Hawaii first timers looking for what places/resorts we need to see on the first go around. Looking for beautiful beaches, relaxing stay, but also want to get in some excursions. 4.5-5 star accommodation advice welcomed as well!
EDIT: to provide more background, we usually love going to a beautiful resort, eating great food, and shopping. Usually stay in Ritz Aruba, rent a house in T&C, or Rosewood Bahamas. Definitely want to plan for more excursions in Hawaii but still want a relaxing vacation.
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There aren't enough details in your post to recommend an island - all 4 of the main islands can provide what you want. Are you interested in any of these things?
providing some more detail as to what you're looking for on your trip will help narrow down the island. A budget and number of days will also help determine what hotels are in your price range, and whether you would want to go to one or several islands.
Four Seasons or Turtle Bay
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island.
Please check out our VisitingHawaii Wiki. Also check out the INFOGRAPHIC for choosing an island
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Plan for $1000 per night plus taxes, resort fees, parking fees.
Luxe for A family will be way more than $1000 a night. Budget at least $3000 for hotel only. We are a family of 4, 2 adult girls. We need a suite or two ocean view rooms at a luxury hotel like the Four Seasons at Ko’Olina on O’ahu.
Need vs want
Luxe, Need vs want? Huh? If you want luxe $1000 will not cut it. Just got back from Ko’Olina yesterday. $1000 a night will get you the studio ocean view at the Marriott timeshare at Ko’Olina, but it is not luxe. It is not sufficient for a family. My kids are similar in age to OP’s, 23 and 20. We dislike staying in Waikiki because it does not feel Hawaii enough. We prefer Ko’OLina if staying in O’ahu.
Montage Kapalua Bay, on Maui.
How old are the kids? Wailea beach resort and grand wailea (Maui) have fun pools with water slides for kids. Wailea beach is pretty, but I've had better luck snorkeling a little more north on ulua beach (can be accessed through a walking trail), and even better luck snorkeling at keawakapu beach next to the mana kai hotel (need to drive).
Are you planning on being active around the island? I've had so many memorable hikes around Maui and kauai. It would feel like a crime to travel all the way to Hawaii without immersing yourself in its natural beauty, but I know this can be difficult with kids.
When you mention shopping, do you mean high-end items? The shops at wailea is walking distance from the resorts I had mentioned on Maui. Luxury row in Waikiki (Oahu) has more options. Hawaii has a discount on luxury goods (about 5-15% cheaper!) to compete with the Asian market.
24 and 22!
Oh, adults lol! I would look into FS maui, FS lanai, or RC turtle bay.
I think Maui or Oahu are great if you're visiting Hawaii for the first time, but I included Lanai just in case you want something a little more secluded.
Enjoy!!
I would look at the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui as all the rooms are suites or 2-3 bedroom villas.