Maui
Flew in and out of west side of Maui (changed planes in San Francisco) 6 days,
2 adults, 3 kids:ages 13, 11, 5
Day by day reports:
DAY 1:
Beach
and resort time—total detox. We arrived late in the day, so not much time.
We were surprised to find out our five-year-old wasn’t fond of the beach.
She found the sand uncomfortable and was surprised when the salt water stung
her eyes, etc—for a kiddo who had only been around pools, it was an issue.
Something to be aware of for other families.
DAY 2:
Lahaina, walked around. Played in Banyan tree park. Kids are allowed to play
and climb all around them; kept them occupied for an hour and a half. We bought
some sand toys for Eden to try and keep her entertained and busy. They were
pretty helpful—she was open to playing on the beach from then on, but there
was no selling her on swimming—even with goggles. So we took turns swimming
with the boys while one of us hung out with Eden. We were traveling with friends,
so the other mom watched the little kids build sand castles, etc. We all took
part in a luau that was highly touted (it was supposed to be especially good
for kids) but I thought was lousy (Hyatt in Ka’anapali). We’ve been to another
that I recommend because it was fabulous—the Feast at Lele in downtown Lahaina.
You’re right on the shore; food, drinks and entertainment worlds better.
TIPSTER: Buy your own, good fitting snorkeling equipment
before you go for everyone interested. About the same price as renting for
a week and WAY better quality.
TIPSTER: Have kids try out equipment in pool and get used
to it before you leave. That way you’re not trying to figure it out in the
ocean.
DAY 3:
Lanai:
We got up early (5am; had to be at parking area by 5:45am) and took a catamaran/sailboat
cruise out of Lahaina. It was hard to get up early, but it was totally worth
it. Parking lot was guarded. Breakfast was ready for us—homemade cinnamon
rolls and juice. Staff were like camp counselors—very good with children.
They had life jackets for the kids but did not make them wear them. It took
about 1-1.5 hours to get out to the island and we cruised along the coast
as they explained the history of the island. We docked and loaded into vans
and drove through the plantations and heard more about the history (the pineapple
industry, once huge, is no longer active here), as well as briefly through
a couple of luxury resorts. We ended at a cove where we snorkeled for a couple
of hours (not very good that day because of waves/tides). But they had great
tide pools for the kids to explore. We had a big barbeque lunch (BBQ chicken,
salad, etc.) and then we returned to the boat for the trip home. They tried
to use the sails (making use of the trade winds), but it wasn’t strong enough,
so it took a while. I hear that when the trade winds are strong, it’s very
fun. Dinner at Bubba Gump’s in Lahaina.
DAY 4:
Slept in; Kapalua, snorkeling and swimming
DAY 5:
More snorkeling and swimming—mostly in the hotel pool. The pool was loaded
with slides, a warmer pool, cave area, fountains, etc.
DAY 6:
The
men had taken surfing lessons on previous trips. We went to the Ka’anapali
Beach and rented boards for the half day and the men taught the kids (and
some wives) how to surf! We all had a blast. This would be a good thing to
do early in the trip for families—send the most water-savvy adult for a lesson
early in the week and then rent/play/try it out later in the week with the
rest of you (saves $$)
Other things: We got two connecting rooms, which was awesome
when traveling with kids. There were mini fridges in each room—I’d recommend
you ask to be in the building that offers those (beyond the mini bar fridge).
There were also trays on top of the counter (with cooling units) that had
sensors that registered every time you even picked something up. We called
the front desk and had them pick it all up immediately so the kids wouldn’t
be tempted and there would be no mess. Then we stopped at a local grocery
store and stocked up with breakfast and snack foods, loaded the fridges, and
we were good to go! With an older kid along, we could go out one night alone.
Just ordered the kids some pizza, ordered something special for them on the
pay TV! The little kids were wiped out after all the sun and fun. Although
after recent news reports, I’m not sure I’d do it now; maybe we’d switch off
with the other family to make sure adults are around.
If
I was to go back to Hawaii with kids, I’d prefer the Big Island. More variation
and fun things for kids. (Love the Place of Refuge and Captain Cook monument
areas!) We came home on the overnight flight, which I wouldn’t recommend with
kids (unless you all sleep well on the plane), but I’m not sure how many options
there are. When we got to San Francisco at 5am, nothing was even open. Make
sure you always have food on any flight you go on with kids! Wish we had skipped:
the bad luau at Hyatt Wish we had more time to: do the road to Hana, just
to experience it, especially if the kids were older. If I had extra money,
I would have loved to have taken a helicopter tour (think it’s about $195/person)
I’d like to go a bit earlier and try and see some whales (March/April)
Top 3 Family Highlights: Catamaran trip to Lanai; downtime
at the pool (so relaxing!); surfing as a family
Recommended Guide Books: Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed,
Wizard Publications—way better “insider” info and color pictures, maps, dining
info than the Lonely Planet and Frommer’s options.