Planning a Family Vacation (Kihei, Waikoloa Village: rentals, condos, hotels)

[Smonkey21]

My wife and I have twin 4 soon to be 5 year old boys. We really want to take a well deserved vacation but not sure where to start when looking in Hawaii. I hear Kauai and Maui are very nice. I was wondering does it make more sense to rent a house for the week or to just book a vacation with a hotel? Does anyone have any suggestions and maybe know of any nice rentals that wont break my budget but that are on or very near to a nice beach?

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide

Smonkey21

[whynot?]

You might think about renting a condo, which gives you the convenience of both hotel services and the amenities of a house. Both islands have lots of options for those -- on the beaches, near the beaches, etc. -- depending upon the kind of area you want to stay in (in a town/not in a town, walking distance to shops and restaurants/not, etc.) and your budget.

[Ellwood]

We visit Maui every year for several weeks and stay at Ekahi condos in Wailea. They have several pools and direct access to Keawaukapu beach which is beautiful, but all Hawaiian beaches are gorgeous. The ocean side pool has a covered patio with refrigerators where you can have your lunch. The condos are equipped with washer/dryers, grills, beach towels, etc. We prefer it over a hotel as it is cheaper than eating every meal at a restaurant and very convenient for little ones. If you do a search for Ekahi, there are several sites that have owner rentals or managed rentals.

[mdand3boys]

With boys that age - Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa. Been there many times over the years with our 3 boys, now ages 11,14,17. It is more family oriented than the other resorts and amazing isn't even the word for it.

Hawaii Big Island Hotel - Hilton Waikoloa Village - Kona Kohala Coast Hotels

[KonaKat]

What is your budget for the vacation? When do you plan to come? High season rates are basically Nov. thru March or April.

Yes, Big Island is great! I live there. The Hilton has a lot of amenities that a young family will like, plus is close to a number of other interesting destinations.

All the islands are nice tho. It's hard to have a bad day anywhere in Hawaii.

[Calico Salsa]

I think there's more to do on Maui, if having things to do is something you want. More infrastructure, more choices. Kauai is more natural, more rural. If you want a lot of nature, going to the beach, hiking, then Kauai would work out great. Maui has a bit more city, more restaurants, more activities.

I agree with other posters that a condo would be best for a family. Save some cash by having breakfast at "home", and also fixing your own lunches. Use the saved cash to make more memories, renting surfboards, going on snorkeling trips, etc.

Occupancy is way down everywhere, so be sure to ask for best pricing. Check out pictures on the internet, and come back on here and ask about specific areas; you'll get replies.

See if the Mana Kai in Kihei, Maui is something you can afford. Condo tower right on a great beach, good but small pool, small store, restaurant - you hardly have to leave the property! Maui Sunset in Northern Kihei is older but also good - the beaches right there aren't as good and somewhat windy in the afternoon, but a very short drive to good beaches.

[skilaketahoe]

I'm taking the skiis anyway, onto Tahoe from Oz, so I'll be happy.

vrbo.com, resortime.com are possible condo sites to look at. I've just started looking at our trip that'll be either side of the ski trip.