bethsmall1

I would like to plan a trip to Hawaii for my family. There are 4 of us myself hubby and 2 boys 12 and 16. We would have a week in Hawaii.I would appreciate it if I could get some help with which is the best Island. It is very overwhelming. I would like a nice resort. We love to snorkel and swim. we are big beach people. Thanks for the help.

iamq

All of the major islands would give you what you want. You're right, it is a bit overwhelming to plan your first trip to the islands. Have you read much about the islands? If not, a good place to start is a generic "all island" tour book like a frommers or a fodors. You can read about all the major islands and compare and contrast them based upon what you read. That really does help.

What time of year are you going?

Are you interested in seeing Pearl Harbor? A volcano? If so, that will inform your choice.

You mention a nice resort first. If a nice resort is your top priority, Maui and the Big Island have some of the best. You might look there first. Maui has some gorgeous beaches, as does Kaua'i, as does the BI.

What I do if when I start researching an area I'm not sure of is I go to tripadvisor.com and look at what is written about the various hotels in that area. That starts me down a path of learning more about the area. It actually is not a bad place to start.

-Bill

karameli

Hi Beth,

You might want to consider the Big Island. You'd have the Hilton Waikoloa, which is as kid-friendly as it gets (water slides, waterfalls, dolphins, etc) plus great snorkeling and idyllic beached like Hapuna Beach and A-Bay. That's the isalnd with the active volcano. (Pearl Harbor is on Oahu, so as the above poster mentioned, if you definitely want to go there, that would affect your choice.)

trippinkpj

Bill has the right idea. Do your research, and then you can ask specific questions.
I took my then 10 yr. old boy and 15 yr, old girl to 5 nights on Maui and 7 nights on the big island. The younger preferred Maui and the older liked the BI better. Although they both had fun on each island. I would also involve your sons and hubby in your decision.

bethsmall1

Thank you all so much. I will do more research, and get back to you with more questions lol.
thank again

MelissaHI

You can also do research here in fodors. Just type in "Which island" and you might pull up a few.....

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34816826

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34822993

travelingirl

Just back from BI and Maui - we really liked the SHeraton Maui on Kaanapali Beach ( more action then Wailea in that area and 5 minutes to Lahaina) - lots of kids and great snorkeling. On the Big Island we Loved the Faimont Orchid - lots of familes but more "resorty" - large pool, swimming lagoon with sea turtles that come right up to you - it was amazing. THe big island is big so besides hotel dining you will have to drive somedistance and the roads are dark and 2 lanes but if you don't mind then I would definitely suggest the Fairmont.

bethsmall1

Thank you so much for your help. I will be Starting my research today.

dfr4848

Agree with the research suggestion. In the meantime and FWIW, our family thinks it's the Big Island hands down. Geographically, it's probably the most diverse and interesting (from sand to snow in just hours, active volcanoes, etc). Lots of options for kids. Great resorts - our favorite is the Mauna Lani Hotel and Resort. Great beach, food and activities. Less than an hour from the mountains, etc. We also like the BI because it's not (or doesn't seem) nearly as crowded as, say, Maui or Oahu.

Would make one suggestion on research re resorts. Check to see if they have condos, apts available. It may give you some good options. At Manua Lani Bay, we discovered after we got there that they have 2-3 bedroom condos on site that are fully furnished with top grade appliances, etc. They were less than our room and guests had full privileges at the hotel facilities. They didn't advertise these at the time unless you specifically asked, but it would've been a great option especially if you're staying at the same place for a week.

bethsmall1

Thanks for the great suggestions

LOYL

My family likes the Big Island best too. We have been there twice- stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa and did the dolphin thing the first time (the girls were 19 and 22). Stayed at the Kanaloa at Kona the second time, 2 years later. The condo on the water was fabulous. Just so much to do outdoors there- and the volcano was fabulous. We like the pace there, and the fact that it's not as developed or crowded.

dfr4848

beth - you're welcome and look forward to seeing what you come up with.