Patsy

We're planning about 12 days over New Year's with our 19 year old daughter - looking at Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Is this practical? Will we feel rushed or will it simply allow for plenty variety?

Suggestions for activities which will appeal to a teen/young adult?

Looking for suites/condo type accomodations or hotels where we can get adjoining rooms.

david

Check out the Kea Lani on Maui...all the rooms are suites with a pull out couch in the living room and a mini kitchette (sink, small fridge, coffee maker, and microwave)...huge bathrooms...LR and BR have TV, LR has DVD...hotel has library...great beach and pools (a very quiet adult pool too!)...good restaurants including the casual Cafe Ciao and a gourmet take out deli so you can eat in your suite a couple of times... Do a whale watch, take a helicopter tour, shop at the Shops at Wailea...do the spa thing...she will love it! 3 islands it too many for 12 days...suggest Maui and Kauai...(Princeville or Hyatt)

dakotah

We have done the itinerary you mentioned, plus Oahu, in twelve days, but it was a bit tiring. Depends on if you think you'll be back sometime, or if you're trying to hit the "touristy" highlights. I would recommend spending more time on Maui/Kauai, although 2-3 nights on the Big Island is do-able. Maui is the more active, "fun" island - Day 1 could be checking out the many shops, restaurants, (Hard Rock Cafe) of Lahaina with a whalewatch/Atlantis sub tour booked from there. (Be sure to go in the AM; waves can get "bouncy" later in day) Day 2 - Take ride to Haleakala (dormant volcano) & bike-ride down the hills; sightsee rest of the day. Day 3 - Road to Hana sights, and it is a FULL DAY!! Day 4 - Other things to do include Luau meal at night, winery tours, watersports, hanggliding behind boats, etc. Day 5- On Kauai, if your budget can take it, do the helicopter tour, but go on a sunny morning to see all the greenery/waterfalls. Lounge on the beach in the afternoon. Day 6 - Drive up to "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" & tour island's sites. Day 7 - Drive up past Princeville area to see surfers/NaPali coastline/sea caves - drive back & check out local shops, etc. Day 8 - Check out marinas for raft trips, kayaking, windsurf rental, jetskis, etc. Day 9 - Split your time between the two islands, or fly to Big Island. Spend 1 night at Hilo to easier go to Volcanoes Nat'l. Park all day, and have a leisurely evening coming home to room. Spend 1-2 nights at Kona area, as a base for that side of the island's scenery/historical sites. Not a lot of night-action; basically laid-back island. Hope this helps. PS - Be sure to try the Maui onion rings/Kona coffee-flavored ice cream. YUMMM!!!

SEW

For activities, kayaking would be fun. Find an outfitter that will stop for snorkeling. It's a lot of fun. Also, parasailing is fun.

xxx

Try Little Beach in Maui. I'm sure she will love it. Heck, you might too.