Exploring Oahu

Travelling Hawaii with kids

 

I’ve had so many people asking questions about travelling Hawaii with kids while I was on my most recent trip o Hawaii, so I thought I would jot down some travel tips based on our two family visits (2016 & 2019) to help any fellow Hawaii travellers who are planning their trip!

 

In 2016 we travelled to Oahu with our then 4yo and 11 month old. We hired a home in Kaneohe, as well as hiring a car for the entire two weeks. This was my favourite holiday post-kids by far! In Feb 2019, we travelled again with our girls who are now 7yo and 3.5yo and stayed at a hotel in Waikiki (as part of a cheap AF deal with Jetstar). Comparing both holidays, I whole-heartedly can say when we return, we will hire a home again. The hotel was fine, but I find as a ENFJ personality type that sharing a room with my kids and just… being on top of each other for a whole week is too much for me. I felt like I spent a lot of the time telling them to ‘not do this or that’ and felt like I had to supervise heavily. With the home in Kaneohe, they had their own space. We had a kitchen, a lounge room, a backyard and we just had a bit more space.

 

Both holidays were amazing, don’t get me wrong! But for me, Waikiki got a bit boring after a few days and I much preferred having space and the freedom and independence of having our own car!

Pre-travel:

What to pack:

• Trunki’s – I can’t recommend these little suitcases more! They have so much room for your kids belongings, they fit in the overhead lockers on the plane, and the best part? The kids can sit on them and you pull them along in the airport so no complaints about how far they have to walk. Trunki’s are life!!
• Travel packs for the kids – I’ve done this for years for my girls for long haul flights. It makes them excited for each flight, and essentially gives you the best chance at a hassle-free flight! I pack: Colouring, small toys/blind bags, spot books, mini packets of chips, different small treats, their own headphones. 
• Jetstar – If you are flying with Jetstar, I highly recommend paying the little bit extra for the TV screen access and also pre-order your meals so they come out first!
• Passports in seperate bag – Pack your passports and any travel docs in a seperate bag within your backpack so they are easy to access. I use a Kip & Co drawstring bag that my pillowcases came in!

• Panadol and medicines (check in luggage) – Whether the kids are sick or not, I always pack Panadol, Bandaids and any medications they might need just in case. Again, I use a drawstring bag and pack it in my checked in luggage (You can’t take any liquids in your carry-on over 100ml’s)
• Stroller/Portacot etc – We don’t need these anymore, but generally most airlines will let you carry these free of charge. You just have to check them into oversized luggage. Just do your research before flying!
• Parking/trasport to Airport – We used a taxi to get from the airport to our hotel. Most hotels offer a transfer service, but they charge per person and tend to be quite pricey. Taxi’s are sitting out the front of the airport ready to go, so we opted for that. (In the USA car seats are not mandatory in taxi’s, so we did travel the 15km’s without. I sat in the middle with the girls either side, and used my arms (as well as the seatbelts) to hold them in place – Just something to mention in case that worries you)

 

Things to do:

Waikiki (No car needed):

• Diamond Head – Is an extinct volcanic crater that you can hike up the top and see a panoramic view of Oahu. We haven’t had the chance to do this yet, because the distance is a little far for our kids (8.8km) – I believe you can catch the No. 23 bus for a small fee to this location.
• The Waikiki Trolley (The pink line) – We found without a car for some of our trip this was the best way to get around. Our hotel came with free access to the pink line, but if paying it’s only $2USD. It is a circuit that acts like a ‘Hop-on-hop-off” bus and has stops located all over Waikiki and has buses coming every 10-15 mins.
• Waikiki beaches – Are beautiful and easy to get around. On the main beach there is a blocked off area which is a nice easy swimming place for kids, but it’s pretty good all along Waikiki beach as the reef is about 500m out to sea so no waves are breaking near the shore. There is also a free to public lagoon up near the Hilton Village. You can walk there by following the beach (It’s a fair hike) or you can catch the Waikiki Trolley.

Oahu (with a car):

• Dole Pineapple Plantation – Such a great day out for kids! The plantation has a big eating area where you can have a meal and try the famous Dole Whip (pineapple soft serve ice cream), there is a miniature train ride where you tour the plantation and see where the pineapples are grown, and there is a maze challenge as well. Ticket prices were $17.50USD for adults, $13USD for children and FREE under 4 years old for all activities.

• Haleiwa – Is the cutest town! It’s home to the best shaved ice on the island (Matsumoto’s) and has the cutest little shops and eateries.

• Hanauma Bay – For the best snorkelling! It’s a $7.50USD entry (Free for kids under 4) and it truly is AMAZING. The bay was formed when a volcano erupted, and over years the sea levels have risen to form the curved bay and the most epic underwater ecosystem.

• North Shore – Is renowned for the best surfing on the island, but also has great snorkelling locations too. It’s a beautiful drive, and along the way has some cute little shops as well as food van’s for island cooked shrimp (So good!)
• Kailua Beach – This is my favourite beach on the island. It is a lot (A LOT!) quieter than Waikiki. It is so beautiful.
• Waikele Premium Outlets – Shopppiinngggg!!! There are tour buses that can take you on the 25 min drive, but again you are paying per person. We chose to hire a car for 2 days an included this in our travels. While there are lots of shops on the main Waikiki strip, and the HUGE Ala Moana shopping centre in Waikiki too – These stores are bargain basement prices. With stores like GAP, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Sketchers, Osh Kosh, Converse and so many more – I would allow half a day if you’re in the mood for a shop.

• Manoa Falls – About a 15 minute drive from Waikiki and the most picturesque hike. We managed the 2.6km (VERY steep and slippery) with our 7yo and 3yo and it was totally worth it. Parking was $5USD and there is a cafe and toilets at the bottom. It took us about 2 hours to get up and back.

Where to eat:

• ABC stores – There are 73 ABC stores in the Waikiki city centre! Literally one on every block (if not more!) – They are like a souvenir shop crossed with a servo. They stock fresh fruit and ready-made salads as well as cold drinks, confectionery, snacks, alcohol and a shit tonne of Hawaii magnets, key rings, shirts etc. We stocked up on fruit and when we felt like we needed a healthy/easy lunch option would stop in too.
• Food pantry – Is a full supermarket with everything you need, so if you want to stock up I would head here (The address is: 2370 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA).
• California Pizza Kitchen – Has a very western menu, so is very good for kids. But also has healthy options and appetisers to break up the eating out. The Mexican Street Corn and the Shanghai Power Bowl are THAT GOOD!!! The prices are reasonable too, so it’s a win/win! Menu here if you want to look!
• Cheesecake Factory – The BIGGEST menu everrrr!! And famous for their cheesecake’s obviously!! But everything we have eaten there has been awesome. Meal sizes are pretty big, so take that into consideration!
• Starbucks – We ate breakfast at Starbucks most days. Without a toaster or kitchenette this was the most cost effective option for us, and we were headed there anyway for coffee. We ate bagels, egg & bacon muffins and yogurt/granola, all very well priced.

• Kona Provedore – The best coffee found in Waikiki, and also has yummy pastries too! (Kuhio Avenue Mall Entrance – International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA)
• International Marketplace/Food Hall – Is located between the main strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Ave) and a parallel street Kuhlio Ave) and has some high end restaurants on the rooftop, but also a food hall that has loads of eats options!

 

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I hope this has been helpful to you and your family travels! If you want to check out other travel blogs, click here.