Where to Eat
First things first, it’s SHAVE ice. Not “shaved” ice. 🙂 And if there is anything to eat daily after all the exploring, swimming, etc. it’s shave ice. Island Snow is our favorite on the east side, but you can find shave ice anywhere you travel.
Our favorite places to eat on the island with kids:
Shop Local
Skip the ABC stores in Waikiki and give back to the locals in a way that truly matters. While on the island, shopping at small businesses is a way to invest in people’s lives and find amazing and unique treasures to take home with you.
Some of our favorites:
Nā Mea Hawai‘i – the best books, music, and DVDs focused on Hawai‘i and the Pacific along with made-in-Hawai‘i items by local artisans in wood, lauhala, Ni‘ihau shells, clothing, and more.
Nohea Gallery – discover an eclectic collection of original paintings, prints, turned bowls, koa wood pieces, glass and ceramic sculptures, jewelry, and more by local artisan.
Honolulu Cookie Company – Treat someone you love to premium, fresh baked cookies/chocolate.
Waialua Estate – coffee from beans raised in Hawai’i.
Pacifica – the Bishop Museum’s gift shop; discover a premier collection of Hawaiian and Pacific apparel, gifts, and cultural items.
Free Activities
Amelia Earhart marker– take in the breathtaking ocean view while teaching kids about a trailblazing incredible woman in history. Amelia Earhart first person to fly alone from Hawaii to North America January 11, 1935.
Pay it forward beach gear – join the Facebook group “Pass it On- Beach Gear and More; save money and suitcase space as well as reduce plastic waste.
Hiking – our favorite trails with kids are Maunawili Falls and Likeke Falls.
Halona Blowhole Lookout – gorgeous cliff and ocean views, a must stop as you explore the eastern shoreline.
Hula – If a luau is not in the budget, there are plenty of places to watch a hula show for free: Ala Moana Mall (5pm daily) International Marketplace (MWF 630pm), Kuhio Beach (Tues and Sat 630pm), Royal Hawaiian (Tues, Weds, Fri Sat 530pm), Kilohana Hula Show (Sun-Thurs 930am) at Waikiki Shell small amphitheater
Start with the Bishop Museum
Most tourists see Waikiki as a tourist and don’t have the pleasure of learning about all the amazing history of the islands. The Bishop Museum is a must-stop to understand how the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was illegally overthrown and colonized by the United States. It is the largest museum in Hawaiʻi and has the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. Their rotating exhibits are fascinating and they have hourly shows at their planetarium. Don’t miss out!
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
The most picturesque place on the island is completely free. Located on the Windward side of the island, these botanical gardens have everything. Stop at the visitor center for maps, bird-watching info, picnicking, or camping info, etc. I promise you will get the most amazing mountain and ocean views if you take your time and explore this very local treasure.
Take Care of the Land
This may be a given to some, but in Hawai’i the land (or ʻĀina) is sacred. In the tradition of Mālama Da ʻĀina, take care of the land is not a request while you are in Hawai’i but a must. Educate yourselves about our protected wildlife (turtles, monk seals) while enjoying our beaches, wear reef-safe sunscreen, take all trash with you, and join a local beach clean up to go a little further.
We hope you visit with the attitude of respect, returning gifts to the land, beautifying it, and using it properly. That respect will stand out among the throngs of tourists who are just on the island to escape the cold weather where they live.
Volunteer at a Lo’i
An experience most don’t do on the island and the kids will LOVE it. If you want to get involved in our work to cultivate a culture of individual well-being and community waiwai through aloha ʻāina; plan your visit to Hoʻokuaʻāina at Kapalai.
You will work in the mud in the lo’i full of kalo which is how Hawai’i sustained itself for thousands of years. This volunteer opportunity is in Kailua, O’ahu but there are more across the island depending on where you are located. Check out the information and resources HERE.
Polynesian Cultural Center
One of the most popular excursions on O’ahu and one of our favorite places as well.
I’d recommend covering Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, then the canoe ride from the south side back to see the Hawaii Journey movie and sit in the AC for a break. Then take a canoe from the north (or walk) to Tonga, Tahiti –> in that order to cover the grand shows.
All the grand shows start at the top of the hour so you really need 2 days to cover everything.
Treat yourself and stay at the Marriott right next door and split your day in half and relax at the pool in between. (Your one ticket includes going the islands for 3 days; show and luau/buffet just one day.)
The Ha Breath of Life show is truly magical for any age. Worth every penny. It’s a really long day and hard to see if all, so splitting the day into 2 is a great way to make the most of the experience
Bonus: Island Hop
If you have time or the inclination to travel to other islands in Hawai’i once you are on O’ahu, there are many airline options to island hop. Even if you go for the day, each island is so unique and holds its own beauty, traditions, and food. Check out Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines to get you started.
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