Hawaii suggestion if Aulani doesn't come through?

[cseca]

I was wondering if anyone have any suggestion for the best island for family with kids? We will have kids ranging from 2yo to 16yo. And if Aulani ends up being full what would be the best island for us?
Would Oahu still be the best?
We are thinking more along the lines of best kids activities. Thanks so much for the suggestions.

 

[Sur]

The variety on the different islands varies incredibly, as do the experiences. What kind of activities/sites are you interested in (for the family)?

What kind of budget are you working with? That has an impact on the overall possibilities.... for instance, we like helicopter tours of the islands- it's costly, but the company we use offers a discount for multi-island bookings.

 

[cseca]

Thanks so much for taking time to answer. I'm thinking something along the line of good places to swim and some Hawaii specific cultural experience for one of the days. Other than that I'm not quite sure what else would be good for kids in Hawaii ... That's why I'm so lost in trying to figure out the best island to go to.
As for budget we would like to keep it pretty reasonable ... Nothing too expensive as we will have 15 people in the group
I've read that Maui ocean center is awesome but I don't know if the rest of the island is kid friendly as well.

 

[Sur]

Yes, Maui would be my first choice with various aged kids and a group of that size. I would've suggested Kauai with a smaller group, or less kids, but I'm thinking more commercial type activities may work better. Here are some links I've used to plan in the past:

http://pleasantactivities.com/hawaii.cfm

http://www.gorabbitgo.com/

http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com/

 

[cseca]

Thank you so so so much!!!!!!

 

[jchong71]

As posted earlier, there's a stark difference between the islands...with maybe Maui being the best "middle".

Oahu has the most affordable options, by far...in terms of packages, hotels, and things to do. POlynesian Culture center is a "canned" version of the polynesian experience...get to explore and learn in a museum/zoo-ish setting w/ the basic fire dance shows. Everything is within a 1-2 hr drive and has the best shopping (if that matters)...but it's basically a typical urban US city...think SF or Chicago. but w/ a waikiki beach and tons of resorts.

When you start thinking Maui...prices start jumping by 20-30%...mainly due to less competition. The Lahaina area is tourist central and everywhere else is 2-3 hrs drive away. The top of the volcano is a nice event and the road to Hana is cool...but these are full day excursions. Typically, you should be either very boned up on research or be a regular to really get the most out of maui...otherwise things will get super expensive fast.

The other islands are not good for large groups due to cost of amenities and the extra travel (typically no direct flights).

 

[Dean]

For those that have never been, I'd do Oahu as the first option for the obligate historical and tourist issues. Over time, I think Maui is the best options for repeat trips. Have you put in for an exchange request for reasonable options? If not, I would.

 

[disneydenisel]

I would say Maui would have just the right mix for everyone. We are going to try Oahu for a few days this year, but then it's off to Maui where the real relaxing and exploring begins.

Maui has great, kid-friendly beaches (no cost), some shopping and sightseeing, fun excursions if you are looking for things like catamaran or snorkeling or diving, good restaurants, comforts of home, etc. I think Oahu is higher priced for accommodations and rental cars, for certain.

It's all Hawaii, so all great . I'm sure with 15 people you are going to have a great time!

 

[cseca]

Thanks everyone ... ! Seems like Oahu and Maui have the most votes. I will read up on both islands to figure out what to do while we're there.
I hope Aulani will go through but if not I'm sure we can find another great place to stay.

Any suggestions on great resorts for kids?

 

[JimMIA]

For those that have never been, I'd do Oahu as the first option for the obligate historical and tourist issues.

I don't especially like Oahu, but...I kinda agree with Dean here.

Pearl Harbor is on Oahu, as is Waikiki, as is Diamond Head. The North Shore is legendary surfing territory. We've been there, done that, and ain't going back, but for a first time visitor Oahu has some things other islands don't.

I agree with Maui as the best middle ground. Tons of organized, tourist activities -- bike down Haleakala (the volcano), scuba trip to Molokai, whale watching in season, Lahaina's shops and restaurants, Road to Hana, etc, etc, etc -- plus lots of golf and other diversions. WAY more to do than Oahu.

For relaxation, I'd probably go with the Big Island or Kauii.

Although Honolulu is certainly an urban area, I'd never compare it with SFO or Chicago!

I never get tired of SFO, Chicago, and NYC -- they are great cities. Honolulu is a less than charming large town with a nice beach -- doesn't begin to compare with Miami Beach...or several dozen other beach resort areas.

 

[Novakm]

I have been to big island twice. There is not much for man made entertainment, but they have loads of magnificent beaches. Many are unique, and some are an adventure getting to. Thera are a couple of black sand beaches, and even one with green sand. When we went to green sand beach, we were the only ones there for over an hour! Beaches range from tropical paradise with palms overhanging the water to wide swaths of sand with not a tree in sight.

There Is also volcano national park. On a good day you can see lava. On a bad day you can see hot springs and explore lava tubes (caves).

Watching the sunset from the observatory on top of the mauna kea is amazing, followed by stargazing with the local astronomy club who brings thier telescopes for all to share

We stayed at the Marriott, but I think the Hilton would be better for kids, even though the hilton does not have a real beach. its an inlet with a man made lagoon for swimming. nice, but no waves. You can walk to marriott beach. From the beach at the Marriott, you can snorkel some pretty good reefs, with lots of fish and sea turtles, or rent kayaks or paddle boards. Go a little further and there is some great snorkeling, no boat needed.

Drive south, a couple miles, and Hapuna beach is great for body surfing, with miles of sand.

There are lots of interesting hiking and nature trails on the wet side of the island, with some spectacular water falls.

Horse back and atv tours

Some interesting historical sights.

You can watch humpback whales right from the road, I even saw them once while swimming at the Marriott

If this is the kind of things your kids like, big island is ideal. If not, there is not much else to occupy them.

 

[Anal Annie]

I was wondering if anyone have any suggestion for the best island for family with kids? We will have kids ranging from 2yo to 16yo. And if Aulani ends up being full what would be the best island for us?
Would Oahu still be the best?
We are thinking more along the lines of best kids activities. Thanks so much for the suggestions.

I would highly recommend island hopping between 2 islands and spending about 5 days on each island. Hawaii is just too far and too expensive to get to to not explore more than 1 island. They each have their own personalities. Oahu is the cheapest island to stay on. Other affordable hotel options in Waikiki would be a couple of the Outrigger hotels. We have stayed at both the Outrigger Reef and the Outrigger Waikiki. The Outrigger Waikiki is a little nicer than the Reef but the Reef is OK for what it costs. (The Outrigger Waikiki is home to Duke's Restaurant.) Both are on the beach and are within walking distance to lots of shopping & restaurants in Waikiki. Maui is our fav. island and I would think might be the best choice for your large group after Oahu. The Lahaina / Ka'anapali area has a lot to do and is a little more affordable than the Wailea area (which is mostly higher end resorts and upscale shopping). The Sheraton at Black Rock in Ka'anapali is a decent choice (perhaps some of the people in your group would be Starwood members)?! They have a nice beach and it's only a 10 min. walk along the ocean to the Whaler's Village. All of the major hotel chains have hotels to choose from on Maui and there are a lot of good choices in this area. You can find lots of reviews on Trip Advisor.

 

[jchong71]

That would be the most economical vs all those hotel rooms. SO much more freedom, but not for everyone.

If it was me..I'd rent a house in Kailua (Oahu)...you can get one walking distance to the beach (Kailua beach is both beautiful and deserted). Rental cars are good as well as the local bus routes that take you to town. Kailua is about 30-45 minute car ride to Honolulu.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We always find the most "natural" things to do on the Big Island. We just are on the go all the time when we are there. It isn't so much commercially organized like Maui, but then we prefer that. We'd rather make our own decisions than have some else make them for us.

I also agree with Dean on this one too. Oahu is a must for first timers, even if you only attach a stay there to the beginning or end of a trip.

 

[cseca]

Wow! So much information thank you everyone.

I will definitely look at those areas mentioned. Never thought about renting a house .., its an interesting option. Although I'm not sure some people in our group would want to clean during their vacation...

 

[jchong71]

Wow! So much information thank you everyone.

I will definitely look at those areas mentioned. Never thought about renting a house .., its an interesting option. Although I'm not sure some people in our group would want to clean during their vacation...

try this site for rentals:

http://www.vrbo.com/

I've had success renting in Oahu..they range from shacks to mansions..w/ a group of 15 a villa overlooking the beach w/ an infinity pool to your self may make up for the lack of maid service....just sayin.

for example: http://www.vrbo.com/393356ha

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Maui is favorite island! Ka'anapali Beach can't be beat in my opinion. I missed what time of year you are going, but if it's whale season, it's so amazing to see the humpbacks from the beach.

I love the Marriott Ocean Club. The location is great...you can walk to Whaler's Village for lotsof food options and shopping if you wish. The poperty is excellent (pools and beach) and there are good onsite restaurants too. If you rent someone's week through redweek.com, you can get a gret deal on a villa. We loved having our own kitchen to cook eggs and fruit for breakfast. And having our own washer and dryer is now a must for our family with so many kids. We had 2 bedroom "mountain" view that actually had one of the best ocean views I have ever seen. Breakfast on the balcony was heavenly. (BTW, we stayed at Aulani the following week in an "ocean" view and it was definately more of a pool view instead. Very disappointing. Aulani is beautiful and the pools are fun, but Ko'olina is not anywhere near the top of places I would stay again.)

Right next door is the Hyatt Regency which is also an amazing property. (We've just outgrown the rooms...we'd have to have to have 2 for our family, but prefer a 2 bedroom vill for about the same cost at the Marriott.) The pools and restaurants are great. The shampoo, conditioner, and lotion from their spa (hat they aso give you in your rooms) smells wonderful...so good that I actually call and order it to be delivered to our house once a year as a special treat.

Picking up a a tour book (Maui Revealed is the best) will tell you all sorts of fun things to experience with your kids. You won't be bored!

If you're set on Oahu, I would stay in Waikiki over Ko'olina. The beach is terribly disappointing in Ko'olina and as fun as Aulani is for a few days, it's sort of a Disney version of Hawaii that could really be set anywhere. To me, it's like fake Hawaii but in Hawaii. It's overdone or something. And I'm a huge Disney fan, so I say it apologetically.

BTW, I hav a trip report in my signature from our Hawaii trip last year to Aulani and Maui if you want to see some pictures.

 

[cseca]

Thanks jchong and dr&mom!

I will check out those links and your TR for sure.
I am not registered with redweek I might have to do that soon and check out the prices

 

[disneypoor]

The first time we went to Hawaii, we did a cruise so we could check it out for ourselves and decide which island was our favorite. Maui definitely wins! We went last spring break and rented someone's timeshare from the VRBO at Westin Kaanapoli Ocean Resort Villas, and we had oceanfront, so we could see the whales from inside our villa. It was truly amazing!

We loved the feel of Maui. It had everything our family wanted. That being said, we just added on at Aulani, so we better decide that Oahu is our new favorite!

After visiting several of the islands, I really don't think you can go wrong. There is so much to do on each, and I don't think you'd be disappointed. However, if I had to pick one, it would be Maui.

Susan

 

[2disneydads]

I agree with those who have identified Maui and Oahu as being probably the best choices for the OP. There is so much to Oahu that is not Waikiki and Honolulu - and much of it is very family friendly. The Ko 'Olina area where Aulani is located has excellent beaches for families, especially if small children are involved. The Marriott timeshare next to Aulani, Marriott's Ko 'Olina Villas, and the Marriott hotel on the other side of Aulani, would be good choices to be in Ko 'Olina area. The rooms and grounds at the Ko 'Olina Villas are quite lovely. There are excellent beaches on the east and north shores of Oahu - even our Beloved Leader knows about the excellent and uncrowded beaches on Oahu's eastern shore. There is excellent snorkeling on the north shore in the summer. Maui has lots of hotels, timeshare resorts and activities, along with great beaches. It might be a little more difficult to get to Maui, but Maui offers the possibilities of helicopter flights over Molokai and boating trips to Lanai. Just to add to the mix here, I'm going to suggest that the Big Island also offers some great possibilities, with less development. You have two very different climates - the dry areas around Kona and the wetter areas around Hilo. You have hiking in the Kohala mountains. You have some excellent beaches (which are free), mainly in the area around Kona. And you have Volcano National Park and the mountain observatory. Depending on what your family likes to do, the Big Island might offer some excellent vacation opportunities. I wish I could be packing right now!