Hawaii- 8 days

[robr]

Wife & kiddo think Maui looks best for them. Hotels under consideration are on west side: Ritz/Hyatt/Westin, but we haven't booked yet. This will be during Spring break, so the wales will still be there. We will do snorkeling, luau, biking down Haleakala, maybe drive to Hana- seems like a LONG day drive. I totally wanted to see the lava flowing on the big island, but 1) there's no guarantee that it's flowing, 2) it's a 4 mile hike EACH way on not so easy terrain, 3) seems like Big Island will have same stuff that we've done or can do on Maui. We wanted to parasail, but it's not allowed then because of wale migration.
Any suggestions on hotels, food, fun appreciated.

 

[EJC+1]

8 days on 1 island = too long.

We've been to Hawaii 3 times...each vacation being 7-10 days long. I would definitely suggest going to 2 islands in an 8 day time frame. Reasons being is that (more than likely) one does get to go to Hawaii for 8 days very often...why limit yourself to 1 island when each 1 has it's own beauty.

My recommendation...

1) Maui (Has the most stuff to do)...4-5 days
2) Kauai (Is the most beautiful)...3-4 days

3) Big Island (seeing the lava flows is badass if it's flowing though)

 

[iamtigerwoods]

For Maui, choose the Ritz if you want to be a bit secluded. Kapalua is great and is about 15-20 minutes to Lahaina(restaurants, bars, shopping).

If you want to be closer to Lahaina and a bunch of other resorts, than the Westin or Hyatt will do(I am assuming these are in Ka'anapali). It is a busy area, but you will be able to walk to shopping, etc., if that is what works for your family.

If you get to Kauia, the Grand Hyatt is excellent and very kid friendly.

 

[4th]

World-class right hand point break at Honolua Bay.

 

[Herkie Walls]

check out the Grand Wailea in Maui since you are talking your child. It is next door to the Ritz.

 

[TxEx2x]

How old is the kiddo? If under 10, the pool area will probably be very important... Hyatt in Kanapaali is great for kids. They have their own water slide and ample play area. If your kid is a pre-teen/teen, they might get bored/stir crazy at one of the nicer, more remote resorts. I can remember many a family vacation where my parents wanted to sit and soak in the peace and beauty of the scene long past the kiddos point of interest... (I look back on those trips now and wish I had been more patient!) In Kanapaali, all the ocean front resorts are connected by a boardwalk. There is an outdoor mall in the middle of it. I would think it would be great for a pre-teen or teen. One caveat about the Hyatt, there isn't much of a swim area in the beach right in front of it- the tide is pretty strong. The big beach for swimming/snorkeling is down at the other end of the hotel strip... Totally walk-able, but not 'right there.' I forget what hotel is right in front of that part of the beach- Sheraton maybe?
Also, just a thought... I think 6 days is perfect for visiting an island... Hana will take a full day... Haleakala bike ride will take a full day... Just getting there and getting accustomed will take a full day... You want to be able to chill and aclimate without having to rush... We joke when in Hawaii that when you see someone uptight or in a hurry, "they must have just flown in."
If you're worried about running out of things to do on Maui, you could always take a day trip to Oahu and see Pearl Harbor. You would need to go early, though, as tickets are free and often run out early in the day.

 

[NBMisha]

Been 7 times, was married there. Long time ago, that last one.

Wailea and the Ka'anapali/Lahaina areas are way different. The latter is the cruise ship destination and you want to stay clear of that. Wailea is a nice quiet option, yet luxurius, though even more convenient for Haleakala and on round to Hana.

Trip to Hana with a kiddo? I dunno. I've done it twice in the couple only period. Kind of an adventure. Start very early if you go, the traffic gets bad.

One or two islands depends on your patience. If you like to chill, chill way down by staying put. If you just have to move, then either Kauai or Big Island are good options. I thought the Volcanoes Nat'l Park was bad *** even without Kiluaea. The southeastern coast where the old lava flows meet the sea is spectacular. A drilve of Mauna Loa is also great. But Kauai is special, the Napili coast, Waimea canyon, etc. Flip a coin.

Kapalua is great for the uber golfer set. Its north of Ka'anapali and very inconvenient to anywhere else. I'm guessing Wailea will suit you best.

 

[Mistadobalina]

The wife and I spent 8 days in Kauai, and didn't even get to see the northern half of the island. I spoke to a number of people (prior to, and during the trip) who all seemed to essentially say that Kauai is now, what Maui was 25 years ago. You can stay at the Hyatt in PoiPu bay (which we did) or there's a nice place in Princeville on the north side from what I remember, but seriously, just do 8 days in a single island. It's a vacation. Don't burn almost a full day by hopping from one island to another.

 

[ousuxndallas]

Maui is the place for sure. 4-5 days there, then maybe take the ferry to Lanai and stay at the Four Seasons there for 2-3 nights. More secluded, great golf, and you can swim with dolphins for free.

Definitely take the day trip to Hana and check out the beaches and waterfalls on the way. Make sure you buy the Maui Revealed book before you go.

 

[TXBabe97]

You cannot go wrong with Big Island. It's relatively uncommercialized (except for Kailua-Kona now). I've been four times and still haven't done all the things on that island. You have the volcanoes, great white, black and green sand beaches, laid-back attitudes, etc. PM me if you'd like suggestions. My brother lived in Hilo for 6 years and is the expert.

 

[4th]

Went to Kauai 6 years ago. Mountains (central), Rainforest (north), Desert (southwest), Prairie (southeast), Canyon (south central). 476 annual inches of rain in one spot, <10 about 10 miles away.