The Modern Family is going to Hawaii!
The girls have wanted to go to Hawaii since they saw Soul Surfer, the bio pic about Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost an arm to a shark but persevered to become a world surfing champion!
Although 11 time zones away, more than 50,000 visitors arrived in Hawaii from the UK last year. A friend of mine was lucky enough to be part of that statistic. She organised a family trip to Hawaii, using California as a stop over. Interestingly, she said the price with the stop over was very similar to just going to San Francisco. California is about an 11-hour flight from the UK, and it’s only another 5 hours to Hawaii. I thought I’d investigate.
I dug into our United Miles Plus accounts and discovered we have accumulated nearly a million miles! So before the United website could change its mind, I quickly booked flights, hotels and a car using points (with a CA stop over).
It was way easier than I thought. There was tons of availability this summer for flights AND hotels. We picked Maui and are staying at 4 and 5 star hotels near Lahaina and Wailea. I picked the Westin in Ka’anapali because it’s near the buzzing city of Lahania (and the girls liked the look of the water slides) and the Fairmont in Wailea because of its rave reviews on TripAdvisor. The Fairmont Kea Lani is an elegant hotel on peaceful stretch of Polo Beach, just beyond the crowds in front of other resorts. Wailea is about an hour’s drive down the coast and a different area to explore. Plus I worked for the Fairmont whilst at University in California and know firsthand it’s dedication to customer service.
Now comes the fun part … figuring out what we are going to do! I’m finding the Go Hawaii site very useful! We are definitely going to take the road to Hana and wake up early to catch the sunrise on Haleakala and ride bikes down. Other than that, I’m not sure what else we will do. A traditional luau, snorkelling and ?? Suggestions greatly welcome!
I’m going to put together a full guide on visiting Hawaii from the UK. If there’s anything you want to know … just ask!
IF YOU GO:
United Mileage Plus United.com
Go Hawaii gohawaii.com/uk
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 +1 (808) 667-2525 westinmaui.com
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753 +1 (808) 875-4100 fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui
Mandy | 25th Oct 16
Can’t wait to read your full review. Love that you found the Go Visit Hawaii site as useful as I have. I’d love to read about your experiences seeing the Haleakala sunrise and how you liked the road trip to Hana. Those things are both on my list of must-dos. 🙂
Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani: 13 tips for families - A Modern Mother | 29th Aug 16
[…] your stay – we booked using United miles and loved every minute of out trip! We are definitely going back (maybe even next year – but […]
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) | 25th Jul 16
SO exciting! I spent a few days in Hawaii many years ago although not Maui. You are going to have a brill time! Enjoy. X
Lisa Jane | 22nd Jun 16
Wow Susanna, I hope you all have a fabulous time! My husband and I went for part of our honeymoon. We stayed on Waikiki Beach, enjoyed surfing lessons and a visit to Pearl Harbour. We also flew to Maui and spent a week there. I am delighted to see the sunrise at Haleakala on your wish list! It is stunning, well worth waking up early for. The bike ride is really good fun too:) (The all in ones they make you wear are not very attractive though! LOL) I look forward to reading about your trip on your return
Sarah Christie | 24th May 16
Oh wow Susanna this looks incredible I would love to visit Hawaii my parents have been and loved it, hoorah for air miles, we have used ours for so many trips x
dralind | 28th Apr 16
Hawaii is amazing and you will have an unforgettable time there! Just don’t forget to try http://bit.ly/1Wp6MwO
Mirka Moore | 19th Apr 16
Wow, how lucky to use your points to book this dream holiday. Have never been and cannot wait to read about your holiday afterwards too. Looks amazing!
Vlad | 13th Apr 16
Hope you’ll have a great time, I’ve always dreamed of visiting Hawaii. Take a lot of photos for us 😀
One Messy Mama | 11th Apr 16
This all looks dreamy! Definitely on our family bucket list! #brillblogposts
Emma Raphael | 10th Apr 16
It looks amazing. When Mr R lived in Tokyo, he won a trip to Hawaii through his gym! I was so annoyed 😀 Have a brilliant time! 🙂
Emily Lavenders | 10th Apr 16
That is SO exciting! x
http://www.emilylavenders.com
Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com | 9th Apr 16
How incredibly exciting. I’d be interested to hear about the activities on offer in Hawaii – is it all mainly beachy outdoorsy fun, or do they have plenty of cultural/historical offerings too? I’ll be watching with interest!
Susanna | 10th Apr 16
I think it’s a bit of both … but shall report back. x
Donna Billson | 9th Apr 16
My eldest daughter is obsessed with going to Hawaii. Every time we mention holidays, she always asks to go here.
Using your miles is a good way of doing it, I need to get more savvy!
Will be watching with interest and envy (and not letting my daughter see!!)
Susanna | 10th Apr 16
My daughters are obsessed too. I think it’s the surfing angle. x
Hawaiian Shave Ice | 8th Apr 16
Hawaii is amazing and you will have an unforgettable time there! Just don’t forget to try the shave ice while you’re visiting – even if you have to wait a little while! It is worth the wait!
Susanna | 10th Apr 16
Of course we will try Hawaiian Shave Ice! Have you thought of opening a shop in England?
HPMcQ | 8th Apr 16
holiday of DREAMS! amazing. will be watching closely on your instagram feed! have a wonderful wonderful time, jealous MUCH 🙂
Susanna | 10th Apr 16
Thanks Vanessa. I shall be taking lots of pics. x
Honest Mum | 8th Apr 16
So utterly dreamy, wish I was packed in your suitcase, have an amazing time-I know you will x
Susanna | 10th Apr 16
There’s room in my suitcase!
Louise | 7th Apr 16
Looks stunning! Have an awesome time xxxx
Susanna | 12th Apr 16
Thanks Louise – we’re really looking forward to it. x