Hawaii Advice for extended family trip needed

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

So, for umpteen years my extended family meets at Pinecrest Lake in CA for a week. Nice hiking, swimming, Sierra groove. But, ready for a change. The group will range in age from 3 to 76, and everyone likes water and hiking. We love snorkeling amongst coral and beautiful fish. In my mind I envision condos with kitchens on the beach with epic snorkeling out one door, and proximity to Hawaii hikes, and fresh water streams and jungle stuff out the other. I have been on-line but it's kind of over the top when you really don't have much experience with HI. Snorkeling needs to be in a protected bay. Thinking this will be NON wind trip in late June next summer for a week.

Thanks for any advice/links/etc

Eric

BS · Since 23 Apr 2011 21 Posts Portland

Check out North shore of Kauai. Laid back, not overrun with tourists, good snorkeling (not epic) Epic hiking (Na Pali) and you can kite there if the trades are up.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Which island are you thinking? Or is that part of the question? Do you want more secluded or more city like? how important is kiting vs. other stuff?

I'd recommend http://www.vrbo.com/ for hunting down condos...

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Wind not important at all. In fact, might be better to just eliminate that angst altogether. Not into the city/shopping thing. Open to all islands. Emphasis on good snorkeling and beautiful, though not overly demanding hikes. Trials to waterfalls and swimming holes, type stuff.

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

I second North shore of Kauai.

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

If you want epic snorkeling right out your doorstep - Ulua beach Maui. It is a kid friendly beach with a reef that extends out to some deep water if you are a strong swimmer. We always see something cool on that reef. And there are critters in close for the 3 year old and the 76 year old. You are only 2 minutes from a great mall. You are 2 minutes from great golf and some lava hikes are only about 10 minutes away. The only thing that would be a drive would be the jungle hikes, but those would only be about 30 - 40 mins away. And of course - you would be on Maui when the wind blows on kite beach...............

http://www.mauibeachguide.com/Ulua_Beach.html

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

All can say is if you come to Kauai in June and don't bring kites you will be forever regretful. I have seen the best summer wind and waves of my life here. BRING YOUR GEAR. You can sneak off for a session anytime in June, it blows everyday!

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

1surfer · Wed Aug 10, 11 8:51 am **Kaui**

Kaui.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 597 Posts Addicted

i like maui, lots of variety. I go a couple times a year in the winter. One trip with the whole fam (whole fam reads mom, dad, wife, kids, brother & his fam, severely medicated aunt). Age range from 5 to 70. We snorkel, whale watch, surf, golf (phuk'n ragin' killer whitey poundin') @ kapalua and King Kamehameha golf clubs, bike the volcano, see friends, get drunk, buy grass from little kids that is actual grass, lay in sun, tell tall tales.

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

The thing I like about Maui (southern part) over Kaui is that every time I go to Kaui is that is seems to rain the whole time. I have been to Maui (Kehei area) dozens of times and rearely see rain. It is usually mid 80 and full sun. Sun makes the colors much better for snorkling.