hawaii with 5 kids: is it really worth the hassle?

We’ve been dreaming about a real family vacation for years, and now we finally have $10,000 set aside. But here’s the thing: we’ve got five kids under 11 (10, 8, 6, 4, and 3), and I’m starting to wonder if Hawaii is actually doable or if we’re just setting ourselves up for chaos. The kids are obsessed with beaches and swimming pools, but honestly, I’m worried about the logistics. Just getting everyone out the door in the morning is a production, so I can’t imagine wrangling them all onto a tour bus or through a crowded airport. My wife and I are hoping for something relaxing, but I know the reality might be a lot more sand in our shoes and meltdowns at dinnertime than sunset cocktails. I’ve heard Oahu is great for families, but is it too crowded? Would Maui or the Big Island be better if we want a little more peace and quiet? And are there any hotels that don’t charge an arm and a leg for a family our size? I keep seeing those fancy resorts, but I’m not sure if they’re actually family-friendly or just look good in the brochures. Has anyone managed a trip like this without losing their minds—or their savings? I’d love to hear what actually worked (or didn’t) for other big families. Sometimes I wonder if we’d be better off just finding a nice beach closer to home, but then I see those Hawaii photos and start dreaming again. Anyone else feel torn between adventure and just keeping things simple? #FamilyTravel #HawaiiVacation #BigFamilyProblems #Travel