Hawaii: Multi-generational family vacation
 

Hi all

We are taking a multi-generational family vacation to Hawaii next July - it's a long ways off but want to start planning now. Trip includes grandparents, 2 siblings with their partners and 2 grandchildren, aged 9 and 4.

First, three of us have been to the Big Island before and LOVED it, we'd like to spend at least part of our time there. Wondering if there is accommodation people might recommend near Kona? Thinking hotels in the $200 ish range/night. Considering a large house too.

The other thing is: we are there for 2 weeks. Flying from the east coast of N America. Would you spend all your time on the BI or do another Island as well (considering we have 2 kids)? We were thinking maybe a week on Kauai.

What do you guys think?

We like snorkeling, hiking, diving - grandparents like sport fishing, shopping.

Help!
Thanks
KD

We have stayed at this house 15-20 minutes south of Kailua Kona several times (we're staying there again in November). We love it--beautiful big house, very private and quiet. It would be large enough for your group. Looks like it's only available the first part of July next year. Photos are accurate. http://www.vrbo.com/298438

It is within 10 minutes of some of the best snorkeling on the island of Hawaii--Kealakekua Bay and Honounou Bay
('Two-Step").

Sport fishing charters available out of Honokohau Harbor north of Kailua Kona http://www.honokohauharbor.com/

I like Big Island in winter, when the sun baking the bare lava is a 'plus'.

In summer, the northern shores of Kauai, Oahu and Maui would hold more appeal for me.

I wouldn't move eight people between islands. DH and I have never stayed less than two weeks on any of the four major islands.

Would you enjoy a few days Waikiki, then the majority of your time in Haleiwa? Split between North and South Maui or either one plus some time in Hana? Summer is a perfect time for Kauai's most gorgeous north shore.

What are your best flight options? We go to Maui most years from Chicago. I look for nonstops on wide body aircraft on at least the longest leg. I avoid 757's.

Some families do fine sharing one house. Some are happier with separate condos within one complex. You'd find a lot more choice with condos.

What

WOW, martym, that house looks amazing! I'd stay there for 2 weeks, for sure. Bookmarking for future reference.

We have stayed several times at Sea Village, a small condo complex just south of Kona. It's a well-kept place, with reasonable rates, free tennis, BBQ grills to use in the garden, amazing views from most units. No elevators, so you might want to get a first floor unit. Most are VRBO, but you can Google for Sea Village and find them.

If going in July, especially in Kona, I would make absolutely sure that any condo or house you rent has AC. Not just in the bedrooms but in all rooms. Hualalai has some great beach houses to rent but the price might be too much for your budget.

The better beaches are north of Kona on the Kohala Coast. There are a number of condo complexes there that could be good for your family. Look in Waikoloa Beach Resort and the Mauna Lani resort. There are also lots of houses but the rate is north of what you all want to spend.

Have you thought of a couple days on the East side of the Big Island? Fly into ITO and out of KOA or vice versa. Spend a couple days up in Volcano visiting VNP.

Happy planning!

I'm not sure there are many places with A/C in Hawaii, are there?

I know Sea Village has ceiling fans and ocean breezes, but no A/C, which have always been good enough for us.

The Mauna Lani doesn't have A/C in the rooms, as I recall. At least it didn't several years ago.

Haven't been to Big Island in awhile but think Hapuna Prince might be in your price range, otherwise maybe a condo? Depends if you all want to be together, or want a privacy option.
If you do go to Kauai, North Shore is beautiful that time of year and water should be calm.

In July, you will really want air conditioning. The Mauna Lani hotel has AC in the rooms as do all the condos in the Mauna Lani property. The Waikoloa Beach Resort condos all have AC as well. Those areas have newer condos than many you will find in the Kailua-Kona area.

For two weeks, I really would suggest a condo. You will have much more space, a kitchen to prepare meals, washer and dryer, multiple bathrooms, etc. Just makes more sense for a longer trip.

Good luck planning!

I wouldn't move all those people around to a different island. I would stick with one island and one rental location. I think you could do a house or sometimes it's really more comfortable for privacy getting several smaller condos or hotel rooms when you are a diverse group like yours.

Actually I'd recommend Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, since you've already seen much of the Big Island (but sounds like you prefer to return there?).

Hi all, we've switched our trip to November of this year... does this change anything? We are still considering 1 week on Big Island and 1 week somewhere else (either Kauai or Maui). Which island would you choose with a bunch of family who have different interests?

Is weather a consideration?

Thanks!!

That house is gorgeous!

<Which island would you choose with a bunch of family who have different interests?>

Maui

Maui will certainly provide more options for your group, but IMO the combination of Big Island and Kaua'i better represents the best of Hawaii, Big Island being the most beautiful underwater, and Kaua'i the most beautiful above it. Both are also a lot less commercial and developed than Maui too.

But by November weather and ocean conditions will have shifted, bring more rain and big swells to Kauai's spectacular north shore, so you might consider lodging somewhere south around Poipu. On the Big Island, my choice is always somewhere along the Kohala Coast, favorite being the Mauna Lani Resort property. If you're planning the trip for early - mid November, you should be able to snag some good deals on accommodations, but rates are high around Thanksgiving.

I'd go to Kauai, have been in November before. The surf may be starting to get rough on the North Shore (October is usually when it starts to transition although you can get good days. Usually Hanalei and Anini are better. For Ke'e and Tunnels, check with the lifeguard at Ke'e on conditions. I'd probably look for nice condo (or two). Maybe Poipu Kapili or Nihi Kai which I believe has a heated pool.

I just returned from a fantastic home in Kohala Ranch, HI which was all we'd hoped and more. Nonstop 180 degree views, fantastic pool, full kitchen and pantry. grill called Laughing Gecko Lodge on vbro. I think the location would be perfect for 3 adult couples and two children. It's 5 minutes above the harbor, restaurants, fish market and boat excursions, and 20-30 minutes to Waimea, Hawi and the resorts. Great owner, great place.

I like ChiSue's suggestion of "a few days Waikiki" and then I'd move to martym's gorgeous rental on the Big Island. That would be pretty much perfect. :-)

So, Kauai is ok for November despite the weather. Such a big decision! I'd really like to see another island and it would be between Maui and Kauai. I had my heart set on Kauai but I am nervous about the weather... any more info?

Thanks again!

I mean, Big Island plus either Maui or Kauai! Sorry!