Active high school graduate

I%26#39;ve been searching for ';active teen'; + ';college student'; and haven%26#39;t found what I%26#39;m looking for, so I hope someone out there can help.

My husband %26amp; I (50%26#39;s) are taking our niece (17) for her graduation. She is incredibly active and will try anything. I%26#39;m sure there will be many things she will want to try like the zip lines, kayaking, surfing, etc. So, where to go and then where to stay? We have 8 days, and she has been dreaming of Hawaii since she could talk. I was thinking of 2 islands to give her a flavor. From reading the posts, it%26#39;s between Kaua%26#39;i, Maui or the BI.

She won%26#39;t want to spend a lot of time in the car, and will definitely not be geting up early.

Finally, we want to have fun, too. I%26#39;ve been to Oahu, Kaua%26#39;i and Maui and lost it in the helicopter, so I%26#39;m not too sure how I%26#39;d do with the ziplines.

Need restaurant ideas, too, she%26#39;s a meat eater--no fish (which is what we love!)

Any suggestions or comments would be helpful! Thanks!

Active high school graduate

Aloha! Kauai has all those activities as well as the most fabulous weather in the summer . . . she could go hiking, surfing, ziplining, kayaking both river and ocean, try windsurfing, as well as snorkeling and swimming. It%26#39;s the active person%26#39;s dream island I think - but if she is wanting lots of shopping and/or nightlife, Kauai would not be it. Since you only have 8 days, I think I would just stick with one island . . . or maybe 2 days on Oahu, and then the rest on one island. You often get better rates when they are priced weekly- both car and lodging. I would decide on the island first, then post on that specific island forum for restaurant and activity suggestions. My now 18 year old loves Kauai - and I think it would be a great graduation gift! Good luck! :)

Active high school graduate

Thanks. That%26#39;s good advice! Since my niece and husband have never been to Hawaii, I really wanted to show them 2 islands even though it sounds like we should stay put. So Kauai it is....now how do I choose between Maui and the BI? Since I%26#39;ve never been to the BI, it%26#39;s tempting, but not if we have to drive a lot. ~RLBK

If it were me, I would choose maui as my second island. Lots of shopping and activity in Lahina for your niece (I took my neice-age 12 last year) and alot less driving than on the BI. I think 2 islands is a great idea....that%26#39;s what I usually do too.

I%26#39;d stay Maui because it has such a mix of natural and man-made things to do/see. A daytrip to Lanai or Molokai? Or, first stop Honolulu and then on to either Maui or Kauai. Can you fly into one island and home from another? Hops take away half of one vacation day.

I would not choose Big Island simply because of its size; you said you didn%26#39;t want a lot of time in the car. All the other islands are small -- nothing%26#39;s that far away.

Are you looking for a hotel or a condo? What time of year? What will you and your DH enjoy (as well as your niece)?

I don%26#39;t know if this is even possible, but...is there a friend who would like to come along on this trip? I%26#39;m thinking that there are a lot of times Auntie and Uncle would love to sit somewhere while two teen gals roam about nearby. Thinking Lahaina, Kaanapali here.

Thanks for all the terrific comments. I think it%26#39;s Kauai and Maui based upon your responses. The time of year hasn%26#39;t been planned yet--it has to be either May-July or Christmas break next year. We%26#39;re used to 90+ degree heat, so when would ';you all'; suggest we go? And, should we start planning at least 6 months ahead? Our niece is definitely a pool girl, so a hotel with a great pool will be a must!

Boy, it%26#39;s easier to plan a trip to Ireland and England for me than Hawaii!

~Rlbk

May is going to be my choice for you. (December would be last choice because, although it%26#39;s popular with snowbird mainlanders, it isn%26#39;t Hawaii%26#39;s best weather -- and it is THE most expensive time to visit.)

When I think of ';active teen'; plus ';won%26#39;t be up before noon';, I think it%26#39;s Maui, with a possible snorkel to Lanai. West Maui has the most going on, and you can probably get a hotel in Kaanapali for less than one in Wailea. Either should be fine in May.