When I planned my trips in 1999 and 2000, I didn't find anything like the DIS board. Sure would have been great.
At that time, it was cheaper to go through a
travel agent to get a package than to book it on my own. The last time we got a package through Blue Sky, where we picked a hotel from their list and then we picked how many nights we wanted. Airfare and rental car was included. After researching on the internet, I knew which hotels I wanted and I knew their prices, so I knew I was getting a good deal.
Two hotels my family loved, and would return to in a heartbeat, were the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui and the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the big island, Hawaii. Both are deluxe and oceanfront.
The Kaanapal Beach Hotel had been voted the "most Hawaiian" hotel and had a very friendly staff (best I've ever seen). It is also located on one of the best beaches in the world (some list it as #1). Black Rock is nearby, and is toted as an excellent snorkeling area. It also had a kids passport program when we visitied, where my DS got gifts when we visited different locations at the resort. He ended up with a hat (still wears it!), water bottle, frisbee, sand pail, and fanny pack. Really nice items! They also had classes you could attend for free. The ones we attended were lei making (two different styles), a printing project where we painted leaves and flowers and pressed them onto fabric (take a T shirt-makes a great souvenir) and a grounds walk where they taught us about native plants and their ancient uses. This resort was built in the 70's, and they were renovating the rooms when we were last there. While not the prettiest resort, it's probably the one I've felt the most welcomed at!
The Hilton on Hawaii is a stunning resort! Some guidebooks refer to Disneyworld when they describe it. It's 62 acres include a saltwater lagoon you can swim, snorkle or paddleboat in. There are also canal boats and a tram that looks like WDW's monorail (but on the ground). There is a collection of asian art scattered throughout the complex, as well as wildlife displays (turtles, flamingos, and other exotic birds). It also has a couple of wonderful pools with slides. We also did a Dolphin Encounter there. While oceanfront, this resort does not have an ocean beach (rocky coastline), but the lagoon has a beach. The Hilton wasn't a very friendly feeling hotel, but it was the most beautiful hotel I've ever been to. Plus there was so much for our family to do (some water activities cost extra).
Sorry this is so long, but wanted to convey how great we thought these hotels were. Our first trip in 1983 wasn't as special as our last two, and the hotels had a lot to do with it!
Hope you have a great trip!
