Hi there! I am starting to plan a trip for my family for May 2008. I%26#39;ve been following this forum off and on for the last few months as I was hoping to squeeze in a trip this year, but that didn%26#39;t work out for various reasons so we are thinking next May might be perfect for us. I%26#39;m trying to plan early so we can hopefully get airline tickets with our miles!
The party will consist of myself, my husband, an almost 4 year old, and a 7 month or so baby. I am leaning towards early May (maybe arrive May 2nd for 11 nights), but was hoping for some input on advantages/disadvantages to this time frame. How are the crowds and weather this time of year? Are hotel costs less since summer hasn%26#39;t started yet? Our dates are pretty flexible any time between mid April and mid June.
As for hotel, a good kiddie pool is a top priority! From what I have read on this site, I am leaning towards the Hilton for 7 or 8 nights and then moving to the Hyatt for 3 or 4 nights because it sounds like they have the most suitable pools for my daughter. I%26#39;d love to stay at the Hyatt the entire time, but I think that%26#39;s going to break the budget. I%26#39;m also excited about being a little more centrally located for part of trip at the Hilton so we can explore the north side a little more.
Are there any other hotels that I should consider? My husband and I stayed in an oceanfront room at the Sheraton in 2002 and loved it. He%26#39;d like to stay there again, but I recall the pool as not being that great.
Also, I%26#39;ve read about the gift certificates that you can buy and try to use at the Hyatt. Historically, are there certain times of the year that I would have better luck being successful using these certificates? Are there any other great tips out there for securing a good deal at the Hilton or Hyatt?
Thanks so much for all of your help! I%26#39;m sure that I will have many more questions as time goes on.
May 2008 trip w/ small kids...advise sought!
Maybe you should consider splitting your time between the north and the south. The pool at HBR(Hanalei Bay Resort) is terrific for kids. It looks like a lagoon with waterfalls and even a baby area for the 7 month old. The kids love it there because you can hide in the falls. My 8 year niece said it was her own hidden island. HBR are condos which might be nice for you. Spending money eating out every day can get pretty pricey. I LOVE the Hyatt and of course their pool is the best on the island, but you will break the bank staying there 11 days. Experience the north shore. I love May. I go every year at that time and it is the best! Not crowded, cool breezes. If you eamil me directly I can send you some pictures of the pool at HBR and the grounds as well.
May 2008 trip w/ small kids...advise sought!
Sounds like a great plan.
Also, from a frequent award travel flyer, be sure and get your award travel seats before you book your accomodations because you may have to change your dates a bit to go when you can get seats.
Also, I don%26#39;t know what airline you have your miles with, but most allow you to book award travel seats anywhere from 330 to 352 days in advance of travel (and this means in advance of your RETURN). To up your chances of scoring free seats, I would call asap on the day the seats become available. Most airlines only have a set number of seats available for award travel, and the ones to Hawaii go super fast.
Have fun!
Thank you both for the information! I%26#39;m off to research the Hanalei Bay Resort right now. How is the weather in the north in May compared to the east coast of the island? Is it much rainier?
I talked to the airline (American) yesterday about booking the flights with our miles. They book out 330 in advance. We%26#39;re thinking that we%26#39;re going to shoot for May 2nd as our arrival date, so it looks like I will be calling this Thursday to try and get our flight!
Another vote for the condo---after traveling w/children from 3 mths old on---a condo offers a bit more privacy (and usually somewhat thicker walls than a hotel room), a kitchen for children%26#39;s meals/snacks and multiple rooms, which is nice for adults. You may give up daily maid service and room service but the trade-off is saving $$$ on constant eating out. HBR and WBR are two of the more ';resort-like'; condo complexes with nice pools (more are down south)--either way, I%26#39;d rent through owner at vrbo.com and summitpacific.com ...May and Oct are my favorite months!
We were there last May and will be there again in 2 weeks (at the Hilton). We enjoy staying at the Hilton for a few reasons.
- It is centrally located
- The kids (5 and 7 y/o) love the pool with slide and the large hot tubs (large enough to swim in)
- They have complimentary snacks, coffee, and drinks/both alcoholic and non/ every evening by the pool
- Depending on your rate, you can get free breakfast buffet each morning and they charge very little for the kids, if at all (my 5 y/o was free). The buffet is very nice but a bit pricey if not free
Early May is great due to whale season. Drive out to Poipu and you can see the whales from the shore.
Call ahead and see if Smith%26#39;s Fern Grotto tour is open. This is near the old Coco Palms Resort.
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