Me and the hubs are considering going for Christmas. We went to Maui for our honeymoon and were thinking of going to a different island this time. What is the best island to go to with kids and where should we stay? I'd like a place that has a kitchen so we don't have to eat out all the time.
The kids will be 1 and 2.5...are we f'n nuts for even thinking about going?
Re: Talk to me about Hawaii
We just got back last week. I'm not much help but I wouldn't recommend Oahu, specifically Honolulu, the North Shore might be ok with kids but we spent so much time in the car and in traffic. The girls did great traveling though and I don't think your crazy.
A few people we've talked to since we got back said Maui is good with kids. The Big Island is really spread out but if you just want to hang out at a resort I think it's a good option.
We love the big island, went on our honeymoon. And would like to go back with the kids.
I have 2 friends who swear by Kauai for going with kids.
We went to Kauai before Max was born, and we are going to go back next year. It has nice sandy beaches and mild weather during that time of year. I can see how it would be wonderful for kids.
We went to The Big Island/Kona when Max was 11-months old and loved it. He had a blast. There are fewer "sandy" beaches in Kona, but a lot on the Hilo side. It is a really cool island because it is has 11 of the world's 13 climates: so you can see desert, snow, rainforest, rocky mountains, and beaches all in one place. We loved it there.
We've only ever stayed with family, so I am no help for hotel recs, but there are great condo rentals on all the islands.
The only Easter Bunny I can get behind.
Maxwell Joseph 4/09 Lucy Violet 10/12
I'd say Kauai! We stayed at the Sheraton in Poipu and really liked it! We didn't have kids yet, but there were lots of kids there. Kauai is more tropical feeling than the other islands (in my opinion) because it's so lush and green.
I've also been to Kona and really enjoyed my time there as well, but stayed with a friend who lived there. I feel like I really got to see the awesome parts of the island because I had a personal tour guide, but she took me to some of the best beaches!
We went to Maui for our honeymoon and just went back last month with Hudson. I too was looking at going to a different island, but everyone raved about how great Maui is so we went back there but stayed in a different part of the island (Kihei instead of Kahana). Kihei was a really nice low-key area to be with kids. There are a lot of parks located along the beach and a TON of beautiful beaches to hang out at. There aren't a ton of "activities' if that's what you're looking for..but we really enjoyed the low-key atmosphere and Hudson had a great time too
We rented a 1 bedroom condo that was just across the street from the beach called Maui Vista .. they had awesome rates compared to most of the other places I have looked. If you want to rent a condo so you have bedroom/kitchen etc. I would highly recommend looking at VRBO.com (no matter which island you decide on). You can rent directly from the owners and often get much better prices!
GL whatever you decide to do!