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Maui with Kids
Making the Most of Your Hawaiian Vacation
By Amy Carey
"Unless you're up for driving distances on two-lane highways with restless children in the back seat, I suggest you choose [accommodations] that have a nice beach and several solid things to do nearby so you can stay fairly put for the duration of your stay," says Doppelmayer. Her recommendations: Kaanapali Beach, plus beaches just north of Kaanapali, in Napili. "Kaanapali offers several hotels that are highly geared for families – that is, activity programs for kids, childcare if needed, located on safe beaches."
Once you've decided on which part of the island to stay, choosing the type of accommodations is next. You can rent a house, condo or stay in a hotel.
There are advantages to renting a home or condo. "Being in a house allowed us lots of room and a full kitchen so we could cook meals," says Michelle Curly, a mother of two in San Jose, Calif. Eating out for every meal during your vacation can be expensive and add stress for children, so having the option of preparing familiar foods without waiting for a table is a great help to many families.
However, Curly urges parents to consider more than the amount of space and kitchen availability when selecting accommodations. The home she chose for her family lacked a pool and, while the advertisement claimed it was a short walk to the beach, she found that "With a 2-year-old and all of our stuff, it was a very long walk every day." Next time, she says, she plansto choose "a condo that is family friendly, has a great pool, a kitchen and is right on the beach."
