HAWAII--First trip,where to go?
 

Husband, myself, and 13 yr old son to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks at end of May. One week on Oahu with relatives then 1 week to explore other island(s). Which one (s?) We think Maui and Kauai. Need any and all lodging advice as well as great ideas. Thanks,RMM

I would stay on Maui the rest of the time but travel to the Big Island for one day to see Kilauea Volcano. It's only a 40 minute flight. Maui has all kinds of condo rentals as well as hotel rooms, but you can get a perfectly fine furnished condo for less than many of the hotel rooms. Go right out and buy a copy of Hawaii Magazine and check out the rentals by owners. We have rented a studio on the ocean in Maui for $80 - a prime one bedroom will go for $110, but $200 if you go through the rental agency instead of an owner. Maui is gorgeous and has plenty to do. We'll be there then, too!

Definitely go to the big Island of Hawaii, particularly since you have a 13 year old - the volcanoes are fascinating. I would suggest at least 2 full days exploring Volcano national park. The park service provides wonderful information at the information center. You can even walk across a crater complete with steam vents. At night go down to the coast to see the lava flow into the sea. We were there for the first time 18 months ago and it was unforgettable. We stayed at a great B&B just outside the park - but it was geared for couples.

Where do you buy a copy of Hawaii Magazine to find condo's to rent through individual owners?

Brenda, I buy Hawaii Magazine at any major bookstore - like Borders Books or Barnes & Noble. Sometimes it is available at my local drug store. The magazine is a good start to look for condos, but there are many websites out there. Try some searches! Try www.hshawaii.com or www.planet-hawaii.com or www.hawaiiguide.com. I am partial to Kauai. It is so beautiful there! A little more laid back than Maui or the Big Island, but after a week on Oahu, one may need a break! Kauai has a fabulous range of accommodations - from very cheap condos to elegant B&B's to expensive hotels. Visit hshawaii.com/kvp for the Kauai Vacation Planner. Also, poipu-beach.org for a great listing of vacation rentals on the southern tip of Kauai. If you choose Kauai - a helicopter ride is a MUST DO. Enjoy!

I am leaving next week for my second trip to Kauai. I have visited Hawaii and Maui, but Kauai is my favorite.

We were there for 17 days the first trip and never ran out of things to do. If you like variety and the great outdoors, Kauai is it!

Our favorite outing was a Zodiac trip along the Na Pali coast to lunch and snorkel at a beach only reachable by boat. We also loved hiking in Kokee State Park, and hiking the first 2 miles of the Na Pali coast.

We went to many beautiful beaches, including one where we picniked in front of Sylvester Stalone's house, and we were the only ones on the whole beach.

We also enjoyed a kayak paddle up the river where parts of "Indiana Jones" was filmed.

This is truly the garden Isle. I will try the helicopter this time!!! And this time I get to share this georgous Island with my grandaughters.

One of our neatest days we spent on Oahu was riding the scheduled bus that circles the island. We got on in Honolulu and rode clockwise half way around the island to the Weiama (?) Falls Park located on the North side. We toured the park and ate lunch there. They reboarded the bus for the ride back to Honolulu by mid afternoon. Total cost for the ride was 80 cents and the admission to the park was also quite reasonable. We were fortunate in having locals describe the sights as we rode around the island. Have a great time!

Went to the Islands 2 weeks over Christmas with our two boys (10&12). Their favorite was the Marriott on Kauai. There were teen programs, great beach for boogi boarding and a fabulous helicopter ride with South Seas.

I loved the Maui Marriott. There is more to do and the pool was warm, the beach wonderful.

Hey!! Just got back from Maui yesterday! We were there for a week & had a great time. Stayed @ the Sheraton Maui (Kaanapali area). Be sure to rent a convertable, it makes the mountain trip to Hana soooo much more of an outdoor experience. We snorkled on a beach area between Lahaina & Kaanapali, the surf was real calm. Good snorkling around Black Rock but the surf may be a little more rough here. Great shopping in Lahaina! Yes, the prices can be high, for dining also, but you can find some good deals too. Planet Hollywood & Bubba Gumps Seafood were 2 places we ate at but you don't really get your $$ worth on the food, I guess you're really paying for the atmosphere. We ate at a lot of fast food joints & did just fine. Maui was really dry up in the high parts, most of the streams & pools on the road to Hana were dried up but still it was beautiful. Have fun!!!

The Napili Kai Beach resort on Maui is really great. The rooms are big with kitchens, the beach is great (though not for surfing), and the setting is ideal.

I am still making plans for the trip. Any ideas are still appreciated. Thanks, RMM

I go to hawaii every year for a month . i put my vote in for Kauai. It is far more relaxing and laid back tham Maui. the crowds and traffic on Maui seem to get worse each year. You will find the best beaches in Kauai and the hiking at Waimai canyon is fab. There is plenty to keep the kids busy too and there are all priced restaurants. My favorite condo resort is Lawai Beach resort in Poipu, right on the water and great snorkling right in front of resort. Don't miss the National Tropical Botanical gardens in the Poipu area. they are great. Scenes from Jurassic Park and the Indiana Joines movies were filmed there. Wherever you go in Hawaii , you will have fun. It is just that many of us have our favorite spots!

I go to hawaii every year for a month . i put my vote in for Kauai. It is far more relaxing and laid back tham Maui. the crowds and traffic on Maui seem to get worse each year. You will find the best beaches in Kauai and the hiking at Waimai canyon is fab. There is plenty to keep the kids busy too and there are all priced restaurants. My favorite condo resort is Lawai Beach resort in Poipu, right on the water and great snorkling right in front of resort. Don't miss the National Tropical Botanical gardens in the Poipu area. they are great. Scenes from Jurassic Park and the Indiana Joines movies were filmed there. Wherever you go in Hawaii , you will have fun. It is just that many of us have our favorite spots!

My recommendations for when you are done in Oahu: Zodiac boat tour of Na Pali Coast; hiking along Na Pali Coast; Hawaiian Volcano National Park; drive to Hana Road on Maui; daybreak on top of Haleakala (you must wake up at 4:00 am to do this!).

-don't attempt to do too much or overplan that one week with your son.There won't be too many more years when he will want to spend time alone with his parents on a trip. I thought Maui was hectic.I love the excitement of Honolulu -of course it is "commercialized" just as any great city is full of life--but I didn't expect that kind of crowdedness in Maui--stayed in Kaanapali area--perhaps a mistake. If you go to Maui, do not take the road to Hana if anyone is inclined to dizziness or carsickness. This year I am trying Kauai which I have heard is a lot quieter than Maui. Probably you have booked your trip by now, but again, I would say choose only one island or the other, so your lovely memories are not interspersed with visions of airpots and car rental agencies. Have a great trip and treasure that special time with your teenager!!Feel free to email me for more specific ideas re: Oahu and Maui-- I am no expert--just a parent like you are wanting a great time for all!

If you visit the Arizona memorial take the Navy sponsored trip. You will learn history and actually set foot on the memorial. I enjoyed the Polynesian Cultual center. It is a great way to learn about the Pacific Islands, have fun and good food.

The Chart House! Take your wife. It is the most romantic restauraunt. I went to Hawaii in March and the Chart House was my most memorable event. The view is breathtaking. It's located on Oahu near Honolulu. Definitley a must!