Hawaii AND Holidays
 

Planning a trip to Hawaii over Xmas & New Years. Are the crowds bearable? Which islands will tend to be less crowded at that time? Also, looking to stay where we're not overrun by families & small kids. Is this just a bad idea to go at this time? Thanks

i've done the week between Christmas and New Year's twice in a row. first time was a stay on Oahu (stayed on Waikiki Beach). honestly the first time i took a look at the sea of humanity along the shore i was thunderstruck. i just wasn't prepared for it. once i got used to the idea that i was visiting during one of the busiest times of the year it was fine. this last time we went to Maui. nowhere near as busy, but still busy. we stayed in Wailea. if you decide to go during this week know that it is a very popular time! be prepared to share these beautiful islands with plenty of others. to me it's worth it.

Highest occupancy rates for hotels and rentals are during the winter holidays.

The island of Lanai is not a family destination, so you might enjoy Manele Bay 9on the beach)or the Lodge at Koele (about 20 minutes away by shuttle on the mountain). Both are same owner, so you can use facilities at both.

I spent the week between Christmas and New Years on Kauai a few years back. It was my first trip to Hawaii and I did not find it to be particularly crowded.

It's the worst time of year for any island. Of course Oahu is the busiest. Then Maui, Big Island, Kauai probably. Locals come home and everyone vacations at the same time.

During New Years go to Maui because there's nothing to do on Kauai and there isn't any nightlife...in other words, we're usually there over NYears and it's too crowded from about 12-29 thru 1-3ish.

We even had a hard time getting a rental car one year when we waited until July or so to book our trip.

Just yanking your chain about going to Maui instead of Kauai. The more the merrier..just stay in P'ville or Poipu.
:-d