My husband and I went to Hawaii many years ago (Maui and Ohau). We are making plans to take our 19 and 21 year old when the oldest graduates college next year. We want to relax, but we want to make sure there is plenty for them to do. They will not be able to drive a rental car. We will arrive into Honolulu (ff miles) late on June 17 and will leave on June 26. Help! One kido will love to see lava and national parks and the other will want to get sun and party. Any suggestions how we can please them both?

Debby

If you want to see lava and a national park, you have to go to the the Big Island. Not a lot of partying there, however. Good luck.

If staying on Oahu, the north shore is alot of fun in summer. The nature lover has it all just outside the door, and the partier can have alot of fun in Haleiwa. By the way, it feels like everyone on the north shore in summer is between the ages of about 20-25

First of all get yourself the book, The Unofficial Guide to Hawaii. There is a lot of helpful info in it. We stayed at The Hilton Hawaiin Village on the big islans. Dolphins on property, great resort and fanatastic pool and water activities. We then went to see the Lava at Volcano National Park. It depends if its flowing or not but it is a great experience anyway. My boys were your boys ages and they loved the helicopter ride over the Nat'l park, you can see the smoke coming out of the caldera. The car ride is a long one from the Hilton but well worth it. Have fun.

Not sure if you are going to Maui? If you are, I'd recommend the Blue Water Rafting Kanaio Coast tour. You take a raft ride on the southern side of the island and see some lava flows early in the morning and follow it up with some snorkeling on the west side of the island. (Lava and some fun!) Make sure to take your time at the first snorkel site... the 2nd is rather poor.

For rental cars, you may check out local rental agencies. Kihei Rent a Car rents to anyone over 21 without a surcharge. (I'm 24 and had no troubles with them). The car was a little older and sounded in poor condition, but it managed to handle all the rough roads just fine.

Thanks for the info. Matt, I'm glad to know my oldest can rent a car. We aren't sure about Maui, but it sounds like the north shore of Oahu for a few days and then on to Maui will have something for everyone. Thanks for the tip about the rafting trip.

Debby

Got back last week from Oahu. My 16 year old son loved the windward side and the North shore. Wanted to drive over the mountains numerous times, rte. 63, rte 61 and over the Pali. Was blown away by the view. Loved Waikiki for girl watching. We were shocked how much we loved Oahu and how different it looked as we drove around it. Eight days was not enough. Stayed out the Renaissance Ilikia for 2 nights and HHV for 6 nights. Both nice, but could not beat HHV for the beach and amenities of a resort.