mrrockydog

Hi, I recently returned from my Orlando vacation and we usually go to the beach so I'm planning for next year already!!

My son says he wants to go to Hawaii and so do I!

I've been researching when I have time but it is so time-consuming - I realize I have months but I at least want some options to consider and I'm looking forward to this so much!! And I've never been to Hawaii so I am hoping that some of you experts can help me at least get to looking at some of the many places in Hawaii for us to go to next year.

1) We are beach and pool people - we don't want to have to walk across a street or down a block to get to the beach. We want to be able to walk directly to the beach.

2) We like pretty beaches - nice sand and gentle surf and beautiful water. (I've heard that Ka'anapali Beach is the most beautiful beach in the world) - so a nice beach is a must. Also we don't want overcrowded beaches.

3) We will not care about night life - we don't want to be in a busy teenage-filled resort.

4) Although we don't care about night life and don't wish to be in a crowded spot, we do want to do a little shopping - nothing major, just a strip of nice shops and restaurants.

5) We would prefer a family/kid oriented resort.

6) I would like to go to Sea Life Park, but it isn't a necessity - also the Honolulu Zoo sounds interesting but then again I don't know what must-sees there are in Hawaii, much less Maui, Oahu, etc.

7) We are also pool people, so anything with a spectacular pool is a definite plus.

8) If you could just get me started here, I would appreciate it so much.

karameli

Which island do you want to go to? You mentioned Ka'anapali, which is on Maui, but the attractions you want to see are on Oahu. On Oahu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village supposedly has one of the nicest beach areas -- that's part of the reason I chose it for my upcoming Hawaii trip. Also has shopping and is kid-friendly.

Ag3046

I would recommend Maui- your basic choices are Kanapaali, Wailea, Makena.

1. Kanapaali is nice but certainly not the most beautiful beach in Hawaii. It is crowded, many kids, but it does have a shopping mall with restaurants. Not my favorite beach for swimming or snorkeling.

2. Wailea (south Maui) has several big resorts, Grand Wailea having the big mega-pool. The beach is lovely and very swimmable.

3. Makena (farther south than Wailea) has a glorious beach for swimming and snorkeling. The Maui Prince Hotel is the only hotel on the beach. The pool is very lackluster, just a round swimming pool. The beach makes up for the pool.

If the pool system will make or break your trip, chose either the Grand Wailea, or the Hyatt Kanapaali.

Barbara5353

You don't mention your budget, so that might make a difference in recommendations. If price is no object, I agree with the thought of Wailea for wonderful, uncrowded beaches and great resorts. We usually stay in the nearby So. Kihei area where beaches are just as great. The Kamaole beaches I, II, and III are my very favorites for comfortable swimming conditions and playing in the waves. I also like that there are lifeguards to help anyone in trouble, and look out for sharks! Lodging tends to be mid-sized condo properties (our preference), but no fancy pools in the bunch.
Anything you read about "best beach winners" should not be taken too seriously. In most polls, beaches can't repeat once they've been selected. Eventually almost every beach "wins"! Kaanapali Beach is crowded. Most of the year there is a strong shore break and sometimes the sand gets carried out leaving just a narrow strip of beach.
I do recommend Maui over the other islands for you due to the quality of beaches and wide range of accommodations where you can walk right out to the beach.

karameli

Really, you might want to consider doing two islands. Inter-island airfare is extremely cheap -- about $40 one-way. That way you can see more than one island (and tons of beaches!).

chepar

As karameli indicated, you've mentioned areas on two different islands. Are you planning to go to both?

On Maui I prefer the Wailea area, which I feel meets all your criteria. I don't find it as crowded as Kihei or Kaanapali. All of the resorts are on the beach, and several of the resort pools there are pretty nice. The nearby Wailea Shops have many luxury goods shops.

As for Oahu, I would say either the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Ihilani or Turtle Bay Resort. How convenient each of these places are to the main tourist attractions vary quite a bit, though.

The Hilton is on the outskirts of Waikiki, and is nearby to lots of shopping. It will be generally more crowded than the other two resorts.

The Ihilani is on the west shore of Oahu - about a 45 minute drive from downtown. Any shopping (as in a mall) is perhaps a 10-15 minute drive away. It will be much less crowded than Waikiki.

Turtle Bay is on the North Shore. The closest shopping will be in Haleiwa, and has more artsy/funky type shops than a regular shopping center. The drive to Haleiwa will be about 15 minutes. Turtle Bay is about an hour's drive from downtown and will also be much less crowded than Waikiki.

echolynch

Mrrockydog,

Consider splitting time. Given what you say, I would suggest two islands, depending on how much time you have.
Given your list of attractions, Oahu sounds like stop 1, and will also have the cheapest airfare in general to HNL. Consider flying into HNL and out of a different airport if possible to avoid having to back track.
Suggest 2-3 days on Oahu, personally do not recommend Waikiki, but everything is there, it is just crowded. Consider Turtle Bay or Ko’Olina
Then the Big Island for 6-7 days, specifically the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, or the Hapuna Prince, both are located on some of the best beaches in the world, not just Hawaii (ask Conde Nast or ‘Dr. Beach’) The Prince has a much better pool than MKB, but the MKB beach, Kauna’oa beach is a remarkable stretch of classic, curving fine white sand with a sandy bottom gentle sloped bay. Rockefeller and Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed.
The BI comes with the added benefit of the amazing variety and sheer size of the island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where your son would be able to visit an active volcano and learn about geology in the visitor center.

Not a fan of Kaanapali, that beach is always packed. Too many people.
There are some very good beaches on Maui, but Maui is a bit more “Disney” version of Hawaii, but your son might enjoy that. Lots of development, lots of nightlife and condos for miles.

Kauai is more laid back and relaxed, with some spectacular scenery, lush and green. Good beaches. Not much shopping, simple and more indicative of Hawaii.

Good luck and happy travels!

iamq

I'm no expert, but I would suggest that you get a Frommers, Fodors, or some other generic Hawaii book that covers all the major tourist islands, and read that when you have time, and then start making some decisions about which island, which beach, which activity, etc. As a newcomer, that is how I did it and it worked great for me. You're right, researching about a trip to Hawaii is time consuming, but worth it in the end if you are concerned about making the right choices.

-Bill

dee_wallisany

I think I have the perfect place. You can't get much closer to the beach. It is just steps from the condo, and I mean only about 17 steps. They have a heated pool, beautiful tropical grounds, it is quiet, the beach runs for miles and is part of a protected natual preserve so no hotels or buildings are on it. You can swim or snorkel right in front of the condo. It has air conditioning and is beautiful inside. It is only 15 minutes from the airport and close to Maalaea Harbor for a snorkel or dinner cruise and the renowned Maui Ocean Center. Plus within walking distance are 8 restaurants (4 & 5 star), Shops and galleries. Plus it is a lot less than the big resorts. I think you and your son would love it. Here is their web site: www.mauibeachfrontparadise.com

Ag3046

dee- I am quite sure that touting for your own rentals is prohibited on Fodors. Anyway, for mrrockydog- that is not a nice beach area, you can do much much better. Don't even considder this place. Fodorites- please don't patronize touts that advertise on here against policies.

Linleedo1

Kaanapali Beach was great. Black Rock is there. It is a great spot to snorkel. We saw lots of fish and a huge turtle. We stayed at the Sheraton Maui. It has a really nice pool too. The resort was very clean, the staff was friendly & the food was very good.It is within walking distance to the Whaler's Village & other restaurants like Hula Grill(excellent sunsets, food, & live music).I think you would like it. We had stayed there for a week & explored the island & it's coasts. It was a great trip. Hope this helps your decision.

Bikom

Since you mentioned being both beach and pool people, I don't think you could do any better than The Grand Wailea on Maui. Its pricey, but the pool complex is second to none, 2 huge slides, a water elevator, a rope swing, a rapids area, a kiddie pool, an adult pool, and hot tubs. Now, the pools are usually crowded, but the beach is fantastic, and you'll have plenty of space. I prefer that beach to Ka'anapali, but there are some nice resorts there as well, with nice pools, The Hyatt, the Westin, etc. On the Big Island, Hapuna Prince has the best beach on the island, and a very nice, but simple pool. the Hilton Waikaloa has a great pool area and man-made lagoon, but no beach.