SmileyFace

Our flight is arriving at 10 a.m., condo check-in not until 4 p.m. Although the unit won't be occupied the day before, the agency (Abby Rentals) can't guarantee we'll be able to check in early. Before kids, this wouldn't have been a problem. Now, traveling with 2 toddlers (issues with naps, bathroom, food) makes that harder.

Hoping that some of you wise parents who are regulars to the BI have suggestions for somewhere to hang out with the kids. Trying to avoid paying for an extra night since it's enough to pay for a really nice activity or a couple of dinners out. We visit at least once a year, and last time took the same flight with a 3 p.m. check in, and it was tough since everyone was tired from traveling.

- Is the Hilton Waikoloa still selling day passes? Are they exorbitantly priced?
- I checked Air BnB for a cheap one day rental, but nothing close to Waikoloa. Anyone have another suggested website?
- How about a mellow (non windy, non crowded, accessible) beach in Waikoloa with good facilities where we can actually find parking at 12 p.m. on a Saturday?
- Maybe another mellow activity?

Thanks for any suggestions!

chepar

I'm assuming your condo is in the Waikoloa area.

The only beach area in the Waikoloa resort is A-Bay (Anaehoomalu Bay). Not sure about how crowded the public parking lot would be midday on a Saturday. It is frequented by both visitors and locals. This website gives some info on it: http://www.resorticahawaii.com/LocalBeaches.html

The Waikoloa complex has the King Shops and the Queen's Marketplace. Both are small resort shopping areas. A-Bay is near the Queen's Marketplace. You could grab lunch, check out the beach and wander around the shopping area. There is a grocery type store in the Queen's Marketplace, but it is pretty expensive.

Otherwise, if you plan to make use of the kitchen in the condo you could head into Kailua town for lunch and to purchase foodstuffs and other things that you will use during your stay. Either a grocery store, Walmart, Target, Costco, etc. - buying in town would be way less expensive than purchasing things in Waikoloa.

sassy_cat

Will you have a car? Do your kids sleep in the car? Mine would doze off within seconds so you could take a scenic drive.

Alternatively you could pick up groceries if the kids aren't too cranky, have a picnic lunch at A-Bay or just a little further north at Hapuna and then drive to Waipio valley and on to Pololu lookout.

Call the condo people just before you leave and repeat your request for an early checkin and maybe by then they will guarantee it.

charnees

If you want to get a picnic lunch while shopping for groceries in Kailua, go to KTA grocery store.
they make good fresh sandwiches to order and include a little bag of chips. For $5 each. They are quite big sandwiches, too.

Or for a more upscale picnic lunch in Waikoloa, stop at the grocery in the Queen's shops area. Lots of good stuff.

We always just go by the condo we have rented, to see if it is ready. Most times it is. So give it a try. Or the cleaners will let you stow your luggage there, and maybe put food in the frig if it is clean.

Tomsd

We used to just drive up to the venerable Mauna Kea - and park there (tell the entry guards you are meeting somebody for lunch ) - and then walk out to their great beach and enjoy it. Basically - all beaches are public in Hawaii.

It's not that far from the airport - and gives you a good idea of the area to the north.

It would help if you had a beach towel with you.

Tomsd

And ask around - but as I recall - there is a shopping center not far from where the airport road comes out to the main road.

Tomsd

Some pics for ye: http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/m...a-beach-hotel/

FrankS

How about a mellow (non windy, non crowded, accessible) beach in Waikoloa with good facilities where we can actually find parking at 12 p.m. on a Saturday?

Placename

I second the suggestion of the park next to the Queens shop. The restaurant reservations lie at the Mauna Kea parking lot doesn't work anymore.