Hawaii - First Timer
 

I'd like to take my wife and 2 kids to Hawaii in June of 2008 and would appreciate advice on which islands to stay. The children are 15 and 11. I will be using Marriott points, hopefully.

We like resorts, beach activity and sight-seeing but don't want to be caught in the tourist trap areas.

Ideally, we'd fly from Atlanta to one of the islands and then visit one more.

Any suggestions of which two islands to visit and for how long? Would we need to depart back to Atlanta from the same airport?

Thanks.

Jeff

For me I wanted to go to Pearl Harbor the first time I went.
We enjoyed Oahu very much overall and I think there would be alot of kid activities.

I love Oahu and have been to the Islands many many times. You can be as touristy or not as you choose. It's a beautiful island to drive around, many quiet peaceful places and then the hussle and bustle of Waikiki if you want a bit of that. There is just so much to do on Oahu. There are many threads and web links to check. Try a search. There is a poster named Dusty who has posted well over 100 links I think of "what to do's and where to go's on Oahu.

I think with kids, it gives something for everyone. Yes, the other Islands are wonderful too, but when I first went to Hawaii I was 18, and if I'd been "stuck" on Maui or Kauai, I would have NOT been happy. As an adult, and many time visitor, I'm looking for more quiet and laid back, but..I STILL always like Oahu.

My children in the 10 to 15 years old range enjoyed Big Island and Maui over Oahu. I'd start researching, and Dusty's posts also have links to other islands sites.

More to see & do on Oahu than any other island.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

I would pick Maui in a minute.

The Wailea Beach Marriott is an incredible resort. We stayed there with points this summer and loved it. The pool area is beautiful and there are 2 beaches close by (Wailea and another). The grounds are very nice. There is also some shopping within walking distance.
I think there would be plenty to do with kids. They would probably like Lahaina. Also, don't miss the sunrise on Haleakala- you will never forget it! Then, you can do some hiking in the park.

I also think Oahu would be a great place with kids. There are many beautiful beaches and plenty to keep the kids entertained! Do not miss Pearl Harbor and the Punch Bowl. Also, snorkelling at Hanuma Bay is a must!!!

Be aware that the Marriott Ilhilani is a beautiful resort but it is very far away from all of the attractions and even restaurants! All of the restaurants at the hotel are expensive. Next time, I would stay at the Waikiki Marriott.

Kauai is the most beautiful of the islands but I am not sure if there would be enough to entertain the kids. If they love to hike, it is the perfect place for them. The Kauai Marriott has the biggest pool in the state. The grounds are absolutely amazing.

Hawaii is the most incredible place. I am sure your whole family will love it!

We've been to the BI, Maui, and Kauai. I think Kauai might be a bit too slow for teens, although we thought it was beautiful. Maui and the BI would be a good combination. Old Lahaina Luau, Haleakala, Road to Hana, Molokini, great beaches and then Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Hapuna Beach, Kealakekua Bay snorkeling, etc. We haven't been to Oahu yet so can't comment on that one.

I would pick Maui for a first-time visit to Hawaii, and agree with the Wailea suggestion.

Hi Jeff,

I've been trying to use our Marriott points in Hawaii, but haven't been successful. There were a few dates available (I gave a date range of March through September), but only at hotels and I was hoping for one of the beach resorts. We're gold members, so I contacted the gold customer service reps and they told me that it was very tough to ever get any of the beach resorts with points. Anyways...I'd advise contacting them soon to see what's available.

Good luck!

Margy

If you have a ton of Marriott points, the Wailea seems to be available in June for "stay anytime" awards, which is double the "usual" number of points.

harvey, I would choose Oahu and the Big Island, wth kids the age of yours. All the islands are great ... but those two would be my choice.

Aloha Harveyjkah,

Did you say HOW LONG you'll be there? This might affect your choice. If trip is less than a week, I'd say defintitely one island only
Can you use Marriott points at Marriott Ko Olina in SW oahu? It has pools, hot tubs, and WONDERFUL beach area (lagoons). It also has a super-fun luau called Fia Fia, led by an incredible Samoan chief and fantastic entertainer, on the grounds; it's much better than some large commercial ones, IMHO.
There's also a nearby town (5 mins away) where you can buy groceries, and eat cheaply, etc, as all Ko Olina's rooms have some cooking area.

If you can't use points, do look into the Marriott Vacation Club specials. YOu nca get some great deals, of you can be stoic about a 90 minute low-pressure timeshare presentation.

While it is relatively easy, and if i recall, quicker to get to the beautiful North Shore of Oahu from Ko Olina than if you stay in Honolulu, it IS about a 30 min drive to central Honolulu and Waikiki, if you avoid the rush hour traffic. If you and the kids want to be in the midst of Waikiki, Ko Olina would NOT be
a good choice.

My suggestions would be Oahu for sure--if you have over a week I'd add Kauai. I've been there with kids at ages 11 and 15, and they were NEVER bored!

take the kids on a zipline. fun fun stuff there.i did mine in Kauai with Kauai backcountry adventures.
You will most probably have to fly out of HNL(Honolulu airport) to get back to the mainland.

kids must be 12 for ziplines.

minimal weight is 100. unless it's obvious, they don't check.

I've never done the zip line, but now I know that I am too obvious to check.
:(

Seriously, though...the Waikiki Beach Marriott is a great hotel; unfortunately, it's in Waikiki, the great tourist mecca. It's a good location, though, and if you decided to stay on Oahu you should get a car and get out to sightsee from there. If you stay a the Marriott at Ko Olina, it's a nice property but too way out in the boonies to satisfy your kids.

mel (tee hee)

i shoulda said they won't check if the kid is under 12 unless it's - oh you know what i mean...

Wha...too late! Tooooooooo late. I'm going to drown my sorrows in as many $2 tacos as I can find!!!

;)

Thanks to all!! A lot of great suggestions. Let's see what Marriott can do.

Thanks for the advice...truly appreciated!!!

I disagree for not enough things for kids to do.
See my travel log on Kauai at www.tabhauser.com and click Kauai.
(this is my personal trip log with no advertising or signing in)
The kids will plenty if the parents show them what is around.

The Big Island. What kid can resist a volcano? I would not rule out Kauai which has the only navigable river among the islands and a very coolFor 2 islands I would suggest at least a 10-day trip.

We missed out on this tubing tour on Kauai last year but is sure looked fun: http://www.tombarefoot.com/kauai/specialty_kauai.html