Hawaii/Aulani trip with 7 and 11.5 yo kids (April 2023 trip)

[kboo]

Hi everyone! We are not Hawaii novices but the last time we were in Hawaii was 5+ years ago when we had a toddler, and we haven't been to Oahu or Maui in over 20 years. This time we are looking at going for 9-10 nights from NYC, finishing with a mostly-resort stay at Aulani. Aiming to use Marriott points for hotel for the first part of the stay (4ish nights).

We've been to Hawaii ~10x in the last many years, but the times without kids are more than 10 years ago, and the times with kids, they were little. Last several trips we were on the Big Island and Kauai. Honeymooned at the Moana Surfrider almost 30 years ago, spent our 1st anniversary on Maui hiking into Haleakala Crater (and spending the rest of the day lying down due to altitude sickness +dehydration, probably).

This is definitely not our once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it is our first trip where we feel like we can do a lot more - no more diapers, naps, nursing or strollers, yay!

I am not ready to take my kids to Pearl Harbor yet, nor do I think they will appreciate the Road to Hana yet (DH and I have done it 2x). DH and I have been scuba divers for a long time but haven't gone since having kids, kids are capable of snorkeling with us on the surface in calm conditions, so Molokini is a possibility. The bike trips down from Haleakala, if they still do them, are also still a bit too challenging for our family.

What are your suggestions for the early part of the trip? Having read many of these posts - we decided not to stay on Oahu. I love the Big Island but feel like that could be a week or more by itself, between Kona and Volcano Nat'l Park. We plan to do the Aulani luau, but think we could try a different style earlier in the trip - recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[SteveH]

We stayed in Kapaʻa Town on Kauai and really enjoyed it. There is a Sheraton there, but can't comment about it as we didn't stay there. We kept busy with a tubing adventure, ATV, and took the Na Pali Catamaran out of Princeville which was wonderful and some great snorkeling we then used the Shaka app to take a driving tour of Waimea and Na Pali tour which let us see Na Pali canyon from land and sea, plus last day we did the Rum Safari.

 

[monsterkitty]

North Shore of Kauai is my favorite place in the world. Well, that and the North Shore of the Big Island. The Hanalei Bay Resort and the Westin are both amazing. Hanalei Bay is perfect for younger children to swim and snorkel.

My sister and I just spent a week on the Big Island and you're right, one week just isn't enough. She has never been, so I tried to give her a little taste of everything so that when she and her DH go back, she'll have an idea what it's like.

If you do Maui, take the boat over to Lanai for the day.

 

[kboo]

My sister and I just spent a week on the Big Island and you're right, one week just isn't enough. She has never been, so I tried to give her a little taste of everything so that when she and her DH go back, she'll have an idea what it's like.

12+ years ago we went to a friend's wedding on Kauai. Another couple and us decided to make a longer vacation out of it and took about 12 days - 4 in Kauai and 8 on the Big Island - split approximately evenly between Volcano and Kona. We still felt like we missed SO much on the Big Island even though we ended up doing a helicopter tour with the bride and groom on their honeymoon (we didn't know they were going to the Big Island for their honeymoon; at least we weren't at the same resort!!!)

 

[FinnFogg]

We stayed in Kapaʻa Town on Kauai and really enjoyed it. There is a Sheraton there, but can't comment about it as we didn't stay there. We kept busy with a tubing adventure, ATV, and took the Na Pali Catamaran out of Princeville which was wonderful and some great snorkeling we then used the Shaka app to take a driving tour of Waimea and Na Pali tour which let us see Na Pali canyon from land and sea, plus last day we did the Rum Safari.

I second this area, in particular Waipouli Beach Resort (I know-not Marriott). We spent 6 weeks at that resort during my third mat leave (with newborn, 2 yvr old and 4 year old) and have returned every year since. We visit every other island every year as well (and spend a fair bit of time at Aulani) but Kauai is our favourite island. It’s a driving island. Rent a car and check out a different beach/part of the island every day. That’s what we did (even with a newborn). The best part of staying in the Kapaa area is that you are pretty much equidistance between north and south. Check out Hanalei Bay one day and Poipu the next. And the come back and relax in the awesome pools at the resort (great water slides for younger kids). And there is a mall with Safeway, Starbucks, subway etc right across the street. Super easy!!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I know you say that Big Island can be a week+ on its own (and it is true), but I'm still voting for it. My first trip there was in 2nd grade and it remains my favorite island.

Kona to O'ahu is an hour flight. Staying near Kona, you get snorkeling at Captain Cook and Two Step, the option for a night snorkel with manta rays (v cool), Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and you could do the longer drive to Volcanoes one day and do the easier explorations.

There's some fantastic farm tours on the Kona side as well: https://www.lovebigisland.com/activities-to-do/farm-tours/

 

[MouseOfCards]

Our kids love Aulani. But, earlier this year, we stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai before heading over to Aulani. Amazing pools and lazy river! And much less crowded than Aulani. You can also plan for horseback riding and zip lining. Our kids asked if we could stay there instead of heading to Aulani.

 

[shoegal9]

This past March we used Marriott points for 4 nights at the Westin in Ka’anapali after a week at Aulani. Loved the resort, walkability, and there seemed to be a good amount of kids there. Wailea seems to be a little more of the adult/honeymoon vibe.

Also, the old Lahaina luau is the best that we saw by far!