This Hawaiian Island Is A Great Destination For An Adventure-Filled Family Vacation
Hawaii is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers the best of both worlds. Whether you're searching for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, one Hawaiian island has it all. Planning a Hawaiian family vacation on the island of Oahu is one of the best ways to experience the paradise that is Hawaii.
Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii and is known as "The Gathering Place" because it brings people together from all over the world to experience the allure and adventure of the islands. You might think beach vacations are just for lounging and soaking up the sun, but there's so much more to do in Oahu. From family-friendly resorts to bustling Waikiki, Oahu has plenty of options for adventure, especially if this is your first visit to Hawaii.
Waikiki is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the action and have easy access to shops and restaurants. The island's North Shore offers a more laid-back vibe with beautiful beaches and small-town charm, and if you prefer a resort-style vacation, Ko Olina is the perfect spot for families with its calm lagoons and luxury resorts. Remember to take advantage of the over 125 beaches on the island, but there's more to Oahu than just beach lounging.
Family-friendly resort activities in Oahu
If you're seeking a family-friendly resort that combines the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii, Aulani Disney Resort & Spa is your top pick. Perched on the stunning Ko Olina Beach, Aulani offers themed activities, character meet-and-greets, and a fantastic water park. Beyond the fun and excitement, Aulani gives families a unique cultural experience. The resort is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and provides opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the island and its people. Ka Waʻa at Aulani is a Lū'au that takes guests through Hawaiian storytelling, music, and dance. The added perk of a buffet-style dinner is complete with local Hawaiian seafood and kid-friendly dishes.
Resort experiences vary on the island of Oahu and the North Shore; families can have a more laid-back and authentic Hawaiian experience. Turtle Bay Resort offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, including horseback and pony riding, turtle tours, and even a mermaid academy. For more, embark on a family hiking adventure in the nearby Kahuku Point.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort provides a luxurious and tranquil experience for families. Luxury doesn't have to mean boring for the kids, though. Their Dolphin Quest program allows kids to interact with dolphins, and the resort is right on the ocean. Spa and wellness treatments at the Kahala Spa are also available for parents needing relaxation.
Visit exotic animals and movie sets on Oahu
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre reserve on the east side of Oahu. It offers adventures like UTV rides, horseback riding, movie site tours (for film buffs), and even a Jurassic Valley tour where you can see dinosaurs from the famous movie series. Films like "Jurassic Park," "Jumanji," "Godzilla," and the show "Lost" were all filmed at Kualoa Ranch.
If the family is more interested in live (non-prehistoric) animals, then the Honolulu Zoo is a must. Located in the busy city of Waikiki, this 42-acre zoo is home to over 900 animals, including exotic birds, elephants, giraffes, and even Komodo dragons. It also has a playground and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family day out. And if you're visiting the zoo in June, July, or August, you might even catch one of the zoo's popular evening concerts.
The Honolulu Zoo is only one of many places to see animals on the island. The Waikiki Aquarium is another popular attraction, especially for families with younger children. Established in 1904, it's the second oldest public aquarium in the United States. It features nearly 500 marine species and offers interactive exhibits and daily feedings for visitors to experience up close. You're not limited to the aquarium or zoo in Oahu, though. There are also plenty of opportunities to see dolphins on boat tours or even swim with sea turtles at some of the island's most beautiful beaches.