Anonymous wrote:Hiking and surfing sound like Kauai is where you want to be. Yes, it's cool to hike through the volcano craters, but there are like 6 miles of hikes, that's it. Unless you are willing to hike at night to hope to see lava.

That being said, it's an easy flight from Kauai to the big island. I would spend the bulk in Kauai with a two nights at the National Park.

Hiking family here and this is exactly our plan. We're likely only to ever go once as a family, so waiting until DD is at an age where she'll most remember it (and be able to do strenuous hikes)...so probably not until she is 12+.

We took our kids at 7 and 9. We split 2 weeks between Oahu and the Big Island. Oahu is fantastic - livable, hiking, the North Shore, snorkeling. The Big Island was a dream - we split our time between the coasts. They hiked Volcanoes national park without issue. It was a sight of a lifetime.

Hiking and surfing sound like Kauai is where you want to be. Yes, it's cool to hike through the volcano craters, but there are like 6 miles of hikes, that's it. Unless you are willing to hike at night to hope to see lava.

That being said, it's an easy flight from Kauai to the big island. I would spend the bulk in Kauai with a two nights at the National Park.

Also we booked our trip through Costco. It was such a great deal vs booking directly through Hilton.

Just got back from the Grand Wailea and it was awesome. We went with our 5 year old.
Pro tips -
Bring a life vest. The pools are all at least 4 1/2 to 5 feet with the exception of one very small pool. Everyone stopped and asked me where I got it and I said I brought it. It made the lazy river and all the slides fun and worry free.
If you can wait until your DC is 5. The kids club is awesome but they will not take kids under 5.
Kids under 5 eat free at most of the restaurants on property. That's why 5 really is the sweet spot.
Bring a great set of googles because the ocean is perfect outside the hotel. We saw turtles swim past several days just on the hotel beach. Also the surf is perfect. Enough of a wave for fun but not strong enough to knock anyone down. Also the sand is like powder and there is absolutely no seaweed.

Be prepared for your child to not adjust to the time change. It took 6 days for us. Definitely rent a car so you can explore. Lots of great parks (even a few playgrounds) along the highway near the ocean.
Keihi cafe opens at 5 am and serves kids sized breakfast. There's also a playground across the street.
Finally Maui has an amazing aquarium as well.

I highly recommend the Grand Wailea for your trip.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. What is a good age for a family trip to Hawaii? Especially if you may only go once?

OP, I hear such lovely things about the Grand Wailea and the Wailea area in general. That's where I want to go. My kids are 5 and 8 though and I'm thinking I'll waiting until they are at least 10 and 13.

We just went this summer with kids age 11 and 13. I'm glad we waited until then. We were on the Big Island, split time between a resort on the Kona side and a house near Volcano National Park. They could really participate in and enjoy a long snorkeling trip, hiking, stargazing up on Mauna Kea. DH had been pushing to go for a while but it's such a long flight from DC that I didn't want to do it with younger kids.

That is worth every single dollar that van ride costs.

Oahu,Honolulu- Waikiki Beach. Tons of properties to stay at for families, lots to do, it's near the Honolulu Zoo - beach, pools, shopping, ice cream, just walking around. Hilton is Great, so are the Outrigger properties. I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Village - the ocean isn't as rough, plus there is a GREAT manmade lagoon for kids with all kinds of activities. IF you want a less busy area, still go to Oahu, but stay at the Disney Property Aulani. It's Wonderful!!!!!

Anonymous wrote:We did Maui for our first family trip to Hawaii, and it was a great choice. Split our time (12 days ) between Ka'anapali and Wailea (Grand Wailea is kid heaven).

We stayed at the Grand Wailea for 8 days three years ago and it was an amazing trip. Totally recommend that place, we were going to move to the Ritz for 4 days but didn't want to leave so extended our stay! We are going again next year when our kids are 10,9 and 7.

I would stay in Maui, really anywhere is fine as the whole island is great and not too large. We've gone on some Hike Maui hikes and it was wonderful with or without kids, not too strenuous and they teach you a lot about the island, and you get to swim in a waterfall pool. There is a short one that is fine for younger kids. If you want surfing, Oahu might be better.

I just did the long haul with a younger kid to Oahu and it was wonderful, thanking my lucky stars. But I'm not sure I'd take a 4yo surfing or hiking (there are some easy hikes but the best ones look really treacherous)

Anonymous wrote:NP here. What is a good age for a family trip to Hawaii? Especially if you may only go once?

OP, I hear such lovely things about the Grand Wailea and the Wailea area in general. That's where I want to go. My kids are 5 and 8 though and I'm thinking I'll waiting until they are at least 10 and 13.

We just went this summer with kids age 11 and 13. I'm glad we waited until then. We were on the Big Island, split time between a resort on the Kona side and a house near Volcano National Park. They could really participate in and enjoy a long snorkeling trip, hiking, stargazing up on Mauna Kea. DH had been pushing to go for a while but it's such a long flight from DC that I didn't want to do it with younger kids.

NP here. What is a good age for a family trip to Hawaii? Especially if you may only go once?

OP, I hear such lovely things about the Grand Wailea and the Wailea area in general. That's where I want to go. My kids are 5 and 8 though and I'm thinking I'll waiting until they are at least 10 and 13.

The Big Island has the volcano park which has a lot of hiking. There is also a hike to the green sand beach which is pretty cool to see.

I can't say anything about surfing though.

We did Maui for our first family trip to Hawaii, and it was a great choice. Split our time (12 days ) between Ka'anapali and Wailea (Grand Wailea is kid heaven).

What part of Hawaii or which resort would you rec for a family trip with a 4 year old? Looking for a place close to hikes and surfing as well. Maui?