We have a family trip planned for March 2008 for spring break - 3 kids 12-16, who like action. This is our first visit to Hawaii.

Based on recommendations from friends (see Oahu on your first visit including Pearl Harbor, more action in Waikiki, stick to one island, etc), we booked 3 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and 3 at Turtle Bay. The Hilton has good rates($450/night for 2 room condo). Turtle Bay is almost twice as much but is supposed to be very nice. We thought we'd get some action in Honolulu and then relax (golf, tennis, spa, surfing) on the North Shore.

I now am wondering if we should go to Maui? The information on the internet and hotel sites is terrible and biased, and I am looking for some objective advice.

Frankly it would be a pain to change our reservations now, but I'm willing to try if I have taken the wrong path. I would really appreciate some guidance from experienced travelers.

Why do you think you would get unbiased opinions here? I wouldn't change islands for only 3 days, especially with 3 kids.

Hi would switch because you get a totally different experience than on Oahu. With teens who like action, I would do Hilton Waikola on the Big Island. Lots of stuff for teens at the hotel, the volcano, waimea horseback riding, biking etc. We have taken our teens there and they loved it. In the time that you drove to the North Shore you could hop over to the big island.

With only 6 nights, there's no way that I would consider going to a different island - just too much hassle.

Your 3 nights in Waikiki and 3 nights on the North Shore sound ok if you're wanting to experience two different sides of Oahu.

oh but your teens will LOVB!!!!! Maui!!!! REEEEAAALLLY

Since it would be a pain to change at this point, stick with your 3 night North/ South Oahu split. It's almost like being on two different islands without the airport hassle.

Just My Opinion: I'd stick to your current plans. Each island has its own plusses and minuses, but Oahu has more things to do that don't require spending extra $$-- and the beach is great. Over the years, we've been on all the islands more than once and you will probably do the same in the future. Oahu is a good place to start and six days is not a lot of time--especially if you have to get organized to fly to another island. Part of a day is shot when doing that. Just my thoughts. Ciao!!mhm

Stick to one island. For what it's worth, the kids will probably prefer Waikiki to Turtle Bay. You, however, might prefer Turtle Bay. It's much, much quieter, like a different world. Everyone will have a great time, though.

One more thing: I highly recommend Maui ... for your next family trip.

Thanks for the valuable input I really do appreciate it!

J

Hi, I agree--with just 6 days, moving islands is way too much hassle. The North Shore is like being on another island anyway!

For your return trip, though, I'd go to the Big Island. There's a lot to do there--albeit a little more outdoorsy--but fun & interesting.