How much time in Hawaii?

[Minnie824]

I'm trying to plan spring break for next year. I'd really like to go to Aulani in Hawaii. My kids are not beach people. I know theres so much to do other than just be at the beach though. We're in IL so DH suggested splitting up the trip back and stay in CA for a few nights. DDs both LOVE CA and would like to do more studio tours, etc. What I'm trying to figure out is how much time to spend in HI. I'm also trying to contain the trip to 8 nights total (Sat - Sun). Originally I thought 5 HI/ 3 CA but that gives us only 1 weekday to do studio stuff in CA. Now I'm thinking 4 HI/ 4 CA but that makes me wonder if thats a lot of effort and expense to just get to HI for 4 nights, therefore having only 3 full days there. We have DVC so the room price in HI will be covered either way. What do you think...is 4 nights too short to go to HI?

 

[Pakey]

I live in CA and have been to Hawaii many times. The shortest one I have done is 6 days/5 nights. The flight is about 5 hours from LA so you are going to waste a good chunk of 2 days getting to/from Hawaii when you take into account getting to/from each airport and going through security. On top of that, flights to Hawaii are expensive and it's a lot to spend to go for just a few nights. You will barely get used to the time change!

I think 4 days is plenty at Aulani because it's in the middle of nowhere and there isn't much to do in the area but it's a pretty short trip to Hawaii and I think defeats the purpose of doing an island vacation (which is relaxation). I think Aulani is a nice resort but I wouldn't fly to Hawaii just to stay there a few days and you aren't giving yourself enough time to do much else other than that.

 

[Aristocath]

I can't imagine not spending the entire week in Hawaii. There is just so much to do and see, even on Oahu. Or you could fly to another island for a few days, also. I'm not a big fan of the sun and beach but I love Hawaii. I'd get on trip advisor and look at all the things to do on Oahu before you add in California.

 

[cabanafrau]

Lots of time & $$ for the airlines w/o a lot in return for you IMO.

 

[bear_mom]

Dh and I spent 12 days there two years ago and are going for 14 days with dds this summer. Keep in mind travel time....

I wouldn't go that far for just a few days.

 

[TifffanyD]

I'd spend the whole time in Hawaii. You can do movie tours on Oahu and see where they filmed Jurassic Park, Lost, etc. And there are lots of other things to do.

Let the kids each plan a day or half day. If you can get to Kuaui, I recommend tubing the ditch.

 

[HM]

I haven't been to Hawaii, but I'd have a hard time not doing a week or so there. There is so much more than the beach. Would you consider two islands instead of just Oahu?

I'd go to the Big Island and do the bike ride down Kilawea (sp?) and horseback riding. You could also visit museums, do a luau at the Cultural Center, visit the Aquarium, do a hike in the jungle, visit a pineapple plantation, etc.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We aren't beach people either, but always find more to do in Hawaii than in California. We did a helicopter tour in Kauai that flew over several sites where movies were filmed. That was a lot more fun than a studio tour in California.

 

[Tinkermommy]

With the amount of time and expense just getting there, I would not go for less than a week. The same with going to Europe.

We are going to Kauai (with a day trip to Oahu) for 10 days.

My kids love the beach so Kauai is perfect for us. Oahu has lots of non-beach activities and I would think the resort has a lot of activities as well.

 

[TifffanyD]

With the amount of time and expense just getting there, I would not go for less than a week. The same with going to Europe.

We are going to Kauai (with a day trip to Oahu) for 10 days.

My kids love the beach so Kauai is perfect for us. Oahu has lots of non-beach activities and I would think the resort has a lot of activities as well.

Ohhhhhhhh you should tube the ditch. It's SO FUN!!!!

http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/tubing.html

 

[Tinkermommy]

Ohhhhhhhh you should tube the ditch. It's SO FUN!!!!

http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/tubing.html

Thanks. I will check it out.