What is the best way to plan a trip to Hawaii for a family of 4?
andrea b asked:
We have never really planned a big trip like this before. Do I go on those discount travel websites? Do I get a travel agent? get airfare and hotel separate? Together? Just new at this and need advice. Also for those who have been to Hawaii, where should we go? We will stay for a week and our kids are 10 and 15. We will want to go and explore the Island. Thanks.
We have never really planned a big trip like this before. Do I go on those discount travel websites? Do I get a travel agent? get airfare and hotel separate? Together? Just new at this and need advice. Also for those who have been to Hawaii, where should we go? We will stay for a week and our kids are 10 and 15. We will want to go and explore the Island. Thanks.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Since you didn’t specify which Island, I will assume you are going to Oahu(Honolulu/Waikiki) You can go online and Plan yourself…Possibly saving some money. When we go (myself and my 3 teens..13 14 and 17) I always use Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays…our Travel Agent sets it up…I don’t know what your budget it so I will go middle of the road with Hotels…we love the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach…rooms start in the Low $200’s…Below I will Post my Tried and True list of things to do on Oahu…Aloha E Komo Mai…
Here is a list of our favorites on Oahu (Honolulu/Waikiki) Have A Wonderful Time~~
Surfing
Swimming
Working on your tan
Outrigger Canoeing
Catamaran Sailing
Snorkeling
Shopping
People Watching
Torch Lighting on Waikiki
Eating /Drinking etc…
All Of the Above are within walking distance from your Hotel…
Aside from the normal activities on Waikiki Beach there is..
Hiking Diamond Head
Pearl Harbor Tour
Polynesian Cultural Center
Sea Life Park
Honolulu Zoo
Shark Diving
Waikiki Aquarium
Dolphin Adventure
Hanauma Bay
North Shore
Pineapple Plantation
Flea Market at Aloha Stadium(I believe on Wednesdays)
Ala Moana Shopping Center (Largest Out door Mall in the World)
Scuba Diving
Snuba Diving
Horse Back Riding
Zip Line
Jet Skiing
Para Sailing
Dinner Cruises
Luau
Helicopter Tours( you will be able to see water-falls from the air)
Deep Sea Fishing Charters etc…
There is also a Water Park
Beaches Beaches Beaches
The List Goes on and on…Aloha Enjoy A Hui Ho
Source(s):
Edit…and DON’T forget to hang at “Dukes”…the VERY best Restaurant/Beach Bar in the WORLD (Located in the LL on Waikiki Beach in The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel)
(Kid Friendly)
Source(s):
Pick up the Oahu Saver book…you can find them everywhere…they have some good deals on Activities! Also download the ‘Trip Advisor’ site I gave above..
The Best way to get around is Public Transportation…Traffic on Oahu is outrageous…so I would only rent a car for a day or two to get to the other side of the Island..North Shore
November 20th, 2009 at 8:47 am
use Pleasant Hawaiin Holidays website, they will quote you a price on all of it except certain activities
skip the Lei greeting, since 9/11 it hasn’t been the same
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I went in 2006 and we did use a travel agent. But I’d price it out yourself and then compare to what an agent tells you. The food is pricey if you eat out so maybe consider a condo where you can make your own meals if you wish!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:46 am
The best way to plan a trip to Hawaii is to do what you’re doing right now - do some research and decide what you want out of the trip. You never know when an opportunity like this will come again, and the more you do before the trip the less you’ll have to do during your trip - so you can enjoy your dream vacation.
Remember that Hawaii is made up of several islands, so you have to work out inter island travel if you want to visit more than one island. Since you’re staying for a week with your kids, you’ll probably have the most fun in the capital, Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Honolulu has several tourist spots for different interests.
- Waikiki Beach: Hanging out at this famous beach is lots of fun for you and the kids. Watch the sunset from this location at least once during your stay.
- Waikiki Aquarium: The aquarium has family activities and even provides a chance to explore the reef at night and find sea creatures.
- Honolulu Harbor: Stroll around the city (it’s really beautiful at night) and enjoy some of the cutest shops and landmarks. Don’t miss Aloha Tower and if you go into the downtown area, visit the royal Iolani Palace - they offer guided tours and everything.
- For a beach experience that’s quite different from Waikiki, visit the Hanauma Bay. It’s also a wildlife preserve where you can see all kinds of marine life. If you don’t want to carry your own fins and masks for snorkeling, they have some to rent.
- Diamond Head: See the natural beauty of Hawaii and walk the trails of Diamond Head. It’s very relaxing and provides lots of opportunities for photos. If you’re a fan of the TV show Lost, look out for the filming locations.
- Swim with Dolphins: There are several parks on Oahu where you can swim with the dolphins. It can be expensive, but it’s a truly unique experience.
- Learn to Surf: While you’re on the islands, why not take the opportunity to learn how to surf. At least watch the sport live - there’s nothing like it. It’s amazing.
- Luau: Each luau on the island has its own flavor. Seeing the fire dancers will make it fun for your kids, so I’d recommend attending one at night.
Where to stay:
Since Hawaii is a vacation spot, there are hotels and accommodations for a wide range of prices. Online travel packages offer the best deals, and they will likely be better than if you get a travel agent.
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, see if there is a package that will get your airfare, hotel, car rental, and the cost of the activities - like surfing lessons or dolphin riding - included.
It will take some time, and a great deal of patience, but it’ll be worth it. And I speak from experience when I say keep all of your notes, coupons, and print outs in a folder or just one location so they don’t get lost.
Good luck!