Hawaii travel with teens

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2006
Hawaii travel with teens
4
Sat, 01-21-2006 - 3:59pm
Hi Everyone,
We are thinking of traveling to Hawaii with our two teens, ds17 and dd15. Anyone ever do that before? All the travel sites I have seen with 'family travel' focus on YOUNG kiddos, between toddler and preteen ages. Any hints, tips, advice, websites, or if anyone actually lives in Hawaii would provide insight I should appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2005
Sat, 01-21-2006 - 6:51pm

We went to Hawaii with our dd when she was 12, she really was to old for the kiddie stuff but it didn't really matter. It's Paradise and she was quite happy to hang at the beach/pool and even do some sightseeing with mom and dad. What islands will you be visiting? I highly recommend the guidebooks "Hidden Maui" and "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" if you're going to either of the islands or Lanai or Molokai. I got my copies on e-bay.

If you're going to Oahu, you might be able to arrange a dolphin encounter. Most resorts have free snorkeling gear and that's something I think teens would like.

Also, you might post this question on IndependentTraveller.com. They have message boards for various travel destinations & you might get some BTDT advice from others.

Oh - and one more thing: The road to Hana is Maui is absolutely awesome but I've heard from more than one family that it is pure torture to take teens along on this. It' only about 58 miles as the crow flies, but it's very twisty/turny (and stunningly beautiful!) and the total trip takes about 4 hours. When you arrive, you are in a charming little town with very little for teens to do. My dd loved it at 12 (we stayed there for three days), but I'm betting kids the ages of yours would be less than thrilled.

Have a blast! I am most envious. It was a trip of a lifetime.

jt

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Sun, 01-22-2006 - 6:00am
never been to hawaii but travelling with teens can be challenging. I think its important to make sure that everyone - adults and kids - have enuf 'alone' time and space. which can be tricky when you are in a hotel. also its important to let the kids have a vote in what you are going to do, and you can work out a balance between vegging out by the pool and visiting places. let your kids bring their ipods etc, and bring some junk food, fruit, crakcers, etc (if you are travelling on a budget, those items can really add up).
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2006
Sun, 01-22-2006 - 7:19pm

We are not certain where or how we are traveling at this point yet. Open to any and all suggestions! Thinking Oahu and possibly Big Island. Want kids to visit the AZ Memorial on Oahu. One wants to see volcano, so Big Island would be key. I think 'black sand beach' is there too??? Don't know if we want resort or go with a condo-style set up. Am looking into prices for various arrangements now. That will dictate how we travel. We're a pretty flexible group. Daughter thought 'snoba' sounded interesting. Son wants to try his feet at surfing! I want to see everyone happy! Husband flexible to do whatever pleases the group.ha ha Many years ago (prechildren) husband and I visited Hawaii. Hit up Maui and Oahu so are a wee bit familar with those two islands.

Thanks for the input. I'll check the website you recommended. I appreciate it very much.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2005
Mon, 01-23-2006 - 7:58am

Sounds like you're in for an awesome vacation. If your ds is interested in surfing, make sure to visit the Pipeline on Oahu. It's the big surfing beach - I think yo can see video clips if you Google it. This beach is only for the most die-hard lunatic surfers, so he'll just be watching - but it is really a sight to behold.

Crescent Beach on Oauh is great for snorkeling!
jt