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Aloha Reader! Every single time someone reaches out about planning their first Hawaii trip, they ask me the same thing: "Which island should we choose?" And honestly? I get it. The pressure to pick the "right" island feels HUGE when you're investing time and money into a family vacation. Here's what I tell everyone: there's no universally "best" island. But there IS a best island for YOUR family, based on what you actually want to do and how old your kids are. Oahu or Kauai - which is best with kids? → This comparison breaks down the real differences (not just the pretty pictures) so you can make a confident choice. I cover everything from which island has better kid-friendly beaches to where you'll find more activities for different ages. Once you pick your island, the next question is always: "How long should we stay?" Spoiler alert: most families stay too SHORT and spend half their trip exhausted and jet-lagged. Here's my honest take: These aren't "see everything" itineraries. They're realistic guides based on what actually works with kids who need downtime. Planning a 2025 or 2026 trip? Start with these questions. They'll save you from second-guessing yourself later. And if you want personalized help working through these decisions? My consultations are designed exactly for this – we'll figure out the perfect island, length, and approach for your specific family. Happy planning! Marcie |
I've visited Hawaii more than 40 times and I know ALL the tips and tricks for planning the ultimate Hawaii family vacation! I offer free Hawaii planning email courses. I also send weekly emails on Fridays where I share my top things to do in Hawaii with kids, the best family resorts in Hawaii, and my ultimate packing lists! Mahalo!
Aloha Reader, "I should have done this so much sooner." That's what Katie told me after our one-hour consultation. She's a planner, the kind of person who usually has every tab open and every spreadsheet color-coded. And even she said the call took more stress off her plate in sixty minutes than weeks of her own research had. I get a version of that message almost every time. People come into our call a little embarrassed, like they should have figured it all out on their own by now. They...
Aloha Reader, New episode just went live today. My friend Kim Fidler took her family to the North Shore of Oahu for spring break. It was her kids' first time in Hawaii. She did not start with Waikiki. I sat down with her to get the full trip report — what made her choose the North Shore, what surprised her, what she'd do differently, and whether it was the right call for a first trip with kids. Thirty-eight minutes of real talk from someone who just got back. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen...
Aloha Reader, If you've been to Waimea Valley, you already know the waterfall is worth it. The 45-foot cascade at the end of the trail is one of those North Shore moments families talk about for years. But this summer, Waimea Valley is offering something I haven't seen there before. A Sunrise Tour that starts at 7:30am, before the Valley opens to the public. You get exclusive early access, a guided walk through the botanical gardens, and you're among the first people to swim under that...