwhelming like Honolulu. Certainly nothing like a mainland U.S. beach town.

explanation

And there would be less driving on Maui.

The Big Island is indeed, big, and driving would have to be a significant part of the trip there.

Suzette85

We've brought our boys to Maui (around the same ages) 3 times and this year is out 4th. We stay one week at the Marriott Lahina/Napoli Villas on Kannapali. (as another poster said, you want these and not the Ocean club). The resort is great and it is right on the beach. Plenty of flexibility for food. I honestly would not split a week - you loose a day traveling and the point of Hawaii is just being there.

We also stayed at the Mariott on the BI Waikoloa. It is a great resort, great beach and not much around.

andrews98682

Your friend can't go wrong with any of the major islands. It's a question of what they want to see and do.

If she wants a big city with a great beach and plenty of sights (Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, the north shore), Honolulu is it. If she wants something quieter but still with plenty to do, she can find it elsewhere on Oahu and the other islands. All have great snorkeling and spectacular beaches. On the Big Island, you have the volcano. On Maui, there's Haleakala and the road to Hana. On Kauai, they could take a boat ride around the Napali coast, a helicopter ride (expensive but incredible) or head into the canyon.

And I second what Suzette said about the Big Island Marriott. A great resort on an amazing beach, and I got my room for about $120-$130 on priceline a few years ago in July.