Hawaii advice.....Takin' the fam mid-August....

[Jeraden]

Ok, so after talking to the old man, apparently he likes the Pearl Harbor idea for my kids too. He also thinks highly of the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel in Waikiki. I know reviews are a mixed bag so wondering if anybody's got suggestions on how to get the most out of the hotel. (i.e. Stay at this tower, that tower, only this view, only this above the 4th floor, etc. etc.)

And if ANYBODY can suggest a way to get in as cheaply as possible (No, I won't do their "construction discount", however) I'm game to hear any suggestions.

As it is, I'm probably looking at a couple grand for a weeks worth of hotel PLUS a couple grand just to get us there. That's $4K out the window before we eat bite #1!!!!

(Married w/ kids has rewards but dayum, they're expensive!!)

I didn't see this thread until now, and saw your Q from a while back about debating between Road to Hana and Pearl Harbor. For me, unless you are some huge history/war buff, I'd easily recommend the Road to Hana instead. I've been to Hawaii twice, and by far my best and most lasting memories are the Road to Hana. Aside from the rain foresty type drive, swimming in the cool serene pools next to waterfalls is just an unbeatable experience, at least to me. I can't remember where exactly, but at one of the waterfall/pool spots, if you hiked a few minutes down the one path, there was a smaller pool that was completely empty of people, with a waterfal splashing down in the back. It's been years since I've been there, but anytime I think of the most tranquil and relaxing place I've ever been, I always remember swimming in that pool. It was just awesome. I'd go back to Hawaii again just to re-visit that pool.

 

[Paladin]

I almost had a heart attack when you said Hilton Hawaiian Village. Seriously, it is like Disneyland in every worse way. It's incredibly CROWDED. I stayed there when I had to go on a business trip, never again. Also, it's not on the main drag in Waikiki.

We've stayed at the Outrigger Royal Kahana, 6 times. For the price it's great. The beach isn't great for swimming, though you CAN snorkel a little out there. Maui Brewing is right there too. It's right in the middle of it all, Kapalua is 5 minutes north, Kaanapali is 10 minutes south. Lahaina is just down the road too.
Check VRBO for condos to rent from owner
Another place on a GREAT beach: http://www.astonhotels.com/resort/overview/aston-maui-kaanapali-villas

The Whaler is our favorite, on the main part of Ka'anapali, it's more of a splurge (wife and I just did a studio last summer).
Again, check VRBO for any condo rentals from owners. You save a lot.

 

[Paladin]

VRBO maui ka'anapali villas We love North Ka'anapali.

On Waikiki check: http://www.outriggerwaikikihotel.com/

 

[purbeast0]

kaanapali is awesome. if i ever go back to maui i'm either staying right on kaanapali again (stayed at the westin, has an awesome pool) or going to go find a condo that is just north of it.

 

[redgtxdi]

DOh!! Man, lots of quick responses!! I'm tryin' ta nef here at work & people are bugging me.

Ok, so I'm really trying hard w/ this Costco thing but a couple tricks they pull on the price are cheaper hotels & bizarre flights. (Saturday night, arriving way late basically nixes Saturday. Then return flight is overnight which kinda kills the following weekend....ugh). I can modify flights, hotels, etc. but then I'm up around $6K. (yikes!!)

Gonna check breaking it down on my own doing VRBO.

Dayum this is some work!

 

[Mixolydian]

Enjoy the plane ride...

 

[Exterous]

DOh!! Man, lots of quick responses!! I'm tryin' ta nef here at work & people are bugging me.

Ok, so I'm really trying hard w/ this Costco thing but a couple tricks they pull on the price are cheaper hotels & bizarre flights. (Saturday night, arriving way late basically nixes Saturday. Then return flight is overnight which kinda kills the following weekend....ugh). I can modify flights, hotels, etc. but then I'm up around $6K. (yikes!!)

Gonna check breaking it down on my own doing VRBO.

Dayum this is some work!

I'd break out the flights and book Hawian or Island air separately and see if that helps

 

[purbeast0]

just as a comparison, the price for my wife and i for flights + hotel for 11 days at westin kaanapali + car rental was $4500. that is just for those things, not any spending money. and this was back in 2008.

 

[redgtxdi]

just as a comparison, the price for my wife and i for flights + hotel for 11 days at westin kaanapali + car rental was $4500. that is just for those things, not any spending money. and this was back in 2008.

Exactly!! (I think airfare is largest factor these days.....plus every flight is full anymore. The days of empty flights are gone!)

Hotel costs are up too, but that's where some know-how can help. I'm gonna break down perfect Costco setup then I'll try full-individual breakdown.

 

[redgtxdi]

Ok, here's the first breakdown via Costco.......(hang onto your @$$ cheeks)......

8 days & 7 nights (4 in Maui, 3 in Oahu) -----> $5,263

Which includes:

- Flight LAX to Maui. (upgraded from BS flight times to worthy flight times... approx $200extra)

- Maui Kaanapali Beach Hotel ($300 upgrade from Outrigger Royal Kahana....worth it?) http://www.kbhmaui.com

- Flight hop from Maui to Oahu (changed from late night to mid-afternoon, no penalty)

- Aston Waikiki Beach Resort ($350 upgrade from Ohana Waikiki West.....worth it?) http://www.astonwaikikibeach.com/

- Honolulu to LAX (again, upgraded for decent flight times)

Whew!!! Friggin' ridiculous!!! But if I couldn't save at least a grand, I probably wouldn't mess with it cuz I'd trust Costco otherwise.

???

 

[mztykal]

Did you get Hawaiian Airlines website? They usually have packages that are pretty well priced.

 

[justoh]

Which specific hotel on maui?

 

[Paladin]

.
.


- Maui Kaanapali Beach Resort ($300 upgrade from Outrigger Royal Kahana....worth it?) http://kaanapaliresort.com/


- Aston Waikiki Beach Resort ($350 upgrade from Ohana Waikiki West.....worth it?) http://www.astonwaikikibeach.com/

Which Maui hotel? The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel? There is no Maui Kaanapali Beach Resort

How much more is the Outrigger Waikiki? The Aston is down by the zoo... so it's a little walk to the 'main' part of Waikiki.

Since Airfare is the biggest expense, perhaps stay longer. 7 nights in Maui at the Outrigger Royal Kahana. It's a condo, so you can save a ton of money on food, and time. BBQ down by the pool after longs days on the beach and snorkeling. Great times!

You'll lose almost a day of vacation travelling between islands.

 

[redgtxdi]

Sorry, yes, it's actually the Kaanapali Beach Hotel -----> http://www.kbhmaui.com

And it was a $300 upgrade from the Outrigger. (Outrigger had 2.5 stars, this had 4 stars on Costco's site & about 4 times the number of reviews, so I figured it was good?)

FWIW, the Hawaiian Village upgrade on Waikiki was ridiculous. Like $500 extra. I don't care what my old man thinks of it, that's steep for a hotel that has 50/50 lovers/haters, no???

P.S. Outrigger Regency or Reef.....either one.....is another $600 extra over regular. (So another $300 on top of the Aston)

 

[Paladin]

The best thing about the KBH is the location. It's right next to the Sheraton at Black Rock. Get up, before breakfast and go snorkeling around the point every morning. Last August there was a little school (family) of Spotted Eagle Rays there, every morning. An adult and 2 young that stayed right by (mom's) side as they cruised around.
You got Whaler's Village right there too.

Like I said, I HATE the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Stay away. lol

But, as I mentioned, personally I would do extra nights, for 7 total, at the Royal Kahana. It'll probably come out maybe the same cost after you factor in all the money you'll save by being in a condo. All the best beaches and snorkel spots are within 10 minutes of there anyways, so driving is not a big deal when you're in west Maui.

 

[skyking]

I have nothing to add but we just got back from a week in Kona.

 

[RossMAN]

I have nothing to add but we just got back from a week in Kona.

Pics? Did you do any snorkeling?

 

[redgtxdi]

The best thing about the KBH is the location. It's right next to the Sheraton at Black Rock. Get up, before breakfast and go snorkeling around the point every morning. Last August there was a little school (family) of Spotted Eagle Rays there, every morning. An adult and 2 young that stayed right by (mom's) side as they cruised around.
You got Whaler's Village right there too.

Like I said, I HATE the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Stay away. lol

But, as I mentioned, personally I would do extra nights, for 7 total, at the Royal Kahana. It'll probably come out maybe the same cost after you factor in all the money you'll save by being in a condo. All the best beaches and snorkel spots are within 10 minutes of there anyways, so driving is not a big deal when you're in west Maui.

Well, I guess I'm not opposed if you really think that highly of Royal Kahana. Any opinion on 1 or 2 bedroom and garden view vs ocean view vs ocean front?? (Costco upgrades those room choices pretty cheaply)

Another thing is that, it's surprisingly cheaper than I thought to island hop. If I'll spend $4,500 on one island or $5,300 on 2 islands, I think 2 islands would be better, no? (btw, wife & I hopped Maui/Kauai back when. The hop was ridiculously short & quick so not really much time lost, imho.

P.S. We were 2 of 5 people on the flight. A Boeing 737. We went up, got slammed some drinks & went down onto the landing strip. It was friggin' hilarious!!

P.P.S. I just got done redoing the trip & if I do the Royal Kahana for the 4 nights on Maui, I can get under $5K. (Almost exactly $300 cheaper but, again, certainly not a deal-breaker if KBH is better)

P.P.P.S. A Maui-only trip for 7 days comes out to $4,800 on Costco @ KBH. Kahana condos saves $300. (not worth missing the 2 island trip, imho) The extra 3 day's car rental may be adding some to that cuz Waikiki is foot/bus-only.

???

 

[RossMAN]

If you decide to use CostCoTravel.com make sure to upgrade to Executive membership as they usually offer extra perks such as $100 GC, upgraded hotel rooms, etc.

https://www.costcotravel.com/Travel-Offers/Executive-Member-Benefits

 

[redgtxdi]

If you decide to use CostCoTravel.com make sure to upgrade to Executive membership as they usually offer extra perks such as $100 GC, upgraded hotel rooms, etc.

https://www.costcotravel.com/Travel-Offers/Executive-Member-Benefits

Nice! Ya, I figured it might also be worth a call into them at some point. It keeps showing the chat button *and* their phone number inviting you to talk to one of their agents.

I remember one of the first cool vacations my wife (then, girlfriend) and I went on was down in San Diego on Coronado island. I used a travel agent (are they even around anymore?) and saved a TON of $$$ and got lots of cool inside tips! Stayed across the street from the Hotel Del Coronado, yet enjoyed all the Del's perks and got recommended uber-good eats & activities just because of the agent knowledge!

P.S. I also checked what *used* to be Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays (how just "Pleasant Holidays") but nothing special there (though they seemed tied to Hilton Hawaiian Village better....uh-oh?) Also, Costco seems to really do the multi-island thing well & easily. And, yes, also tried Hawaiian Airlines, but ditto there.

 

[Paladin]

Well, I guess I'm not opposed if you really think that highly of Royal Kahana. Any opinion on 1 or 2 bedroom and garden view vs ocean view vs ocean front?? (Costco upgrades those room choices pretty cheaply)

Another thing is that, it's surprisingly cheaper than I thought to island hop. If I'll spend $4,500 on one island or $5,300 on 2 islands, I think 2 islands would be better, no? (btw, wife & I hopped Maui/Kauai back when. The hop was ridiculously short & quick so not really much time lost, imho.

P.S. We were 2 of 5 people on the flight. A Boeing 737. We went up, got slammed some drinks & went down onto the landing strip. It was friggin' hilarious!!

P.P.S. I just got done redoing the trip & if I do the Royal Kahana for the 4 nights on Maui, I can get under $5K. (Almost exactly $300 cheaper but, again, certainly not a deal-breaker if KBH is better)

P.P.P.S. A Maui-only trip for 7 days comes out to $4,800 on Costco @ KBH. Kahana condos saves $300. (not worth missing the 2 island trip, imho) The extra 3 day's car rental may be adding some to that cuz Waikiki is foot/bus-only.

???

If you can't extend your trip to 10 nights (7 in Maui at Royal Kahana) just stay in the hotel at the KBH. 4 nights in a condo you could end up with wasted food that you bought. You'll love the location at KBH.
We always do 1 bedroom ocean view at the Outrigger Royal Kahana when we stay there. Our son sleeps on the pullout in the couch.
Otherwise, it's a studio at The Whaler on Ka'anapali when it's just my wife and I. (KBH is right next to The Whaler). 1 bedroom there is twice the price, not worth it.

 

[redgtxdi]

While I'd definitely love to stay 10 days, I dunno if that'd work as kid's school starts back up that next week! (Plus one daughter has volleyball tryouts)

I think 4 in Maui & 3 in Waikiki will still be ok. (Not to mention, I don't know if I can handle 10, 24-hour days with the kids in a row) :chuckle:

Gonna try & call the Costco travel folks today & see if there's anything else they can enlighten me about.

 

[redgtxdi]

Ok, planned to have this done last night but got thrown a curve ball with the dates. I'm a little frustrated but kids/wife won't ruin this for me even if I have to go myself.

Anywho.......

Costco travel agent chick wasn't much help. Almost sounded like she didn't want to talk but I forced her to.

Then, she liked the idea of Kaanapali Beach Hotel, but not so much on the Aston Waikiki Beach. (She said it's NOT on the beach & would require a little walk). So I went back to Hilton Hawaiian Village & she recommended only that I stay in the Alii tower. Otherwise she suggested either Outrigger hotel. (Ok, I didn't even consider those yet).

I'm gonna sit the wife & kids down now to nail the dates or sacrifice them all for the greater good.

 

[skyking]

Pics? Did you do any snorkeling?

few pics. Snorkeled Hapuna, City of Refuge, Black Sands Beach. Just walked in, no boat trips.

 

[Paladin]

Ok, planned to have this done last night but got thrown a curve ball with the dates. I'm a little frustrated but kids/wife won't ruin this for me even if I have to go myself.

Anywho.......

Costco travel agent chick wasn't much help. Almost sounded like she didn't want to talk but I forced her to.

Then, she liked the idea of Kaanapali Beach Hotel, but not so much on the Aston Waikiki Beach. (She said it's NOT on the beach & would require a little walk). So I went back to Hilton Hawaiian Village & she recommended only that I stay in the Alii tower. Otherwise she suggested either Outrigger hotel. (Ok, I didn't even consider those yet).

I'm gonna sit the wife & kids down now to nail the dates or sacrifice them all for the greater good.

Yeah, that's what I mentioned, that Aston is down by the zoo..... When I stayed at the Hilton it was in the Diamond Head Tower (horribly loud) at first (when I was just there with workmates), then when the family came we moved to the Ali'i tower. Yes, the room was super nice in the Ali'i, got upgraded to a full one bedroom because our booked room wasn't ready. It's not the rooms that are a problem, the place in general is a zoo. You might like it, some do. But, it's not on the main drag as I mentioned. Compare it to the Outrigger Waikiki.