Revisiting Hawaii with 2 kids after 5 years
Are you planning to travel to Hawaii with the kids? Or are you a travel lover who is looking for a destination that offers a perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and adventure? Then Hawaii is a must-visit. I recently had the opportunity to revisit Hawaii with my wife and our two kids, after 5 years, and it was truly a memorable experience. In this blog post, I’ll share our itinerary, recommendations, and tips for traveling to Hawaii with kids.
Our Itinerary
We had a direct flight from Korea to Hawaii and started our trip on the beautiful island of Oahu, where we spent three nights. We then traveled to the Big Island, where we spent another three nights, and finished our trip with three nights in Maui. We rented a car to travel around each island and also took a boat tour and a nature tour.
Oahu: Shopping and Relaxing
Our first stop was Oahu, which is known for its beautiful beaches and world-class shopping. We spent our mornings relaxing on the beach and our afternoons exploring the local shopping malls. Our favorite shopping spots were the Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world, and the Waikiki Beach Walk, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Recommended Restaurant: Roy’s Waikiki – A fusion of Hawaiian and Asian cuisine.
We also visited Pearl Harbor, which is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor and pay your respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives.
Maui: Nature Tour, Boat Tour, and Haleakala Sunrise
Our second stop was Maui, which is known for its stunning natural beauty. We took a nature tour, which included visiting the Road to Hana, a scenic drive that takes you through lush rainforests and past waterfalls, and the Nakalele Blowhole, a natural wonder where water shoots out of a hole in the rocks. We also took a boat tour to see whales and dolphins and watched the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala, which was truly breathtaking.
Recommended Restaurant: Mama’s Fish House – A Hawaiian seafood restaurant that offers a fresh catch of the day.
Big Island: Hilton Resort Relaxing and Volcano Area Driving
Our last stop was the Big Island, where we stayed at the Hilton resort and spent our days relaxing by the pool and exploring the island. We drove around the volcano area, which was a unique experience as you can see the volcano in action. We also visited the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, which is a must-visit.
Recommended Restaurant: Brown’s Beach House – Offers an oceanfront dining experience with locally sourced seafood.
Shopping in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its unique shopping experiences, and each island offers something different. In Oahu, the Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world, with over 350 stores and restaurants. The International Market Place in Waikiki is a popular shopping destination, featuring local boutiques and international brands. In Maui, the Lahaina Cannery Mall offers a variety of stores and restaurants, and the Whalers Village in Kaanapali is a beachfront shopping center with upscale shops and restaurants. The Big Island’s largest shopping center is the Kings’ Shops, which features a variety of stores and restaurants.
Tips for Traveling to Hawaii with Kids
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii with kids, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable:
Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats to protect your family from the intense sun.
Bring a stroller for your young children as there is a lot of walking involved.
Rent a car to travel around each island as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Plan your activities around your children’s schedules, taking into account nap times and meal times.
Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water to keep your family energized throughout the day.
Check with your hotel or resort to see if they offer any kid-friendly activities or services.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches to breathtaking nature and unique shopping experiences. Visiting Hawaii with kids can be a memorable experience, as long as you plan your trip accordingly and consider your children’s needs and schedules. By following these tips and recommendations, you can have a fun and relaxing family vacation in Hawaii that you’ll never forget.
Here you can find the recommended 10 days itinerary of Hawaii travel.
Day 1-3: Oahu
– Arrive in Honolulu and settle into your hotel
– Spend your first day relaxing on the beach and exploring Waikiki
– On day 2, visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial
– On day 3, take your kids to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium
Day 4-6: Big Island
– Fly to Kona and rent a car
– Spend your first day relaxing at the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort
– On day 5, drive to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take a guided tour to explore the volcanic landscapes
– On day 6, visit the Mauna Kea Observatory and stargaze at night
Day 7-9: Maui
– Fly to Maui and rent a car
– Spend your first day relaxing on the beach and exploring Lahaina town
– On day 8, take a boat tour to see humpback whales in their natural habitat
– On day 9, wake up early to watch the sunrise at the Haleakala National Park and hike in the park’s trails
Day 10-11: Oahu
– Fly back to Oahu and spend your last day shopping in Honolulu’s boutiques and malls
– On day 11, depart from Honolulu back home
Of course, this itinerary can be customized to fit your family’s interests and preferences, but it gives you an idea of how to divide your time between each island and which activities to include. Make sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
You can find more information regarding Hawaii travel below.
