O‘ahu: The Ideal Destination for a Diverse Range of Families
The family leisure travel market is one of the tourism industry’s fastest growing areas. And O‘ahu—easy to reach, explore, and enjoy—is the ideal tropical oasis for families looking to connect and bond while enjoying a wide variety of experiences. Discovering how to position O‘ahu for the different family travel segments is the key to building your bookings.
The Diverse Family Niches
Customers today seek highly customized travel experiences and families are no exception. Every family travel group is unique in their composition and their interests and passions. That’s why it’s key to understand your particular family clients and what will make vacation special for them.
Today’s families are any combination of family members traveling together. This could be two partners traveling with babies and toddlers, school age kids, tweens, teens, or college age kids. Multi-generational trips such as family reunions might include grandparents, adult children and their partners, along with the grandchildren.
Why O’ahu is So Perfect for ‘Ohana (Families)
A number of compelling reasons make O‘ahu such an ideal destination for so many different types of families.
Variety – With so much to see and do plus excellent year round weather, there’s never any reason for the kids to complain of boredom. You’ve got the best of town, country and beach experiences. There are ample opportunities for family bonding as well as moments for parents and grandparents who need a grown up break. Families might spend the morning at Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium and then play at the beach all afternoon. On another day, families can play Hawaiian games and attend an authentic lū‘au at Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. If Mom or grandma needs a moment, there are luxury spas in all the major resorts. And if the men want to play a round of golf, exceptional courses abound.
Exotic Yet Familiar - Today’s families are intrepid travelers with parents who want to explore the world with their children, experience authentic cultures, and make lifetime memories. O’ahu is a one of a kind tropical oasis offering a rare combination of the fascinating Hawaiian culture and history; sophisticated city and laid back beach environments; plus activities, attractions, and accommodations to suit every family.
Whether a family of four or a multi-generational group with babies, children, parents, and grandparents, families find O’ahu easy to reach, explore, and enjoy. Once they arrive, families experience the warm welcoming aloha spirit on O’ahu, where the Hawaiian concept of ‘ohana—family—is revered and respected.
Accessibility - With numerous flights from the U.S. mainland, O’ahu is a hassle free vacation choice, a real advantage when traveling with children. Travelers can base themselves at wonderful accommodations in Waikīkī or Honolulu to experience the numerous attractions in the city or anywhere else on the island. Visitors can also opt for a beach resort on the North Shore or the Leeward Coast.
Getting around O’ahu is a snap. Waikīkī and Honolulu are ideal for walking, taxis are plentiful, rental cars are easy to book, and many attractions and outfitters offer free round trip transportation. TheBus, the city transportation system, has reasonable fares, extensive routes, and special visitor passes. The Waikīkī Trolley and the bright red, double decker AlohaBus are budget friendly options.
Value - With loads of choices in accommodations, dining, and activities, O’ahu provides excellent value for families of all sizes and budgets. There are numerous air and hotel packages, promotions for free nights and free kids’ stays, and attractions and outfitters with family friendly pricing. O‘ahu also has loads of free events and festivals for families.
Diverse Family Friendly O‘ahu Activities
- At the Beach Surf at Waikīkī and snorkel at Hanauma Bay.
- History Lesson Discover WW II history at Pearl Harbor and Hawaiian history at Bishop Museum.
- Royal Family Learn about Hawai’i’s royal family at ’Iolani Palace and Queen Emma Summer Palace.
- Hike the Island Climb Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) and discover the beauty of sacred Waimea Valley.
- Swim with the Dolphins Head to Sea Life Park or out to sea with Wild Side Specialty Tours.
- Hawaiian Hula and Music Catch the free sunset Kūhiō Beach Torch Lighting and Hula Show in Waikīkī and take a free ‘ukulele lesson at Royal Hawaiian Center.
- Chinatown Explore the noodle factories, markets, shops, lei stands, and restaurants of this historic immigrant gateway.
