we are looking in to going to hawaii next june with 2 teenage girls. we have been to maui and thought about waikiki but with what i have read on the responses here i don't think that is what we want. we would like to go where there is something for the teens to do but not in the middle of a mess. any suggestions?

Your question would probably be getting better response if you had included the location "Hawaii" in your header.

Waikiki is definitely not a "mess", although it certainly isn't Bali hai either. It has undergone a facelift and is looking much more Tropical these days. What your girls will like depends on their age, but what we've found is that Maui has nice beaches and is pretty, but we find most teens can't do much but hang out on the beach unless mom and dad drive them around. We live on Oahu with teen girls and get lots of visitors with teens. Most all the families have fun based in Waikiki. the parents like it cause they can grant mature kids a measure of independence. It is safe enough during the day that they can take a cheap catamaran ride, learn to surf, boogey board at waikiki, Ala moana, or Queens beaches;go to the aquarium or zoo, or go shopping at Ala Moana center or Ward center all on foot or on the same #8 bus. In addition, there are theaters right in Waikiki, and cheap (prices and quality) souvenir/gift shopping at the international marketplace in Waikiki. As a family, you can drive to many fun places: Haunauma Bay for snorkling is always a winner, and what kid wouldn't want to say they spent a day at Sunset Beach or Waiamea Bay? The waves on the North shore will be small and safe for swimming in June. You can give them some history at Pearl Harbor (go see the movie now), and give them an exciting lesson in aerodynamics by going to the Pali lookout on a breezy day. Hold towels around your body and the wind will push you up (and away from)the cliff lookout. Also fun for kids is the Dole living maze out by Wahiawa, on your way to or from the North shore. Paradise Cove Luau is fun for families and not in a cheesy way that embarasses teens. If your family is really into geology, the island of Hawaii can be fun and really interesting with the volcano and the big all-inone resorts in Waikoloa, but has very few swimming beaches.

We just got back from Maui and Kauai with two daughters 16 and 18. Kept them busy in both places and they said they had a great time, beach, snorkel, Road to Hana, Shopping in Lahania, Luau,helicopter ride, hiking,etc. Looking for condos you might want to try www.vrbo.com. Lists condos by owners and is less expensive. Wish I could go back.

I would go to Lanikai on the windward side that way you are only 20 minutes for a jaunt into town if you like. Waikiki would be a disappointment for an entire week face lift or not it is the element it attracts.