4bams

plse help! we are a family of 4 (2 teens) who have an amazing trip to thailand planned over xmas. because of the political and airport situation there we may have to cancel and we thought hawaii would be a good plan B. but with so little time to prepare thought you guys could help. we would do 2 islands- which 2 offer the best in terms of nature, hikes, waterfalls etc, culture... we are not into shopping or just lazing around a resort. we like to see and do a lot

can you suggest what part of each island is best to stay dec/jan (we have 2 weeks over xmas) weather wise, and hotel/apartment suggestions are appreciated

is there a best airport to fly into, or should I just grab the cheapest fare and fly to my islands?
we leave soon (dec 19), and there is so little time to plan (thailand trip took months to research and get right.....)

thanks!

spirobulldog

Haven't been to any of them yet, but they are on the top of my list. Kauai and Big Island would be the 2 for me.

birds in paradise looks interesting in Kauai. Waimea Canyon looks great, and the Napali Coast hike looks good. we have ziplined before, but would certainly go again while there. I would like to see the Volcano on the Big Island. Of course, there are plenty of beaches, waterfalls, hikes, etc to do.

so zipling and the birds in paradise would be pretty adventurous. I nocited they also have an open bi-plane ride in kauai in case the birds in paradise scares you.

Marginal

Your choice is Hawaii(The Big Island), Maui, or Kauai, really.

Kauai and The Big Island would be my choices. Kauai for the lush scenery, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and TBI for exploring the volcanoes, the historical sites along the Kona coast, Waipio Valley hiking.

Airfare between the islands is not particularly cheap right now. In past days, you could get flights for $19-39 dollars, depending on the fare wars, but now, you can expect to pay at least $90 one way. So, if at all possible an open-jaw would be best.

Airport codes:
HNL- Honolulu, Oahu
LIH- Lihue, Kauai
KOA- Kona, Hawaii
ITO- Hilo, Hawaii
OGG- Kapaula, Maui.

This time of year, the north and west coasts have high, rough surf. Kauai is especially dangerous in some areas- read other posts here about the ocean safety site on Kauai so you know where to be very careful about or avoid.

dusty56438

Oahu & Maui would be my two choices.

Lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

PeaceOut

In December, I'd stay on the southernmost island. We once went to Kauai in January, and it was cold and rainy every single day for a week. We moved to the Big Island and it was much better.

On the Big Island, there are great condominiums for your family at Sea Village, just below Kona. Very good prices and outstanding ocean views. Free tennis, nice pool, free barbecue pits in a pretty central garden area. Free parking. They are individually owned, so Google Sea Village and you will find some by owner.

PeaceOut

Here's a current thread by someone who has found really good prices in Kauai:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35169755

offlady

You want to stay on the south side of each island, not the southern island. On Kauai it's Poipu, on Maui is Kihei/Wailea, and Kona/Waikoloa on the Big Island. These are the leeward or dry side of the islands. You'll want to avoid the windward sides where it tends to be wet and rainy during winter months. Avoid Princeville on Kauai, Hilo on the Big Island where it usually rains daily. On Maui, sometimes Kapalua and Kaanapali can get a little wet, but not as much as Hana.

suze

Being last minute and over the holidays, I would take a look at airline & hotel prices and availability for all 4 islands. That might be the deciding factor of your island choice.

For me personally I like & think Oahu and Maui are beautiful, and have the most things "to do". They also have the most hotels (especially Waikiki) as far as finding a place to stay.

volcanogirl

We love Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. Any two of them would be great for you. On Maui, we did the sunrise at Haleakala, the road to Hana, the Old Lahaina Luau, and snorkeling at Molokini. On BI, we loved Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls. Also snorkeled at Kealakekua Bay. On Kauai, our favorite thing was the helicopter tour of the Na Pali coast - best vacation thing we've ever done. Also went to the beach at Ke'e, Tunnels, and Poipu. And went to see waterfalls and did a sunset sail with Captain Andy's.

Marginal

It sounds as though the airport situation in Thailand may be resolving.

However, if you are still pursuing the Hawaii option, I would not recommend Oahu (especially Waikiki) for the activities and preferences you mention.

Re: Kauai- yes, it rains more in Hanalei this time of year, and the surf is higher, but it is still worth spending some time at.

PeaceOut

offlady, I do actually mean the southernmost island.

Like I said, the Big Island's weather in Dec. was significantly better than Kauai's, because it's further south. Simple geography made a big difference that winter.

If you go to Hawaii for the first time, and take two teens to Hawaii and it rains everyday. . . What more can I say? It's not pretty! Been there, done that-- LOL

And, yes, I also recommend visitors stay on the southwest side of the islands. Thus the rec for Sea Village at Kona. It's a great family choice with awesome views.

There is so much to do on the Big Island, it's become our favorite. In two weeks, I'd do two islands, if you've never been there.

jbrown6

If you have teenagers, then go to Maui and Oahu. The Big Island is stunning, but beaches are scarce. Kauai is maybe the most beautiful, but it rains. A lot.

I agree that you need to find a place to stay first, which will be the most work, unless you do not have budget issues.

On Oahu, take a surfing lessons on Waikiki, go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay and of course visit the North Shore to witness the surf. It has also got a lot of history, both natural and otherwise. Bishop Museum, the Pali Lookout, Punchbowl Cemetery, Pearl Harbour to name but a few sites.

Maui is also great for families. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Great boogie boarding in Kihei and south, also beautiful scenery at sunrise on Haleakala, Iao Needle is amazing.

4bams

thanks all! you have given me lots to think about....

volcanogirl

Really it's hard to go wrong!

Marginal

My objection to Oahuu and Waikiki for this active family is that:

1. Honolulu is a big, congested city with freeways and noise.

2. Waikiki is a very overdeveloped beach with heavy emphasis on the overdeveloped and little emphasis on the beach. I literally had 5 square feet to myself when I was there in October. Maui has many places for casual surf lessons and lots of good beginner surf, as well as some awesome big swell action for viewing that might pull up at Airport, Jaws, or Honolua Bay. I was really thrilled to escape Waikiki for Hapuna Beach on The Big Island.

suze

The reasons others don't care for it are the reasons I love Waikiki and Honolulu. Lots of people around, lots to see and do. If you want more sand-space just go to the beach in front of Fort de Russey or Kapiolani parks, at either end of the beach Waikiki.

Rent a car and take day trips out around Oahu.

chepar

You're going to have the greatest number of lodging options in various price ranges with hotels in Waikiki.

I agree Waikiki Beach is wall to wall people, but to the east at San Souci it is less crowded.

If you have a car rental, it is a relatively short drive to either Kailua or Lanikai beach, which is less crowded.

limazulu

I agree with the other posters that you sound like you would enjoy the Big Island and/or Kauai. Both are places where you can be very active and sound like a good match for you. Kauai is my favorite island in Hawaii because of all of the active options. The North Shore, near Hanalei/Princeville is quiet and peaceful, laid-back island time, but there is so much to do. We love to go kayaking on the Hanalei River, go snorkeling at Anini Beach, hiking out towards Haena, go golfing at Princeville, go swimming and take day trip up to Waimea Canyon to the end of the road. We stay in a new upscale condo resort in Princeville, eat lunch in one of the local restaurants and buy groceries. The rain in Princeville/Hanalei is a warm rain and it is refreshing - don't be deterred by the rain, it only lasts for a few minutes generally. It also creates beautiful rainbows and rain clouds against the mountains. It is really easy to slip into island time and island life - the people are very kind and welcoming. Poipu is warmer and sunnier, but it is also filled with lots of other visitors and feels more touristy. It is about a 30 minute drive (depending on traffic) from Princeville to Poipu, so not too hard to get into town for lunch or shopping.

Best Regards,
Julia

suze

I'd make a short-list of hotels you're interested in on each island and contact them to see who has availability.

I still say Oahu/Maui makes the most sense and is easiest to plan on such short notice because they are more 'traveled' than the others.

Big Island/Kauai definitely feature everything you are looking for in hiking, etc. but I believe would take a bit more planning to figure out a good trip.

elsiemoo

With tourism being so down, I don't think you'll have a hard time finding lodging on any island. If I were you, I'd do Oahu (maybe stay out at Kailua Beach), and the Big Island.