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Family Friendly
Destination: Waikiki, Hawaii
Welcome to world famous Waikiki Beach! Popularly known for its North Shore beaches, crystal blue waters and sweeping sunset views, makes Waikiki the #1 Hawaii destination.
FAMILY FRIENDLY AMENITIES:
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| Activities Staff Onsite |
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| Babysitting services onsite |
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| Babysiting services nearby |
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| Children's Wading Pool |
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| Continental Breakfast |
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| Cribs (available upon request) |
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| DVD Player* |
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| Full Kitchen available |
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| Kichenette |
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| Microwave |
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| Onsite Movie Rentals |
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| Playground |
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| Restaurant Onsite |
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| In Room Washer/Dryer* |
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*In Select Rooms
15 Things to Do | Activities | Day Trips
15 Things to Do in Waikii, Hawaii
Visit world famous Waikiki Beach!
Activities in Waikiki
Surf crystalline blue waters. Watch gorgeous sunsets. Visit world famous Waikiki Beach.
ADVENTURE
Surf, Scuba, Snorkel—on all the islands!
Hans Hedeman’s Surf School in / Waikiki provides surfing neophytes the chance to cut their teeth on manageable waves at Waikiki Beach before trying the Big Kahuna” on the island’s North Shore. Come on, you know you want to at least try it once in your life! (www.hhsurf.com, 808-924-7778)
In Water
Swim with the Dolphins at Sea Life Park. This exhilarating experience doesn’t come cheaply at $200 for 45 minutes, but where else can you have this kind of experience? (Unless you’re from California or Florida, of course.) Sea Life Park has thought of everything to assist humans in having actual physical encounters with marine mammals like dolphins and sea lions. Families simply love this world-class marine attraction. Plan to spend the day. Dreams come true as you kiss a stingray or suit up and descend into the Park’s reef tank to feed hungry fish. The setting is magical, too—located 15 miles from Waikiki on Makapuu Point, cradled by the Koolau Mountain Range and the Makapuu Beach you find performing penguins, dancing dolphins and singing sea lions. It’s all here to be enjoyed and experienced. Naturally, these programs are extremely popular so please make reservations well in advance of your visit if you truly want to meet and swim with a dolphin. And, there are programs to accommodate everyone in your pod. Sea Life Park recognizes not everyone wants to get in the tanks so, for those who prefer to remain dry, they’ve devised a meeting with dolphins where this is possible. There is a restaurant on site and a snack bar, plus a gift shop. And, take a break from underwater creatures while taking a nice stroll through the bird sanctuary. In the evening, dig in to an all-you-can-eat buffet Luau Dinner and witness an authentic Tahitian fire dance! (www.sealifeparkhawaii.com; 1-866-393-5158 (for US reservations). Park info: 1-866-365-7446. 41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795. From Waikiki head northwest on Kuhio Ave. toward Nohonani St., turn left, then another left at Ala Wai Blvd. (.7 mi) Turn right at McCully St., then right at Kapiolani Blvd., go ,9 miles where you’ll merge onto I-H1 East (2.6 mi). Continue on Kalanianaole Hwy for 10 miles, watch for Sea Life Park signs.)
Visit Volcanoes
When you talk about famous volcanoes, Diamond Head in Oahu is undoubtedly on the “Top 10 List.” This iconic landmark had come to symbolize all things Hawaiian. The Ancients called it “Laeahi” which means, “brow of the tuna” —and it’s obvious why. In the 1880’s British soldiers dubbed it “Diamond Head,” star-struck by the calcite crystals in the lava rock that sparkled like diamonds from the cone of the volcano with promise of riches. As a volcano, Diamond Head has been inactive 150,000 years. But, Diamond Head was active in the 20th center as a key strategic defense site. Diamond Head crater is over 3,500 ft in diameter and 760 ft. tall, so the crater and elevation provided perfect strategic conditions to enlist this site as a defense post. Fort Ruger, built in 1909, was built in the crater shortly after the U.S. annexed Hawaii. It almost immediately became concerned about the harbor’s defense. At Diamond Head, hikers will see remnants of the fort including the underground tunnels constructed in the volcano’s cone —to make access to the Fort easier (one is over 580 ft. long!). Canons were buried, facing the harbor.
Visitors in good hiking condition can actually hike to the top! Wear hiking boots or non-skid shoes and bring a flashlight so you can navigate its unlit tunnel passages. Diamond Head Trail is not difficult, per se, but steep in parts with two sets of stairs to climb. There are handrails on the 1.4-mile trail—so that helps with the incline. Plenty of benches for resting are available. Take your own water, though, and plenty of it. It can hot and dry up at the summit —dehydration and high altitude don’t mix well. En route to the top you’ll “land” at various “levels.” Don’t poop out early; the climb to the top is worth every step. And the view…stupendous! Take a camera in a fanny pack, along with hand towelettes and binoculars. The Hawaii Army National Guard still uses part of the old fort for training. Only 25 percent of the battery and tunnel infrastructure are actually accessible to the public. (Directions: From Waikiki go east along Kalakaua to the intersection with Montserrat Ave. at the Honolulu Zoo corner. Turn left onto Montserrat and precede 1.25 miles until the road becomes Diamond Head Road. Follow this road for .25 mile to the access road to the crater. Go through the tunnel into the interior of the crater and proceed to the designated parking area. Admission: $5.00 per/car, $1 pp to enter. There is only one bathroom at the bottom of the hike; no other facilities are available. To take a bus tour: www.oahunaturetours.com)
In the Sky: Take a Helicopter Tour
In Hawaii one of the most popular ways to see the sights is with a bird’s eye view from the cab of a helicopter. Why? Because a large swath of Hawaii’s most beautiful landscapes cannot be reached any other way. Not even jeeps and other 4-wheel vehicles can reach the Islands’ unnavigable valleys, cliffs, beaches and mountaintops. Also, touring by helicopter is probably the safest and most comfortable way to see lava flowing or craters spewing, especially if you are unable to hike long distances. The comfort and safety of a helicopter is hard to beat, even on a motor coach. The time efficiency is obvious. It’s the pocket book that says ouch.
There are many tour companies on the Islands (see a partial list below) that provide safe, narrated tours of the most inaccessible terrains on the planet. If your budget permits, take off with the kids in a flying “sky taxi”—soaring over volcanic cliffs and craters, verdant water-fed canyons and valleys, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and towns. With 360-degree perspectives the magnitude of the islands’ beauty and geologic character comes into clear, unbelievable focus.
Kids, teens and elders yelp with excitement as they gaze into craters of extinct and active volcanoes, cruise the Na Pali coastline, hover over Kauai’s rugged interior wilderness, or float above Hawaii’s north shore beaches. The thrills change dramatically at night—or try a sun set flight! Many tour companies provide head phones so passengers clearly hear the guide’s tour points and insights; some provide mood-enhancing music that renders the scenic experience downright mystical. This is one ride you won’t want to end.
Most tour companies fly daily, weather permitting of course. Flight durations vary (usually 30-90 minutes in length) and costs vary accordingly. Don’t skimp if you can help it—stay in the air as long as is affordable or you’ll regret it. Helicopter cabins are not pressurized but your ears will pop and you may get chilled so carry a sweater. Naturally this is not an exploit for everyone—especially those with fear of heights, flying, or those who easily experience motion sickness. Tour goers can request specific seats when making reservations, but seating is usually determined after height and body weights of passengers are analyzed by an FAA-approved computer program that will determine the best weight distribution for your specific flight. Many companies fly charters if desired. Make reservations in advance on line and save money; watch for cancellation policy details, however. And, here’s a good hint, recommended by one of the tour companies: wear dark clothing on your tour. This will cut down a lot on the reflections off cabin windows! And, be sure to take your camera and video equipment if possible. A few Island operators are listed below, but this is only a small representation of the companies available for hire:
HISTORIC & CULTURAL
Pearl Harbor, Battleship Memorials, and Naval Base Visitation
Visiting Pearl Harbor, the site of the unprovoked surprise attack by the Japanese on the United States (December 7, 1941) is likely one major reason you are in Hawaii. This part of the harbor pays homage to the American war heroes with two, sobering battleship memorials: the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Memorial. People flock from all over the world to see for themselves what happened on the tragic day in the early 1940’s when the US officially became engaged in WWII.
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Facilities
Let it be known that this is one busy visitor center; in high season there can be 4,500 people per day visiting and the wait to actually participate in the Memorials Tour/program can be over 3 hrs. long in the summer. (There are only 30 programs per day). The best advice is to go as early as possible and have a game plan for “filling time” while you wait for your number to be called. This won’t be a problem at all. There are many exhibits to see in the area. If time is of the essence, why not opt to self-guide yourselves around the complex and take in the impressions on your own? Be warned that once you and the kids are on the Memorial Tour there are no facilities available.
The Visitor Center features two theaters where waiting guests can view a very informative documentary about the attack, plus a museum and bookstore. The Museum is haunting, featuring personal artifacts and stirring photographs of the battle. The Bookstore is replete with books related to the Pearl Harbor attack and WWII initiatives, battles and personalities. History buffs can also snag interesting videotapes, audiotapes and posters and peruse a collection of memorabilia related to the sinking of the USS Arizona.
Outside the Visitor Center there are interpretive panels near the water’s edge that invite visitors to visualize what December 7, 1941 was like in Oahu. There is also a Remembrance Exhibit that pays tribute to the men and women who unexpectedly lost their lives during the attack. Adventurous families can also “go next door” to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. Visitors self guide themselves through incredible historic submarine-related artifacts, weapon systems exhibits, intricate and detailed models of submarines, and more—with the help of an interpretive tape provided by the Museum. The whole family will want to see the Poseidon C-3 missile (the only one on display in the world) and relax in a mini theatre watching informative videos. Plus, don’t miss the waterfront memorial honoring the 52 WWII U.S, submarines and the 3,500 sailors that died in the war. The Bowfin Museum is also where tourists buy tickets to visit the USS Missouri Memorial and/or the Pacific Aviation Museum on the Harbor’s Ford Island. The only access to Ford Island by civilians is on a tour.
The guided tour of the USS Arizona Memorial begins with its 23-minute documentary film. The family then takes a short boat trip out to the Memorial, where they are free to self-guide themselves around and through three distinct displays. The Entry Room displays flags for the 9 states that eight battleships and the USS Utah were named after. The Assembly Room is a sacred open space where you can, depending on conditions, see the remains of the Arizona in the harbor’s shallow water. The Shrine Room features a massive marble plaque emblazoned with the names of the 1,177 sailors and marines that perished on the Arizona. It also includes the names of the survivors from the Arizona attack who willingly opted to be buried at sea with their comrades when their time came. (www.nps.gov/usar; 808-422-2771. Free admission. Open 7 days per week except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Expect construction and renovation activities beginning December 2007. From Waikiki the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is approximately a 45-minute drive. Take Ala Moana Blvd./ Nimitz Hwy. (H-1) West. Look for the USS Arizona/ Stadium Exit #15A, NOT the Pearl Harbor exit. Take HI-99, Kamehameha Hwy, turn left at the 4th traffic light onto Arizona Memorial Place. At the base of the hill turn right, the parking lot is on the left. Review the website for the rigid security measures in place at the Museum).
Historians will undoubtedly enjoy visiting the “newly opened” (Dec. 7, 2006) Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, the historic site of our nation’s first aviation battlefield. The Museum occupies WWII Hangars that still bear wounds from the attack. Families with enough time may want to couple this tour with the USS Missouri Memorial tour. The Aviation Museum hosts a guided tour through an interactive museum where American and Japanese airplanes are on display (Japanese Zero fighter, Grumman F4F Wildcat) and the story about aviation’s role in WWII comes alive. There are many related artifacts and re-enactments that allow guests to “experience” the sights and sounds of our nation’s pull into war. The Museum also features a movie, a1940’s–themed diner, a gift shop and a flight simulator. (www.pacificaviationmuseum.org; Reservations: 800-441-1000. Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.)
Learn to Hula
You’ve seen them on the dashboard of cars back on the Mainland for years; in fact they’ve become iconic for the Islands themselves. Well now meet Hawaii’s amazing hula dancers in person. Depending on what island you’re visiting, it’s easy to scope out a hotel restaurant and learn the basics—while having a lot of fun trying. But don’t take this elegant and important cultural expression lightly. Those who wish to truly appreciate the music, language and movements embodied in authentic hula take dance lessons at the 25-year old School of Living Hula in Oahu (www.hulasource.com/halauhulaolana.html; (808) 487-3451. 98-614 Aloali`i Street,`Aiea, Oahu, HI 96701). Hula aficionados will probably already be attending the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii's Big Island, a 40-year old world-event hosted to the “perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of ancient and modern hula and the Hawaiian culture through education.” (Slated for March 30-April 5, 2008). Attending at Hilo’s civic center events is free (except for the various competitions) so if you’re in Hilo at the time, sway on over. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear hula performed by world experts. Tickets go like hotcakes, so go online to make reservations if you’re interested in attending upcoming festival competitions. (www.merriemonarchfestival.org; 808- 935-9168; 101 Aupuni St., Suite 1014-A1, Hilo, HI 96720)
Museums
With a mission that focuses on “telling the stories” of Hawaii, the Bishop Museum does an excellent job of assimilating the land and the sea, the people and their history for a comprehensive cultural look at Hawaii history, heritage, myth and the daily life of islanders. Built in loving memory of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, last of the royal Kamehameha lineage, by her husband Charles Reed Bishop, this museum is a testimony to their love and a relationship that impacted the history of Hawaii as a nation. The Museum provides a daily schedule that gives visitors an overview of the programs in place for the day. If possible, check out the performances of Ola Na Mo’olelo where you’ll hear “ island stories” first hand that pertain to the Museum’s comprehensive exhibits and artifacts. The site is an extensive campus with many different exhibits to enjoy. Large families may find it more cost effective to join the Museum rather than pay individually for each member of the family to enter. (www.bishopmuseum.org; This will allow you to visit more that once during your trip if you like. Open 9-5pm, ample free parking on Museum campus). There is so much to be enjoyed at the Bishop Museum!
What a place to introduce the family to Hawaii’s intriguing maritime history then at the Hawaii Maritime Center. Learn about the journey of the Polynesian voyagers and settlers (over 1500 years ago!) to the island’s Western infiltration and current maritime activities. Inside the Center you can visit Kalakaua Boat House, reflective of the boathouse of King David Kalakaua. There are over 30 exhibits inside the boathouse. Learn about the history of surfing, and canoe racing and about the infamous Matson cruise ships that sea ferried the first tourists to the Islands Kids love seeing the flying boats (seaplanes) and the entire skeleton of a Pacific humpback whale. Outside the Maritime Center you can view the Hokule’a, a double hulled sailing canoe that, in 1976, actually reenacted the Polynesian’s probable voyage to the Islands. Plus, it’s a real thrill to board the Falls of Clyde, a world’s only remaining four-masted schooner that brought tea and other “exotics” from China to Hawaii’s west coat in the early 1900’s. (Unfortunately, the Falls of Clyde’s future is threatened unless funding can be secured to return the ship to its original integrity).
www.bishopmuseum.org/hmc
If you’re traveling before September 21, 2008 “wow” yourselves at the Bishop’s Museum’s Whales: Wonders of the Ocean exhibit—a robotic traveling exhibit that’s all about whales. (Presented by WonderWorks at the Museum’s Castle Memorial Building.) This story, 54 million years old, covers everything from their early life on land and whale origins, to their adaptations and their behaviors. Featuring full-sized robotics of a baby Grey Whale, a Humpback and an Orca, your troop will also learn about whale reproduction and feeding, vocalization, respiration and their unique diving abilities. By the end of day you’ll know the real difference between a Baleen whale and a toothed whale. Come eye-to-eye with the gentle giants of the sea at this gigantically enjoyable whale of an exhibit. Otherwise, check the calendar of events to coordinate visiting other fascinating exhibits during your visit to Oahu. The Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium is of note with unique programs and is usually open for sky viewing on the first Friday of the month. (Near the Museum Café.) Open daily from 9-5pm (except Christmas) w/free parking on Museum campus. Photography and videotaping permitted except where posted otherwise. From Waikiki, head southeast on Kal Kaua Ave. toward Diamond Head, left at Kapahulu Ave. (1.5 mi) and follow signs for I-HI West and travel nearly 5 mi. Watch for exit 20A to merge onto HI-63 N/Likelike Hwy. Turn right at Bernice St.)
The Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple, a stunning replica of a nearly century’s old Buddhist worship site in Uji, Kyoto prefecture of Japan. So revered is the temple that it’s image appears on the 10-yen coin. This idyllic setting, located north of Oahu in the Valley of the Temples, features lush verdant gardens and large koi ponds. The Ko’olau Mountains loom above. Peacocks roam the landscape. Inside the temple you will marvel at the 9-ft Lotus Buddha with its gold and lacquer brilliance. Feel the peaceful vibrations exude from the 5-ft., 3-ton Peace Bell — take a moment to take a moment, as they say. There is a Meditation House. Visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful in this solemn religious site—and don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering the temple. (Take H-1 west from downtown Honolulu. Exit onto Likelike Hwy. and go north, through the mountains. Exit onto Kahekili Highway and continue north. Turn left into the Valley of the Temple’s cemetery. The Byodo-In Temple is located in the back of the Valley of the Temples. Open 8:30-4:30pm/daily, $2pp.)
Waikiki Aquarium—is a great place to introduce kids of all ages to the ocean and the myriad of creatures and plants that inhabit it. This historic aquarium, not the glitziest but one of the oldest in the country, features an astounding variety of fish from Hawaiian and South Pacific waters. The Aquarium’s claim to fame is their chambered nautilus, the only one living in captivity. (And there’s even been baby nautilus thanks to some diligent scientists!) Actually, the entire facility is worthy of a visit. Not everyone is a snorkeler or a diver. Bring the gang to view reef life, endangered species, sharks, turtles and more while staying dry and comfortable. The Sea Visions Theatre is always showing something interesting, the biodiversity exhibit is a fresh approach to illustrating nature’s complexities. And, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. What a combo. Depending on your timing, you may luck out and participate in an Aquarium event or educational program. They do seasonal night programs and fun, engaging kids programming. Spend a half-day here and a half-day at Waikiki Beach, just a couple blocks away. Doesn’t this sound like relaxing way to be “in the city but not of it?” (www.waquarium.org; ;www.advancedaquarist.com; 808-923-9741, 9am-5pm, daily, 2777 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815. Mostly indoors w/climate controlled.)
SHOPPING & DINING
Made in Hawaii:
- Lappert’s Hawaii —-Does it get any better than this? Home made, hand made ice cream (made in small batches daily —so go early!) accompanied by lovingly roasted Hawaiian coffees. Several locations. www.lappertshawaii.com
- Kamaaina Woods, Inc. —home of the calabash style “koa bowl” and “Huli Hands,” this unique store occupies an old soda works building in Honokaa dating from the 1930’s. Bill and Lois Keb live here as well as handcraft their beautiful wood products in the back of the building and run the gift shop in the middle of the building. Shoppers can find salad servers, cutting boards, rice paddles and more from various Island woodworkers—all made from exotic Hawaiian woods. (www.hulihands.com; 800-551-9306 - phone orders). Located in Honokaa, an old sugar plantation town on Oahu.
Shopping Destinations
As expected, the internationally renowned city of Honolulu is replete with world-class shopping centers and boutiques. The Ala Moana Shopping Center is a very large open-air center with flagship stores, surf shops, and stateside favorites like Macy’s and Sears. Forget something? Need a quick cover-up for the beach or want a fantastic new swimsuit—on sale? With 200 shops to choose from, you ought to be able to find something! And, the Makai Market is acclaimed as the largest international food court in Hawaii (seating 1500!). Guests enjoy cuisines from Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines—even Mexico and Italy. There’s plenty of full-service “favorites” to choose from as well at the Center. (www.alamoanacenter.com; 808-955-9517, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.)
If you wish to couple an educational outing with a shopping trip, go for an historical accounting of Hawaii’s jewelry design and fabrication at Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry Factory and Museum. Just to walk in the store takes you back to by-gone days—and styles. The shop’s atmosphere echoes a late-1800’s store; you can gawk at the gorgeous gold, diamond and precious stone jewelry on display and/or see fabulous vintage pieces in the museum. Every now and then lucky shoppers land fantastic bargains in here as well, so travel with a credit card, ladies. (808-924-7972, 2301 Kalakaua Ave.)
Bailey’s Antique & Aloha Shirts in Kapahulu is full of kitsch, which is why it is fun to visit. You can find some real bargains here; with over 10,000 shirts priced from $3.99 and up. Antique and thrift shop lovers will come alive here; buy cool old-fashioned postcards, vintage blue jeans, weird hats, jewelry and much more. (www.hawaiibid.com/baileysantiquesandalohashirtsinc; 808-734-7628, 517 Kapahulu Ave.)
Take your brood on a Hawaiian retail adventure they won’t soon forget! On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays head out to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Arrive early to beat the crowds and to get the best selection of goodies. Browse literally hundreds of vendors selling island products, flowers, t-shirts, and unique collectibles. Fantastic people watching and bargains galore—the first one being it only costs 50 cents to share the fun. Wear a hat and sunscreen—it is outdoors! (808-486-1529 Aloha Stadium, 6:00am-3pm)
Dining Destinations
You must eat, right? Well, absolutely no problem in the Islands. A rich heritage of infused and authentic multi-cultured cuisines is found on every island. For a comprehensive over view of island restaurants (and there are hundreds!) check out www.restauranteur.com/. Also know that while you are touring the islands you’ll have access to numerous roadside fruit stands. Stock up on snacks! No reason you can’t have fresh fruits and other tasty Hawaiian delectables while you’re cruising in the car or back in your room. And, the prices are reasonable. It doesn’t get any fresher than this! Try a fruit you’ve never eaten before and meet the islanders.
Here are a few suggestions of dining spots that are unique, in unique places and/or are off the beaten path. All family-friendly, of course!
The Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar is a great place to take the family. It’s moderately priced, has a generous breakfast buffet, an all-you-can-eat salad bar and they serve delicious steaks, chicken and fish, that you grill yourself—if you want to—on a community grill. (The kids love this part!). This jovial gathering place gets bonus points for being right on the beach and offering gorgeous views of Diamond Head crater. The Ahi Tacos get two thumbs up, as does the friendly staff. Even the locals dine here. Plus, there’s usually live entertainment in the bar. On the 3rd Saturday of the month stop by Shore Bird from 1-2:00 pm to catch the Hula performed by darling island keiki (children.) (808-922-2887, located in the Outrigger Reef hotel at Waikiki Beach, 2169 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815)
OK. Here’s something different. Why not try a sophisticated vegetarian restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Indigo Eurasian Cuisine is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s a nice experience worthy of a splurge. Relax in Indigo’s outdoor garden for dining and enjoy the beautiful weather. Pot stickers, vegetable tarts and Asian dumplings are just a few of the many delectable temptations on the menu. (Reservations recommended. 808.521.2900 1121 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96817)
Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies—good healthy food, open for breakfast and lunch, reasonable prices, and 26 years of experience. What more do you need, a written invitation? As the name implies, Andy’s is known for its smoothies (20 different varieties) and sandwiches that are put together on homemade whole wheat bread. This humble establishment caters to those who seek meatless meals and fresh, low-fat, high-fiber foods. The focus is on fruits and veggies; you can tell by the small fruit stand in front of the restaurant. Look for long lines and you’ll know you've arrived. (808-988-6161, 2904 E. Manoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822. Breakfast served until 10:30am weekdays, 12:30pm Sundays; sandwiches and snacks served Mon-Th until 6 pm, 4pm Fridays and 2:30pm Sundays. Closed Saturdays.)
PLAY OUTSIDE
Horseback Riding
The Hawaiian cowboys are the stuff of legends. You’ve seen sunset horseback rides on the beach on TV, right? Well, this is your chance to jump in the saddle. On Hawaii families can get out on horseback (dressed like actual paniolos!) and take in an active, working cattle-grazing ranch while experiencing “knock your boots off” views of the ocean and island volcanoes. Pack the camera before anything else!
Horseback riding tours are available on several islands. In fact, you’ll soon discover a cowboy culture is integral to the islands’ “big picture” histories and economy. There are several outfitters; Tom Barefoot’s Tours offers a variety of tours for every kind of buckaroo on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii: (www.tombarefoot.com) HINT: wear long pants and closed-toed shoes; weight limits may apply; kids 6 yrs and older welcome on some tours.)
Botanical Gardens
Now’s the chance to discover a tropical paradise. Plant and flower lovers will blossom with happiness at all the opportunities there are on the islands to get close to exotic tropical plants and ferns. Here are just a few suggestions to get you in the mood for your overdose of green and lush:
- Kapiolani Park was created by King Kalakaua in the 1870's and is now listed on the State’s Historic Register. The family may want to get out and just experience the wonderful air and views in this picturesque 500-acre park. Some of the trees here are over 100 years old! There are shady picnic sites and large grass areas perfect for Frisbee, rugby and soccer practice or playing (as you will surely see!). Many events and performances are staged at this locally prized city park as well, including Sunday Art Shows and free Royal Hawaiian Band concerts (at the Kapiolani Bandstand). Don’t go home without seeing the famous Kodak Hula Show at the Park’s Waikiki shell on weekday mornings. This is a theatric tradition dating to 1937 when it was originally initiated as a beachfront show for tourists. For hardcore sports enthusiasts there are fantastic tennis courts, an archery range, and a 3-mile joggers’ course in the Park as well. Drive up to Diamond Head for spectacular views and awesome hiking from here. Take your camera so you can show the folks back home you visited Diamon Head, one of world’s most famous extinct volcanoes. Make a day of your Park and Diamond Head visit by coupling it with a tour of the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo (www.honoluluzoo.org; located at the corner of Kapahulu Ave. and Kalakaua Blvd. Open 9am-4:30pm daily; 24 hour visitor information: (808) 971-7171) or a tour of one of the country’s oldest aquariums, the Waikiki Aquarium. The aquarium offers really interesting day and night nature walks, snorkeling trips, and even overnight adventures (if you’d like to plan ahead) plus great viewing tanks and a renowned reef and coral exhibit. (www.waikikiaquarium.com; open most days from 9-5:00pm; arrive early, it gets crowded. The Park, the Zoo and the Aquarium are all within walking distance of the Waikiki hotels, or take the #2 City Bus or the Waikiki Trolley).
STAY INSIDE
Only in your dreams does someone tell you that Waikiki Beach is your playground. Well dreams come true on Oahu at Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai, if you take time to live them. That means a day “in the hood” soaking up the hustle and bustle of Waikiki along with sun rays on one of the most famous beaches in the world. This is literally right outside your front door!
Sleeps late for a change, the rooms are quiet and comfortable. The smell of hot, grown-in-Hawaii coffee will awaken you to a “dream day” exploring a fascinating city. The most direct approach is to eat breakfast in your suite. Fresh Hawaiian fruits, cereals, eggs, pancakes…you can whip up just about anything your heart desires in your own kitchen. Or, you could just go ahead and climb into your beachwear and hit the beach before the crowds arrive. On the way you grab a bite to eat at any number of places along the way or in the various hotels and resorts along the beach. Try a Waikiki institution, the Wailana Coffee House. It’s just down the street from the resort and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner—to some pretty good reviews. It’s not fancy at all, but the food is decent, the prices are great. The ambiance is strictly local which is part of the fun. If not for breakfast, try them for lunch. They have a salad bar where you can fill up on all sorts of goodies. And, it’s open 24-hours per day so you can pop in anytime. Waikiki Beach is, of course, legendary. You can, and might, spend your entire day in this dream. Two miles of gorgeous white sand beach, hugging a protected bay. Blue water like you see in storybooks. Between Wailana Coffee House, and people watching, you can be occupied for hours here. Most of the time there is a lifeguard on duty, and there are restroom/shower facilities. But the beach will probably be crowded so brace yourselves. Read up on beach safety before heading out. As you walk around, the “elders” in your group may start having flash backs to a popular TV show that ran from 1968-1980. Remember Hawaii-Five-0? Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett? Zoulou? This is the place where it all came down! The 50th State made its mark in a big way.
In the meantime the golfers have made a hop, skip and jump over to the Ali Wai Municipal Golf Course for their slice of heaven, starting at sunrise. The ocean, the breezes, Diamond Head. “Hard to beat this,” you’ll say to yourself—and mean it. It’s good to dream about golf in Honolulu in advance, however. It gets busy. The Concierge & Activities Desk will help you with reservations, no problem. Or set up “tee for two” yourself by calling the Course directly: 296-2000, 404 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, 96815)
By early afternoon you and the kids are probably going to be ready for a rest. No better place to grab a dreamy nap than back in your suite. The kids can watch a movie or TV, after you wash off the sand and mix up delicious fruit smoothies as crowd pleasers. Have some snacks, walk around the grounds. If they’re not already exhausted, the kids might want to swim more down at the resort’s pool. Maybe someone would like to challenge Dad to a round of tennis? Or Mom would like to go have a pedicure? There’s time if you make time.
The evening is up for grabs; after all, this is a city that never sleeps. You can stay close to home and treat yourselves to an unforgettable Italian meal at the top of the Ilikai Hotel. Sarento’s’ views of Diamond Head, the city and the coastline are dazzling. Everyone can kick back and relax given the attentive service, delectable lobster ravioli and piano music that are all so easy to digest. It’s a splurge, yes…but it’s such a short walk back home at the end of the evening, and that’s worth a lot to some in the dinner party. For those ready for nightlife, Honolulu awaits. The Activity Desk (and the local papers) is a good reference regarding what’s happening in town during your visit.
For those families that still have some juice, what’s the consensus? The Activity Staff is glad to make recommendations no matter what kind of international cuisine you feel like eating. If you haven’t already, take a stroll around the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and watch the activity of boats coming and going. Or walk up along Ala Moana Park. You’ll see another calm-water beach for a different day’s excursion and any number of restaurants that you can stop in.
With the luck of the draw you’ll be able to catch the popular Sunset on the Beach movie program. Since 2001, one weekend a month, a FREE movie is shown on a gigantic 30-ft. screen on Waikiki Beach (Saturday and Sunday evenings). It’s quite the affair and something you won’t want to miss if you’re in town. For the adults this will give a new meaning to the 1960’s notion of a “sit in.” (Check in advance for what main stream movie is playing during your visit: www.sunsetonthebeach.net)
Day Trips in Big Island, Hawaii
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