Oahu is always bursting with new attractions and experiences for your family clients. Discover improvements, changes, and additions that will enable you to craft custom itineraries to match your clients’ interests.
What’s Happening on Oahu
From outdoor hikes and ocean explorations to museum exhibits and live entertainment, read on for the latest and greatest on Oahu, specifically designed for traveling families.
FUN IN THE SUN: KEIKI (KIDS) APPROVED ACTIVITIES
Waikiki Aquarium offers Meet the Biologist, an opportunity for a personal education session with one of the Aquarium’s expert biologists. Every day from 11-11:30 a.m., guests can learn all about a variety of marine animals, from lionfish to octopus.
Youngsters can learn about ocean exploration with some of the best through the new Kainalu Jr. Waterman Program at Turtle Bay Resort. The five-day experience in August will feature culturally based ocean activities and ocean science exploration.
Bishop Museum’s 125th Anniversary Exhibit, Nov 8, 2014-Feb. 3, 2015, will highlight the museum’s pivotal role in chronicling the changes that have occurred in Hawaii over the past 125 years through photographs, artifacts, and archival materials.
Hawaiian Ocean Adventures has unveiled their newest Hawaiian Sailing Canoe, named Ke Alaua, which translates to “first light of dawn.” The canoe was hand built by the company founder and master canoe builder Nakoa Prejean.
Take a trip back in time on a one-hour guided tour of the Hawaii Theatre. The Tuesday 11 am tour features the art, architecture, and history of this theatre listed on the State and National Register of History Places.
The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is now taking reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour, its full day Passport to Pearl Harbor Tour, three Half Day Pearl Harbor Tours, and admission to the USS Bowfin Submarine, Battleship Missouri, and Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor.
Visitors to the Battleship Missouri Memorial will soon be able to share their experience with family and friends all over the world in real time. An Ozolio webcam is coming soon to Pier Foxtrot-5, where the USS Missouri is berthed, and will be set up to live stream near the site’s famed “Victory Kiss” statue directly in front of the great battleship.
Hawaiian Hiking Company will lead hikes on Waimea Valley’s hidden trails and scenic wonders with a Native Hawaiian Guide. Participants will step back in time as they trek off the beaten path and experience the tropical Hawaiian forest, ancient archeological sites, and exotic plant species.
Pedal Bike Tours recently opened in Waikiki offering bike rentals as well as tours of Honolulu and the North Shore designed for novice riders. Pedal Hawaii has tours daily from their shop in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, overlooking Diamond Head.
The recently re-launched Waikiki Ocean Club, managed by Roberts Hawaii, allows guests to slide into the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and enjoy the jet ski, banana sled, snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing.
At Camp Wildlife Koa at the Honolulu Zoo, kids ages nine to 11 meet the zoo’s collection of threatened and endangered species from around the world, start their own wildlife conservation projects, participate in animal-themed lawn games, and increase their knowledge through multi-media presentations.
WHAT’S ON: FAMILY ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT
Waikiki Beach Walk has brought back its popular monthly live music concert series Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase. The free concert series takes place every third Saturday of the month from 5-6 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage.
The sounds of some of Hawaii’s most popular performers will fill the air for the 2014 Ke Kani O Ke Kai summer concert series on the beachfront lawn at the Waikiki Aquarium, presented by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. The last two concerts are July 27 and Aug. 7.
Located at the historic airstrip on Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Biggest Little Airshow is the only show of its kind in Hawaii. The two-day event, Aug. 16-17, at Ford Island will feature full-scale aircraft flyovers, kids’ activities, a free concert, food, and more.
Pacific Beach Hotel is the new venue of Waikiki’s latest luau dinner show, Te Moana Nui- Tales of the Pacific, which tells the stories of the voyage from the South Pacific to the islands of Hawaii.
Legends in Concert Waikiki launched a completely revamped “Rock-A-Hula” experience at the Royal Hawaiian Theater featuring local talent and more Hawaiian elements, incorporated in everything from decor to music to enhanced island hospitality.
Fourever Fab, the Beatle’s Tribute Band from Las Vegas, has opened the show at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel’s Ainahau Showroom.
ON THE MENU: FAMILY FRIENDLY EATS AND TREATS
A hidden gem in the heart of Diamond Head, Monsarrat Shave Ice is the perfect summer time treat with cool tropical flavors. The syrups are homemade, using naturalingredients with no additives offering visitors a refreshing, healthy treat.
Restaurateur Kevin Hanney and Chef Lee Anne Wong (from Bravo’s Top Chef) recently opened Koko Head Café in Kaimuki, an island style brunch house featuring unique dishes with an Asian twist and local favorites made with Hawaii’s best products.
Goofy Café in Waikiki serves delicious and healthy eats, sweets, and drinks. The surf- style café near Hilton Hawaiian Village, decorated with surfboards and repurposed driftwood, offers a relaxing beach vibe perfect for hungry beach goers.
