I’m in the VERY early planning stage of a family trip to Hawaii for the summer of 2011 and I know you will be able to help.

There will be a group of 9 of us ranging in age from 49 to 6. As for activities we have a wide range in that area too, some who will want to go go go and others who will want nothing more then to lay on the beach and soak up some sun.

My husband and I have been to Kauai before and LOVED it. Another in the group has been to Oahu. No one else has been.

So this is what I was thinking:

5 nights in Oahu
Waikiki area. This will be our first stop and I think everyone will be ready to go go go. We will be flying in from the west coast so not a super long flight.

5 nights in Maui
I have no clue. I think we should still stay in a fairly populated area. Some of the group will want night life and such, but we can relax a little more here too.

What area would you experts suggest for this?

5 nights in Kauai
This is North Shore for SURE. I stayed in Hanalei last time and fell in love with it, so I can’t stay anywhere else. Also this can be more relaxing time for the people who want to just chill, but I know there is enough to keep the busy ones busy.

Do you think that this a good amount of time for each island? If it was only me I’d spend 2 nights in Oahu and the rest in Kauai.

I know I’m not going to make everyone happy all of the time, but I feel like this will give everyone something.

We will be renting a house/condo in Kauai. Probably hotel rooms on Oahu. But I don’t know about Maui?

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply to this.

Start with www.vrbo.com This site is Vacation Rentals By Owner and will give you several options for your large group... In Oahu, consider Hilton Hawaiian Village... its near the end of the busy Waikiki area, perfect for all age groups and plenty to do... however they also have condo rentals...

For Maui, the best area for your group may be in the Lahaina area... beaches, water activities, shopping, snorkeling, and several Luau choices including top ranked "Old Lahaina Luau"... again VRBO or any chain hotel would do... have fun!

1. On Maui, look at Puamana condominiums just south of Lahaina. A friend had a family reunion there with multiple ages and everyone enjoyed it. The only real downside is that the beach is not good for swimming, too grassy.

2. On Kauai, look for Moon Cottage(s) in Hanalei on www.vrbo.com. They book up about a year in advance, but the location cannot be beat.

3. Also on Maui, there are some gorgeous houses in Launiupoko area, up the hill from the park. They are $$$$ but large, and have pools.

www.vrbo.com will be useful

I think you have a good outline plan. I also think somewhere near Lahaina is good if people need 'nightlife' and a more populated area on Maui. My family loved the Old Lahaina Luau (it was our one big activity on a family reunion trip). Waikiki is great for go-go-go or relaxing. There's oodles of hotels to choose from there.

IMO, just seems like a lot of wasted vacay time traveling to the other islands, especially with a large group. Maybe just do two islands? And would you be flying into HNL and home from LIH? Or round trip out of HNL - if so, even more flying.

Also recommend vrbo.com. Always find awesome places there.

To please the go, go , go people on Maui, I would definitely recommend staying in the Kaanapali resort area. There are many fine hotels and condos to choose from, and lots of great restaurants, shopping, beachside bars with music within short walking distance. There are also great beaches and pools for the chillers to hang out. Check out Kaanapaliresort.com.

I agree with the others that the Lahaina or Kaanapali areas (they're only 3 miles apart) would be best for Maui because it offers a mix -- activities/shopping/restuarants/music for those who want them, and pure relaxation for those who don't.

The one thing I would suggest is to re-order the islands. I'd do Waikiki first (busy, more crowded, but still great....and I'd definitely take some trips outside of Waikiki - Kailua/Lanikai (kayaking if anyone's up for it -- it was fabulous), Haleiwa, Pearl Habor. Then I'd do Kauai becuase its total relaxation and natural beauty. Then Maui, which is in-between, as a fitting end.

By the way... a year ahead is not too far to plan... the sooner you reserve things like the luau the better... have fun...

Great review of Maui:
http://www.hoteltraveltour.com/usa/hawaii-hawaii.html

I agree that the itinerary is a lot of traveling for 15 days. I'd stick with 2 islands. Seems like you barely get settled and it's time to leave again.

Waikiki is busy and if you like shopping and lots of people then you will enjoy it but there are quieter areas outside of Waikiki to enjoy the island. Definitely go to the North shore of Oahu - very funky - even if only for a day. The drive is lovely. Hilton Hawaiian Vacation Club (I think that's what it's called) has condo type units. Have stayed in the newest one The Grand Waikikian. 2 bedroom 2 bath, kitchen and living area. Very small balcony also Kalia Towers has condo style units. I would try that for a large group. The beach at HHVillage is much nicer, wider than Waikiki Beach.

I can also recommend Aston Waikiki Beach Tower in waikiki It is very lovely and has a full on view of the ocean/ocean front. We have stayed in the 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit. It has air conditioning too - nice in the heat and humidity. It isn't cheap but it is very large and would easily sleep 5 or 6. We rented it thru either VRBO or Homeaway - can't remember but it is much cheaper than going thru Aston.

Search Homeaway.com also for some condos on either Maui or Kauai. We have used both Homeaway and VRBO.

Aloha

I think going to two islands would be best, unless many people in your group are unlikely to return to Hawaii. Sounds as if you are trying to consider the likely varying interests of persons and ages of your traveling companions.

The best itinerary may be about six days on Oahu, nine days in Kauai. I agree Kauai is the best island to visit.

Another vote for The Aston Waikiki Beach Tower in Oahu. Five of us stayed in a two-bed two bath corner oceanfront unit last July, and it was heavenly. Much better than the two rooms we had rented in previous years at the Hilton. I got a deal on it directly through the Aston website, and it cost us about $400. The unit had a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, washer/dryer, and was across the street from Waikiki's public beach. We found the location very central for exploring Waikiki.

In Maui, we stayed at Kaanapali Ali, a luxury condo resort in the heart of Kaanapali Beach. Again, we had a two-bed, two-bath oceanfront unit, only steps from the beach with a full kitchen, living room, flat panel TVS, and lovely enclosed porch facing the ocean. The resort has just redone its pool and gym, so it should be better than when we visited. Cost was about$700/night. Kaanapali is an easy drive ( about ten minutes or so) from Lahaina, so you should be able to keep everybody in your group happy either with beach/resort activities, or sightseeing/ shopping/dining in Lahaina and the rest of the island.

BTW, I agree with the other posters that with only 15 days, you'd be better off splitting the time between two islands, especially since you're traveling with a large group. It's much more relaxing to only unpack twice, and really have time to unwind and fully experience each island.

I had an almost identical itinerary for last year for a similar group. We had the big island instead of Oahu. (mom got sick - had to cancel). I think 5 days per island is perfect. I would not stay in a vacation rental. I want my own space after a full day with my family - especially for 2 weeks! And I don't cook or clean (not even neaten up) on vacation, either. It's vacation!!

I planned it so there was time for sun, golf and touring every day. We arranged tours with a driver and van so if people wanted to go they could or sit on the beach if preferred. I made sure that everyone had an itinerary so they knew what was happening each day. With such a large group, planning is essential (we've done big vacations three times). You don't want to try to make decisions on the fly with a diverse group. We all had input into the trips before we went.

Have fun planning!

I agree about being able to get away from the group for a family or other type reunion trip. We were also a group of 9 (all adults) who went to Maui for my parents 50th. We had separate studio rooms at Lahaina Shores hotel. It worked great for us because people had some privacy, then met up for various activities. Plus the hotel was close enough it was an easy walk into Lahaina town so everyone wasn't tied to getting in a rental car every time.

stick to 2 islands and I would do O'ahu for 5 days and Maui for 5 days..Outrigger Reef, Moana Surfrider, Hilton Hawaiian Village..good decent 4* resorts and latest deals range from $159 at HHV to Moana $249.

Maui, I would stay in Ka'anapali at the Hyatt..Costco had some killer deals for 6 nights for $638 and that was with free breakfast, a couple of dinners, spa, resort credit..car, oceanfront room.

I would NOT rent a house for all of you since you have 9 people and unless everyone has their own room, 10 days gets real old, real fast..

I love Hanalei area of Kauai but you are so removed which is great but with 9 people, you want other options for dining, swimming, etc.
Takes an hour + just to get down to the Poipu area.

I am not a fan of luau's since they are usually very pricey for bad food and drink when you can dine quite well for a fraction of that and catch the hula show for free at other places.

If your going to Kauai, I would rethink the North Shore and move more to the Poipu area..Grand Hyatt is stunning, you can hit up the Marriott's Waikole (sp)
Lots of deals.

Aloha

Our family has been to Hawaii 4 times in the last few years and we've stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for at least part of the time during each stay. It's wonderful. Lots of space, beautiful views and beach area. It's a resort feel within the city. One negative, each year they crowd more beach chairs around the pool, making it really crowded, but we visit at Christmas, so maybe that's why. It's a huge complex so you usually get a good deal on a room simply because they have so many. Their Hula shows on friday night are great and it's a short walk down the beach to many other hotel bars and resturants. It's nice to walk down the beach boardwalk instead of the street, in keeping with the tropical feel of paradise, which is sometimes hard to find in Waikiki. Try the Hula Pie at Dukes or go to The Shorebird for dinner when they have live music. Beautiful!
The shopping is terrific and the downtown is just a short walk away. It's kind of a funky version of Chicago , only on the Pacific. You'll find Tiffany's and ukelele shops, Coach and Channel next to outdoor markets for shells and grass skirts. There are kayaking tours that are fun, and snorkeling in Hanama Bay Fish Sactuary was terrific too.
Some of the activities are tourist traps and not worth the price. Most luaus and dinner cruises are just ok, but sometimes you just have to go to one. Go with the expectation that it will be tacky and fun,and you'll laugh alot...after all, you're in HAWAII!!!! Everything you do will be a blast! Enjoy!

I'm also planning a 2 week vacation but leaning towards 1 week big island and 1 week Kauai based on recommendations by others. We'll be 70-1....4 generations!

Should I be considering other islands instead? Wanted mix of adventure, beach, relaxing, sightseeing....

None have been although we have all done many caribbean islands.

Trish

Since it sounds like Kauai and Hanalei is a given, I would do 5 nights on Oahu and the rest in Hanalei.

Trish, your plan sounds great. BI for adventure. Kauai for low-key. Do your research and you will discover that Hawaii and the Caribbean are apples and oranges. Go into it with realistic expectations regarding beaches, water conditions, snorkeling and culture and you'll have a great time, but be careful not to stuck comparing the two places. Enjoy Hawaii for what it is and it is not the Caribbean.