Hawaii....help me (2 Viewers)

[Terminalxylem]

I wouldn't change any plans for sure...but maybe start having some backups only as a long shot contingency plan. Being on the Kona side during this would be a very cool opportunity.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

 

[-fish-]

Some really cool photographs of the ongoing eruption on the USGS Volcanoes twitter feed.

link

 

[tommyGunZ]

Spent TGuving week in Oahu. In recent years my family of 4 has spent our HI vacations in Maui and Kauai. While Hanalei remains my favorite place on earth, we had a blast on Oahu. So much good food, great shopping for my wife and 12 yr old daughter, and my 9 yr old son and I spent a lot of time in the water and playing catch on the beaches. We stayed in Waikiki but spent a day at Turtle Bay; the recent redesign is phenomenal.

 

[The General]

I wouldn't change any plans for sure...but maybe start having some backups only as a long shot contingency plan. Being on the Kona side during this would be a very cool opportunity.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

 

[The General]

I can't wait to get back to Hawaii...was hoping to see some prices come down. The hotel I normally have gone to is 2x the price it was like 2 years ago. Haven't looked around at other spots on the islands to see if that is an anomaly, just figured it is all backed up demand.

 

[krista4]

only lasted 4 months.

I smiled at "only" four months. We do have a little wiggle room as we leave in five months.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

Good to know, thanks. Our accommodations are 100% on the Kona side this time.

Coincidentally as I was typing this, I received an email from the Holualoa Inn (not staying there but am on their mailing list) saying it's business as usual right now and flights are going in and out of Kona without issue.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

The first place we're staying has a 30-day cancellation policy and the second a 60-day, so essentially we'd need to decide by the end of February. That's a lot of time. The flight reservations and such are the bigger concern. I guess even if we don't do non-refundable, Delta still gives credits for changes without taking a penalty, as of now.

If it were just me, I wouldn't be as concerned. But this trip includes my mom, who will be nearly 80 but in good health, and her husband, who will be a couple of years younger but with lung and heart issues, plus some problems getting around quickly. That's what would worry me.

We could go to another island, I guess, but might still face flight/air quality issues.

We've seen active lava flow in other places, so not as big a deal to see it, though undoubtedly would be cool to do again.

 

[krista4]

I can't wait to get back to Hawaii...was hoping to see some prices come down. The hotel I normally have gone to is 2x the price it was like 2 years ago. Haven't looked around at other spots on the islands to see if that is an anomaly, just figured it is all backed up demand.

I made our reservation at our first accommodation in May, and in August I wanted to change it. When I went in to do that, the nightly rate had gone up about 40%! We kept the reservation we had...

 

[-fish-]

Trade winds are more reliable May-October. Worst case is the volcano is still erupting and the trades aren't blowing, which can result in the vog settling over Kona. I've been there when the vog is settled in and it's like a bad day in LA.

 

[The General]

only lasted 4 months.

I smiled at "only" four months. We do have a little wiggle room as we leave in five months.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

Good to know, thanks. Our accommodations are 100% on the Kona side this time.

Coincidentally as I was typing this, I received an email from the Holualoa Inn (not staying there but am on their mailing list) saying it's business as usual right now and flights are going in and out of Kona without issue.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

The first place we're staying has a 30-day cancellation policy and the second a 60-day, so essentially we'd need to decide by the end of February. That's a lot of time. The flight reservations and such are the bigger concern. I guess even if we don't do non-refundable, Delta still gives credits for changes without taking a penalty, as of now.

If it were just me, I wouldn't be as concerned. But this trip includes my mom, who will be nearly 80 but in good health, and her husband, who will be a couple of years younger but with lung and heart issues, plus some problems getting around quickly. That's what would worry me.

We could go to another island, I guess, but might still face flight/air quality issues.

We've seen active lava flow in other places, so not as big a deal to see it, though undoubtedly would be cool to do again.

Ahh. The peeps with health issues is a bit trickier. Really doubt it will be an issue but not like you can control the volcano so good planning to at least start thinking about this stuff.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I wouldn't change any plans for sure...but maybe start having some backups only as a long shot contingency plan. Being on the Kona side during this would be a very cool opportunity.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

I don't think you'll see lava from either "major" town on the Big Island (Kona or Hilo), as they're both pretty far from Mauna Loa. Maybe volcanology guys can correct me, but the shape of the volcano also doesn't promote lava plumes being visible - it's a long, broad mountain, not a cone.

By virtue of prevailing winds, the southwest side of the BI and Kona, to a lesser extent, usually get more vog than the east side of the island/Hilo. I can only imagine that will increase with an active eruption. And historic areas for lava viewing have always been closer to Hilo.

ETA The vog map looks pretty bad for both Kona and Hilo now

 

[Terminalxylem]

only lasted 4 months.

I smiled at "only" four months. We do have a little wiggle room as we leave in five months.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

Good to know, thanks. Our accommodations are 100% on the Kona side this time.

Coincidentally as I was typing this, I received an email from the Holualoa Inn (not staying there but am on their mailing list) saying it's business as usual right now and flights are going in and out of Kona without issue.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

The first place we're staying has a 30-day cancellation policy and the second a 60-day, so essentially we'd need to decide by the end of February. That's a lot of time. The flight reservations and such are the bigger concern. I guess even if we don't do non-refundable, Delta still gives credits for changes without taking a penalty, as of now.

If it were just me, I wouldn't be as concerned. But this trip includes my mom, who will be nearly 80 but in good health, and her husband, who will be a couple of years younger but with lung and heart issues, plus some problems getting around quickly. That's what would worry me.

We could go to another island, I guess, but might still face flight/air quality issues.

We've seen active lava flow in other places, so not as big a deal to see it, though undoubtedly would be cool to do again.

Although people in HI blame everything on vog, rarely is air quality impacted on neighbor islands. While I think you'll be fine taking a wait-and-see approach, if you're really concerned, Kauai is on the opposite side of the island chain.

 

[krista4]

Kauai is on the opposite side of the island chain.

This is an intriguing idea. God, I really didn't want to have to research and plan again.

 

[The General]

I wouldn't change any plans for sure...but maybe start having some backups only as a long shot contingency plan. Being on the Kona side during this would be a very cool opportunity.

I agree it will be safe to travel, but hanging out on the Kona side could be bad if it’s still erupting, as volcanic ash/vog tend to get funneled to that area.

I mean there's a chance but more than likely this will just provide an increased opportunity to see some active lava flows which is very badass.

I'd do my due diligence @krista4 like checking cancellation policies, having backup plans to go elsewhere, etc. But I'd look at this as an opportunity to maybe see some super cool, amazing stuff instead of just the normal amazing stuff on the Big Island.

I don't think you'll see lava from either "major" town on the Big Island (Kona or Hilo), as they're both pretty far from Mauna Loa. Maybe volcanology guys can correct me, but the shape of the volcano also doesn't promote lava plumes being visible - it's a long, broad mountain, not a cone.

By virtue of prevailing winds, the southwest side of the BI and Kona, to a lesser extent, usually get more vog than the east side of the island/Hilo. I can only imagine that will increase with an active eruption. And historic areas for lava viewing have always been closer to Hilo.

ETA The vog map looks pretty bad for both Kona and Hilo now

This was what I saw. Thinking this is from near Hilo.

Assuming this is done in a few months and park is open again. The flows that are down the mountain that are accessible to view inside the park would hopefully be much more active. Seeing those at night is one of the cooler things I have done.

 

[krista4]

The inn I mentioned earlier that is in Kona sent this picture taken from there at 3 this morning. Obviously can't see the lava, but the glow is cool.

 

[Phil Elliott]

The inn I mentioned earlier that is in Kona sent this picture taken from there at 3 this morning. Obviously can't see the lava, but the glow is cool.

Very cool! We stayed in Kona in April for a week. Putting a positive spin on the current situation, Big Island Mayor, Mitch Roth, said:

"Tourism is Hawaii's economic engine but Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth predicted few problems for those vacationing during the eruption.
“It will be spectacular where it is, but the chances of it really interrupting the visitor industry — very, very slim,” he said.
Tourism officials said no one should have to change Big Island travel plans.
For some, the eruption might cut down on some travel time, even if there is more volcanic smog caused by higher sulfur-dioxide emissions.
“But the good thing is you don’t have to drive from Kona over to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see an eruption anymore,” Roth said. “You can just look out your window at night and you’ll be able to see Mauna Loa erupting.”

Can see eruption from Kona

 

[Terminalxylem]

The inn I mentioned earlier that is in Kona sent this picture taken from there at 3 this morning. Obviously can't see the lava, but the glow is cool.

That is cool. But again, I’m spoiled, as I’ve been lucky enough to see a cone volcano erupting in Costa Rica, where lava was spurting out the top and streaming down the side. Not my photo, but it was this volcano

Never seen anything like that in HI, but have witnessed the orange glow from cooling lava at the end of Chain of Craters Road.

 

[The General]

The inn I mentioned earlier that is in Kona sent this picture taken from there at 3 this morning. Obviously can't see the lava, but the glow is cool.

That is cool. But again, I’m spoiled, as I’ve been lucky enough to see a cone volcano erupting in Costa Rica, where lava was spurting out the top and streaming down the side. Not my photo, but it was this volcano

Never seen anything like that in HI, but have witnessed the orange glow from cooling lava at the end of Chain of Craters Road.

They used to let you hike up to It at night. One of the craziest things I have done in my life and It was encouraged by the Park Ranger. Lava oozing out of the ground and glowing vents all around you.

 

[krista4]

The inn I mentioned earlier that is in Kona sent this picture taken from there at 3 this morning. Obviously can't see the lava, but the glow is cool.

That is cool. But again, I’m spoiled, as I’ve been lucky enough to see a cone volcano erupting in Costa Rica, where lava was spurting out the top and streaming down the side. Not my photo, but it was this volcano

Never seen anything like that in HI, but have witnessed the orange glow from cooling lava at the end of Chain of Craters Road.

They used to let you hike up to It at night. One of the craziest things I have done in my life and It was encouraged by the Park Ranger. Lava oozing out of the ground and glowing vents all around you.

You can drive right up to the crater of Masaya Volcano, a very active volcano in Nicaragua. They have you back in so you can get out quickly if need be. It’s absolutely insane, but that’s Nicaragua.

 

[Terminalxylem]

They used to let you hike up to It at night. One of the craziest things I have done in my life and It was encouraged by the Park Ranger. Lava oozing out of the ground and glowing vents all around you.

You can drive right up to the crater of Masaya Volcano, a very active volcano in Nicaragua. They have you back in so you can get out quickly if need be. It’s absolutely insane, but that’s Nicaragua.

That’s awesome. The US needs to learn from the rest of the world, and allow people more freedom to interact with nature, without the threat of litigation if things go awry.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Looks like lava flow can be seen from Saddle Road, which runs between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, approximately in the center of the island. The main fissures are located on the NE quadrant of the volcano, roughly facing Hilo. FWIW, they mentioned the flow is expected to last a couple weeks. Of the neighbor islands, they only think Maui might be impacted by vog.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Lava "only" flowing from the lowest of the three fissures. Still above 10,000 ft.

Mauna Loa eruption poses no imminent threat to communities, but authorities stress vigilance

It's the first Mauna Loa eruption in 38 years.

www.hawaiinewsnow.com

 

[Phil Elliott]

4th fissure open now. Authorities not concerned about any threat to people or buildings at this point. Can see both eruptions from several points on Volcano National spark. Biggest issue is vog. N95 masks will help protect against particulate but not chemicals (like sulfur dioxide) in the air.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Lava is still progressing towards Saddle Rd, the main Highway that connects Kona and Hilo. Lava is moving about 1mph and is about 4.5 miles from the road. This could be the first significant damage. Officials expect the lava to stay in the "saddle" area of the volcano.
Lava moving towards Saddle Rd.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Lava is still progressing towards Saddle Rd, the main Highway that connects Kona and Hilo. Lava is moving about 1mph and is about 4.5 miles from the road. This could be the first significant damage. Officials expect the lava to stay in the "saddle" area of the volcano.
Lava moving towards Saddle Rd.

There’s not much between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, besides the saddle road. But if that gets destroyed by lava, it will make traveling across the island a b!tch, adding at least an hour of drive time. Before it was repaved and guard rails installed ~a decade ago, it was pretty dicey driving, period.

 

[Osaurus]

Lava is still progressing towards Saddle Rd, the main Highway that connects Kona and Hilo. Lava is moving about 1mph and is about 4.5 miles from the road. This could be the first significant damage. Officials expect the lava to stay in the "saddle" area of the volcano.
Lava moving towards Saddle Rd.

There’s not much between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, besides the saddle road. But if that gets destroyed by lava, it will make traveling across the island a b!tch, adding at least an hour of drive time. Before it was repaved and guard rails installed ~a decade ago, it was pretty dicey driving, period.

On dark rainy nights, it’s not that great now either.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Update expected at 9:00 am Hawaiian time this morning. While the concern for lava reaching Saddle Rd increases, I think they expect it to happen. Now about 3 miles to the road. It is a flatter area (the saddle area) so it should progress at a slower rate.
ETA: officials expect the lava to reach Saddle Rd within 2 days at the earliest. Expect road closure between mile markers 8.8 and 21.
12/1 ETA: advance has slowed a lot. Now it could be a week to reach Saddle Rd:
Update

 

[Phil Elliott]

Live stream established for fissure 3 eruption:

Mauna Loa Eruption, HI - USGS live stream

[M8cam] Mauna Loa - Northeast Rift Zone Fissure 3 Eruption Live ViewLive video of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano. The ca...

www.youtube.com

 

[The General]

My buddy is in a house north of Kona right now. Can see the volcano glowing from the hot tub at night. Very bad ***.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Lava decreasing
Currently lava flow is slowing, spreading out and should not reach Saddle Rd.

 

[Osaurus]

Lava decreasing
Currently lava flow is slowing, spreading out and should not reach Saddle Rd.

Great news.

 

[Galileo]

I am eyeballing Hawaii as a destination for 2 weeks during the holiday season in Dec of 2024 (Anniversary trip). Realistically, how far in advance do I need to start nailing down the details of such a trip in terms of places to stay and island transportation? 6 mo? 1 yr? Now (I assume not possible)?

 

[Mookie]

I am eyeballing Hawaii as a destination for 2 weeks during the holiday season in Dec of 2024 (Anniversary trip). Realistically, how far in advance do I need to start nailing down the details of such a trip in terms of places to stay and island transportation? 6 mo? 1 yr? Now (I assume not possible)?

I would think a year in advance is plenty of time for condos/hotels but the sooner the better if you know when you're going. For rental cars, I would make a reservation for a car with Costco (can be cancelled with no penalty) and then look at Turo a few months prior. It's like an AirBnB for cars. Much cheaper, and you get exactly what you want.

 

[The General]

I am eyeballing Hawaii as a destination for 2 weeks during the holiday season in Dec of 2024 (Anniversary trip). Realistically, how far in advance do I need to start nailing down the details of such a trip in terms of places to stay and island transportation? 6 mo? 1 yr? Now (I assume not possible)?

I would book accommodations as early as places allow. For instance Marriott is about 11 months out so you can book in a couple weeks for Xmas. I’d assume VRBO stuff also books up very fast.

 

[Phil Elliott]

I am eyeballing Hawaii as a destination for 2 weeks during the holiday season in Dec of 2024 (Anniversary trip). Realistically, how far in advance do I need to start nailing down the details of such a trip in terms of places to stay and island transportation? 6 mo? 1 yr? Now (I assume not possible)?

I would think a year in advance is plenty of time for condos/hotels but the sooner the better if you know when you're going. For rental cars, I would make a reservation for a car with Costco (can be cancelled with no penalty) and then look at Turo a few months prior. It's like an AirBnB for cars. Much cheaper, and you get exactly what you want.

I don't know what the car availability is now, but when we went in April, we made car reservations at both Avis and National. Back then people were showing up with reservations but no cars available. We took a car from National. Avis called a couple of times thinking we had a car from Avis. No cancellation charges.

 

[Phil Elliott]

We just booked another trip to Kauai in May. My sister and BIL joining us from MN.

 

[The Noid]

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

I know it sounds like "Why even bother going to Hawaii??" but after my SIL overcame cancer last year, they are adamant about going. This is my struggle when we vacation with that side of the family. We did a Disney Cruise years ago and by the second night they were eating off the kid menus because the regular menus didn't have any food they like. My wife and I like to vacation in new places and experience new things, but they are East Coast go-to-the-NJ/DE/MD-shores-for-the-boardwalk-and-hotel-pool people and when we do a vacation together we wind up bending to more humdrum things.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

I know it sounds like "Why even bother going to Hawaii??" but after my SIL overcame cancer last year, they are adamant about going. This is my struggle when we vacation with that side of the family. We did a Disney Cruise years ago and by the second night they were eating off the kid menus because the regular menus didn't have any food they like. My wife and I like to vacation in new places and experience new things, but they are East Coast go-to-the-NJ/DE/MD-shores-for-the-boardwalk-and-hotel-pool people and when we do a vacation together we wind up bending to more humdrum things.

The Kona coast is the most likely place. Any of the resorts north of town. Four Seasons is the best for pools. It will set you back a lot of $$$$$s. I mean 5 dollar signs might be too little. You can make it cheaper by heading into Kona for meals and shopping at the Costco by the airport. There are some decent cheap eats in Kona with basic food. Next option for resort would be heading up to the Westin at Hapuna Beach. However, the Big Island is pretty much all lava in the areas you want to be. It's not lush at all.

A lush option is Maui. Head to Kaanapali Beach. Lots of pools and sitting in the sand and it's not that expensive. It takes work to get to, but it is nice.

I'm not a fan of Oahu. Northern parts are nicer, but Honolulu is too busy for my liking. Beach is certainly incredible. Just so, so busy. Sheraton there is old but a decent vlaue.

Have not been to other islands. Though I've heard Kauai is great.

I will say, as you mentioned, it seems a long trip for what you want. You could literally do an all inclusive anywhere in the Caribbean (like Punta Cana) and get the same thing with 10 less hours of travel.

 

[NutterButter]

Just book a trip to costa rica and don't tell them. It will take you less than half the time and cost you half as much.

 

[Drunken knight]

Its perfect for a solo traveler.

If you want someone's guest room.

If you want your own place, you are looking at $200+ cleaning fee. Why would I do that, pay MORE than a hotel room for a place, when the cleaning is included in the hotel cost? Oh hey, don't forget the service fee!

Depends. In Sedona where things are pricier, I'm fine with a separate bedroom and bath; I just insist on having my own entrance. I'm not the type that wants to go through someone's living room. But in Costa Rica for instance, its just amazing the airbnb options you have. And I never understand the fee outrage. All I care about is the final cost. Break it down however you want. Just tell me what's out of pocket for me and I'll compare that to alternative hotel costs and make my decision. But I'm also a value traveler. Location is important as well as a separate sleeping and showering space, but beyond that, don't really need it. Just give me the place that has great reviews at a good price.

It depends what they choose to charge, and when/where the choose to disclose it. We have used them quite a bit over the past 5-6 years around Lake Tahoe. Show me the fees on the first page, not at "check out." When we have stayed for a week, I can justify the cost. Having the flat fee applied to a long weekend can make it unreasonable.

They do show all of this upfront. Everything except taxes, which is the same as every other website, if not better.

Search page with the total price of each property, inclusive of fees

Listing page showing that the total on the previous page included all fees

Checkout page adding only taxes onto what was displayed before

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

I know it sounds like "Why even bother going to Hawaii??" but after my SIL overcame cancer last year, they are adamant about going. This is my struggle when we vacation with that side of the family. We did a Disney Cruise years ago and by the second night they were eating off the kid menus because the regular menus didn't have any food they like. My wife and I like to vacation in new places and experience new things, but they are East Coast go-to-the-NJ/DE/MD-shores-for-the-boardwalk-and-hotel-pool people and when we do a vacation together we wind up bending to more humdrum things.

The Kona coast is the most likely place. Any of the resorts north of town. Four Seasons is the best for pools. It will set you back a lot of $$$$$s. I mean 5 dollar signs might be too little. You can make it cheaper by heading into Kona for meals and shopping at the Costco by the airport. There are some decent cheap eats in Kona with basic food. Next option for resort would be heading up to the Westin at Hapuna Beach. However, the Big Island is pretty much all lava in the areas you want to be. It's not lush at all.

A lush option is Maui. Head to Kaanapali Beach. Lots of pools and sitting in the sand and it's not that expensive. It takes work to get to, but it is nice.

I'm not a fan of Oahu. Northern parts are nicer, but Honolulu is too busy for my liking. Beach is certainly incredible. Just so, so busy. Sheraton there is old but a decent vlaue.

Have not been to other islands. Though I've heard Kauai is great.

I will say, as you mentioned, it seems a long trip for what you want. You could literally do an all inclusive anywhere in the Caribbean (like Punta Cana) and get the same thing with 10 less hours of travel.

... to add as an option that might suit everyone:

Hilton Waikoloa

 

[Terminalxylem]

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

I know it sounds like "Why even bother going to Hawaii??" but after my SIL overcame cancer last year, they are adamant about going. This is my struggle when we vacation with that side of the family. We did a Disney Cruise years ago and by the second night they were eating off the kid menus because the regular menus didn't have any food they like. My wife and I like to vacation in new places and experience new things, but they are East Coast go-to-the-NJ/DE/MD-shores-for-the-boardwalk-and-hotel-pool people and when we do a vacation together we wind up bending to more humdrum things.

The Kona coast is the most likely place. Any of the resorts north of town. Four Seasons is the best for pools. It will set you back a lot of $$$$$s. I mean 5 dollar signs might be too little. You can make it cheaper by heading into Kona for meals and shopping at the Costco by the airport. There are some decent cheap eats in Kona with basic food. Next option for resort would be heading up to the Westin at Hapuna Beach. However, the Big Island is pretty much all lava in the areas you want to be. It's not lush at all.

A lush option is Maui. Head to Kaanapali Beach. Lots of pools and sitting in the sand and it's not that expensive. It takes work to get to, but it is nice.

I'm not a fan of Oahu. Northern parts are nicer, but Honolulu is too busy for my liking. Beach is certainly incredible. Just so, so busy. Sheraton there is old but a decent vlaue.

Have not been to other islands. Though I've heard Kauai is great.

I will say, as you mentioned, it seems a long trip for what you want. You could literally do an all inclusive anywhere in the Caribbean (like Punta Cana) and get the same thing with 10 less hours of travel.

Agree with Maui or Kona. They won’t like Kauai. But a Caribbean trip, possibly a cruise, is an even better idea.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

Considering those qualifications, if you go to Maui you should stay in the Kehei or Makenna Beach area. The west side is touristy and shopping, although you may want to visit there and take a boat over to Lana'i.

In Kehei, you can access just about anything including tours like going up the volcano.

 

[Osaurus]

I think it’ll be a little while before I get back to the Big Island, but if you’re looking for chill and proximity to Volcanoes National Park, this place looks awesome. I stayed at the Park lodge last time on that side of the island.

 

[The General]

My wife's family wants to do Hawaii this summer as a "bucket list" trip since none of us have ever been. Coming from the East Coast that means 12-15 hours of flights and airports each way and probably only doing 7-10 days total so thoughts on best one-stop island for a group that:

• Prefers (heated) pools to beaches
• Would rather eat burgers and pasta than try "exotic" foods
• Likes sightseeing or tours with little walking
• No interest in shopping/retail stores
• Not willing to do anything extreme or slightly dangerous like helicopter rides or ziplining
• 8 people: 1 senior, 3 adults, and 4 "kids" (19, 18, 14, 10)

I know it sounds like "Why even bother going to Hawaii??" but after my SIL overcame cancer last year, they are adamant about going. This is my struggle when we vacation with that side of the family. We did a Disney Cruise years ago and by the second night they were eating off the kid menus because the regular menus didn't have any food they like. My wife and I like to vacation in new places and experience new things, but they are East Coast go-to-the-NJ/DE/MD-shores-for-the-boardwalk-and-hotel-pool people and when we do a vacation together we wind up bending to more humdrum things.

With these parameters I’d take a look at Maui in the Wailea area. Lots of resorts in that area. I’d try to go in early spring to see whales.

 

[The Noid]

... to add as an option that might suit everyone:

Hilton Waikoloa

Very promising! Any others like this?

 

[Drunken knight]

... to add as an option that might suit everyone:

Hilton Waikoloa

Very promising! Any others like this?

on maui, I like hyatt, marriott, westin, sheraton

 

[The General]

... to add as an option that might suit everyone:

Hilton Waikoloa

Very promising! Any others like this?

on maui, I like hyatt, marriott, westin, sheraton

I agree that Hilton on the Big Island would be a nice option for what you were looking for @The Noid

I do think Maui would provide a little more accessible stuff to do outside of just hanging at the resort that the folks from you group would still enjoy. Big Island is awesome just really spread out. That portion of the Big Island is also a tad barren since it is very dry in that section of the island and surrounded by miles of old lava flows.

Can’t go wrong and if you think the folks you are traveling with won’t want to explore too much it does have everything there.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Five nights from the East coast. Would I be a lunatic to do that? I've got five free Marriott nights.

 

[The General]

Five nights from the East coast. Would I be a lunatic to do that? I've got five free Marriott nights.

You got to find a way to extend it at least a couple days IMO

 

[The General]

I have pimped this hotel a few times in this thread but if you are a Marriott FBG and have no kids in tow, are just wanting to chill, they have an adult only pool that looks out over the ocean: Marriott Wailea

 

[flapgreen]

I have pimped this hotel a few times in this thread but if you are a Marriott FBG and have no kids in tow, are just wanting to chill, they have an adult only pool that looks out over the ocean: Marriott Wailea

The Marriott in Poipu is amazing as well. Like off of a commercial.