Hawaii For Kids By A Kid

Yes, Hawaii Is Definitely For Kids!

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii for kids by a kid. In 2001, my family was privileged to go to Hawaii for a week. When we returned home, my son prepared a speech on his tropical vacation for his class at school. This lens will provide both his and my slant on our visit to Oahu, Hawaii. My son's words will be in turquoise, mine in white.

This page is not meant to be a complete guide to Hawaii but rather a simple discussion of a few of the things that a boy in Grade 4 might enjoy doing on his vacation in and around Waikiki, Oahu. However, toward the end of this page, you will find a list of links that will take you to more information about each of the places that we visited. I've also created a page with our top 10 recommendations for souvenirs from Hawaii. You might enjoy reading it, too.

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An Introduction to Our Family Vacation & To The Treacherous But Amazing Sandy Beach

"If you have gone to Hawaii, I hope you did not go to Sandy Beach. If you did, did you go to the monster waves? Did the undertow pull you out to the ocean? My talk is about Hawaii."

Douglas did not mean to scare you off of Sandy Beach because it was a highlight of his trip. However, it is a beach that you should consider taking your children to only if you go to see the waves and not to swim. Remember the cliche, ". . . beauty and danger in the Hawaiian surf." When we arrived, the lifeguard climbed down from his chair and cautioned us about the conditions and the safety of our boys. Even when wading in the water, the surf was dangerous. My husband hung onto the boys with a strong grip when they dipped their toes into the water.

Be aware that Frommer's.com travel site says, "Sandy Beach is one of the best bodysurfing beaches on Oahu; it's also one of the most dangerous. It's better to just stand and watch."

Our Hotel, The Hilton Hawaiian Village

"There is a really neat hotel. It is called the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It has 24 acres of land, 6 towers and lots of ponds with koi, flamingos and swans. There is one pond with African penguins and turtles. Wow! It had five pools. I told you it was neat."

Yes, we had the good fortune to stay in the amazingly beautiful Hilton Hawaiian Village. My husband was on a conference so most of the room was paid for, we just paid the upgrade to a slightly larger room. I don't remember a lot about the room other than it was fine.

I, too, was amazed by the grounds of the hotel 'village.' They really were beautiful and lush and there really was wildlife like penguins and flamingos. This picture shows Douglas and Ian at night feeding the koi. (Koi is a large fish that flourished in the ponds all around the hotel.)

Hungry Parrots...

"We had pictures taken with seven parrots. Can you imagine it? We took four pictures with seven parrots. One parrot played with my hair and played with my brother's ear."

The boys posed for pictures with parrots not once but twice. The boys wanted to have their pictures taken with the birds but I would not be telling a total truth if I did not tell you they were a bit apprehensive (and so was I.) Looking back, I cannot believe I let them do it! (I was a pretty protective parent, despite what you might be thinking at the moment.)

The first time was on the street. A young person with a couple of parrots stopped us and offered to let us use his parrots for a picture with the boys. We said yes and the photos were taken. It is a family joke, however, that the Parrot ate the grommets out of Douglas' hat.

The second time the pictures were taken by a professional in a professional market set up. This, of course, resulted in the better pictures. (The picture at the beginning of this page is one of the pictures that were taken that day.)

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The Kodak Hula Show

"We also went to the Kodak Hula Show. People learned to do the hula. Not me. The conch shell was really neat. I liked to be in the shade."

We watched the Kodak Hula Show at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. It was a fabulous, free outdoor show, a Hawaiian tradition that started in 1937 and ran for 65 years. I believe that more than 17 million visitors saw this show during the course of its run...and to think we were four of them!

No one in our family chose to join the hula dancers and learn to hula dance ...and, unfortunately, your family will not be able to as this show has been cancelled due to a lack of funding and the uncertain times we live in. The current sponsors have stepped back, let's hope that there will be another sponsor in the future to allow this wonderful part of Hawaiiana to resume.

Paradise Cove Luau

"The Paradise Cove Luau was really neat. There was lots of dancing and a fire dancer. There was lots of food and some neat games and activities."

Yes, I would have to agree with Douglas that the The Paradise Cove Luau was 'really neat.' The boys really enjoyed the entertainment. I'm not so sure that they were crazy about all of the food but the food was fine and the entire experience was an enjoyable chance to partake of some Hawaiian culture.

Sea Life Park

"Sea Life Park was one of my favorites. It has lots of shows. We fed some green sea turtles lettuce. The ray tank was the best."

What child wouldn't love a trip to a Sea Life Park? Douglas and Ian did and you have already heard the highlights. We enjoyed the shows and wandering around at a leisurely pace. Feeding the turtles was interesting; touching a stingray, an unheard of opportunity!

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

"Hanauma Bay was another favorite. We went snorkeling. We saw some beautiful fish."

We did. We gathered up some fun gear and headed to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to go snorkeling very early in the morning as it can get very crowded and the crowds scare the fish away. The sun was honestly so bright for this picture that Ian could not look at his father while the picture was taken!

Make sure you check out the information before you head off to Hanauma Bay. They are currently closed on Tuesdays. Also be aware that the parking lot fills up very early and you will be refused admission if it is full.

Diamond Head State Monument

"Diamond Head is an extinct volcano. It had exactly 271 stairs, two tunnels and a military base. It was really hot. I wish I brought a paper fan."

We climbed and we climbed and we climbed to the top of Diamond Head. The trail we followed to the top was created in 1908 as a part of O'ahu's military defense plan. The hike is .8 miles from the beginning to the end and rises a very steep and strenuous 560 feet.

It was hot and it was a long climb but the view at the top, well it was all worthwhile! Ian had one of those changing color shirts on and he was making it change colors! I don't remember how long it took us to do the hike but the official website says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours. We carried a spray bottle of water to douse ourselves with and, of course, lots of drinking water. Our picture shows three of us and the view of Waikiki from the top.

The Beach

The beach at our hotel was amazing. Nice sand and a reef with sharp rocks and you can rent stuff like sunglasses, blankets, chairs, umbrellas, floaties and buckets and shovels. I liked to go floating and to build sand castles.

I hope you remember about Sandy Beach - do not go to the monster waves and the undertow that will pull you out to the ocean.

Of course, you go to Hawaii for the beaches and if you have young children, you could spend your entire vacation at the beach. The picture here is on the beach right at our hotel. Naturally, it is therefore a busy beach but I don't think the boys noticed!

Whatever you choose to do with your family when you visit Hawaii, I hope you return home with as many wonderful memories as we did!

Two Family Travel Guides -- Frommer's Hawaii With Kids and Fun With The Family Hawaii

If you are spending your money on an exciting Hawaiian vacation buy a good travel book! They are not very expensive and they will put much of the information that you need at your fingertips. If you buy a family guide, it will make good recommendations for traveling with children. Do make sure that you buy the current issue, using a two-year old edition just doesn't make sense when you need the most up-to-date information. I always buy Frommer's travel guides when we are travelling.

Frommer's Hawaii With Kids (Frommer's With Kids)
By Jeanette Foster

Amazon Customer Review:

"I think that of all the Hawaii-related travel books out there, this one is the best because it is full of pertinent information without getting too involved. It is perfect if you are planning your vacation to include children. It gives you everything from choosing family-friendly accommodations and dining to planning events everyone in the entire family with love. I am very happy that I chose this book." ~~ M. Mueller, Wisconsin

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Frommer's Hawaii with Kids
From Amazon
$13.19

Fun with the Family Hawaii, 7th: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids
By Julie Applebaum DeMello

A great travel guide will give you information that helps you decide what are the must-do items for your family. "Bound to lead you and your kids to fun-filled days . . . that help compose the memories of childhood." -- Family Travel Times

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Fun with the Family Hawaii, 7th Edition
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A List of Links To Help You Find More Information Online About The Places We Visited in Oahu

Sandy Beach, Oahu: When the surf is calm, this is a superb beach for swimming. However, when the surf is up, this beach can be treacherous due to the shorebreak and rip tide currents. Experienced bodysurfers find that the waves here have no equal any where else on the island.
Waikiki Hotels-Hilton Hawaiian Village- Honolulu Hawaii Hotels, Resorts, Reservations: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa - official site. Immerse yourself in the 22 oceanfront acres of this stunning Waikiki hotel. Located on the island of Oahu, this exceptional Honolulu Hawaii hotel offers the perfect mix of exquisite accommodations and classic Hawaiian hospitality.
Sandy Beach Park: The beach is just great for beachcombing. The surf when calm makes this a superb spot for swimming; experienced shorebreak bodysurfers find that its waves have no equal anywhere.
Paradise Cove Luau - Hawaii's Best Luau: At Paradise Cove we strive to preserve the culture and island lifestyle that makes Hawai'i so unique. In the traditions of our ancestors, we pass on to you the knowledge of our rich history including the arts & crafts, games of skill, songs, dances and food. Learn about the significance of our land and people and you will truly understand and appreciate the beauty of Hawai'i.
Sea Life Park, Oahu, Hawaii: Experience Hawaii's famous marine life and get closer than you've ever been to dolphins, sea turtles, penguins, and more! Sea Life Park Hawaii is a world-class aquatic experience at Oahu's Makapuu Beach. Swim with dolphins, hug sea lions, and have an underwater adventure in this awesome place by the sea.
Hanauma Nature Preserve: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii, is reaping the benefits of over a decade of moves to re-establish its pristine marine ecosystem. Recognizing the damage done by years of neglect and abuse by allowing some three million visitors annually, the City and County of Honolulu in 1990 laid out a plan to restore Hanauma to a clean, healthy state by reducing the number of visitors, establishing an education program, and instituting supportive restrictions.
Diamond Head State Park, Hawaii State Parks, Oahu: The unique profile of Diamond Head (Le'ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki's coastline. Hawaii's most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
Oahu Beaches, Frommers.com: Oahu has more than 130 beaches of every conceivable kind -- from legendary white-sand stretches to secluded rocky bays. Waikiki, of course, is the best known, but there are many others -- some more beautiful, all less crowded. The following sample of Oahu's finest beaches was carefully selected to suit every need, taste, and interest, from the sunbather in repose to the most ardent diver.

Read All About Our Favorite Hawaiian Souvenirs

Hawaii Souvenirs, The Best ~~ Our Top 10

During our 2001 trip to Oahu, Hawaii, we collected some fantastic Hawaii souvenirs. This page is my Top 10 list of the items that we chose as keepsakes. I am practical by nature so you will find many of our choices useful. However, I am also sentimen...

Every Little Boy Ought To Have A Fun Hawaiian Shirt To Wear In Hawaii...

Classic Hibiscus Boy's Hawaiian Aloha Shirt in Red

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Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 11/29/2009)

White Hibiscus Fern Boy's Hawaiian Aloha Shirt in Blue

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Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 11/29/2009)

Red Hibiscus Island Boy's Hawaiian Aloha Shirt in Blue

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Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 11/29/2009)