Yes, 15K would include flights. Thanks for the recommendations, please keep them coming!

We did 12 days split between the big island and Kauai last summer. It was perfect. We rented airbnbs in both and stocked the house at Costco (same prices in HI as on the mainland, unlike everything else) to save money. Rented a car on both (spouse’s company has a portal you can use for personal use that is a flat rate for a week anywhere)

7 days Kona
—snorkeling
—beaches
—volcano
—surf lessons
—manta rays
—turtles and black sand beach

5 days Princeville
—Na pali coast
—hikes
—waterfall kayaking
—hanalei beach/town

If I had the opportunity to do it over I would probably add a day to Kauai to enjoy beaches—they were stunning. I have been to Maui and Honolulu before as well (growing up in California it was an easy trip). Maui id skip from the fires and Honolulu has nothing special that the other islands don’t have also.

Does $15k include flights?

Another vote for the Big Island. I’d stop in Honolulu for a day to see Pearl Harbor first. We took our boys to the BI a few years ago when they were 11 and 13. They keep asking to go back. It was their favorite vacation.

Anonymous wrote:I love the Big Island. Beach resorts and amazing snorkeling (right off the beach at the Mauna Lani which is an amazing hotel). Night time snorkeling with rays was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Volcanoes Nat'l Park, which actually has a hotel, and a restaurant where you can see the rim of Kilauea. Going to the summit of Mauna Kea observatory and doing one of the astronomy programs is amazing -- we got to see Saturn through one of their scopes; I will never forget it. Coffee plantation tours. Beauty everywhere. Can't wait to go back.

+1 for the Big Island. It has 7 ecological zones, so lots of diversity and things to do. Our teens really enjoyed the night swimming with the manta rays, snorkeling from a catamaran that we rented, and the coffee tour (oddly, but there were animals).

It’s a heavenly trip. Go for it. Stay 2 weeks. 15k is more than enough. I’ve been to Maui multiple times (my favorite), as well as Kauai, so I can only offer advice on those islands. Not sure if Maui wants a big tourism season this summer, so that’s something to investigate. Normally it would be a no brainer. I’d probably do 1 week Big Island and 1 week Kauai. I do not recommend Princeville though. I thought it was pretty bland.

Did 10 days a few summers ago with kids 12 and 14. We flew into Honolulu and stayed at a hotel for 2 nights, saw Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Then flew to Kauai and rented a condo near Princeville for 7 nights. Enjoyed the beaches (Hanalei was a favorite), hiking/touring esp. Waimea Canyon, great food, gorgeous views everywhere.

I love the Big Island. Beach resorts and amazing snorkeling (right off the beach at the Mauna Lani which is an amazing hotel). Night time snorkeling with rays was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Volcanoes Nat'l Park, which actually has a hotel, and a restaurant where you can see the rim of Kilauea. Going to the summit of Mauna Kea observatory and doing one of the astronomy programs is amazing -- we got to see Saturn through one of their scopes; I will never forget it. Coffee plantation tours. Beauty everywhere. Can't wait to go back.

They do not want you there:

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/05/03/hawaiian-overtourism-residents-beg-tourists-to-stop-visiting-amid-post-pandemic-boom

https://news.yahoo.com/some-hawaii-locals-want-tourists-to-stay-away-for-good-do-they-have-a-point-182344788.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADHUiHUCWtkKHXz8-SYhooTvOtbTx608tU19vOhgYJKgl5Fp1GGUM82N0L5KcnqzokLRp5ljWvEcW_4Yie8vPKLFAycqFCDHtt5yRBJ4y9dzyjeLinqsvLsHEOlwTV4iGqDZ5sbmtpNQBCdYYUze3a_4EheYm5iZOjARy9JIzvlF

We've never been before-- we have three boys, all of whom are older teens. Which island or islands, if we have 10 days total? We care more about hikes, scenery, cool Hawaii specific things, rather than just hanging out on the beach (though we'd probably do that for a couple of days too). Also, just in terms of price, we'd like to keep it at 15K or less if possible. I know that's kind of a low budget for 5 people in Hawaii. Any recommendations of islands/things to do/places to stay would be much appreciated! Thanks!