WAIKIKI FAMILY TRAVEL

Waikiki is an ideal place for family vacations. It offers a lot of activities and attractions for all age groups so that the entire family is pleased by the time the vacation comes to an end. It is an irresistible place with lots of fun for the family. With the diverse terrain of the islands and the amazing surrounding water, there is a great deal of fun and activity to be had on any vacation. You will find Hawaii activities that suit people of all ages and can accommodate every level of physical ability. Here are a few “must see” items for your Hawaii family vacation list.

The Waikiki beaches, with their sand-swim-snorkel-surf scene, are as great as you'd expect it to be, but they’re not enough for fun. The Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is an attraction not to be missed. This water park has all the chutes, slides and half pipes that can easily keep even the most energetic of kids interested for hours on end. This water park offers packages that include transportation to and from Waikiki hotels and admission. The fees are reasonable, but it is wise to pack and take your own lunch instead of leaving yourself victim to the park’s overpriced snack bar.

Don’t forget to check out dolphin tours or whale watching tours. There are even great cruises of the coast where you can appreciate the marine life while gaining information on the island as well.
At the far end of Waikiki at the base of Diamond Head is the Zoo. Admission is reasonably cheap. It offers a full afternoon of affordable fun and relaxation and its small size makes it possible to see everything without having to leave feeling that you missed anything. Besides the usual lions, apes, and giraffes, be sure to get a glimpse of the many native Hawaiian animals such as the Nene, Hawaii’s state bird. Aside from the animals, the Zoo regularly schedules concerts and entertainment that make a visit here extra special.

Just across Kalakaua Avenue from the Zoo and a few short blocks from Waikiki Beach, there is the Waikiki Aquarium. You can see 400 different species at this small but mighty museum, including monk seals, sharks and sea turtles. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to narrate tours and answer questions. The aquarium has a good gift shop where you can ask about special events and excursions. It offers some terrific educational and community outreach programs.

Waikiki also offers a trip to Mother Nature. Give your children a treat and a lesson of nature and its wonders by taking tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. These tours are amazing, bringing visitors to some of the most beautiful rainforests and volcanoes in the world. Animal and plant life are abundant, and the scenery is unsurpassed. A five-minute car ride from Honolulu brings visitors into some of Nature's most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights.

There are several museums, like the Bishop Museum, that combine exhibits on Hawaiian natural history with lessons about history and culture of its many diverse peoples. You can also take a tour of Tolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs. Chinatown is another attraction. It is more authentic than many of its mainland counterparts. Children would love a visit to Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II.

If you think that evening events are for those strictly 21 years and over, think again. The 5:00 pm seating for the Magic of Polynesia is a favorite of families. John Hirokawa puts on a great show with spectacular special effects. Hawaiian theme and high-quality illusions make this show highly recommended.

Hawaii family travel has so much to offer that it could make your life easier by pleasing the interests of everyone!