We are thinking of taking the extended family–7 adults and a 4 year old–on a trip over the Christmas Holiday.
Most likely the week before Christmas.
Ideally we would have a 4 bedroom but three could work if there is somewhere for G’Son to sleep.
I know how to find places but thought to ask here to see if anyone has a specific place or area that they love.
H and I know Maui well but have never been to The Big Island. Any opinions on which you prefer?
Young adults are mid 20’s and early 30’s. H and I are just old B-).
Thanks!!
I would target Maui. We were there just after the New Year, and kid (25) really enjoyed it. There is zero nightlife on the Big Island, but there is one club apparently somewhere in Lahaina (lol!)
Check the Whaler or Honua Kai - both have 3-bedroom condos, however, I expect the prices to shoot through the roof closer to Christmas.
thanks–I was on the fence about which island. You help me decide on Maui. H and I know it so it will be
easier to navigate and the “kids” will enjoy a club.
I think The Big Island might have less expensive housing though.
Yes to VRBO for larger places. If the kids like activities, not just lounging by the pool, then definitely Maui. You will need a car though. Lahaina/Kaanapali and Wailea are more expensive than Kihei. You might have some luck getting a place there at a more reasonable rate. Plus, December is when the whales begin to arrive to HI, and Maui is one of the best places to watch them.
You do not go to Big Island for night life - you go for the amazing nature although some rudimentary nightlife exists in Kona. On the Big Island you can visit Volcano National Park and hopefully all of you can cross big crater. You can also visit waterfalls in and near Hilo, black sand beach with turtles, warm bath heated by the volcano (clear favorite of the older people and small kids) and Southernmost point. If your 20-30 olds rent a 4wd vehicle and go on their own - they will have a lot of additional opportunities - kayak to Cook monument, snorkel in a few places, drive down the Valley of the Kings, visit green sand beach and drive up to Mona Kia. They can do nude beach, hike in search of live lava, surf, hike down the Kahala Reserve, etc.
On the Kona side there are couple of white sand beaches that resemble Maui but volcanic beaches near Hilo are good too and you can always find a small natural pool for a 4yo. Right now they are full of giant turtles. Drive on Saddle Road in good weather is sensational. Hilo side is my favorite. Hilo side is cheaper than Kona but you have to visit both. Not sure if you are open to relocate during vacation. If not you can do day trips around the island but it is called Big for a reason.
Maui is good if you want to lay on the flat beach and do nothing. Expensive and boring. Unfortunately 4yo is too young to benefit from most Big Island wonders.
Obviously, I was kidding about night life. Lol. It is non-existent in HI outside of Honolulu, although my kid found some bar in Lahaina that was open past 1 am. Some 20+ yr olds might be bored out of their minds by volcanoes and waterfalls, some enjoy nature, and some need some adventure mixed in to enjoy it, like horseback riding and ziplining. Maui is more compact than the Big Island, so less driving will be needed to reach sites and activities.
Personally, I love Big Island. It is very relaxing.
My kids were ok just chilling with us when we went to neighbor islands, tho no nightlife. When our extended family gathers, they bring games and play together for their nightlife.
We live on Oahu, have traveled to both islands, and are originally from Oregon. When our extended family comes to visit us in the winter, they mostly want to get warm! That includes lots of beach time, ocean activities (snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing, SUP), and hikes. Food you can’t find on the mainland is popular too. I’d pick the leeward side of whichever island you decide on for the best chance of dry weather. For more of a pampered, manicured, touristy feel, pick a condo associated with a resort. If you are willing to travel more outside typical tourist areas for a more authentic experience (and want to say some money) pick VBRO or Airbnb.
I think the ocean is the big draw, so Google Hawaiian beaches, find pictures of ones that make your heart flutter, then find the place as close as possible to it.
Back to choosing which island! Thanks for all of your posts. Very helpful!
Hope to nail down everyone’s commitment soon. I am finding that many places have a two week requirement
over the Holidays.
Here are some ideas for beachfront properties. Check the Papakea condos on Maui. There are multi-bedroom units, and the complex is just north of the fancier resorts. There is a good grocery store within walking distance. Some units are rented by the owners directly, some are part of the Aston group.
Also, if you do not mind some noise, Honua Kai has been runnig a “hard hat soecial” for the units located on the south side and facing the construction of the new Westin timeshare. We stayed in a 2br/2ba unit, and the noise was not an issue.
If you do VRBO, the website has recently added a service fee, around 10% of the listing. This only goes to VRBO/Homeaway, as far as the owners can tell, there is no benefit to the guest, though the website is acting like they are keeping you safe from scammer. We do all read about scams, now & again, so I suppose it is possible, but if you pay by credit card, I think you are safe anyway, if you show up and the house does not exist, you dispute that charge with MC/Visa
Many owners are happy to have you save the fee by paying them directly, it actually hurts the owner in the future ranking of the house, if you click book it now and they decline it. I suggest, if you find an appealing VRBO place, google it a bit, see if they have their own website. And if you communicate, don’t “Book it Now” just inquire.
If you talk to the person & feel comfortable, save yourself the 10% +/-
You might want to think about what you want to do on this vacation. Do you like to golf and play tennis? Sightsee?
We’ve been to the islands before so our choices might not be “typical”.
We were on the Big Island in January, after the holidays. We stayed at the Mauna Lani Terrace, but there were only 4 of us (no little kids…19 and 21 yr old). We went for the weather and to play golf and tennis. Going to see the volcanoes, whale watching in Kona, and stargazing on Mauna Kea were our “big” excursions. The north end is feels less congested than Kona, but it is a drive from the airport.
Then my husband and I went to Maui in February. We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Villas. We went for the golf. It was definitely quieter that far north. I will mention that we flew into the west airport from Honolulu…we did it to avoid the airport in Kahului. It was a small propeller plane but cut off a lot of “car time”. It was very convenient and we would do it again, but it is definitely not for everyone. (Mokulele Airlines)
We’re not ‘sit all day at the beach people’, so our choices may not appeal to you.
I have to run now, but if you have questions, I’ll check back later.
Good question–what do we like to do? No golfing and little tennis. Lots of water time and snorkeling. Kid friendly pool and beach.
Happy to play games/watch a movie at night. H and I walk a lot. All 4 “kids” will study or work a few hours a day.
Volcano yes. No doubt send them off to Hana (we have been). Maybe boat somewhere and hopefully see dolphins and whales. Mainly cook but out a lunch and Happy Hour. Think we will rent two cars. I am the picky one and also
do not want to feel trapped without a car.
Thanks all!
Have fun! We like staying near Ka’anapali Beach. We did go on the Road to Hana one time - H and I enjoyed it. D and S did not. They prefer going to the beach, snorkeling, surfing, playing tennis, and playing golf. We all enjoy going to a luau.
@CCDD14 nailed my opinion of the Big Island. We owned a condo there for years (and then decided that for the cost of the taxes, we could rent a place for a month once a year). When we rent, we rent through VRBO or Kona Sunsets Vacation Rentals and we rent at the Mauna Lani. I’m very particular about renting out on the Kohala Coast, and not in Kona or Hilo. I really don’t like the volcanic fog (VOG) that is the result of the current (on-going for many years now) eruption of Mauna Loa. http://www.hilo.hawaii.edu/~nat_haz/volcanoes/vog.php
I think a big factor is your grandchild. What works for older kids or young adults might not be the best for a young child. If I was going with a group that included young children I would seriously look at a condo on Kaanapali beach. It has plenty of sand to build castles, easy beach for playing in the water. Pool for when the ocean is rough. Lots of activities. Places to eat within walking distance. Easy for those who are done with the beach to walk back to the unit.
I thought I’d check back and saw that you have been to Maui many times. I think you need to decide whether you want to go somewhere familiar or completely new. Traveling with a large group has its own innate challenges. Consequently, there will be pros and cons with either choice. Let us know which island you choose.
We seems to be looking more at Maui as it is more familiar. But it seems to be more $$$ also.
Also, wondering about Dengue fever on The Big Island. Of course, also must watch for Zika… and it spreading. Not in Hawaii yet except for travelers–just like here.
What confuses me is the great range of prices. D found a place that looks “too good to be true”.
It is VBRO. I have emailed and asked a question.
Many places are booked or have a two week requirement but, still, many more available.
Decided to look mainly for a 3 bedroom and figure a sleeping spot out for G’Son after.
and it spreading. Not in Hawaii yet except for travelers–just like here.