I would appreciate opinions regarding where to go in Hawaii which would provide a variety of activities for 14 family members ranging in age from 3 to 73. There will be four families coming together from 4 different time zones so a convenient location is important. We want to stay on or near the beach, preferably in a large rental house, which is located close to lots of activities such as hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, etc. with a few good restaurants in the area. We love the natural beauty of Hawaii and want our parents to be able to enjoy it while they spend time with the grand kids.

We are considering Kauai but not sure what part of the island would be best and we are inclined to not stay on Oahu because we have been there several times.

Thanks for any recommendations!

I would choose Maui and look for rentals near lahaina through VRBO... you might need more than one rental...

Maui is also my vote. My family did a reunion trip there to celebrate my parent's 50th anniversary. We stayed in Lahaina (rented condos at Lahaina Shores hotel). We all had a great time. The location was nice because it was close enough people could walk on their own into the town, not always having to get in the rental car(s).

Sorry, don't know about renting homes, or Kauai.

How many kids? How many adults? How many couples? How many cars? How many bedrooms? How many kids stacked on top of each other?

I think Maui offers the most options from the high end to the mid end, depending on neighborhood.

The Kapalua area does have some pretty high end homes that might accommodate, as does the Makena area, but for a more affordable choice.....

One of the resort areas, renting a couple/few condos would likely offer balanced sleeping accommodations, while being together on property. The larger condo offering enough space for group meals/family time. It will also provide a bit of freedom, sance transportation for those who would rather hang low while others are off to day excursions. And take an independent stroll here and there.

On Kauai you could rent a nice house in Hanalei (few have pools though) or some condos in Princeville if coming in spring, summer or early fall. If coming in October or later then look at Poipu.

I don't know of a single rental property in Hanalei that has a pool. And homes that sleep 14 are very rare, and are either extremely expensive or do not have equitable sleeping acommadations. I would love to learn more about those properties jamie99 as they have missed my radar.

The possibility of a couple of vacation homes could work.

I'd personally choose Maui but you can have a great time on Kauai.

However - I probably would not try to find a house. It would literally need to be a mansion and thuse very expensive . . . even divided 14 ways.

I'd look for a condo/resort complex where everyone can be together but still have their own space.

I did a quick check of VRBO and here are most of the listings for homes that would fit your needs--the prices vary greatly.

Maui
http://www.vrbo.com/259242ha
http://www.vrbo.com/188891ha
http://www.vrbo.com/469538
http://www.vrbo.com/266378ha
http://www.vrbo.com/348320
http://www.vrbo.com/350132
http://www.vrbo.com/105156

Kauai
http://www.vrbo.com/214735
http://www.vrbo.com/358436
http://www.vrbo.com/42778
http://www.vrbo.com/265630

Big Island
http://www.vrbo.com/265630
http://www.vrbo.com/97506
http://www.vrbo.com/144375ha

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

I heard from some of the family members and they are interested in Kauai. Jamie99 I got the impression from your post that the desirable places to stay in Kauai vary with the seasons and if that is the case would it be better to be in Hanalei, Princeville or Poipu during the week before Easter (April 2014)? Also, are any of these areas closer to activities? Do any of these locations have beaches with waves for riding the boogie boards?

Thanks Martym for doing the VRBO search, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me an idea of the options. While I like the idea of a house because we an all hang out at the end of the day, I may also look into condos if that would be a more affordable option. I don't envision us needing our own space because I expect the individual families will do their own thing during some days since I have middle school boys and my sisters have preschool/kindy girls.

So at this point, does anyone have any ideas as to where I should look on Kauai should for condos or a moderately priced beach home?

Summer is the best season to enjoy Kauai's more gorgeous north shore, but Poipu has more restaurants, etc.

Neither location has the *variety* of Maui, where I would base at a few separate condos within one complex in Wailea or South Kihei in spring. (I'm not sure of the date for Easter 2014, but there might still be some whales to be seen off Maui.)

It should be noted that vrbo is the quick go to place to search for rental properties. That said, and I know this from years of doing hardcore property searches, there are a lot of owners that choose not to list on vrbo/homeaway/flipkey (and not just exlusive high end properties). Be sure to include local real estate agency's and management companies in your search.

In April I would stay in Poipu area, lots of nice condos there, some houses also. There is good boogie boarding at Brenneke's Beach near Poipu. Poipu State Beach Park and Salt Pond Beach are both nice beaches with facilities (restrooms, showers, etc.) and are lifeguarded. North Shore surf could still be rough. I'd probably go with some condos as most (except Kuhio Shores) have pools which the kids would love. Lots of restaurants nearby. You can either rent through an owner on a site like VRBO, or a property management company like Parrish or others. Advantages and disadvantages to either. Have fun.

Thank you all so much! I will research your recommendations and we will be making our bookings soon.