Hello,

Two families with toddlers (8 total) will be vacationing in HI in November this year (thanksgiving). We are gearing towards Big Island because none of us have been there before. Can you give us some recommendations as far as itinary and things to do? We want to do everything but only have 1 week so I know it's not realistic, but if you can give us some suggestions as far as the best things to do with toddlers and good food, truly appreciate it. Also, would you recommend airbnb? we are on a budget, so trying to find the best lodging for all 8 of us. thanks a million! By the way, we are traveling from California.

I've never used airbnb because I don't like their business practice especially noted in the NYC courts. But I have used vrbo.com many many times with complete success. Always do a good search before sending that check in at either.

Hilton Waikoloa Village is a good place to stay with small children, its a disneyish type hotel. there is an excellent Japanese restaurant onsite, nearby are some great places like Monstera.
Near the Fairmont there are some petroglyph trails, a few hours away is the must see Waipio Valley and of course there is nearby Kona with Captain Cooks bay

With two families, consider a private charter boat to explore the coast, fish, look at stingrays, dolphins or whatever

How many toddlers????

On a budget, I'd go for a 3 bdrm condo (or 2 bdrm with loft for toddler naps) in the Waikoloa Beach resort area. Shopping, grocery, restaurants, food court, nice beach at A-Bay, good location for going other places.

We decided long ago that condos are the way to go in Hawaii, particularly if we're staying more than a few days. They are typically much larger than a hotel room, and have the added benefit of a budget-saving kitchen, plus often a washer & dryer. We've rented several on the Big Island through VRBO, including this one in the Palm Villas complex inside the Mauna Lani Resort property: https://www.vrbo.com/166162. Maybe it'd work for your group?

Your itinerary will be somewhat limited by the ages of the kids. Volcanoes National Park is probably the most popular attraction on the island, but I doubt you'd want to risk possibly exposing the toddlers to toxic volcanic fumes: http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/safety.htm. Likewise, Maunakea's probably not a good idea, though the concern there is the altitude: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/v...dvisories.html. On the other hand, the Big Island has the best snorkeling in the state, and the Kohala Coast, where the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resort properties are located, has a very dry climate, so plan on a lot of beach time. Mauna Lani, especially, has a couple beaches that are great for the kids.

Whatever you decide, Thanksgiving is a popular time, so don't wait long before making reservations!