hi all, I thought we were planning a Germany vacation for Christmas and my Dad's 80th, but now he has mentioned Hawaii! So switching gears...

I am looking for all of your favorites (let me start with islands and then lodging). We are taking our 3 children, ages 3, 7 and 9 and my parents who are elderly and unable to walk far distances. I would like to stay on an island that is easy enough for my parents to get around, but still adventurous enough for my family to enjoy some surfing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding etc...I have only been to Maui and that was many years ago, so I don't really know where to start. We would like our accommodations to be beachfront and not in a super busy, touristy area, but we would like the hotel to offer things such as a pool, kids club and good dining. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hilton Hawaiian Village in Oahu offers all of the above including childrens cultural programs and even penguins and fireworks... the complex has pools, restaurants, mini markets and beach... you are a short distance from the shopping and fun of Waikiki beach and with a car, there are lots of things for your kids to do... have fun!

I would get off of Oahu for at least part of the time.

How long do you have to do this? Two weeks is fine for two islands, but not more, with a party of 7.

Consider Kona Village Resort on The Big Island of Hawaii.

www.konavillage.com

I of course second the Kona Village suggestion, at least to consider it. The best way to find out if it's a fit is to go to www.davidskvr.net, a website I put up because I'm a completely out of control fan of the the place. However I did tell about it with accuracy. Since the village is spread out, there can be a bit of walking, depending on which bungalow you're in. If walking is a problem, you can arrange to be close to the food and beach. Alternatively, you can rent electric scooters. You'll see what I mean when you look at the property map. As for touring the island, you can rent a car at KVR, and since all the food is included in the price, they'll pack box lunches or provide vouchers for a number of places on the island. I've done my exploring in the past, so when I go to the village I never leave, and am content to bask in the aloha of the place--there's plenty to do, including for the kids.
David

Also, check out the websites for the Hyatt Regency in Maui and the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. They both have spectacularly lush and beautiful landscaped grounds for the older folks to enjoy and really cool water-park style pools that are designed to delight children. Each of them are somewhat separated from major touristy areas but close enough to walk or drive to them when you want a variety of restaurants and shops.

thank you all for your suggestions and opinions! I will look into them and see what fits for us. We will be going for two weeks over Christmas and New Years, just in case that changes things in anyone's opinion.

The Christmas/New Year's season is the busiest tourist time of year here in Hawaii. Be sure you book early, especially your rental car since they have been known to run out of rental cars during that season. Aloha!

We have spent many vacations in the islands, although only once in December. This December we rented a condo at Kiahuna Plantation on the Poipu side of Kauai. The weather was great, the water was warm and they were teaching beginners to surf right off the beach in front of the units. There is a huge lawn area that fronts the beach with palm trees for shade and I noticed many people of the grandparent generation enjoying themselves from that vantage point. There is a smallish shopping center across the street with some restaurants and the restaurant on site is quite good. The only drawback to this place is the fact that the pool is also across the street so it is isolated from the beach. I know that some people just use the pool at the hotels next to Kiahuna. There is a larger shopping center in the final phase of completion closeby. Very near to Kiahuna is Poipu Kapili. These units are huge and they surround a fantastic pool. (It has been 8 years since we rented at Poipu Kapili so I can't give you a current status report.)

There is a beginners' snorkeling beach a short walk away as well as a little beach park with a lifeguard. We found much better snorkeling at the beach next to the Beach House restaurant.

It is important to know which side of each island will have the best conditions for the time of year you are going. For example, the surf is high on the Hanalei side of Kauai in the fall/winter while it is rougher on the Poipu side in the spring/summer.

Oooh, December at Kiahuna Plantation. I am so jealous (BTW, my daughter took surfing lessons there, and when she got up and rode in on her board the first time, everyone on the beach applauded!)