Okay -- I am still in the process of planning our 14 days in Hawaii. Thanks to everyone for their wonderful advice! It was very helpful! I think I going to do 4 days on Oahu, 5 on Maui and 5 on the Big Island. Although I am concerned about all the plane hopping. But I'm sure this is my mom's only trip to the islands and I want to be able to see all she can - but I don't want to wear her out in the process.

So now more questions. I have starwood points and can stay at either the Sheraton Maui or Westin Maui. Does anyone have a recommendation. Remember, I have 3 kids ages 10,12,13 and my 80 year old mom.

Also, do you recommend breaking up the trip to the Big Island or can we stay in Kona and drive. If you think we should stay on both sides -- any hotel recommendations on the Hilo side?

Thanks!

My husband and I stayed at the Sheraton two years ago for our 25th anniversary. We had an oceanfront room that was steps away from the beach and the view was outstanding. We also like to snorkel so having Black Rock right there was a real plus! The grounds are lovely and the pool is nice as it meanders around the property.

That being said, with children as young as yours, you may be more interested in the Westin. The pool there is much more kid oriented with slides and such. It is a little further down the beach from Black Rock, but I don't know if you have any plans to snorkel anyway. The only thing I have heard is that the rooms at the Westin are a bit smaller so I don't know if that would be an issue for you.

Basically the Sheraton is a quieter atmosphere (which your Mom would probably appreciate), but the Westin has more to offer to your children (which I'm sure they would appreciate)! Don't know if this helps, but that was my observation.

Good luck and enjoy the trip!

My wife and I have stayed at the Westin Maui 2 years ago and have our trip reserved for 9 more days this Sept. The nice thing about staying at either the Westin or Sheraton is that you can use both facilities. If you want it a little quieter, stay at the Sheraton, but visit the Westin a couple of times so the kids can play in the pool area. The pool isn't bad at the Sheraton. The kids will enjoy that one as well. What I like about the Westin is that once you get off the elevator (Ocean Tower), you are at the pool. Your mother may like that. For most of their rooms, you have to walk around a bit at the Sheraton to get to the pool. The rooms at the Westin aren't small if you book a deluxe ocean view room or better. Another convienence about the Westin is having Whalers Village next door for shopping, food and restaurants. You can't make a bad decision either way. Have fun!

You want the Westin. Next to the Grand Wialea, the Westin has the next best groumds on Maui. Your kids will love the pools/slides and Mom will find plenty of tranquility.

If you stay at either hotel you can no longer use the other hotel's pool.

That makes sense, the pool at the Sheraton was never too busy and the poll at the Westin was usually packed. Must have been a few too many Sheraton visitors at the Westin pool. Glad they changed that rule.