Hawaii with kids - help with itinerary
 

Hi

We are really hoping to visit Hawaii in 2016 with our two children who will be 9 and 8. We are living in the Uk so this is a big deal for us and will be a real trip of a lifetime. So the pressure is on to get it right!

We have about two weeks to spend on the islands, with brief stops in LA on the way out and the way back.

I've sort of narrowed that down to a mix of BIg Island and Kauai but want to know what peoples thoughts are on this in terms of:

- things for children to do
- length of time to spend on each - eg half and half or longer on one sis land?
- best places to stay on each island with ideally access to beaches nearby

We are not fussed about nightlife and prefer a lowkey approach to holidays, hence the attraction to Kauai.

Can we drive around the islands?

Are there any excursions we should definitely go on?

We are visitng in August as are bound by school holidays. What is the weather likely to be like?

Is there anything we ought to be asking that we haven't?!

Many thanks in advance

A couple of things -

Yes, you can drive around the islands. Kauai is quite small, although there can be some traffic issues. Some people like the south (Poipu) and some the north (Hanalei). We always stay in Poipu, but the north is actually more physically beautiful (it's all beautiful, but the north is amazing). The drive from one to the other is easy, but I wouldn't want to be doing it on a daily basis. Be careful, though, because a lot of the accommodations are on cliffs above the beach rather than on the same level as the beach. Big Island is big, so some people recommend staying in two locations - the Kona side for beach/sun, and the Hilo side for the volcano.

You have picked two terrific islands to visit, very beautiful and low key and relaxing. I would do 8 BI and 6 Kauai, since the Big Island is huge.
Yes you do need a rental car, the public transit only goes to places locals want to go, it does not go to Waimea Canyon or past Hanalei on the North Shore. For car rental try this site:
www.discounthawaiicarrentals.com
Be sure and let them know you are from the UK, so they can provide a quote which will include all the insurance you need. They are a reputable wholesaler and will book you with a "name" company - I got an Avis my last trip using them.
For Kauai in August, I would rent a condo in Princeville with a pool, you would have to drive to dinner but it is only 5 minutes or so to Hanalei. Or you could stay in Hanalei but they do not have condos, only cottages and no pools but many rentals are beachfront or close walking distance. Seas should be calm up north then, if wanting surfing then head to Poipu.
Lots of stuff to do, both free or for a price like a Na Pali boat tour or a pricy helicopter ride, maybe an ATV tour, or surfing lessons.

we used rental cars.com when we did our trip to Hawaii. They also add in the appropriate insurances. Not to throw a spanner in the works but I think Maui would be a better island for children, rather than Big Island. We did like Big Island but did a lot of driving to see the various attractions. We also did a lot of driving on Maui but the beaches seemed to be nicer than the Big Island.
We didn't do Kauai so cannot comment about that.

Our favorite Hawaiian Islands are the Big Island and Kauai. On Kauai, there are several boat/snorkeling trips you can take, our favorite being Captain Andy's. Go in the morning with kids for a smoother trip. Also, Waimea Canyon is great; my kids greatly enjoyed it and the small hike at the end of the road.

Also, Lydgate Beach is a great beach for families and kids. It is a protected area, so doesn't usually get big waves.

When we were on Kauai with our kids, we generally planned for busy days alternating with lazy, pool/beach days. We also prefer the more open and, in my opinion, modern area of Poipu Beach rather than the north shore, although the north shore is certainly very beautiful and more lush.

Re the Big Island, my husband and I love it, but I do agree with Nelsonian that Maui might be a better choice for kids your kids' ages. The island is smaller with loads of activities for families.

If you do decide on the Big Island,I can give you some recommendations for there.

Are you interested in more water-based activities, like swimming and snorkeling? Or do you plan to do things like hiking, sight-seeing,etc.

Thank you all for yours replies. I think the main reason for choosing big island centred on the fact that it has the volcano park which we thought we'd like to see. I will definitely look into Maui though as I've not researched that too well and the point made about size of island and ease of getting around is a good one,

If we did go for maui would we be able to fly in there direct or via big island? And would it make a difference which island we stayed on first, so eg

Big island or Maui and then Kauai or the other way around?

I had envisaged staying in hotels as it just seems easier to book those from this end, but jamie99 has mentioned condos. Are these easy to find?

Activities-wise, we are pretty open to both water based and land based ones. Snorkelling would be fantastic for the children I think. Are the waters safe around the island to swim in (do they use shark nets and things)? Is there opportunity to see wildlife on the islands?

Sorry for all the questions! It's just so helpful to speak to people who have actually been!

Yes, it is easy to find condos, but first decide on your islands.
You can use VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner)or book through a reputable broker, there are several in Kauai such as SuiteParadise, Parrish and others who I cannot think of now. A condo gives you a lot more room than a hotel room, and usually has a kitchen (handy for snacks or maybe breakfast) and you can book one with 2 bedrooms for more space and privacy. Some of them even have washer/dryer units, most not all have pools, many have free parking and usually no resort fees. You do have to pay a cleaning deposit in advance. If you go through a broker you often do not have to pay this fee, but you select the unit by view (garden, oceanview, oceanfront, etc.). If you book through an owner you can select the individual unit. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Most hotel rooms are limited by fire codes to no more than 4 people.
But again, decide on your island(s) first.

In August, you could be happy in almost any location on any island, but the southern portions and Big Island will be quite warm. You need a car everywhere outside of Honolulu.

Is Los Angeles the only connection that will suit your itinerary? (Going to Disneyland?) Southern California will be hot, and with the drought, 'fire season' may have begun. San Francisco? Vancouver?

Most visitors spend a week to ten nights on Big Island, staying Kohala Coast (NW) for sunny, vog-free beaches and also in the town of Volacno (SE). I hope your children are not expecting to see huge flows of molten lava, or they will be disappointed.

Big Island does require more time in the car to see it all. This can be boring for youngsters. While the island has the best sea life, it has few easy-access beaches from which to snorkel.
Maui does have these, and a 'walk-in' volcano, Haleakala. Maui also has a rather Kauai-like experience along the Road to Hana and at Iao Valley. There are more nice condos and restaurants on Maui, too.

Northern Kauai is gorgeous, but with fewer amenities. It and Big Island are the two less-developed islands.

Condos are perfect for families: More *space*, a kitchen, washer/dryer, separate bedroom and bath for parents (in romantic Hawaii). Most have everything a hotel offers except room service, which you don't need when you have a kitchen. You will also save by not having to buy every drink and every meal 'out'. You'll skip the daily 'resort fees' and valet parking at hotels, too. "Home from home" is great in casual Hawaii.

This site has aerials, reviews and rates on almost every lodging in Hawaii: www.hawaiirevealed.com

Don't try to see everything. You will be back! (My DH and I have never spent less than two weeks on any of the four major islands.)

We live on the West Coast and have (therefore?) been to Hawaii many times. We almost always stay in condos rather than hotels because we're usually in one place for at least a week (not moving around from hotel to hotel like we would be on a different kind of vacation), and it's nice to have a kitchen (e.g., I get up earlier than my DH, so I'll get up, make myself coffee and breakfast, and sit on the balcony reading the paper), a living room, even two tvs, sometimes laundry, etc. We've spent many a vacation sharing one hotel room for 4 people, but not on our Hawaii trips. The condos in Hawaii range from luxury to not-so, from right on the beach to high in the hills, from very pricey to very reasonable, so I think you'll have to first decide the island, then the area of the island, then your nightly budget.

On Kauai, in the Poipu area, I can personally recommend both Kiahuna Plantation, and the Marriott Waiohai (which is a timeshare, but rents out, too). There are many others, of course.

Having visited all of the mentioned Islands with children I would suggest Maui with the children and specifically Kaanapali beach area as the beach is right there and very easy for children. The Whaler is a great place if you can find a condo rental there or The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a great native owned resort and while not the super plush like the other resorts is wonderful for families with a true Hawaiian feel. this was a few years ago but when we booked with Kaanapali Beach hotel it included a rental car....probably does not do that anymore. Wherever you go you will love it. I think maybe I would do big Island first as it will be more driving then Maui to relax and enjoy beach. Haleakala at sunrise is amazing!! I also recommend using VRBO for a rental...but sometimes it is hard if you do not know the area.