Need infor about Hawaii with kids!!!

[rbuzzotta]

DH just asked me if I would like to go to Hawaii for my 40th birthday!! (We were watching Lilo and Stitch)..........My answer of course was........YES!!

I don't know anything about Hawaii and we will be travelling with the girls (11,6,4). We plan to go just in either June or July.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

If this doesn't pan out then my 2nd choose is a cruise!!!

Thanks

 

[Michelle]

Rosemary, there a several great guidebooks on Hawaii, I would recommend you start there and narrow down where you want to go and what you hope to do. We're going next summer with my daughter for her second trip, for the first she was 3 and she's 9 now.

Happy planning!

 

[rbuzzotta]

Michelle,

I would welcome any book suggestions you have!!

Thanks

 

[KaitlinsMom]

OK - I don't know much - but one of my good friends is from Hawaii - We went there last year to Maui -
If you go in the summer, it will be very humid - My friend warned me about that - So you might want to look at a web-site and see what the average temp is - I am from CA - we do not really get humidity, so any would be blah for us. We went in November and loved it! the weather was absolutely perfect (80's).

WE booked our trip thru a travel agent (and we have booked so much online) because we didn't know anything about which island to go to and hotel and all of that. I mean, my friend is from there, but it is different to live somewhere than to go somewhere on vacation.

I know it is popular to do, but my husband and I did not like the LUAU - We probably didn't go to a good one. But we paid full price (like $65 each) and it was not worth the money. They have deals everywhere for luau's - get one of those. You must go, just don't pay full price.

Bring food with you. The food in Hawaii is so expensive (it is mostly imported in). So put snacks and stuff in your luggage - then you will have room for all the stuff you buy when you are there!

You'll have a great time! It is very beautiful and the sunsets are amazing!!!!!

 

[tigercat]

We went to Hawaii on a cruise from Vancouver. We saw a couple of the Islands and can't wait to go back. We really want to go and stay on Maui and Kauai. They were really beautiful.
tigercat

 

[dalepool]

First question is what Island are you going to?

Myself, my husband and daughter have been going to Hawaii 1 or 2 times a year since Krista was in kindergarden (she is 19 now and in her second year of college---love the running start program). She was/is a wonderful student so we would make arrangements for homework assignments for her to do while we were gone. The longest she was away from class was 3 weeks. We have friends that we call our " Beach Friends" who have seen Krista grow up before their very eyes. Our Beach friends come from all over the United States and the World for that matter.

I would try to rent a condo with cooking facilities. Most rooms have a small refer, coffee pot, etc. as the rooms get bigger you will get a micro wave--stove, range etc. Groceries are higher than on the mainland but if you will be there for a week or less ---you'll be OK. In the old days we'd eat breakfast cereal in the morning---Burger King in the afternoon--then have a wonderful sit down meal in the evening. ( Now I cook most of the meals---I really don't even count our trips as a vacation--It's more like spending the winter someplace warm--because I do cook)

There are quite a few ways to save money while vacationing in Hawaii. I'm leaving for the winter in 3 weeks If you'd send me Your address I'd gladly send some of the brochures that are given out free on the Islands. ( eg. you can rent a car from Budget for 25 dollars a day for a 3 or 4 day rental with the code from these books--- this rental also gives you free admissions to some of the top attractions when you show your car keys) As for the luau's --There are so many different ones. The prices vary like an airline ticket---on the same flight you will get 10-15 different prices for the same flight. Sorry this is so long---I'd be willing to help any way I can. I think there are other Diser's who live in Hawaii full time---I'm pretty sure there is one from Maui. They will have mega info.

Aloha PattyN

 

[LuvTigger]

rbuzzotta,

I live in Hawaii (on Oahu), and have lived here all my life. I've been to the Big Island (Hawaii island) many times, Maui 3 times, and I recently went to Kauai, but it was just a day trip for business.

Please don't hesitate to PM me with questions!

The first thing I would do (I do this for all my trips) is write/e-mail to the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. I will try to find a website for you tomorrow when I get to work. I can also try to get you some current "tourist" brochures. Like KaitlinsMom said, it's different to live here than to visit, so I might not be able to help much with the logistics of packages, plane fares, etc., but I might be able to suggest some places to stay and give you a "where the locals go" kind of info. As far as food, things in general are more expensive here, but there are some very reasonable places too. The key is how open you are to trying different types of food. I know some visitors who totally love "local" food, and others who look at it and won't touch it if it's not something they recognize right off the bat.

Do you know how much time you plan to spend here? Will you be on a tight budget, or do you have a little bit of leeway in spending? If you can give me an idea of what kinds of things you're interested in in general (i.e. nature-type things, spas, luaus and other Polynesian shows/activities, places to eat, etc.) then I can provide suggestions. Also, do you have any idea whether you plan to spend time on one island or more than one? Are you interested in a quiet getaway, or would you prefer to be in a busier city? One of the airlines has a special pass where you can fly to as many islands as you want within a one week period for a set price.

Again, please don't hesitate to PM me with any questions you might have, I'd be happy to help!

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

You are so lucky your husband offered. I flew over hawaii, does that count? My parents and my brother at a differnt time went to Maui, it looks gorgeous just from Pictures and video. I would start with a book about Hawaii, that might answer some wuestions then call the Hawaii visitors bereau as

LuvTigger suggested, I dont know if I help but I am excited for you, your so lucky

 

[CamColt]

I dont have any advice for you, but I just wanted to say...Wooohoooo!!!! That is great! What a wonderful DH you have. Happy planning, and be sure to let us know which you decide on(a cruise isnt a bad second choice ). Have a great 40th too!

BTW, hows the new house?

 

[rbuzzotta]

Thank you all sooooooo much for the valuable information!!

We are looking at spending at least 10 days but more like 14 days in Hawaii. I would love to see Maui and Kuai (sp) but an terribly afraid the girls (11,6,4) will be bored and that could really ruin our vacation!! I would also like to do some tourist stuff and see Waikiki, Pearl Harbor museum, volcanoes etc.......

We are used to fast paced vacations (WDW every year for at least 2 weeks) but will be at OKW in July so I would like some good quality family time and R & R!!

I do want to be directly on the ocean, preferrably in a resort that has activities. I don't think I want to be in a condo and feel like I have to clean or cook!!

We are hoping to go to Hawaii and then directly (maybe a few days in between) to WDW for our OKW stay.

Our second alternative is the 7 day Disney cruise, but I got a quote of nearly 10K for a family of five!!!! From my searching on line I could do 2 weeks in Maui (food not inlcuded) for around 7K!!
Twice as long and most likely the same cost!

LuvTigger and Patty, I will be PMing you both. Thank you and I do hope to be able to say ALOHA!!!

Katie, the new house is a dream come true. DH has worked so hard to establish his building business and finally has the home that he (yes, and I) have always wanted!!! Thanks....

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hawaii is my second favorite place to go!!! We like the Big Island of Hawaii the best with Maui and Kauai running a close second. With kids, I would reccomend the Kahala coast area of the Big Island. Any Hawaii trip also has to include at least a few days on Oahu for the historic places etc., but it is nothing more than a big city, so don't go to Oahu expecting a great island vacation. Hawaii and Kauai are the most old Hawaiian, Maui has the most big resorts.

 

[DawnCt]

I would stay as long as time permits. The best guide books are the blue ones. One title is Maui Revealed but I can't remember the others. Once you see one, you will recognized them all. We have been to the Big Island twice. Definately spend a couple of nights in Volcano National Park and while you are one the Hilo side, visit the Tsunami Museum. We found it very interesting and the drive from Hilo to the Kohala Coast is wonderful. On our first Big Island trip we stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa Village. This is a great resort for kids. They have a wonderful pool area, a dolphin swim and you can swim with the Sea turtles for free. They live there. We also loved Maui. On our first trip to Maui we stayed in Kaanapali. Our last trip, we stayed in Wailea. I think that the beaches are much nicer in Wailea although it is quieter, not much night life. Be sure to take the road to Hana and stop along the way. Its the journey, not the destination. We also loved Kauai. If I were going in the summer, I would definately choose the north shore. It rains briefly almost everyday but that is how they make those beautiful rainbows. We stayed in Hanalei and loved it. On our first trip we spent three nights on Oahu. We visited Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Zoo. Three days was fun and it was enough. For the trip I packed cereal, it is often $6 per box, peanut butter, condiments, etc but we stayed in a condo. You will get sticker shock at the grocery store but you can minimize that considerably if you get a discount card from the store. They also have Costco on the Big Island and Maui.
I applied for my Safeway card on line and presented it application to the grocery clerk. It took a second. Foodland on Kauai also had very good savings and it brought the prices down to "mainland prices". (Milk is $6 per gal too) We love Hawaii and save all of our skymiles just to go there.

 

[fklhou]

Hawaii is a great place for kids. Many places have a keiki menu for kids. One good way to see more the Islands is to cruise on American Hawaiian cruise lines. This is a week long cruise where you hit four Islands including both sides of the Big Island. They time it so that you go past the volcanoes on the Big Island at night so you can see the lava flowing into the ocean.

If you are not doing a cruise, then I would recommend the Big Island. There is a great deal to do including Vocano National Park. I still remember my then 5 year climbing over a lava flow for a mile and one-half to get to the observation point to watch lava flow into the ocean. We have been lucky in that both times we have been to Hawaii, the lava was flowing on the surface and you could get some spectaular views.

Again, have fun.

 

[LuvTigger]

Fklhou mentioned American Hawaii Cruise Lines. They are out of business, but the Norwegian Star does a 7-day cruise that goes to each of the major islands and Fanning Island. I would love to do that someday too! I know a woman who recently went on the cruise and it was about $1300. She really enjoyed it (she's also lived here her whole life).

Let me see if I can post a very brief description of what each island has to offer:

Hawaii (the Big Island):
* Active volcano (Kilauea)
* I think someone mentioned the hotel there, I think it was called Volcano House. Very quaint, we had lunch there.
* Some really great resorts on the Kohala Coast. Someone mentioned the Hilton Waikoloa...I LOVE that resort! I've spent a week there and still left feeling like I really didn't want to leave yet!
* Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread cookies (yes, it really is worth mentioning as a major point!)
* The drive along the Hamakua Coast is beautiful
* There are heiau's (burial grounds)
* The City of Refuge
* Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa (the two main mountains there...at least one of them has snow, but can't remember which!)
* Some really great restaurants: Sam Choy's, Merriman's, Cafe Pesto, Edelweiss
* We once played tourist and went on a Zodiac raft ride which we really enjoyed. We got to see dolphins and other sea life. They provide snorkel gear, snacks and beverages.

Maui:
* Haleakala, which is known for it's beautiful sunrises (it means "house of the rising sun"). If you're adventurous, they offer bike rides here.
* Wailea has the most beautiful resorts right across the beach.
* The Road to Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools (you can swim there)
* Lahaina is where most of the night life is.
* More really great restaurants. Longhi's is a popular one.
* Breakfast at the Kula Lodge.
* Tasaka Guri Guri (best described as a type of sherbet, but 10 times better!), and other local goodies
* The new Aquarium
* Whale watching and other cruises (I don't think you'll be here during the main whale season though)

Kauai: (I know the least about this one)
* The Na Pali Coast
* I've heard the Princeville Resort is to die for
* Waimea Canyon
* They are known for their Zodiac raft rides too. I would love to try it sometime.
* I think this is the island with the fern grotto

Lanai: (I've never been here)
* Best known for the Lodge at Koele, and one other resort whose name escapes me at the moment.

Molokai: (Again, never been)
* Mule rides at Kalaupapa, the leper colony
* Supposed to be a great fishing spot

Oahu: (where I live...almost forgot to post about this one!)
* I live in Kailua (the east side of the island), and I don't think I'm all that biased by saying we have beautiful beaches!
* Waikiki is the major tourist destination here, which is walking distance to the beach and close to Ala Moana, our largest shopping center. The Honolulu Zoo is nearby too.
* If you're looking for something quieter, there is a resort on the north shore that used to be the Turtle Bay Hilton. It's no longer a Hilton, but I can't remember what they changed it to. We've gone there many times and really enjoy it there. Not much to do at night though.
* Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, and the Missouri
* Surf is not that great in the summer, but it's always fun to drive up to the North Shore and have a Kua'aina Burger (happy to say they opened a 2nd location in Honolulu too!). Actually, you can make a day of driving around the entire island. You can ALMOST go completely around.
* A lot of people, locals and visitors, really like the swap meet. I think it's Sunday's and Wednesdays. You can get t-shirts for really cheap there, among other things.
* Catamaran and other cruises.
* The Waikiki Aquarium (really not that big, but hey, it's an aquarium)
* Diamond Head

 

[dalepool]

Like LuvTigger stated each Island has it's own Charm. We prefer Waikiki--Oahu --Because there is always something happening. If you are traveling from the east coast you will be spending a day for travel so for a 7-10 day trip you might only have 5or 8 days to see the island you decide to stay on. I know NW used to fly direct to Maui from Minneapolis--Hawaiian flys Non-stop to Maui from Seattle..Most other airlines direct their flights thru Honolulu. So unless you stay on Oahu you will be traveling one whole day.

We love the Zoo---Annual pass patrons--Very cheap for a family of up to six keiki--kids-- and 2 adults. The pass also gives you a discount aquarium--a block from the Zoo.

Arizona memorial is a must for adults--I'm thinking the 11 year old would be Ok but the younger ones might not get alot out of the program or the memorial. The Missouri is Docked next door and again is an age approperiate attraction.

Sea life park is a short drive past diamond head---This attraction could be done on the same day as Hanauma Bay---this is an old crater where you swim with the fish----It is fun for the whole family. Daughter still loves to spend a day there. Used to be free now there is a small fee.

Going to the beach everday is pure joy. We are on the beach at 9 am and back in the room for lunch at noon. The water temp in the winter hovers around 78 degrees---There is one of the friends who actually has a water therometer and takes a reading every morning.

China town is a short bus ride from the beach area----It is a place with much culture new and old. China town should be a daylight trip.

Polynesian Cultural center is another must it located near the north shore --this is a full day activity. The Islands of polynesia are represented by locals who work at the park--much ,ike world showcase. Each "Village " has activities from theat particular Island eg. New Zealand. There is a Great show at the end of the day '''Mana" Not to be missed. You can even do a luau during the dinner break.---Save room for the pineapple treat during the show intermission.

Catamaran rides, canoe rides, surfing lessons, Tours to the sugar cane and pineapple fields, There are shows near the beach every evening---hawaiian dance and culture are displayed.

Kailua--has one of the best beaches in the world---If you will have a car it is worth a stop. The North shore has something going on all the time. I do think though the surfing tournaments are held during the winter months as that is when the big waves hit the North Shore. Not sure about the summer months.

Just some ideas.

( One of the best ideas mentioned was taking a cruise--That way you can see the best of each Island---I think you might find some great buys----tourisum has been a little slow the last few years--even before 9-11)

PattyN

 

[shortbun]

Hawaii is so beautiful! We'd go there every year if it
weren't so far away from us! Lots of great information
here. I'd pick two islands for a 10 day trip-3 if you can
extend to staying a full 2 weeks. More island hopping than
that takes up too much time. Better yet, two islands in 2 weeks
and a day trip to the 3rd for the highlights.
I know you said you didn't
want to cook-don't BUT get a condo. Space, convenience,
no lines for breakfast, cost savings, great locations, time
savings - all reasons for condos. The islands are chock full
of condos for good reason-it's the way to vacation with a
family!!! Time changes make you get up early over there-
if kids get up early and grownups sleep(or visa versa) a condo
allows the non-sleeper a place to hang out other than the
bathroom floor with the door shut. Also, cereal and bagels
for breakfast at your leisure on a slow morning rather than
showering, waiting til everyone is ready THEN driving or
walking to a restaurant and waiting to order an expensive
morning meal. Kids travel better when they have a base
home-condos give everyone a place to relax that feels more
homey.
My favorite island-Hawaii. That's where the erupting volcano
is and the volcano national park-black sand beaches-best
authentic Hawaiian shopping-horseback riding-great deluxe
resorts if that's what you like-Paniolo Pizza-best sport fishing(it's
really fun to watch the fishing boats come it around 4pm) and
the history of the King Kamehamehas on the Kohala Coast
is pretty cool up where Captain Cook landed. We had our
best helicopter sightseeing tour on Hawaii over the volcano!!!
It was amazing. I love helicopters but this was extrordinary.
The volcano smells of heavy sulfur-take bandanas scented
with perfume EVEN if you just go to the Volcano National
Park, the kids will appreciate the relief.
I'd also warn you away from a luau BUT you have to see
a cultural dance presentation. If you settle on Oahu as
one of your islands-the Polynesian Cultural Center would
be interesting.
Food does not have to be extremely expensive here. Get
a good budget guide book-Lonely Planet, Let's Go or
similar. Eat where the locals eat-diners, diners in little
shopping malls. Splash out only a couple of times and
shop at the real grocery for fresh fruit/snaks for your
room and car. There is NO refillable mug, lol, here but
pop from the softsided cooler at the beach
is MUCH cheaper than from the pool bar!!!!
I just retired from being a travel agent for 29 years.
Hawaii was one of my passions. If I chose Oahu as one
of my islands-I would stay away from Honolulu and choose
the east coast resort that someone recommended. Waikiki
is a beach in a big city-go to Miami if that's what you want...
the flight is cheaper and you can drive up to WDW
Kauai would probably bore your kids if you are accustomed
to fast pace - it tends to rain loads there too. It's beautiful
and great for quiet honeymoons! Maui has lots to do-
wonderful snorkeling if you are adventurous and don't
mind climbing down some rocks up north of Kapalua where
the locals go to swim. Someone already mentioned the
road to Hana. How about a sunrise trip to the top of
Haleakala with a mountain bike ride/coast down the
mountain and breakfast when you get down? I like
Wailea too but as said-no night life. Lahaina is loaded
with stuff to do but the traffic, whew!
This trip takes some research! good start! I actually
recommend against a cruise. Weird, I know but the ships
aren't great and you get no quality time on any of the
islands. just my opinion.
mimi

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

DH and I have been kicking around the idea of going to Hawaii too, and I'm getting so excited reading this thread!! Thanks from me too for all the great info. I found this thread at 5 this morning (last night's ribs didn't agree with me ) and started researching on the Internet...I've got info being sent to me from Hawaii tourism.

So...Rosemary...if you find out any more great info in your research, let me know and vice versa!

 

[dalepool]

I totally agree with all the replies. If you want to sit back and relax Waikiki beach area is probably not the resort area for you. We like being able to go out late at night or early in the morning----in Waikiki something is always going on. When daughter was little she'd swim in the morning and have to take a nap for a couple of hours in the afternoon--that is the heat of the day anyway---. Poor thing could never have kept up at an adult sight seeing pace for more than a day or two. Shortbun has the right idea on getting a condo for space and convience for morning and afternoon snacks.-----The extra room will be a BIG PLUS. We own a one bedroom at the Island Colony by Marc Suites...It is not a timeshare---We own but we let the Hotel manage our condo for us when we are not visiting Waikiki. ( It isn't a money maker--we still have to pay all monthly fees even when we aren't occuping the condo---so it works for us.) they have an internet sight you might want to check out.

Most all rooms/condos on Oahu are in high rise structures where as on the other Islands the rooms are in more bunglow type buildings----3,4,,or 5 stories high---this was put into place to maintain the natural beauty of the island.

I'll sent some info soon.

PattyN

 

[tigercat]

This thread has been wonderful. My dh & I really want to go back to Hawaii and now I know where I can get some info. It is really difficult seeing properties over the internet. You wonder if the property is as good as it seems.
tigercat

 

[snoopy]

This has been a very informative and fun thread to read!

We went to Hawaii (Maui and Oahu) on our honeymoon, and spent 17 days there. It was an amazing trip. I still rememer the smells of Hawaii were not like anything I have ever experienced before, the strong floral scents. {{{sigh...}}} I would love to go back, but I fear the long flight over and the time change would do my little ones in.. Waiting until they are a tad bit older before we attempt another trip.

You have a ton of good information though! What a nice hubby you have. Have a great trip, and a wonderful 40th!