Hawaii for christmas: worth it?
 

Hello, my dear knowledgeable Fodorites!

I am in early stages of planning a Christmas getaway. I will have a 10 year old and a 10 month old by December. Is it worth it to fly to Hawaii for a week around Christmas time? It is the only time the entire family is off. We had a lovely time on Oahu when my soon-to-be 10 year old was 6 and 8. What do you think? Where would you stay? Maui? Honolulu?

"around Christmas time" If you can avoid the week between Christmas and New Years, you may be able to get reservations somewhere. Be aware that that time of the year is the busiest, most expensive time to visit Hawaii.

Personally, I wouldn't stay in Honolulu for a week. I've enjoyed staying at Waikiki for a long weekend a number of times, but if I want a more relaxing trip, I'd opt for one of the other islands.

Do some research on where you would want to stay - which hotel or resort and see what the rates are and whether there are rooms available.

Also, where are you located? Can you get a non-stop flight from where you are to any island other then Oahu? I think with a baby, I'd want to be able to fly non-stop. There are non-stop flights from a number of west coast cities to Maui and Kauai and the Big Island.

I am in Seattle, so I have nonstop options. I would only travel nonstop. I realize it is the busiest time to visit Hawaii. I think you just talked me out of it. Thank you!

Why? If you can fly non-stop, what's the issue other than that it will be crowded?

If you can swing it, then do it! Go to Maui.

I hate to discourage anyone from going to Hawaii. The questions for you will be whether there are reservations available at a place you want to stay for a price you want to pay. And figure in the cost of the flights, which will be more at that time of the year.

I just booked our 10 night trip (with my husband and 2 toddlers) to Maui over Christmas and I'm thinking I'll likely never do this again. The trip is costing us around 70% more than normal due to high season rates (and partially because we waited until August to book). I'm used to exceptionally low airfare determining most of our destinations so I'm having a bit of sticker shock and it feels like a very cost-ineffective way to travel.

Airfare wasn't unreasonable (SFO-OGG $500/pp) but accommodations over Christmas increase by 50-100% and car rental doubles in price.

I think it's a fantastic idea. Go to whichever island feels right. Both Oahu or Maui work nicely.

We visited Kauai the week before and Maui on Christmas, quite a few years ago. We cherish the memories. The hardest part was finding lodging to our likings.

Christmas in Hawaii is what it is. Although I never had a shortage of quiet places, no matter it's the busiest most expensive time of year.

If you find lodging and airfare and car rental and can be good with the price of admission, go for it.

Hsppy hunting. Let us know if you pull the trigger!

So the rates on Expedia are reasonable, IMHO. I just don't know if it would be too much of a hassle to traipse over there with my entire clan. On the other hand, there aren't that many options that are acceptable with a 10 months old in December and I'd rather not stay at home for 10 days for winter break.

If you are like me, you need to get some sun in the midst of our dark, rainy winters (I'm also a Seattle-ite). If you can find a place you want to stay that has availability at a reasonable price, I'd do it.

Or -- maybe consider San Diego??

It won't have Hawaii-type weather - but it won't be Seattle weather either ;)

I'm in Seattle. I go to Mexico :-)

I just don't see a problem here. Anytime I've been on a plane between Seattle and Hawaii it was filled with families with kids of all ages.

A non-stop flight, reservations at a hotel, resort, or condo for 10 days. Somewhere easy to reach from an airport. As long as your budget can afford it, sounds pretty easy really.

OP asked whether or not going to Hawaii for a week around Christmas with a 10YO and a 10 month old is "worth it". Well, only she (and her spouse or companion, if there is one) can determine that. We, of course, can't answer that question since we have no idea of OP's financial situation.

Getting to Hawaii from Seattle isn't terribly difficult - it's a 6 1/2 hour non-stop flight from Seattle to Honolulu. I did a quick search and it looks like r/t coach fares for flights around Christmas will run between $950 and $1,100 per person.

OP has to decide whether she will be purchasing a seat for her 10 month old or have the child sit on her lap for the entire trip. Holding the toddler in her lap will save money but may not be the best choice given the length of the flight.

Once she determines the cost for airfare for everyone in her party (it's not clear from her post if her "entire family" is just her and 2 children or if there are others) she has to add in the cost of hotel accommodations, food, activities and transportation ,if needed, while in Hawaii. Once she knows that, she can decide whether or not it is "worth it" to her.

Her alternative is to either stay at home which she says she is not inclined to do or travel somewhere else. If she travels somewhere else she'll have to estimate the costs as she would for the Hawaii trip and decide if it is "worth it".

OP already said the price is reasonable to her, so it's unclear why Hawaii would be anymore of a hassle than any other place. With Zika in Miami and Caribbean (we wanted to avoid the aerial spraying that's going on) we opted for Hawaii this year.

Thanks for your wisdom. The trip is not happening but your wise counsel is always appreciated.