What is the best place to stay when visiting Hawaii?
Sarah asked:
This summer my family is going to Hawaii. We have friends that recommend we stay in a condo and others who suggest that we stay in a hotel. Which one would be better for a family with children age 13, 11, 9, and 7?
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This summer my family is going to Hawaii. We have friends that recommend we stay in a condo and others who suggest that we stay in a hotel. Which one would be better for a family with children age 13, 11, 9, and 7?
October 15th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
outrigger reef in waikiki has friendly service and great rooms, and is kid-friendly
turtle bay resort on north shore has a wonderful pool complex with a waterslide, a great beach with turtles, great prime rib restaurant and a fun atmosphere (a bit on the pricey side)
hilton hawaiian village is highly recommended. they have fireworks shows on friday nights, and have lots of animals (fun for the kids.) they have penguins, flamingos, ducks, geese and parrots, as well as a fun mini mall, waterfalls, beach and pool.
the ohana beachcomber is a cheaper hotel, they have free pastries in the morning and nice rooms, friendly service
best western is a condo/hotel, near the airport. no beach views or anything, but they have a breakfast cafe and pool and small playground. nice rooms.
October 16th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Definitely a condo. A two-bedroom condo will usually sleep 6 to 8 people, with some sleeping on fold-out beds in the living room. And, the parents get their own private room.
You also have full kitchens and even in-unit laundry at some places. With that many kids, this means you can pick up your supplies at a grocery store (figure about 1-1/2 to 2 times mainland prices, though) and make a lot of your own meals. This can be particularly handy for breakfast (cereal and milk) or lunch (quick sandwiches), instead of having to go out for every meal like you would have to at a hotel.
North of Lahaina and Kaanapali on the west side of Maui are areas called Honokowai and Kahana. These are on a road (lower Honoapiilani Highway) that’s off of the main highway, down by the waterfront. Along this road are dozens of rental condos that may go for about $1500 a week for a 2 bedroom unit. Where the lower highway turns off the main highway, there’s a grocery store called Star Market. You can also go to the Safeway off the main highway on the north end of Lahaina.
From this location, you should be right on the ocean or, at the worst, across the street from it. There aren’t very big waves, because of a barrier reef a couple hundred yards off shore. You may even be able to snorkel right off your own beach. The condo complexes also usually have pools overlooking the ocean. You also get views to Lanai and Molokai, as well as sunsets over the ocean. And during whale season (December to April), you can whale watch right on your own lanai.
This is a good location for activities, too. You’re only about 10 miles north of Lahaina, which is a great place to shop and sight see. There’s also a harbor there where most of your water based activities are based (some, like the Molokini snorkel/dive excursions, are based out of Maalaea Harbor, about 15 miles south of Lahaina).
But, I would definintely recommend a vacation rental condo in Honokowai or Kahana.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:41 am
This site has many properties available in Hawaii with many choices family friendly. Go to Click on Book Travel at the top then click on the Villas and Condos Icon enter your destination details.
Have a nice trip
October 20th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
stay anywhere, just stay away from the homeless……
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:48 am
condo would definitely be more fun