HHI Advice - 50th Anniversary in 2016

[thewelts]

We are active DVC renters... (5 trips to DLR, 1 to WDW and 1 to Aulani). We are about to book our 2nd trip to WDW for December 2015

We are looking for a destination to celebrate my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary in 2016 (3-4 nights). We are three small families (6 adults and 4 kids - ages 12, 8, 4 and 2 -- ages in 2016)

The families are spread out so we prefer a resort with the easiest travel options:
Family #1 (in-laws) are in Missoula, MT
Family #2 (2 adults & 3 kids) are in Rockford, IL
Family #3 (2 adults and 1 kid) in Portland, Oregon

We will consider a Grand Villa, but it seems more economical to rent a 2-BR and a studio.

I'm interested in Hilton Head. From what I can tell, summer is premier season and booking at the 11 month window will be necessary for HHI.
What is a nice time to visit? What about transportation? Which airport is recommended?

My in-laws are not really "park people". My FIL loves to ride bikes.

What would you suggest? Is HHI right for us?

 

[SC Minnie]

HHI would be great. Personally I love it in late April in May. It's not as hot as the summer months and not quite as crowded. September into October is also nice as well.

Savannah would be the closest big airport with Charleston being next.

Even in non peak season the CM's still have activities for the kids going on. If you family like to bike, rent bikes for the week and go where ever you want. The island is very bike friendly.

 

[amandaC]

We love HHI!! (and own there- both a condo and points at DVC HHI)

There are so many biking paths and I love that (for the most part) the paths are shaded so it's not unbearably hot.

The beaches are lovely and you can kayak and paddle board by the resort. There are a ton of great restaurants and they are reasonably priced (similar to home.)

We are doing an 11 person 3 generation trip this summer.

The downside is that the resort is small and very popular in the summer. You need the 11 month window for Grand Villas and for studios.

Spring and early fall are lovely. The closest airport for you would be Savannah, which is about 30-40 minutes away, if I remember correctly. You will need to rent a car.

 

[MinnieGi]

Although we usually go in summer, last year we did spring break there (April) and found it just as wonderful. In some ways it was even better!! During the summer it can be very hot and humid whereas April was beautiful mild temps where you could sit out on the beach and not roast. However the downside was that the ocean temp was too cold to swim, well unless you were crazy like my DS and a few others!!! LOL!! The pools are heated and people did swim in them.

HHI is a great island to bike around. April was much better temps to bike around on. You could ride and not be drenched in sweat by the time you got to your destination. We also did an Aerial Adventure at Zip Line Hilton Head. We didn't do the zip line only because my DS was not old enough yet. But the aerial park was very fun and again in April the temp was perfect for that type of activity.

There are many activities at the resort also going on. Lots of great restaurants on the island. My DD rides horses and we did a trail ride at Lawton Stables plus I got her a riding lesson at Moss Creek Equestrian Center that was right off the island. Perfect weather for riding in April.

We also played tennis. There are public courts that are not a far bike ride from the resort. That park has a great park too. Many great golf courses too all around HHI.

We stayed over Easter and the resort put on a great Easter Egg hunt for the kids and then did a scavenger hunt later on. We also did their Easter Brunch at the beach house which was fun and had craft activities for the kids to do.

Also lots of boating options to do a dolphin tour or kayak around the marsh area.

HHI is a great place for families to get together.

 

[thewelts]

Thanks so much for your feedback and replies. I am going to try to talk the family into this. If not, perhaps our small family of 3 can come alone for spring break 2016.

Excited to visit!