I will try to post again...I am planning a trip for 5 people for February 2002 (one 3 year-old, 2 early 30's & 2 late 60's). we have 2 weeks to spend and want to see Pearl Harbor & the active volcano, but other than that we just want to "experience" Hawaii and not the BIG city. My travel agent has mentioned taking possibly a 7 day cruise and then stay on a couple of the islands afterward, but would we get a good taste of the islands this way?? PLEASE HELP!

I have know people who have been very happy with the interisland cruise but they tend to be sedentary folks. Works for them but not for me. I'd suggest some time on Oahu (3-4 days) - see Pearl Harbor, perhaps the Bishop Museum, experience Waki-waki (Waikiki), and visit the North Shore to watch winter surf. Then go to the Big Island for the volcano, Waimea ranching country, the City of Refugee. I'd either spend the rest of my time there or go on to Maui for some beach time. Many people go and try to do too much. They spend their last day, resting on the beach or watching the sunset from their condo balcony and realize, right before they leave, that this is what they were looking for.

Look for condo rentals or a private house on the beach. It won't be cheap but it will be closer to the real Hawaii. Try the website http://www.sandyednie.com/
for some vacation homes. Yes, I have a vested interest; my family's home is listed there but I'm not mentioning which one. I don't really care if you rent there or not; the key point is there are ways to get outside of the Honolulu and just experience Hawaii.

Good luck.

I have know people who have been very happy with the interisland cruise but they tend to be sedentary folks. Works for them but not for me. I'd suggest some time on Oahu (3-4 days) - see Pearl Harbor, perhaps the Bishop Museum, experience Waki-waki (Waikiki), and visit the North Shore to watch winter surf. Then go to the Big Island for the volcano, Waimea ranching country, the City of Refugee. I'd either spend the rest of my time there or go on to Maui for some beach time. Many people go and try to do too much. They spend their last day, resting on the beach or watching the sunset from their condo balcony and realize, right before they leave, that this is what they were looking for.

Look for condo rentals or a private house on the beach. It won't be cheap but it will be closer to the real Hawaii. Try the website http://www.sandyednie.com/
for some vacation homes. Yes, I have a vested interest; my family's home is listed there but I'm not mentioning which one. I don't really care if you rent there or not; the key point is there are ways to get outside of the Honolulu and just experience Hawaii.

Good luck.

I can't speak for your specific travel agent...but travel agents love cruises. THey basically earn a commission on travel, lodging, and food. It is easy for them to earn their commission and they get it from pone place.

It is much more work to book you into individual hotels or condos.

IF you want to get a feel for tropical Hawaii, I agree with the above poster, stay on the islands.

We are veterans of multiple three-generation trips like yours to Hawaii. It is THE best destination, but IMHO a cruise would be a complete waste of money and a total drag with a three-year-old. Given your ages, we like Kauai and Hawaii the best but I hear good things about the North Shore of Oahu. I would strongly suggest a week on the Big Island (either Kona area, or the Kohala coast if you really like the beach, and take a helicopter tour of the volcanoes), two or three nights in Honolulu as Pearl Harbor takes alllll day and will wipe out your little one, and the other nights on either Kauai, Lanai or Maui depending on what types of activities you like best (beach, golf, hiking, driving around, shopping, etc.). E-mail if I can help out at all--this board has helped a lot with our trips.

Also, any suggestions for a NEAT place to stay in Kona? I was just looking @ Kona Village (over $600/per night!! - OUCH even with food included.

You have posted this twice before and I and others replied to your first post.

Please look for your original post before posting duplicates.