Mother’s Day might have been the original inspiration for the “girlfriend getaway,” and it’s still one of the best. Whether your idea of a great moms & daughters’ getaway consists of brunch and shopping or snorkeling and sightseeing, a Hawaii vacation might be just the ticket. Island by island, I’ve hand-picked the coolest mother-daughter bonding activities…some for active travelers, and some that offer 100% R&R.
Oahu
For the traditional Mother's Day experience, enjoy a lavish brunch buffet at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, John Dominis or, if you can luck out with a reservation, the legendary Orchids at Halekulani hotel. (Usually this latter is booked for months in advance, but in today’s economy, who knows…) Follow that with a day of serious shopping at Ward Centers, which has lots of cool local stores like the Nohea Gallery and Island Soap & Candle. Or, if you want to get out of Honolulu, opt for brunch and a spa day at the luxurious JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, located in Ko Olina on the peaceful west side of the island.

