Need Advice-Family trip to Hawaii
 

We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in Hawaii for four weeks next summer. We have four (pretty adventurous) daughters ages 12, 13, 14, 17. We've never been and don't know how best to divide our time.

We would love to spend at least one week in a rental home with great views, relaxing and staying put; I have found some great ones online. The other weeks we'd be like to have a combination of history and all the different kinds of nature Hawaii has to offer. What islands would you suggest? We will need to be smart with our money (another reason we like to rent homes; they often are more affordable for a family our size).

Any specific recommendations of activities and specific island would be wonderful! Thanks!

Homes/houses are great - but you could also get by with a 3BR or even a 2BR condo if need be. Worst case scenario - in a 2 BR condo - two girls could sleep on the fold out couch in the living room - as most 2BR condos say they can sleep 6. Actually - if someone wants to sleep on the lanai/deck - that's fun too sometimes. :)

All the 4 main islands offer a great time, and a lot of history - and if you have a month - I would consider say 3 days in Oahu (Honolulu/Waikiki) for your intro - and then maybe 4 nights at one of the other main islands, say Maui? - then on to Big Island for a week (you can take the 3 other main isles and fit them into BI with room left over) which has the most things to do - and then maybe wind up in a great beach house up along the north shore/coast of the Garden Isle - Kauai - between Hanalei and the end of the road at our favorite beach - Ke'e beach.

And I assume you have been googling away - as well as using the VRBO and other sites?

Also - there are a ton of other informative posts in here under Hawaii.

welcome to the forums Hoosier

might I recommend surfing lessons. Nothing says cooler to a young woman then having a hot surfer boy at her beck in call

Oops. You have four weeks? Spend a week at each of the main 4 islands. As for what the girls want to do - ask them. Assume they want to snorkel, hike, swim, take hula lessons, check out some malls, whatnot - and my niece loved taking surfing lessons here in SD.

As far as renting a house, i would lock in something as soon as you comfortably can, especially if you want beachfront. Many houses are reserved a year in advance, as you have probably noticed in your searches.

I don't think you can really see all the kinds of nature on just one island. For example, the only active volcano is on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Because it is the newest island, it also has proportionally fewer beaches. For history, in Honolulu you will find Bishop Museum, I'olani Palace, the Mission Houses, walking tours of Chinatown. The character of each island is different, and you could spend a week on each of the four major islnds. There are many things to recommend on each island. But the cost of flying between islands does add up, so you may choose to stay put on one island but move to a couple of different spots.

I would recommend at least four days to a week in Waikiki, where you can enjoy the gorgeous beach and moderate surf, many lodging choices, restaurants, and live music venues. From there it is easy to visit Bishop, I'olani, etc.

I also think you would enjoy spending a week in a house on the North Shore of O'ahu. This is where the big surf meets are held, but in summer the surf is generally small. the N. shore includes the town of Hale'iwa and the whole area has a surfer vibe.

While O'ahu has the biggest population, it is definitely possible to get out into the areas that are not developed for hikes etc. and see the natural landscape. And not all beaches are crowded.

If you have an overall budget in mind, i would first get an idea of the cost to fly to Honolulu from your home airport, though of course this will fluctuate as time passes. Then add the average cost of a week at the houses you like so far, and see where that leaves you. Check on interisland airfares, and decide how many islands you can afford to fly to.

Then I would invest in a guidebook that gives an overview of all the islands, like Fodors or Frommers, and read up on the general descriptions of each island. There used to be a book in the For Dummies series that had good info on choosing which islands to visit, but I think it is out of print.

When I want to learn more about a new travel destination - I like to first browse at the local bookstore - and if I still am not certain about what will be my favorite guidebook or two - go to the Library and even find some older ones - that still have good info.

Then google away like crazy. :)

And while I like Oahu and it has a lot of things to do - it is by far the busiest island and that's why I would start there and gradually work your way toward your final/quiet week - say in a beach house - in the Hanalei area of Kauai.

Also check out Anini Beach as it's beautiful and just under the Cliffs at nearby Princeville. Here is one webpage with rentals and there are others. http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...ni-beach/r5034

I agree about a couple guidebooks, with lots of photos. Check them out from the library, ones that cover all the islands. See what interests you, get the kids involved in the planning.

A month is a wonderful amount of time, you could spend it all on just 1 island, you could do 1 week each of the 4 major islands, or something in between. Lucky you!

If you are wanting to be budget conscience, flying six travellers from island to island can add up. Sign up to receive notices of airfare sales.

Spending a month on any of the Hawaiian islands would be heaven for me. No matter what island/islands you choose, you will be happy. If I had that much time, I would probably choose 2 islands and one would be Kauai.

LindainO makes an excellent point. Moving the family from island to island will cost about $600 when all is said and done.

Once you decide which islands, it is important to rent your van immediately and then watch rates and change up if they come down. Vehicles that cater to 6 people with luggage are a premium.

I think I would choose a few days on Oahu with public transportation and taking in history. Maybe rent a van for a day or two to explore the island

Then I'd pick two other islands. Kauai and ???

I could easily spend 2 weeks on 2 islands. 2 weeks on Maui including a few nights in Hana, followed by 2 weeks on Kauai.

It's all good!

If I had to choose just two islands, I would also recommend Maui and Kauai...especially with young teens who like getting outdoors. But agree, you can't go wrong with that much time.

Besides the savings on airfares, you will probably get a better rate on a home rental if you take it for a full month, instead of by the week(s).

There is a spammer upthread. Don't open that shopping site. It is pure spam. Reported to the moderators for removal

I also reported the spammer.

While it would be great to see all four islands with that many people interisland flights will get expensive so I also vote for Maui and Kauai.

I think I would recommend a combination of Oahu and either Maui or Kauai for this trip. On Oahu, I'd consider renting either on the north shore or in the Kailua/Lanikai area - the latter has gorgeous beaches plus a larger town (Kailua, more suburban than beach-funky). Oahu has lots of history, museums, Waikiki (only 30 min from Kailua), Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, spectacular drives (the drive through the center of the island from Kailua TO the north shore is amazing).

Actually, you can hardly go wrong wherever you go in Hawaii. However, IMO a month on Maui or Kauai seem too long to me.

I think for variety the Big Island of Hawaii has it over all the others. So don't leave it out. And oceanfront condos are. great way to stay in Hawaii if you can afford them. But there are other places not on the water that are still excellent. like the condos at Mauna Lani on the Big Island.

Agree w/ charnees. Go for it, and see all 4.

If you tell everyone to pack light (one carry on bag per - as what do you really need for clothes in Hawaii anyway? - plus you can also buy stuff over there which the girls may want to do) - if need be - you could get by with an intermediate/plus size car - as you won't be driving around with your luggage that much.

Also check with the car rental companies about using their company on all the isles you will visit - and they can usually make you a better deal. I always check with www.carrentals.com for my baseline, but there is another site like that for Hawaii.

You can rent snorkel gear over there - and the Snorkel Bob's of this world have outlets on all the isles - so you can check in your equipment on one isle - and pick it up at the next one. :)

And on Oahu - would consdier spending 3 or 4 days in Waikiki - and the rest of the week over in the Lanikai/Kaiula area - or up at the North Shore - around Waimea. VRBO away.

NICE home rentals are usually VERY expensive for short stays. Where are you looking? We did once have a reasonably priced month-long rental in a modern 3 BR home above Keauhou on Big Island.

Summer is a good time to stay north on any island. Whatever breezes there are will be north, and the oceans will be calmer too. (Don't depend on fans, though. I would not rent anywhere in Hawaii at any season if A/C was not an option. The Trades DO die.)

Does this opportunity involve staying somewhere specific for part of all of your time? Where?

My DH and I have spent two to four weeks on each of the four major islands. The only time I was very ready to 'move on' was on our fourth stay on Kauai. LOL (It's small, and because we visit in winter, we stay south.)

Island 'hops' will be expensive -- in time as well as money. Hawaiian Airlines is the most reliable for interisland flights.

We fly ORD-HNL and hop to Maui. Look for nonstops on widebody aircraft (767's and 330's). I avoid 757's and west coast connections. We have also flown 767's to Maui out of DFW. Consider buying 'coach plus' for the adults. (More 'space'.)

Thanks, everybody! I'm a little overwhelmed trying to figure it all out.
Somebody asked if we had to be in any certain area at all. No, it is completely open for us- my husband has a six week sabbatical with no requirements, and we'd like to do Hawaii during the summer (I am a teacher, so while I and our girls are out of school).

How do I find out about inter-island flights? I don't know how to begin budget for those. Any advice would be wonderful!

The other thing I would love to know is which parts of the islands you would recommend if we stayed on:
1. Big Island
2. Kauai

Thank you!!

If you are feeling overwhelmed, i think you might want to talk to a travel agent. Several times we have booked at least our flights via a travel agent, who used Blue Sky Tours http://blueskytours.com/ We have booked flights and hotel for part of our trip with them, then a VRBO rental for the rest of the trip. So you have a lot of flexibility. Sometimes they have found better rates than I could get myself. But even if you don't end up booking with them, talking to an agent can be a good way to think through some of the logisitcs and decisions.

The interisland airline is Hawaiian http://www.hawaiianair.com/

re where to stay in Kaua'i: This map shows the main areas where you will find hotels and rental houses http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-t.../kauai-resorts
Because of the topography, you can't drive all the way around the island, or through the center. So to get from Ha'ena to Koke'e you have drive clockwise along the coast. The area between Ha'ena and Koke'e is Na Pali (the cliffs) where there is a famous hiking trail. A lot of people choose to stay in the Kapa'a area so they are about halfway between the two ends of the road. Personally I love the north shore and i would look for a rental house in Ha'ena or Hanalei. Summer is a great time to be on the North shore. There are several restaurants and stores in Hanalei and it has a surfer vibe. There are lots of condos in Princeville and many people love to stay there (my personal opinion is that it feels like suburbia)

With one week, i would stay north the whole time, maybe taking a day to drive around the island to Koke'e and the Kalalau overlook http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/kalalau-lookout.html The rest of the time I would enjoy Ke'e beach, Tunnels beach, Limahuli Gardens, Hanalei, maybe hike part of the Na Pali trail...and mainly just enjoy whichever beach was closest to my lodgings.

With ten or more days on Kaua'i, i would spend a week on the north shore then relocate to the Po'ipu/Kalaheo area. There are lots of condos in Po'ipu.

Having just returned from 10 nights in a beachfront rental in Hanalei, I would seriously consider this as your Kauai location. Walk to eats. Walk to beach. It is the complete package for a family beach vacation. After years of renting in Hanalei, this was our first time being right on the beach and I think we have been spoiled forever.

Wekewody, where'd you stay?

I agree with both of the above posters (except the advice to talk to a travel agent) - in summer, stay on the north shore, near Hanalei - "surfer vibe" is a great description. There are many on here who like Princeville - I am another who doesn't like it at all. It's a "development" - golf courses, private homes, hotels, condo complexes, all of which is "above" the ocean - if views are your primary criterion, it might work for you - we prefer to be at sea level :-)

I'd prefer not to post a link, but it is the guest cottage of one of the big estates on Weke Road that I found on vrbo.com. The big house is occupied by the owner, so we didn't have other renters to contend with which is always a concern of mine in Hanalei where the lots can be pretty close together and there is a high concentration of vacation rentals. The owner was wonderful.

I've read enough now about Princeville that I'm crossing it off my list. :) Trying to stay away from hotel zones if at all possible, and I love at sea level if I can get it!

I usually use homeaway.com for our vacations, and have more trouble with vrbo sorting through things. Wekewody, would the place you stayed sleep 6? Any hints for searching that would help me find it?

Hi Cindy, the place we stayed is good for two people. Looking for places on vrbo in Hanalei can be annoying.

I can personally recommend Na Pali Properties for vacation rentals in Hanalei. We have used them twice. While I have not used them, Kauai Vacation Rentals has a great reputation on the island and they handle lots of places in Hanalei.

If I could afford it and had a family I would consider the following places. I've walked by them a million times. I like the location of the second one better. We were right next door to it.

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...7&Avail=&Stay=

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...7&Avail=&Stay=

Across Weke, prices go way down. We stayed behind this one in a small cottage and would rent it if we needed the space. We kept running into the family that was staying there on this recent trip at the beach, at the farmer's markets and at a couple of restaurants and they said they liked it. It used to have a view of the bay until a HUGE house was built on the oceanfront lot in front of it.

http://www.oceanfrontrealty.com/vren...Dudly&Cat=home

Week, if I rented that second one, I'd never leave!

Oh wow!! Looking at those makes me think we should leave the kids at home and go just the two of us and get something amazing; we sure could afford something nicer for just two people! :) Family memories and togetherness for this once in a lifetime trip might have to win out while we still have all four kids at home, and I'll save the unbelievable views for empty nest days. And make my husband promise to take me back. I want house #2 you showed! :) Thanks, wekewoody!

Hi Cindy, that sounds like a fanastic family vacation you have coming up. I'd love to spend a month in Hawaii! I come from a family of 4 girls too...and I love family vacations especially with my sisters!

I'd do at least 2 islands...and although I love them all, I'd do Oahu and Big Island, and here's why:

Oahu is a great intro to Hawaiian culture and it has fantastic resources and historical sites. Pearl Harbor and The Polynesian Cultural Center, are among them. Also great scenic views and hikes up Diamond Head and Koko Head crater. Also, Oahu seems to offer many more discounted activities because there are more vendors in general. The vast array of restaurants and shopping is great and no one will be bored! Oftentimes, there are discounts via groupon.com and livingsocial.com and they are almost always for Honolulu, for such things as kayak rentals, spa treatments, surfing lessions, snorkeling excursions, etc. There will be something for everyone on Oahu. Granted it still has the "city" feel, but there are still beautiful beaches and the North Shore of Oahu is lovely and has a nice small town vibe. I have rented condos via vrbo.com too and have had no issues with them. I usually stay around Waikiki, but there are vacation homes all around the island, but I think that the windward (east) side like Kailua is a bit pricier for rentals in general.

For a completely different vibe and a multitude of adventure, head to the Big Island. I just returned from a family trip here and we stayed in Waikoloa Beach Resort at a condo called Hali'i Kai. It was wonderful and you can rent up to 3 bedrooms from homeaway or vrbo. The resort complex is comprised of several large hotel chains and condos and tied together with an upscale shopping area. The Big Island has lots to offer too, but is definitely more rustic and remote. Hikes are sometimes unmarked, and you may not see lights for miles at night. Usuallly there is a lot of driving involved to get from one place to another but the scenery changes from black volcanic rock, to rainforest over a short distance so it's very interesting. Some activities include: Volcanoes national park, macadamenia nut farms, coffee farms, black sand beaches, waterfalls, cattle ranches, Mauna Kea observatory, and snorkeling over by Captain cook monument. There are also some beautiful beaches here, like Hapuna State Beach park. Also a lot of the produce is grown on the Big Island so there is a wide array of fresh fruit and vegetables which. If you drive to the East side of the island, you can visit the Hilo's farmer's market. We also saw many giant turtles on Punalu'u black sand beach, and visited the southernmost tip of the united states. A lot of stuff to do here, and for free too!

I hope this helps give you a better idea of the islands. I do love Maui and Kauai too - but I feel Maui is a little pricier and Kauai is smaller but it's great if you just want to do a lot of relaxing. I think your family will have an amazing time no matter which island(s) you choose!

I am also visiting the Islands and have a question about the Hawaiian Air inter island flights.
First: it was recommended that HoosierCindy sign up to get notices of airfare sales for the inter Islands. How does one do this?
Second: Is there a $25. per checked bag fee for these flights?

Also I will note that in my search for condos, in the reviews it was stated that quite a few of the condo owners have a closet with many beach supplies: beach mats, snorkel equipment, beach toys for children, beach towels supplied etc.
So read the reviews also when searching. Dragging all that "beach" stuff from home or buying or renting when you get to the island can be a pain.

If you wanted a month on the Big Island, you could find things to keep you busy the entire time!
We love the Waikoloa Beach REsort area; this summer we had a 2 bd/2bt condo at the Fairway Villas that was perfect (it was $100/night plus a cleaning fee). Love A-Bay (swimming and snorkeling), there's a shopping center nearby, and the beaches of Mauna Kea and Hapuna were close (and easy access to the main highway to visit the whole island was great).
I don't have the website right now, but it was through VRBO, and I think I've listed the link here before. Their calendar was full for winter, last time I looked, but I don't know about past that.

@nannibray - I can respond about the interisland flights. I've taken a few on Hawaiian Airlines and I just went to their website to signup for their Hawaiian Miles account and I get emails notifying me of deals. If you don't want to join Hawaiian Miles, I think you can just sign up for their newsletter. The same goes for other smaller carriers, like Mokulele, Island Air, or Go! Airlines. I have not flown on these before but their prices seem very competitive.
And yes, on the inter-island flights we did have to pay for checked baggage. If I'm not mistaken it was 17 USD from Honolulu to Kona per bag. Hope this helps!

Thank you tifa2276 -
#17 per bag is not as bad at $25.---but they are only short flights and one usually takes more than 1 of them.
Will sign up for Hawaiian Miles.

Oh boy. I just decide on one thing and then I read a glowing review and it changes my mind! I think I've decided I just need to be independently wealthy so we can vacation ALL the time and do it all. Now... just to figure out how to do that...

So right now, leaning towards Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. I've ruled out Princeville (would rather not have the suburbia feel of condos and golf courses), and I'm looking at vrbo and homeaway for house rentals, but I'm not sure what other towns to look in. I've heard good things about Hanalei but if I can't find an affordable one for our dates there, what other areas would be nice? We will be there in July. Thanks!!

If you are interested in Hawaii, our family has really enjoyed Sea Village there, just south of Kona. Very nicely managed place, gorgeous views, inexpensive pricing. Go to VRBO to find them.

Hi Cindy,

What is your price range for the rental in Hanalei?
I wouldn't dismiss Princeville out of hand. It is a resort development in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. For me the beauty of the area has always trumped that fact that there are condos and golf courses, hotels and homes. We recently had dinner at The Tavern at the golf club there and the views of the ocean and the mountains from the restaurant are fabulous...and the food was great.

You could look for places in Haena, past Hanalei also on the north shore. This area is more remote and more rural. There are lots of rentals in the area between the Hanalei Colony Resort and Makua (Tunnels) beach. We prefer not to stay in this area as access to restaurants and shops is very limited. Most people that stay up this way cook for themselves or have personal chefs prepare meals for them. Homes off the beach in this area start at around $1500 a week, but prices have risen over the years as they have in Hanalei. Keep looking!

I would like to find one week with great ocean views on one of the islands, and then the other 3 weeks we don't mind driving or walking to see water. Would love to stay under $1200/week for most weeks, $2400 for our top week with views where we will stay in more, rather than being out and about. We will always need either a kitchen or at least a fridge and microwave as we will need to eat most of our meals in (or picnic) and only eat out every other night or so.

Also- we have actually never stayed in a condo, only hotels for short stays or homes for week long vacations, so please open my eyes and share the positives of condos in HI!

The positives of a condo anywhere - having a kitchen, even if just make breakfast, snacks and for drinks, and having a living area to gather in. Even when it's just my husband and me, we like to have a living room or at least a sitting area. In your case, it gives you a place you can all hang out together, watch a movie, read a book, eat a meal, etc.

Oh, and often, a condo will have a washer and drier right in the unit. It's a pain to do laundry on vacation if you have to go "outside", but if it's right in the unit, it's no big deal.