mauitammy

We are going back to Hawaii this summer for the 5th time. We have been going every other year. We vacation other places on the years we do not go to Hawaii and every place we have gone always pales in comparison IMO. Last year we went to Grand Cayman and the entire time we were wishing we were in Hawaii. Hawaii is such a bargain compared to the Caribbean and IMO Mexico does not come close to being in the same league as Hawaii. So, my advice is go to Hawaii!

MaxineR

Thank you everyone for your advice and other suggestions. When I meant that Mexico was not as conducive to kids, I really meant stroller friendly, sites to see for kids, and yes, also the water and food. We've been to Mexico twice (Puerto Vallarta & Cancun) and we loved it, but both times we hopped on and off buses to get anywhere (this is pre-kids), and I can't imagine doing that with two kids and a double (?)stroller/diaper bag. We love Hawaii for the fact that it is so family friendly, and Oahu has the zoo, the aquarium, places to walk to, and just tons of things to do, as well as in the other islands. I am leaning towards Hawaii again. Yes, it is a killer flight to get there. I think it took us over 14 hours last time, with transfers. ugh. But it is so worth it. I am also considering your other suggestions. They are all very good ones. I am similar to the last poster, Mauitammy, because we have been going every other year, too, and last year we decided to go to San Diego, which was great for kids, but it was just not as special as Hawaii. And I don't even know if I can get plane tickets to Hawaii for this summer yet, so we'll see if we actually go.

Thanks again!

inthechips2

Just returned from 6th trip to Hawaii last night (3 to Kauai, 2 to Maui, 1 to Big Island and Oahu combo). Have found that Hawaii is simply getting too busy for us and it's time to find something quieter (if there is such a thing). Time to try other tropical locales. Have to say that of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is our favorite - friendly, helpful people, least amount of traffic (but still more than we like), and some beautiful quiet beaches. If I were burning FF miles, I think I'd choose the Caribbean side of Mexico, especially if I originated from the East Coast. We are on the West Coast so Hawaii is an easy hop and we had this window of time so Hawaii it was.

LordBalfor

inthechips2 -

You might want to look at the Cook Islands. Like you, I LOVED Kauai - but the Cooks blew it away. Often compared to "the way Hawaii was 50 years ago", Rarotonga is clean and modern but the beaches there are typically pretty empty and there's not a single traffic light anywhere in the Cooks and no building higher than 3 stories. Avarua on Rarotonga's north shore reminded me a bit of Hanalei on Kauai. Raro (and Aitutaki) are similar physically to (and often compared to) the much more expensive islands of French Polynesia (Bora Bora and Moorea in particular) with wide, calm lagoons and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Surfing is poor there though because the islands are pretty much entirely surrounded by protective reefs. Also not much nightlife it that matters to you. Airfare to get there is pricy but once you are there it's pretty reasonably (was cheap before the recent fall of the US dollar). Same latitude as Maui (and due south of there) but with reversed seasons as they are in the southern hemisphere.

Check into them and see what you think.

Ken

inthechips2

Thanks Ken, actually the Cook Islands have been very much near the top of our "list". We are hoping for a month-long trip to New Zealand in another winter or so and would include a stop to the Cooks either coming or going. Our preference is snorkeling, so it sounds as if the reefs surrounding the area would fit our needs! Nightlife not a concern as our days are spent exploring, sunning and swimming when in the tropics. We have recently heard from friends who snagged a great deal out of LA so know they are possible! Thanks.

LordBalfor

Air New Zealand (the only airline currently flying to the Cooks) used to offer a free option on your ticket to New Zealand where you could get off in the Cooks and stay for a week or so then catch a later flight the next week on to New Zealand. Heck of a deal. Don't know if the still do that though (be sure and ask when the time comes).

Ken

MarcoPeter

Aloha!!I guess that lets you know where we like to go.We are going back to the north shore of Kauai for our 5th time in 6 yrs in two weeks.We like the Hanalie area.It's paridise on earth!We have talked to many travelers about Hawaii,and 98% say they wished they had stayed on Kauai the whole time they were on the islands.We can't get out of the Honolulu airport fast enough.But anyway-head to paridise-KAUAI. Have fun

caribtraveler

MarineR: You might have thought about the following already...but one thing you might want to consider if you go back to Hawaii is to fly non-stop to California, spend a night there, then go on to Hawaii. It would make the long trip much easier for you and your spouse, but most importantly for your children.
Good luck.

suze

<We don't really know that the unfortunate tourist was plagued by a bad pina colida, do we?> Well Lex1, yes, actually I do. Or at least that's what her husband said while she was throwing up into a paper bag in the terminal ("She should have stuck with beer like me, not had that pina colada.")

I don't want to argue but as a frequent budget traveler to Mexico I get defensive & tired of people assuming that All-Inclusive hotels are OK and everything else is not safe. That is ridiculous.

Not to belabor the point, sorry to get off track, I'd really rather continue talking about Hawaii which is fabulous!!

anna_k

I love Hawaii too, we took our then 9 month old daughter in November 2004, on our fourth trip. I just wish it wasn't such a long flight to get there now that we have a child. My suggestion would be St. John USVI, it would be quite a bit closer than Hawaii. Gorgeous beaches, stay at either a villa or at a hotel (Westin or Caneel Bay), rent a 4WD to explore the island.