First Trip to Hawaii - 2 islands or 1?
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First Trip to Hawaii - 2 islands or 1?
We are taking our first trip to Hawaii this summer. Kauai sounds like the perfect place for us - our children are 7 and 4, and we love to explore. I'm just wondering now, since we have to fly into Oahu anyway, should we break up our visit and spend a few days there, and then go to Kauai, or spend our whole week exploring just one island? I would like to see the Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) but I can't tell from the website if it's as neat as it looks or if it's just an expensive touristy place? And finally - I think we can stay for free at an Outrigger Hotel with our air miles. Would you choose the Waipouli (neat pool) or the Kaihuna Plantation (better beach?)?
Thank you in advance for your great advice!
Thank you in advance for your great advice!
#3
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How long is your trip? I love Oahu and there is a lot there to see. It was the first island I went to, years ago, and it was just what I'd dreamed..Waikiki, Diamond Head, Hawaiian music playing, tiki torches at night..loved it.
As far as the Polynesian Cultural Center is concerned...that's very subjective. It can be interesting, it's very expensive, I've been there twice and for me that's enough, I've done it. I would never tell someone NOT to go. You go, you like it or you don't, like most things.
Having the two small kids, you also need to decide if you want to pack up and move midway through your visit, or if you prefer to get where you want to go, unpack, relax, and that's that. Consider that in all practicality, you'll "waste" ond of your days packing up getting to the airport and flying to Kauai, getting from the airport to your place, unpacking and all the rest.
As far as the Polynesian Cultural Center is concerned...that's very subjective. It can be interesting, it's very expensive, I've been there twice and for me that's enough, I've done it. I would never tell someone NOT to go. You go, you like it or you don't, like most things.
Having the two small kids, you also need to decide if you want to pack up and move midway through your visit, or if you prefer to get where you want to go, unpack, relax, and that's that. Consider that in all practicality, you'll "waste" ond of your days packing up getting to the airport and flying to Kauai, getting from the airport to your place, unpacking and all the rest.
#4
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hi we go to hawaii every year. with 4 kids now adults
to start kauai is very beautiful but so are all the other islands.
kauai is small and not much to do state park and light house. about it i highly would recommend oahu. yes polynesian culture center is awsome
its a whole day tour and spectacular.your whole family will enjoy it. plus go to pearl harbour
you can go on ships etc very interseting and educating. its very easy to rent and drive around oahu you can also go to north shore theres so much to do. please let me know if i can help with anything else yes take a caterman ride at sunset right off waikki beach i have stayed at several hotels oh whale watching will be done by then. go to some of the popular reataruants not as expensive as everyone says believe me . i have been all over the us and europe mexico jamaica hawaii is the best place ever. remember if you get sick you can get help.
to start kauai is very beautiful but so are all the other islands.
kauai is small and not much to do state park and light house. about it i highly would recommend oahu. yes polynesian culture center is awsome
its a whole day tour and spectacular.your whole family will enjoy it. plus go to pearl harbour
you can go on ships etc very interseting and educating. its very easy to rent and drive around oahu you can also go to north shore theres so much to do. please let me know if i can help with anything else yes take a caterman ride at sunset right off waikki beach i have stayed at several hotels oh whale watching will be done by then. go to some of the popular reataruants not as expensive as everyone says believe me . i have been all over the us and europe mexico jamaica hawaii is the best place ever. remember if you get sick you can get help.
#6
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Also, your 4-year old is too young for the visit to the Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor (I think they have to be 6 y.o.). There are other things to see and do at Pearl Harbor (my kids were nuts for "playing" in the submarine when they were that age.
#7
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I WOULD RECOMMEND 1 ISLAND FOR 7 NIGHTS OR IF YOU GO FOR 10 DAYS KAUAI GO FOR 2 DAYS SIGN UP AT HAWAIIAN AIR GET MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND DISCOUNT INNER AIR TICKETS AS LOW AS 39.00 1 WAY
YEAH YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE THE SUBMARINES JUST CHECK THE AGES BEFORE YOU GO GO DIRECTLY TO THERE WEB SITES FOR EACH ATTRACTION
TICKETS AND GET THE HOURS WILL BE CHEAPER DON'T BUY ON THE STREET.
TRY TO PLAN OUT YOUR VACATION SO ITS NOT OVERWHELMING ONCE YOU GET THERE. PLANS ARE SET THAT WAY YOU DON'T WASTE TIME AND MONEY CALLING AROUND HAVE FUN
YEAH YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE THE SUBMARINES JUST CHECK THE AGES BEFORE YOU GO GO DIRECTLY TO THERE WEB SITES FOR EACH ATTRACTION
TICKETS AND GET THE HOURS WILL BE CHEAPER DON'T BUY ON THE STREET.
TRY TO PLAN OUT YOUR VACATION SO ITS NOT OVERWHELMING ONCE YOU GET THERE. PLANS ARE SET THAT WAY YOU DON'T WASTE TIME AND MONEY CALLING AROUND HAVE FUN
#8
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Go to Oahu for a few days. There is more to see & do on Oahu than any other island.
Kauai is very small & you can see most of it in a few days.
A 4 year old is not too young to go to USS Arizona Memorial. He may not get anything out of it or remember it, but there is no problem taking him.
Polynesian Cultural Center has the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564
Kauai is very small & you can see most of it in a few days.
A 4 year old is not too young to go to USS Arizona Memorial. He may not get anything out of it or remember it, but there is no problem taking him.
Polynesian Cultural Center has the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii.
Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564
#12
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If your entire trip is 7 days, I would just go to Kaua'i so you will have time to really see the whole island, as well as time to relax and enjoy the beauty. You can't drive all the way around the island, so no matter where you are based, you will spend some time driving to the various beaches and places of interest.
I love O'ahu and there is lots to do there, but for 7 days I would do only one island.
I love O'ahu and there is lots to do there, but for 7 days I would do only one island.
#13
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I don't know if there ever was an age restriction. I know there has not been an age restriction in the past 15 years since I've been going there.
Some info:
http://www.nps.gov/usar/planyourvisit/things2know.htm
Bishop Museum is also good for kids. They have a "Volcano House" where kids can create lava & tidal waves.
Some info:
http://www.nps.gov/usar/planyourvisit/things2know.htm
Bishop Museum is also good for kids. They have a "Volcano House" where kids can create lava & tidal waves.
#14
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I'd have to recommend Maui...it's a family favorite due to its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and activities catering to kids of all ages. There’s enough on this island to satisfy everyone, from the most seasoned adult traveler to the child with the shortest attention span (surf, windsurf, and kiteboard schools, tidepools, good snorkeling spots, etc.) Catamaran adventure tours can also be a blast for kids.
To find great accommodation options on Maui (and Kauai, if you decide to go there), visit Ciao Bambino (www.ciaobambino.com), a free guide to family-friendly vacation properties. It's indispensable in helping you and yours decide where to stay.
Best of luck, and have a great time!
To find great accommodation options on Maui (and Kauai, if you decide to go there), visit Ciao Bambino (www.ciaobambino.com), a free guide to family-friendly vacation properties. It's indispensable in helping you and yours decide where to stay.
Best of luck, and have a great time!
#15
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We totally loved Kauai it is more of a natural state, like one would have pictured hawaii to have been years ago. It is so pretty, and would LOVE to return one day. I am not sure I would want to spend an entire week there. I think there is more activity on some of the other islands. I would keep my options open. Maui to me is like S.Calif, Oahu looked very interesting. We did go to Pearl Harbor. I am sure you will love it no matter what you do.
#16
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Kauai was not our idea of how Hawaii was years ago. We thought it was rather developed. We had a nice time for sure but it just wasn't for us. I remember driving from the airport towards Poipu and wondering when the nice scenery was going to start.
#17
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Odin, I already admitted my bias in another post but Kauai's scenery 'took my breath away' and I remember being puzzled by your comments and comparison to Western Australia in an earlier post. I guess different strokes....
There ARE a lot of contrasts in scenery and topography and as for beaches, Kauai has so many BUT they tend to be tucked away and vary in swimmability. Kauai really deserves to be called the island of discovery. Need to get off the highway to discover all Kauai's charms
Elfville, in summer, the north is beautiful and the beaches calmer then... Hanalei Bay and Annini so blue and calm, Poipu in south has sheltered section for little kids, and East Shore Lydgate has 2 sheltered sections and playground.
Having said all this, Maui and Oahu are also good choices for a first visit.
There ARE a lot of contrasts in scenery and topography and as for beaches, Kauai has so many BUT they tend to be tucked away and vary in swimmability. Kauai really deserves to be called the island of discovery. Need to get off the highway to discover all Kauai's charms
Elfville, in summer, the north is beautiful and the beaches calmer then... Hanalei Bay and Annini so blue and calm, Poipu in south has sheltered section for little kids, and East Shore Lydgate has 2 sheltered sections and playground.
Having said all this, Maui and Oahu are also good choices for a first visit.
#19
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We spent 5 days on B.I and 5 days on Kauai last month and I wanted more time on each of them. So I would say stick with one island, though I would be tempted to see Pearl Harbor on Ohau if nothing else.
Kauai is fabulous. We stayed at Kiahuna Plantation, that you mentioned, and LOVED it. The beach was beautiful (great waves) and so are the grounds. If we ever stay on the south side again I would definately stay there. However, I think next time we will look into staying on the north side. We spent only one day up there and I'd like to experience more of it. Have fun!
Kauai is fabulous. We stayed at Kiahuna Plantation, that you mentioned, and LOVED it. The beach was beautiful (great waves) and so are the grounds. If we ever stay on the south side again I would definately stay there. However, I think next time we will look into staying on the north side. We spent only one day up there and I'd like to experience more of it. Have fun!
#20
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Wow - I really appreciate everyone's input. It's all very helpful and you've given me lots of great suggestions - thank you. I think, based upon what I have read, that we will go for the whole week in Kauai. I can't wait to visit the botanical gardens, and I think we will actually be quite content to be someplace low key. We live in LA now. I don't mind if we never go to a luau, or see a native show. We just want to eat where the locals eat, and have a sort of off-the-beaten track holiday. I'm guessing that Kauai is the place for this -- hope so!