Family Vacation in Hawaii
 

My husband and I are thinking of taking a family vacation at X-mas time to Hawaii. We have 3 active boys, ages 13, 12 and 10. Museums, Gardens & Historic Homes aren't going to be too popular.

I'm thinking surf lessons, volcanoes, snorkling, bicycling, hiking, etc...

None of us have ever been before.

Any suggstins would be welcome.

If by "volcano" you want to see lava flow, that is only available on the island of Hawai`i.

We typically have monster surf in December, so choose the surfing beach carefully.

Hiking is abundant on all the islands...various trails from "easy" to "strenuous".

If it's _this_ Xmas time you're thinking of, don't delay making your reservations. It's the busiest tourist season throughout the islands.

You'll have a great time here..lots of hiking and water sports. make sure you choose to have south shore access in the winter so that you'll have the more calm ocean. Thats one reason Waikiki is nice...surfing & snorkeling are good in December. Lots of easy 'kid' hikes on Oahu.

We have never been at Christmas time but have been to Maui the past 4 years for spring break (March) with our kids who are now 9 and 12. It is great place for active kids.

Our kids could spend all day just boogie boarding on the beach and playing basketball and slides in the resort pool. However, we have also done surfing lessons, snorkeling out at the Molokini Crater (although we also found great snorkeling right by our resort). We have also done the bike ride down Haleakala Volcano (not the sunrise one - didn't want to have to get up at 3am), as well as the Luau at the Old Lahaina Luau.

One year we also planned our flight home so we flew from Maui to Honolulu in the morning, spent the day in Honolulu and then flew out that night. While in Honolulu we went to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona as well as Iolani Palace and walked around Waikiki.

You will have a great time and your boys will NOT be bored!!

I'd go for a condo in Maui. Lots to do and a condo tends to work more comfortably for a family, kitchen and family room....... My passion is Kauai, since I love rain and high, often unswimmable surf. Last year we spent 5 days before getting in the ocean, realizing I love high surf, just too dangerous---north/south made no difference. With that in mind and considering active boys, I'd go for Maui and active lava flow on the Big Island. Good luck, and again book asap as Christmas seems sold out each year...same with rental cars, book it, you can always rebook a better rate, but they go crazy the further on you get. Best of luck.

Maui offers a great variety of beaches, hikes, waterfalls, flora and human made attractions. Christmas is crowded and very expensive. Many of the best accommodations are booked many months in advance. Many condominiums command and get long "minimum" stays from mid-December through New Years's day. The sunrise bike ride down Haleakala is exhilirating. Getting up should not be a problem, given the 5-6 hour time difference with the east coast. I've seen lots of easterners strolling the beaches at 4 a.m. in Hawaii. We enjoyed a snorkel trip to Lana`i sponsored by Pacific Whale Foundation. Clear, calm water and lots of sealife.

Agree with Auntie about the BI. we were there in July and if you look into it there is alot to do there that you seem to require. In addition I do believe the whales migrate by then as well. Aloha, Larry. PS, book soon!

The BI has everything you've mentioned, and everybody might enjoy parasailing off the Kailua pier - it's addictive! There's also horseback riding through the Waipio Valley, and I think other places as well. A condo is a good idea, but we've enjoyed staying at coffee plantations that offer B&B accommodation. Have a look at www.konaweb.com. Oooh, I'm so jealous! We probably won't get back there for another couple of years.

At this stage of the game, you better do more than just think about planning a trip at Xmas. Air fares are going up and I would guess that most of the hotels and condos are booked.
I am leaving for Honolulu the day after Xmas with my family. I booked our flight and also rented a house in March of this year. At that time, there were places I wanted to stay but were already booked. That was in March!
Good Luck!