Thinking about going to Hawaii over Spring Break with wife and 9 and 11 year old daughters. We've never been before and I know virtually nothing specific about where to go and what to do. What would be the recommended island for someone who's never been before? We'd like a good mix of beaches (least important to us), jungles and volcanoes if possible.
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Hawaii for first timers
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Last: 20 days ago by breezecustomtravel
Only active volcanos are on Hilo.
"I've lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which have actually happened."
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
I think Maui would be best. You get a little of all of that. Also the Big island would be a consideration. Not sure if want something turnkey with all the amenities or something more rustic. We have always done condos where possible, hit Costco and cooked some meals because food is so dang expensive there. Do the sunrise on Haleakala, it is a near religious experience.ReloadAg said:
Thinking about going to Hawaii over Spring Break with wife and 9 and 11 year old daughters. We've never been before and I know virtually nothing specific about where to go and what to do. What would be the recommended island for someone who's never been before? We'd like a good mix of beaches (least important to us), jungles and volcanoes if possible.
We've been twice, and while the Big Island was our second trip, I'd recommend it for a first timer.
The Big Island is where Volcanoes National Park is, and it's home to Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
The island has a much more laid back, rural feel and is easily drivable. You can hit Volcanoes National Park on your own and do a variety of self-guided activities or book guided hikes. We really wanted to visit the Thurston lava tubes when we were there but couldn't because there was an active eruption.
There is a sunset tour to the Mauna Kea summit to see the sunset. Your youngest may be too young (only a couple of companies do this tour, and there was an age limit when we booked it). But you can go to the visitors center and view the sunset there.
The Big Island is also one of only two places in the world where you can snorkel with Manta Rays. I highly recommend this.
The beaches are a bit rougher, but you said this is your lowest priority. I don't know what your budget is, but the Fairmont Orchid has a fantastic beach with a protected lagoon where you can snorkel, SUP, etc. It's really amazing.
There are a lot of great waterfalls on the Big Island (easy to drive to) and there are a couple of botanical parks that fit your "jungle" interest.
Check out a website called Love Big Island for more info about sightseeing. Big Island Guide is another good website.
Logistically, you will prob want to fly in/out of Kona (KOA). Hilo is closer to the Volcanoes National Park, but I don't think you will want to spend your whole trip staying in that area. I would either stay in Kona and drive or do a short split stay with most of your nights in Kona.
There are some pretty neat accommodations near Volcanoes National Park that would give you a "sleeping in the jungle vibe". There is Volcano Inn, Volcano Village Lodge, Volcano House (actually has views of the crater), and others.
In Kona, there is a good mix of chain hotels and Airbnbs.
The Big Island was a one-island trip for us. There is plenty to do to keep you busy for a week. Our first visit, we did Oahu, Maui, and Kauai all in one trip. While I enjoyed all of the islands we've visited, The Big Island is my favorite.
The Big Island is where Volcanoes National Park is, and it's home to Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
The island has a much more laid back, rural feel and is easily drivable. You can hit Volcanoes National Park on your own and do a variety of self-guided activities or book guided hikes. We really wanted to visit the Thurston lava tubes when we were there but couldn't because there was an active eruption.
There is a sunset tour to the Mauna Kea summit to see the sunset. Your youngest may be too young (only a couple of companies do this tour, and there was an age limit when we booked it). But you can go to the visitors center and view the sunset there.
The Big Island is also one of only two places in the world where you can snorkel with Manta Rays. I highly recommend this.
The beaches are a bit rougher, but you said this is your lowest priority. I don't know what your budget is, but the Fairmont Orchid has a fantastic beach with a protected lagoon where you can snorkel, SUP, etc. It's really amazing.
There are a lot of great waterfalls on the Big Island (easy to drive to) and there are a couple of botanical parks that fit your "jungle" interest.
Check out a website called Love Big Island for more info about sightseeing. Big Island Guide is another good website.
Logistically, you will prob want to fly in/out of Kona (KOA). Hilo is closer to the Volcanoes National Park, but I don't think you will want to spend your whole trip staying in that area. I would either stay in Kona and drive or do a short split stay with most of your nights in Kona.
There are some pretty neat accommodations near Volcanoes National Park that would give you a "sleeping in the jungle vibe". There is Volcano Inn, Volcano Village Lodge, Volcano House (actually has views of the crater), and others.
In Kona, there is a good mix of chain hotels and Airbnbs.
The Big Island was a one-island trip for us. There is plenty to do to keep you busy for a week. Our first visit, we did Oahu, Maui, and Kauai all in one trip. While I enjoyed all of the islands we've visited, The Big Island is my favorite.
Thanks. Usually when we travel we like to stay at condos or AirBNBs.
The good news is that no matter which island you pick, you won't be wrong.
I agree with the above that Big Island might be your best bet. It's got a great variety of adventure and natural beauty. And the snorkeling is the best in the state, especially around Captain Cook and Two Step. It's an absolute must that you snorkel with the mantas at night. I'd do that later in the trip, though, as your body will need to adjust to the time change. As mentioned, the only active volcanoes are on Hawaii. If you can, do a helicopter tour of them. We use Blue Hawaii out of Hilo. Then we stay at Volcano House in the park. It's cool to wake up at 3:00am and see the glow of the caldera from your room. You'll be up that early anyways with the time change so you might as well drive out to the crater and have lava in front of you in the crater and a beautiful sky above you. You're at 4000 feet with little light pollution so the stars are pretty clear. I'd spend the first night or two on the Hilo side and then jump over to Kona.
Maui is great, too. Lots of great beaches and snorkeling. Haleakala at sunrise is incredible (get a reservation). Mamas Fish House is my favorite meal on the island. And the Road to Hana is great if you take your time and spend the night in Hana. There's lots to do on Maui and I love it there, but it feels more crowded than Hawaii or Kauai.
Kauai is actually my favorite island. It's very beautiful with diverse landscapes and the feel has always been more relaxing to me. Ke'e Beach is probably my favorite beach in the world. I am always moving around on trips and wanting to explore but when I get to Ke'e, I can sit for hours and enjoy the views…well, I snorkel there too. Tunnels Beach is also very nice and the snorkeling out on the reef is fun. We scuba there too, although Hawaii isn't the best place in the world to scuba. Be sure to cruise Napali from the north side, as you get more time off that coast than if you leave from the south. We use Napali Catamaran. We typically get a condo in Princeville for a week and the move down south to Poipu to be closer to the south side activities. We stay at the Hyatt (kids love it there).
I love all the islands, so like I said, you can't go wrong.
I agree with the above that Big Island might be your best bet. It's got a great variety of adventure and natural beauty. And the snorkeling is the best in the state, especially around Captain Cook and Two Step. It's an absolute must that you snorkel with the mantas at night. I'd do that later in the trip, though, as your body will need to adjust to the time change. As mentioned, the only active volcanoes are on Hawaii. If you can, do a helicopter tour of them. We use Blue Hawaii out of Hilo. Then we stay at Volcano House in the park. It's cool to wake up at 3:00am and see the glow of the caldera from your room. You'll be up that early anyways with the time change so you might as well drive out to the crater and have lava in front of you in the crater and a beautiful sky above you. You're at 4000 feet with little light pollution so the stars are pretty clear. I'd spend the first night or two on the Hilo side and then jump over to Kona.
Maui is great, too. Lots of great beaches and snorkeling. Haleakala at sunrise is incredible (get a reservation). Mamas Fish House is my favorite meal on the island. And the Road to Hana is great if you take your time and spend the night in Hana. There's lots to do on Maui and I love it there, but it feels more crowded than Hawaii or Kauai.
Kauai is actually my favorite island. It's very beautiful with diverse landscapes and the feel has always been more relaxing to me. Ke'e Beach is probably my favorite beach in the world. I am always moving around on trips and wanting to explore but when I get to Ke'e, I can sit for hours and enjoy the views…well, I snorkel there too. Tunnels Beach is also very nice and the snorkeling out on the reef is fun. We scuba there too, although Hawaii isn't the best place in the world to scuba. Be sure to cruise Napali from the north side, as you get more time off that coast than if you leave from the south. We use Napali Catamaran. We typically get a condo in Princeville for a week and the move down south to Poipu to be closer to the south side activities. We stay at the Hyatt (kids love it there).
I love all the islands, so like I said, you can't go wrong.
Kayak is our fav too but it doesn't have volcanos
"I've lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which have actually happened."
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
If you think you'll never go back, fly into Honolulu and do pearl harbor the first day, then switch islands (or do it last day).
Big island feels most authentic Hawaii and has tons of land diversity, it's our favorite island as it has most options imo. Volcanos national park is awesome, pololu valley is great hiking too, probably most driving though if your anti it, but I loved driving the whole island.
Kauai also fits your description of great hiking with the kalalau trail and stuff you can do around the napali coast. Hanalei bay is one of my favorite places on earth. It's just noticeably small. You have to sail or do some boat activity around the coast as it's a Much different view from any of the hikes.
Maui's got everything but feels the most touristy. It seems like island Disney land imo and that always ranks it lowest for me, road to Hana has good adventures, otherwise it's high elevation windy hikes or the one good ridge trail.
One day we'll get back and explore the north shore, but have only heard good things about it.
Big island feels most authentic Hawaii and has tons of land diversity, it's our favorite island as it has most options imo. Volcanos national park is awesome, pololu valley is great hiking too, probably most driving though if your anti it, but I loved driving the whole island.
Kauai also fits your description of great hiking with the kalalau trail and stuff you can do around the napali coast. Hanalei bay is one of my favorite places on earth. It's just noticeably small. You have to sail or do some boat activity around the coast as it's a Much different view from any of the hikes.
Maui's got everything but feels the most touristy. It seems like island Disney land imo and that always ranks it lowest for me, road to Hana has good adventures, otherwise it's high elevation windy hikes or the one good ridge trail.
One day we'll get back and explore the north shore, but have only heard good things about it.
I second the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. It has a fantastic protected beach cove with good snorkeling right outside the cove. It's a very nice property and is close to lots of fun places to drive to...like the Lava Lava Beach Club which is perfect for sunsets.
Haleakala can also be done at sunset as well if you're not able to get reservations or you're not a morning person! I don't know how it compares to sunrise, but it was INCREDIBLE at sunset.
We flew into Honolulu, then boarded a Norwegian liner and visited (almost) all the islands. This allowed us to pack/unpack only once and where to eat was never a question. We booked excursions at each stop. I liked the big island the best.
Ive been to Maui, Oahu, & the Big Island, and the Big Island is definitely what you want. We basically did the exact same trip with the same preferences you described this past July.
Lots of great info has been posted already, but i'll dig up my notes over the next couple of days and share it all on this thread.
Lots of great info has been posted already, but i'll dig up my notes over the next couple of days and share it all on this thread.
We used the Hawaii Revealed and Haku travel apps - really worth the money!
We went to Kauai for our 25th over this spring break. Couldn't care less about resorts or "properties." Stayed at a place called Hale Plantation in Kapaa. It was good for us because it allowed equal access to S and N coasts.
Visited NaPali from the south, yes, it was a longer trip, but when you're on a raft at 60 knots, it doesn't matter. Took one full day and flew to Honolulu and back.
If we go back, I'll either do Kauai again or the Big Island. I'd NOT like to fly halfway around the world to see manicured nature. Would love to hike and explore more. The canyon.O.M.G.
Visited NaPali from the south, yes, it was a longer trip, but when you're on a raft at 60 knots, it doesn't matter. Took one full day and flew to Honolulu and back.
If we go back, I'll either do Kauai again or the Big Island. I'd NOT like to fly halfway around the world to see manicured nature. Would love to hike and explore more. The canyon.O.M.G.
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
94chem said:
We went to Kauai for our 25th over this spring break. Couldn't care less about resorts or "properties." Stayed at a place called Hale Plantation in Kapaa. It was good for us because it allowed equal access to S and N coasts.
Visited NaPali from the south, yes, it was a longer trip, but when you're on a raft at 60 knots, it doesn't matter. Took one full day and flew to Honolulu and back.
If we go back, I'll either do Kauai again or the Big Island. I'd NOT like to fly halfway around the world to see manicured nature. Would love to hike and explore more. The canyon.O.M.G.
The travel time isn't much less, but you would probably love the Azores.
We did our honeymoon on Kauai. It was pretty awesome. I'll never forget the first sunset we saw, we missed the turn for our condo on the near side of Hanalei Bay, and accidentally drove to the far side, noticed the sun was getting low, and pulled out from a coconut palm grove to a beach that was like something out of a movie set or an advertisement. It was empty, just us, and the beach, and the palm trees and the sunset.
It's a great island for hiking the rugged coast or the canyon there, or kayaking the rivers or snorkeling on the coast. Or taking the long downhill bike ride from the canyon to the sea. We enjoyed it.
All the islands are apparently nice and each is unique. Big island has huge parks and volcanoes. Maui is resorts, beaches, and clubs and bars, Oahu is history and beaches. Kauai is canyons, dramatic coastlines, so many waterfalls, and is super laid back.
It's a great island for hiking the rugged coast or the canyon there, or kayaking the rivers or snorkeling on the coast. Or taking the long downhill bike ride from the canyon to the sea. We enjoyed it.
All the islands are apparently nice and each is unique. Big island has huge parks and volcanoes. Maui is resorts, beaches, and clubs and bars, Oahu is history and beaches. Kauai is canyons, dramatic coastlines, so many waterfalls, and is super laid back.
I recommend the Big Island. I've been to all of the islands multiple tines and Big Island is my favorite. Kaui is the most beautiful, in my opinion. But, I could spend a couple of months on the Big Island and never get bored. Lots of hotels and condo rentals available. Besides the volcanoes, the BI has done if the best snorkelling of anywhere I've been.ReloadAg said:
Thinking about going to Hawaii over Spring Break with wife and 9 and 11 year old daughters. We've never been before and I know virtually nothing specific about where to go and what to do. What would be the recommended island for someone who's never been before? We'd like a good mix of beaches (least important to us), jungles and volcanoes if possible.
Just a warning though, I've found Spring Break to be more rainy than other tines I've gone. I prefer Thanksgiving week and any week in December, May, and June.
+1 for Big Island
I have posted my itinerary before so if you search here on TexAgs you can find some great places to visit as I hit pretty much the entire very large Big Isand.
I have posted my itinerary before so if you search here on TexAgs you can find some great places to visit as I hit pretty much the entire very large Big Isand.
Kauai ruled. Most beautiful place I've been to. I've always said if I ever win the lotto, I'm buying a property in Hanalei.
Most of my families that visit Hawaii will choose Maui or The Big Island - so it seems like it's on par with what others are saying.
Also, someone mentioned flying into Honolulu and seeing Pearl Harbor at the beginning of your trip and I would highly recommend this. Or you could do this on the end of your trip, see Pearl Harbor during the day and then flight out for your red-eye that evening.
Also, someone mentioned flying into Honolulu and seeing Pearl Harbor at the beginning of your trip and I would highly recommend this. Or you could do this on the end of your trip, see Pearl Harbor during the day and then flight out for your red-eye that evening.
Lauren K '07
www.breezecustomtravel.com
@breezecustomtravel
www.breezecustomtravel.com
@breezecustomtravel
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