Hawaii trip report!
 

OK, here goes- after taking 3 kids on a 15 hour journey, we landed in Honolulu on a Tuesday night. We took the complimentary shuttle to the BW Plaza Hotel near the airport for the night. Boy am I glad we only stayed there one night! It was clean, but extremely noisy, as it is located right next to the highway. Don't think I'll do that again! In the morning, my husband and son took the bus to Pearl Harbor. It was definitely worth stopping in Oahu for.

Wednesday afternoon, we took off for Hilo on the Big Island. We checked into the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, which was great! We had a nice view of Hilo Bay and the hotel was nice and QUIET. We then drove to Volcanoes Nat'l Park to try and get a glimpse of the lava flows. Although we didn't get to see any, we had a great time just checking out the scenery and hiking on the old lava flows at the end of Chain of Craters Road. It really was a spectacular sight!

The next morning we drove back to VNP to see the rest of the park. It was very interesting. Our favorite part was the Thurston Lava tube- I especially enjoyed the short walk to the tube through the forest. We ended up doing the park in only a few hours, and our flight to Maui wasn't scheduled to leave until 7p.m. So….we took the scenic drive past Hilo to Akaka Falls.

On our way to Akaka Falls, we drove by Honoli'i Beach Park. There wasn't really any parking, so we decided to keep driving. What we almost missed was one of the highlights of our Big Island trip- a beautiful waterfall underneath a bridge! (I say we almost missed it because we wouldn't have realized it was there if we hadn't just put our windows down) We continued along the pretty road back to the highway. Actually, even driving along the highway was nice. The road to Akaka falls goes through Hawaiian countryside, and I couldn't help but wish I lived there! Akaka falls is beautiful, but the hike can be strenuous- lots of stairs! Next stop- Maui!

Maui- WOW! We landed in Maui on Thursday just as the sun was setting. (Nice views from the plane!) Drove to the Outrigger Wailea, and immediately realized we should have planned to stay there longer. What a beautiful place! The Bellman was extremely helpful, and told us all about the resort, offered us extra pillows, asked if we needed anything at all. Our room was VERY nice- we were booked in a mountain view room, and ended up with a nice spot between the ocean and Haleakala. While we didn't have a direct view of either, I felt like we had the best of both!

We woke to a beautiful sunrise viewable from our lanai, and then headed to the beach. We drove to the beach access at the Makena Surf condos. Great beach! There were only 2 other people on the beach. My son and I snorkeled around the rocks on the south side, while the girls played in the calm waters. My son and I were in for a treat, because we saw 3 large sea turtles, and one swam right up to us! The fish are also plentiful there. I wish we would have gone back to that beach.

We then went back to the Outrigger for some time at the Keiki pool. The kids loved it! There are even a couple of slides there for the adults. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves before having lunch at the Wailele snack bar. Pretty expensive, but good snacks. Later that afternoon, we drove to Lahaina for the Celebration of Canoes parade. It is a once a year event where organizations have the chance to show off outrigger canoes they had 12 days to build from a solid log. Loved it! Went to dinner, and weren't very impressed with Bubba Gumps. VERY loud music outside, and the Lava flow drink was practically non-alcoholic. Food was O.K.

Spent some time walking around Lahaina, which reminds me a lot of Key West. Enjoyed the sunset canoe launch. There was Hawaiian music playing at the Banyan tree park, as well as people selling their crafts. <BR><BR>The next day we decided to brave the road to Hana, only a little differently. We drove the "back" way there- a bumpy, sometimes dirt road- but it was lots of fun and great scenery! Our first stop was the Ohe'o gulch. Pretty fun for the boys, a little too cold for us girls! Actually saw a guy jump from the bridge above- must have been at least 50 feet up- yikes! We then headed to Wai'anapanapa State Park.<BR>

Probably spent at least 2 hours just at this park. The kids played in the water at the black sand beach while I took pictures and enjoyed my surroundings. We walked to caves, which are really cool, but VERY VERY cold!<BR><BR>Drove the proper way back from Hana, and either because we were "beauty fatigued" or just plain tired, we didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the back road. It also took us 3 hours to get back to Wailea. UGH! This was to be our last night in Wailea, so we decided to eat at the Outrigger's outdoor restaurant. Very nice atmosphere, good entertainment, very good food, and excellent service. There was a slight problem with our food being delivered on time, and the very apologetic waiter offered us free desserts. YUM! I was very impressed with the Outrigger, and plan on returning there.<BR>

The next morning we spent a little more time at the pool before reluctantly checking out. Drove to Kaanapali where we checked into the Westin. Very pretty, but a big difference coming from the Outrigger! It was very crowded. I will admit that this was Memorial Day weekend, which could have accounted for the crowds, but I did not feel that way at the Outrigger at all, and we stayed there on Friday and Saturday nights. Of course my kids immediately wanted to check out the pools. The pools are a lot of fun at the Westin. (The slide they have is VERY slow though) Spent some time there and then walked to the beach. There was a nice shorebreak, and my kids enjoyed bodysurfing for a while.

Walked to Whaler's Village for dinner at the Hula Grill. We were not impressed. The chairs sank so low into the sand that we could hardly reach the table. (I am not a heavy person either) The service was slow and the food just O.K. The one good thing about this place was the band that started playing right before we left. 3 young kids (teenagers) playing guitars and ukelele's. They were very talented. Watched the sunset from the beach, and went back to the room to crash for the night.

I am really enjoying reading your trip report. I am going to Hawaii in the late August with 2 kids for 10 days. Will only stay in Oahu, have thinking going to the other island, but after thinking of taking 2 kids (6 & 10)?? I give it up. Do you think it's worth to hop between island with the kids?

Spent time at the pool and beach again in the morning… rented a boogieboard and had a blast! The waves to the left of the Westin about a quarter mile down were good enough for the surfers to be out. Walked back to Whaler's Village for lunch at Leilani's. Much better than Hula Grill, in our opinion. Hard to believe they are owned by the same company! Definitely try their teriyaki chicken sandwich. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! After lunch we had to get ready for our last night in Hawaii. (so sad!) However, it was well spent at the Old Lahaina Luau.

Thanks Janet, I definitely think it is worth it to island hop, especially if you have 10 days. I'm not sure I would do quite as much next time as I did this time (I only had a week!) but I was very glad that we saw as much as we did! We just did not have alot of downtime. As an active family (which I'm sure you are too) with kids ages 10, 8, and 5, this was really not a problem for us. The worst part was hauling the luggage around. We loved the Big Island and Maui, but would probably choose Maui if we had to stick with one island. Check for specials on interisland flight coupons. Hope you have a great time- I know we did! Aloha!

I definitely recommend the Old Lahaina Luau for the atmosphere, service, and beautiful dancing. What I do not recommend is NOT asking for directions and parking in downtown Lahaina thinking that the Luau is within walking distance! Hahaha! We were at least halfway to the Luau before we asked how far it was- must have been 2 miles! Oh well, live and learn, and enjoy the shopping on the way!

Our last day, we went to the buffet breakfast at the Westin. Definitely not worth the 60 bucks we paid. No French toast and no muffins that I could find. Everything else was just OK. (gee, I think maybe I'm starting to sound picky here, and I'm really not!) After checkout we went back down to Lahaina for a little last minute shopping. Stopped at the Aloha Mixed plate for lunch (next door to the Old Lahaina Luau) and loved it! My husband and I each ordered the mixed plate with beef teriyaki (the best!) chicken and fish. It was quite delicious and the service was very good.

Thanks Kristin! I'll start to check out the Maui Hotel and inter island airline tickets now.

We then drove further up the coast to Honolua Bay. Very nice- I wish we had more time to spend there. Unfortunately we had to leave. On our way to the airport there was a beautiful rainbow in the mountains. That was the last picture I took in Hawaii. It is one of my favorite pictures, and can be found at http://community.webshots.com/photo/...39427626FLXXZG for anyone interested. I hope that everyone going to Hawaii has as wonderful a time as we did. I am now planning a trip for just my husband and I to Kauai, hopefully next year- it's a long way from Florida to Hawaii! Aloha!!!

going to oahu 7-14 july and maui 14-20 july. with wife and 3 kids ages 11,9 and 7.<BR><BR>recommend reasonable hotels under $200 nt-and what are the main sights to see and avoid.<BR><BR>thanks<BR>

One thing I forgot- there is a park next to the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel that was a blast for the kids. Shallow water to swim in for the younger crowd, and a couple of pillars (10-15 ft) to jump from into deeper water. Lots of fun!

Hi Ron, besides what I did personally, I recommend getting the book "Maui Revealed" by Doughty & Friedman. This was my one and only required reading while planning our trip. Have fun, and Aloha!

hi Kristin,<BR>Your advice on the different hotels you have stayed is invaluable.<BR>Check out www.epinions.com

ttt

You've got me a little worried Kristin. My wife and just booked our vacation to Four Seasons last week for travel dates in March 2003. I've heard wonderful things about Four Seasons, especially about the service. Service is my number 1 sticking point too. Hope things get better by our travel time. <BR><BR>We stayed at the Westin on our honeymoon in 97 and it was nice. We went again in 99 and horrible is a compliment. So this time we opted for Four Seasons. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Kristin, are you the same person who asked quite awhile back if it was worthwhile to visit Hawaii from Florida?

Bob, Nope! I would do it again in a heartbeat too! :))

Hi Kristin - I've been waiting for your report....good job! I'm so glad you liked the Outrigger Wailea as much as we did. I was a bit concerned since your vacation was family oriented. Apparently the Outrigger appeals to everyone! So, when we (child-free couple in early 40's) go back to Maui, we should avoid the Kaanapali area, right? We loved the Outrigger so much, I can't imagine staying anywhere else. But at the same time, I don't want to miss out on something even better!! We definitely want to spend a full two weeks next time.....probably 4 nights each on Big Island and Kauai and 6 nights Maui. What do you think? You've been back about a week now. How long did it take you to get over the jet-lag? How did it affect your kids?

Hi Lenore not Kristin but I can tell you that your kids will get over the jet lag quicker than you will. We took 3 kids last summer they were fine the very next day while it took the adults 2-3 days.

Thanks Lenore, it was an awesome trip! My husband and I both decided that we wouldn't stay anywhere but the Outrigger. I almost hate to tell everyone how great it is, because I don't want it to get crowded- but I also think that the Outrigger deserves to be recognized. Kauai sounds wonderful- I hope to try that next time as well. The Big Island was beautiful too! Ahhh, our dreams of returning will (hopefully) keep us going until the next trip! Aloha, and Mahalo! :))<BR><BR>P.S.Glad to see that others stay around Fodors even after their trips are over!

Oops Lenore, I almost forgot about the jet lag- I'm still not totally back on track yet, but I think it has more to do with denial that we're back than anything! hahaha The kids seem to be O.K. but it did take the better part of a week. Luckily they were VERY good for the flights (they slept most of the way). Thanks again, hope to see you around until our next Hawaiian vacations!

Lenore,<BR>I think Kaanapali is a great area for a couple (tho' a bit high $ for us !), just depends on what you like to do.<BR>I haven't noticed jet lag upon returning but I have noticed a definite ATTITUDE lag .. really hard to accept that you've left it again and now back to the everyday slog ! This can be helped by getting some of your photos onto your office PC as wallpaper asap.<BR><BR>Thanks for the comments Kristen, we intend to take a closer at the south end next time, we were down by the Maui Prince area for one day and liked it a lot.

P.S. Kristin (sorry to have spelled it wrong just now), that's a great photo, would be interested to know what camera you used.<BR>Thanks, Paul

Thanks Paul, it's a Kodak DC5000. A pretty nice 2 MP digital for around 300 bucks. I love it because it is weather resistant!

Here is my other favorite photo, taken from the Outrigger Wailea.<BR><BR>http://community.webshots.com/photo/...39427751JPmHUT

Beautiful shots Kristin

Thanks for the websight also what a great way to see others trips

Kristin, great report and beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do it.<BR>We're going to Kauai for 2 weeks in August with our 8 year old daughter and I am just so excited about it. It sounds like Hawaii is lots of fun for kids.

I just read Frommer's Maui 2002 and Maui Revealed and feel Frommer's is a far superior book for everthing but Road to Hana,Haleakala way more info<BR>on nightlife,hotels,activities,restaurats,Etc. Planning honeymoon and I think if you want one book it should be Frommer's tell me why I'm wrong.

amen