Walk along almost any street in Honolulu, and you’re bound to see reflections of many cultures, from the faces of its residents to the eclectic culinary mix of its restaurants. That’s a big reason why Hawaii’s capital city is so exciting for families. With Waikiki as its visitor hub, it provides an exotic aura akin to a foreign country while promising the reassuring comforts of a U.S. state. Add year-round warm temperatures and a captivating combination of island-style pastimes, and you’ve got a must-visit destination for all ages.
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Honolulu boasts an array of family-friendly beaches. // © 2010 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, INC. |
Since Honolulu hugs the shoreline, vacationing families are naturally drawn to the sea. Clans can take surfing lessons where ancient kings once rode the waves, catch a curl in an outrigger canoe or try the new craze of stand-up paddling. They can descend 100 feet under water courtesy of Atlantis Submarines, providing views of marine life through large picture windows. They can spend splashy time in spectacular resort swimming pools like Sheraton Waikiki’s new Helumoa Playground — boasting a 70-foot-long water slide — and the 5,000-square-foot Paradise Pool at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Travelers young and old go wild over the Honolulu Zoo, with its African savannah, native Hawaiian animals and petting zoo; and the Waikiki Aquarium, home to the likes of sharks, corals, squids, octopuses and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Both attractions border picturesque Kapiolani Park, where mom, dad and the kids can fly a kite, throw a frisbee, have a picnic and enjoy free music at the historic bandstand.
Speaking of freebies, they’re a dime a dozen in Waikiki. A good place to start is the Royal Hawaiian Center with daily hula, lei-making and ukulele lessons at no charge. Complimentary activities extend into the evening as well; for starters, there are hula shows at Kuhio Beach every night, fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village each Friday and free monthly movies on a 30-foot outdoor screen as part of a program called Sunset on the Beach.
Additional action awaits families outside of Waikiki. For perspective on the city as a whole, nothing beats a group walk to the 760-foot summit of distinctive Diamond Head crater. At Honolulu’s famed Bishop Museum, families can get in touch with Hawaii’s past through cultural activities, interactive exhibits and planetarium shows. A visit to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument — better known as Pearl Harbor — combines history with fun. Highlights include the USS Bowfin, a real-life World War II submarine, and the recently renovated battleship USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered in 1945.
As families consider the best homebase for their Honolulu adventures, they can choose from a wide range of accommodations and perks. Ohana Waikiki East not only has a pool, video arcade and self-serve laundry, but it also gives guests gratis drawstring bags and free rides on the Waikiki Trolley. If the gang prefers a suite, Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk offers extra living space as well as free, daily cooked-to-order breakfasts. Condominiums with kitchens, like Aston Waikiki Sunset, allow families to save money on meals, while certain hotels — including those in the Aston Hotels and Resorts chain — allow kids to eat free.
Some families prefer to stay at resorts that have children’s programs, providing mom and dad with a little time on their own. A great example is the new Camp Penguin at Hilton Hawaiian Village, where stories, games, music, arts and crafts entertain small fry while teaching them about the islands. It’s just one of the many reasons why families can’t go wrong with a trip to Honolulu.
What to Do:
1. Atlantis Submarines
800-548-6262
www.atlantisadventures.com
2. Bishop Museum
808-847-3511
www.bishopmuseum.org
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3. Honolulu Zoo
808-971-7171
www.honoluluzoo.org
4. Waikiki Aquarium
808-923-9741
www.waquarium.org
5. World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
808-422-3300
www.nps.gov/valr
Where to Eat:
Duke’s Waikiki: Hugging the sands of Waikiki Beach, Duke’s is a fun place to watch the sunset. Adults savor its fresh local fish, while kids enjoy items off the affordable children’s menu. 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu; 808-922-2268
Makai Market: At the Ala Moana Center, Honolulu’s renowned outdoor shopping mall, this vast food court serves an international spread of cuisines along with reliable fare such as pizza and sandwiches. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu; 808-955-9517
Waiola Shave Ice: Arguably the best place in Honolulu for shave ice — a Hawaii-style snow cone — Waiola enhances each treat with such tropical syrups as lilikoi (passion fruit), guava and coconut. 2135 Waiola St., Honolulu; 808-949-2269
Where to Stay:
1. Aston Waikiki Sunset
229 Paoakalani Ave., Honolulu
808-922-0511; www.astonhotels.com
2. Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk
201 Beachwalk St., Honolulu
808-921-2345; www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com
3. Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu
808-949-4321; www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
4. Ohana Waikiki East
150 Kaiulani Ave., Honolulu
808-922-5353; www.ohanahotels.com
5. Sheraton Waikiki
2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808-922-4422; www.sheraton-waikiki.com
When to Go:
With 12 months of warmth and sunshine, Honolulu calls to families year-round. Savvy travelers often choose to go in September and October, when airfares to and from the mainland go down and annual events such as the Aloha Festivals take place.
Getting There:
More and more airlines are providing service to Honolulu. Nonstop flights are currently available from a dozen Western U.S. cities. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the heart of Honolulu.
