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Aloha Reader! I need to talk about Maui for a second. It's an incredible island. Truly magical. But I see families make the same planning mistakes again and again, and it breaks my heart because these are SO easy to avoid. Mistake #1: Not staying long enough Maui is deceptively big. The drive from one side to the other takes longer than you think, and there's just SO much to see. How many days on Maui do you need? → This guide breaks down exactly how long to plan based on what you want to do. Spoiler: if you're only going for 4-5 days, you'll spend half your trip in the car. Mistake #2: Choosing the wrong area to stay Where you stay in Maui MATTERS. Like, really matters. Because unlike Oahu where everything is close together, Maui spreads out. Pick the wrong area and you'll spend your whole vacation driving. Kaanapali vs Wailea - where to stay on Maui → These are the two main resort areas for families, and they couldn't be more different. This comparison will help you choose based on:
I've stayed in both areas multiple times with my family. I'll tell you exactly what worked, what didn't, and what I'd do differently. These two decisions – length of stay and where to base yourself – will make or break your Maui trip. Get them right and everything else falls into place. Marcie P.S. Planning a Maui trip and want to skip the trial-and-error phase? Let's build you a custom itinerary in a consultation. I'll help you avoid the mistakes and maximize the magic. |
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've been getting a LOT of questions lately about visiting Hawaii in February, so I wanted to address this directly. The short answer: Yes. February is actually one of my favorite times to visit Hawaii with kids. The longer answer: Visiting Hawaii in February with family → This guide covers everything you need to know: What the weather is ACTUALLY like (spoiler: better than you think) Which islands are best in February How to score better deals What to pack (this is different...
Aloha Reader! Someone asked me yesterday: "If you could only take your kids to ONE Hawaiian island for the rest of your life, which would it be?" Oof. That's like asking which kid is your favorite. But here's what I told her: it depends entirely on what kind of vacation recharges YOU. Oahu or Kauai - which is best for kids? → I wrote this comparison after taking my own kids to both islands multiple times. It's not about which island is "better" – it's about which one matches your family's...
Aloha Reader! If you're planning your first Hawaii trip (or your first trip WITH kids), I have a confession: Oahu is probably your best bet. I know, I know. Everyone says Maui is more beautiful, Kauai is less crowded, the Big Island is more "authentic." And sure, they're not wrong. But Oahu – specifically Waikiki – is THE most forgiving place for first-timers and families. Here's why: Things to do in Waikiki with kids → Waikiki gives you everything within walking distance. Kid melts down?...