Flying to Hawaii - stop or direct?

[Anonymous]

We will be flying to Hawaii with a 17 month old. Is it better to go direct or have a stop? A direct flight would get us there in 9.5 hours. Stopping in SF would be 11.5hr total travel time, with two 5 hour flights.

I generally prefer direct but I've heard that it's better to have a break for the little one to walk, stretch out.

Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I would fly to san fran stay over night or two and head to hawaii the next day. With the time change, doing it in one day sounds like a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Definitely would not waste a whole vacation day with 2 nights in SF!! (Not that it's not a nice place, but if you are heading to HI, make the most of HI!)

What time is the flight? If it's a redeye, I'd go straight through. If not, it's a wash, for me--depending on the time of the layover and the cost. Since it only adds 2 hours to your travel time, I'd do the layover if (i) it's not significantly more expensive and (ii) it doesn't fall in a meal or nap time.

If it's cheaper, do the layover, definitely.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP that it depends on the flight times. If flight would be mostly overnite where DC will be asleep most of the time, then nonstop is fine. But if it's an AM or mid-day flight where DC will be awake most of the time, then do the layover. And don't do a 1-hour layover, do a 2-3 hour layover. You need time for DC to walk and run around, eat, etc., not just run from one gate to board the next flight. I've only done HI with a layover, and the 2 flights were both very long to me, so I think the non-stop would be unbearable to an active child.

[Anonymous]

If I had the option to get it over with by flying direct, I certainly would take the option. Otherwise, It's unfair to everyone involved---especially you and your baby! 11 hours traveling with a child is not a positive experience, plus ur even more tired once you get there, and have lost time.

[Anonymous]

PP here. What airlines fly directly there from the DC area? I didn't even realize this is an option! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

United is starting a non-stop from Dulles to Honolulu in June -- it's 10.5 hours there, and it looks like the flight will leave Dulles around 1pm.

We've done Hawaii twice with our young son, and have always stopped for a night in San Francisco (we stay at an airport hotel). It adds two days onto the trip, and is more expensive, but being able to get off the plane, run around, have an extra day in the middle of a 5-hour time zone adjustment, etc. makes things far more bearable for us.

[Anonymous]

I just did a 2 hour flight with my 17 month old, and remembered why we didn't fly anywhere with #1 between the ages of 18 months and 3. I would wait until your child is 4.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just did a 2 hour flight with my 17 month old, and remembered why we didn't fly anywhere with #1 between the ages of 18 months and 3. I would wait until your child is 4.

Don't wait. Live your life! Tomorrow is not promised!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:United is starting a non-stop from Dulles to Honolulu in June -- it's 10.5 hours there, and it looks like the flight will leave Dulles around 1pm.

We've done Hawaii twice with our young son, and have always stopped for a night in San Francisco (we stay at an airport hotel). It adds two days onto the trip, and is more expensive, but being able to get off the plane, run around, have an extra day in the middle of a 5-hour time zone adjustment, etc. makes things far more bearable for us.

Thank you. How long do you stay once you get there? Seems like a lot of work and time spent traveling, but if it's worth it, then, great for you? I can't see working so hard for a 1 week vacation with a pre schooler. Am I missing something?

[Anonymous]

12:26 here. We stay in Hawaii for two full weeks, and would stay for three if we had the time and money. Only a week would not be worth it, but two totally is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:12:26 here. We stay in Hawaii for two full weeks, and would stay for three if we had the time and money. Only a week would not be worth it, but two totally is.

Can you go over your Hawaii trip schedule/plan for me? We are considering Hawaii in the ner future or next year... Where to stay? Do you only stay in one place or travel around? To where?

[Anonymous]

12:26 here again. We've been to Hawaii many times over the years, and right now just go to Maui for the whole trip and stay in one place. We've also done Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Totally depends on your vacation style, in terms of where to go, and whether to island hop. I will say that of all the islands I've been to over the years, Maui is my all-time fave, and I think it has a good balance of activities and total relaxation. I'd be happy to share more specifics, if you tell me a little more about what you're looking for . . . . But, overall, you just really can't go too wrong with a Hawaii vacation, I don't think. It's the best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:12:26 here again. We've been to Hawaii many times over the years, and right now just go to Maui for the whole trip and stay in one place. We've also done Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Totally depends on your vacation style, in terms of where to go, and whether to island hop. I will say that of all the islands I've been to over the years, Maui is my all-time fave, and I think it has a good balance of activities and total relaxation. I'd be happy to share more specifics, if you tell me a little more about what you're looking for . . . . But, overall, you just really can't go too wrong with a Hawaii vacation, I don't think. It's the best!

We are definitely looking for relaxation, some easy/short hiking . We are NOT the adventurous type and don't want to do things like canoing, rafting, surfing, etc.

I know it is an oxymoron, but we also travel on a budget - so, no luxury resorts and over the top expensive vacations for us (I know Hawaii is expensive, however I also know that you can make any vaccation budget friendly).

[Anonymous]

We lived in HI when our child was that age. We preferred the nonstop, although yes, it is very long. If possible to purchase a seat for the child, that makes it much better. Our child always took a few days to a week to really adjust to the time change so you may want to consider that in your planning.