1. Orlando, Florida

• Why Go: Home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a wonderland for kids and the young-at-heart.
• Highlight: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a magical experience.
• Itinerary: 6 Days in Orlando with Grandparents

Traveling to Orlando, Florida, with your grandchildren can be an enchanting experience, as this city is famously tailored for family adventures. Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando offers a magical blend of entertainment and wonder that delights both young and old.

Theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are a must-visit for their array of attractions catering to all age groups, from thrilling roller coasters to enchanting character experiences.

Beyond the theme parks, explore Orlando’s other family-friendly offerings like the Orlando Science Center, Gatorland, or a relaxing day at Discovery Cove.

Remember to schedule downtime to enjoy Orlando’s sunny weather, perhaps with a day by the pool or a stroll through the beautiful Leu Gardens.

Accommodations in Orlando range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, many of which offer family suites and kid-friendly amenities.

Dining in Orlando is an adventure in itself, with a variety of options from themed restaurants to casual eateries.

2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

3. Washington, D.C.

4. San Diego, California

5. New York City, New York

6. Grand Canyon, Arizona

7. Branson, Missouri

8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

9. Williamsburg, Virginia

10. Anchorage, Alaska

11. San Francisco, California

12. Colorado Springs, Colorado

13. Boston, Massachusetts

14. Savannah, Georgia

15. Chicago, Illinois

16. Asheville, North Carolina

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

18. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

19. Monterey, California

20. Mackinac Island, Michigan

21. Portland, Oregon

22. Oahu, Hawaii

23. Panama City Beach, Florida

24. Dallas, Texas

25. San Antonio, Texas

26. Bend, Oregon

Conclusion

The post 26 Best Places to Vacation with Grandkids in the United States appeared first on Mommy Travels.

At this point, I’ve traveled extensively with my teens and tween and unfortunately, I know firsthand how stressful things can suddenly become because they are not having a good time on the trip. There are few things worse than a moody teenager on vacation that does not want to participate in any of the activities.

For a while, I gave up and let my oldest kid sit in the hotel room while the rest of us had fun, but eventually, I realized I needed to change the type of trips we were taking. Our trips needed to be way more exciting and physically active, especially if they’ve been stuck in the car on a road trip. With these two things in mind, here are my picks for the top US vacation for teens and tweens.

Top 9 Destinations for Teens and Tweens in the United States

Oahu

Oahu is an epic place to take tweens and teens year-round. The weather is consistently good and there is much to do, especially if your family enjoys water sports. Some suggested activities in Oahu that teens will likely appreciate are:

• Para-sailing
• Visiting North Shore and learning to surf
• Paddle-boarding up the Anahulu River to watch the sea turtles
• Hiking to the top of Diamond Head
• Kayaking from Lanikai Beach out to Moku Nui Island and back. 
• Hike Maunawili Falls – This hike takes you deep into the jungle, where you cross a river twice, and at the end, you are rewarded with a waterfall, and if they are brave enough, cliff jumping.

If possible, I highly recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. This resort has a teen program that your kids will actually want to go to. They get to participate in physical challenges, take animation classes, learn to play the ukulele, have parties just for them, and more. While your kids are off doing their own thing, you have peace of mind knowing that they are safe and having fun.

See our Oahu Travel Guide to help you plan your entire trip! If you are staying in Waikiki check out our 4 Days in Waikiki itinerary.

Kauai, Hawaii is also fantastic if you want something less mainstream.

Vail

Whether you visit in the summer or in the winter, tweens and teens will love Vail, Colorado.

In the summer, teens can zip line and adventure through multiple ropes courses at Epic Discovery up on the mountain. Plus, there are other activities like horseback riding, white water rafting, and mountain biking.

During the winter, tweens and teens can spend their time skiing and snowboarding across the massive mountain. Vail has free public transportation that’s easy to use, allowing kids to have a little independence roaming around on their own.

See our Vail, Colorado Travel Guide to help you plan your trip or our 4-Day Vail Itinerary. Our favorite place to stay in Vail is Sonnenalp Hotel. 

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando houses many of the best roller coasters in the United States and has two extensive Harry Potter areas. Teens and tweens will love riding all the intense roller coasters. If your kids are like mine and want to ride the same roller coaster over and over, consider purchasing an Express Pass. This line pass will allow you to bypass almost every line there is in all three of the parks, which means there will be plenty of time to ride everything at least twice.

Recently, Universal Orlando added a water park, Volcano Bay. There are rarely any lines and you do not have to cart around your own raft or tubes for the slides. They’ve made using the water park easy, and with teens and tweens, the easier the better!

A nice plus is the city of Orlando, because when you are done hanging out at Universal, Orlando has lots of other things to do. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of taking a Wild Florida airboat out on the swamps and seeing alligators. Oh, and there’s always Disney World.  

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not somewhere most think to take teenagers, but it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States and there’s lots to do for all ages. Give the kids a thrill at the indoor skydiving facility or zip lining off the Rio casino at VooDoo Zip.

Other fun things to do include Gameworks, the massive indoor gaming facility, rocking climbing out at the Red Rocks, ATVing, and hanging out at some of the incredible hotel pools. The Wet N’ Wild in Las Vegas also has some extreme water rides. Teens will also like most of the Cirque Du Soleil shows in town. You can currently get Cirque Du Soleil discount tickets up to 50% off one of their shows in Vegas.

For more recommendations on planning a trip to Vegas with kids, see my article: Tons of Activities for Teenagers in Las Vegas.  Here is a sample itinerary: Five Days in Las Vegas with Kids, our extensive Las Vegas Travel Guide, and our hotel recommendations 11 Best Kid-Friendly Las Vegas Hotels.

San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas is jammed packed with activities. They have two major theme parks, Six Flags and Sea World, not to mention one of the most extensive water parks in the world, Schlitterbahn. The nice thing is, teenagers can basically run off and do their own thing in all of these theme parks. Even along the River Walk, kids can go explore all on their own. While they shop around, parents can take a break over a drink and enjoy the River Walk in a slightly more grown-up way.

San Antonio also has a fantastic zoo, but you will want to skip it if the temperature is over 100 degrees outside. Instead, lather on the sunscreen and go float down the Comel River or Guadalupe River.

In San Antonio, I recommend staying at Hotel Emma.

Plan your entire trip with our San Antonio Travel Guide.

Panama City Beach

Another teen favorite in Florida is Panama City Beach. The beach has soft, powdery, white sand. It isn’t as big as many of the beach towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do.

Go mini-golfing and go-carting, spend the day at the beach, or shop around at Pier Park. Spend one day bopping around Scenic 30A, where you will find tiny beach towns like Seaside or Rosemary. Renting some bicycles is a perfect way to explore this area. Another interesting spot worth venturing out to is Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf. Here, families can indulge in boutique shopping, zip-lining, ropes courses, an arcade, and unique eateries.

Use our Panama City Beach travel guide to plan your entire vacation.

Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon is another destination that is fantastic in the summer and in the winter. Year-round they have some of the best off-roading in the state!

During the summer, families will get a charge out of kayaking, white water rafting, and hiking. If your kids have never white water rafted before, take them down the Big Eddy. They will get a small taste of major rapids without being tossed around too terribly. Nearby, in Sunriver, there is a small water park and a little village to shop in.

During the winter you can ski and snowboard on Mt. Bachelor, and there’s an outdoor ice skating rink in Sunriver.

Read our Bend, Oregon Travel Guide to help plan your family vacation. Tetherow Lodge is our favorite place to stay in Bend.

NYC

There are a lot of things to do for this age group in New York City year-round. During the winter season, everyone can ice skate for free in Bryant Park and shop at all the little shops that are set up temporarily. Plus, you can witness the acclaimed Rockettes performing and many other Christmas shows.

All year long, visitors can enjoy the major landmarks and attractions here, like seeing the Statue of Liberty or visiting Ground Zero. Once kids are age 10 and up they are old enough to go through the September 11th Memorial, and old enough to appreciate, or at least sit through, a Broadway show.

We’ve been to NYC more times than we can remember. Check out our New York City Travel Guide to help you plan your own epic NYC getaway! I’ve also put together a 3-Day NYC Itinerary with Teens and a Mother Daughter New York City Weekend Getaway guide.

Palm Springs, California

Take teens on an adventure trip in Palm Springs with activities like four-wheelers or Jeep tours. Despite it being almost 100 degrees outside all three of my kids loved going on a Jeep tour of the San Andreas fault. Families can hike out at Coachella Valley Preserve or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park to hike in cooler temperatures.

I recommend staying at Omni Rancho Las Palmas near Palm Springs. They have several swimming pools and a lazy river.

Use our Palm Springs Travel Guide to help you plan your family vacation.

Conclusion

This list could undoubtedly keep going with the abundance of diverse destinations found across the United States, but hopefully, these 9 are enough to get you started on planning a successful trip with your teens!

For more ideas on places in the United States on vacation see our 22 picks for a spring break trip, Best Lake Vacations in the United States or our post on 13 Insanely Affordable Vacations in the United States.

Read Next:

• 10 Best Places in Asia for Teens and Tweens
• Best Places in Mexico for Teens and Tweens
• Best Places in Europe for Teens and Tweens
• 23 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
• 15 Cool Hotel Rooms for Kids

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

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Where We Stayed: Sheraton Waikiki

We stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki, and honestly, I might have to move in permanently. The location? Perfection. Right on the beach, walking distance to everything. We only had to grab an Uber to and from the airport — which means more time for the important stuff, like mai tais and beach lounging. The rooms are comfy. Each room has a coffee maker with Hawaiian coffee and a tea kettle, a Japanese toilet, and a balcony.

The hotel itself is everything you’d expect from a top-tier Hawaiian resort. We kicked things off with a free ukulele lesson (because when in Hawaii…), then hot tubbed like pros and even learned to make a flower bracelet — which, by the way, is easier than it looks.

One of the highlights? Renting a private cabana at the adults-only infinity pool. Floating in that pool with ocean views and drink service? That’s what vacation dreams are made of.

The cabanas are available to guests as well as people that just want to visit for the day. You can book a cabana here.

Sports Fishing

Turning 18 is a big deal, so we decided to go big with a deep-sea fishing trip with Aloha Charters LLC — and it was epic. Our guide, Jerry, was fantastic — the kind of guy who knows all the best spots and makes you feel like you’ve been friends forever. Jonah reeled in a mahi mahi (cue the proud mom moment), and I somehow managed to catch a marlin. Still not sure how that happened, but I’m taking the win.

If you’ve never been sport fishing in Hawaii, put it on your list. There’s nothing like the rush of hooking a big one while surrounded by that deep blue Pacific water. And the look on Jonah’s face when he pulled in his catch? Priceless.

Where We Ate (Because Food is Half the Fun)

We didn’t just eat well — we ate like royalty. Waikiki is a food lover’s paradise, and we did our best to taste it all:

🍽️ Dinners

• Duke’s – A classic spot, right on the beach. Fish tacos and mai tais while the sun sets? Yes, please. Plus, if it’s your birthday you get a free dessert.

• Rumfire – Trendy with a killer ocean view. Their cocktails alone are worth the visit. Happy hours starts at 4 PM with some good drink deals. I had steak and Jonah had a hamburger. We had the Japanese fried chicken for an appetizer and it was insanely good. 

• Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin – If you’re craving Japanese, this place nails it. The crispy pork cutlet was next-level.

• Wicked Maine Lobster – Because sometimes you just need a lobster roll (or two).

We also had dinner at Monkey Pod one night and I do not recommend it. That’s how we ended up at Wicked Maine Lobster in the food court next to our hotel. 

🍦 Desserts

• Baskin Robbins – Not your typical Baskin Robbins — they have shaved ice! Highly recommend the tropical flavors. We had one on-site at our hotel so we took it back to our cabana.
• Island Vintage Shaved Ice – Hands down the best shaved ice we had. The difference between theirs and many others is that it is served with soft serve vanilla ice cream, popping boba, and mochi. Get the lilikoi and thank me later.

🍤 Lunches

• Giovanni Shrimp – The garlic shrimp? Legendary, and now you do not have to venture all the way to the North Shore just to get some. They have a small location in Waikiki.
• High Tea at the Veranda at Moana Surfrider – This was such a treat! Fancy little sandwiches, scones, and tea overlooking the beach — very posh, very delicious. You can upgrade your tea to add a burger or a mimosa flight.

🍳 Breakfasts

• Sunrise Shack – The açai bowls were refreshing and perfect for starting a beach day. There is very little seating here. It’s basically grab and go.

• Kai Market – All the breakfast classics, plus tropical fruits galore and excellent views. Jonah had the steak and eggs which must have been good because he demolished them. I had the vegan eggs benedict which were delicious. We also tried the Portuguese sausage since we’d never had any before. 

Other Highlights

Between all the eating and fishing, we managed to soak up some good beach time. Waikiki Beach is exactly as beautiful as you’d expect — golden sand, turquoise water, and just enough waves to make things fun without scaring off the kids (or moms). We spent a lot of time walking along the beach and exploring the shops nearby. You could literally spend a whole day wandering around without ever getting bored.

Why Waikiki is the Perfect Spot

This trip had everything: a little adventure, a lot of relaxation, and some seriously good eats. The Sheraton Waikiki was the perfect home base, and the walkability made everything so easy. Jonah’s 18th birthday was one for the books — catching a mahi mahi, eating his weight in shrimp, and soaking up the Hawaiian sun.

If you’re planning a trip to Waikiki, take notes — sport fishing, infinity pools, and high tea might just be the winning combo you didn’t know you needed. Aloha! 🌺

Read Next:

Hiking Diamond Head in Oahu, Hawaii with Kids

Hale Koa a Military Resort on Waikiki Beach

The post 4 Days in Waikiki appeared first on Mommy Travels.

10 Free Things to do at Aulani the Disney Resort in Oahu, Hawaii

You’ve splurged on a hotel stay at Aulani Disney. So, now you need to make the most of the included activities because lets face it, you’ve paid for them. I’ve seen many refer to these as free activities, but considering how much you paid to stay here I’m just going to go with calling them included activities. We were able to do many of the activities, but we didn’t come close to doing them all. For example, they offered a wide range of fitness classes that were included in the price, but we didn’t go to any of them. Here were some of our favorite included activities.

1. Disney Family Fun Animation

Animation classes are available off and on throughout the week and they are always free. In this animation class your family will learn to draw one of the popular Disney characters step by step like Donald Duck or Goofy. You also have the chance to paint another character. You have to get to the family room early to sign up and do not be discouraged if you get wait-listed. We were on the waitlist and we got into the class.

The teen program offers late-night drawing classes that only teens can go to. My kids went one night and had a great time, even though we had already taken the family animation class. Noah enjoyed the teen class way more than the family class. Go figure!

2. Shake a Shaka Pool Party

Two or three times a week they have a full on pool party at the main pool. Much to my surprise the characters came out and participate almost the entire time. This is impressive because it is hot! They lead kids in dances and pool games. Characters would take turns leading and then stand off to the sides for pictures.

3. Ohana Ho’Okani Pila

That means family ukulele lessons. Sadly, we missed the family lessons, but my teens got to go to the one just for teens and they raved about it. They teach you 4 or 5 main notes and after that you can play all kinds of songs. After one lesson Noah and Eden can both play basic ukulele songs!

4. Fire Pit Story Telling

Every night of the week a guy everyone calls uncle tells stories while kids and parents sit around a fire pit. They do this four times a day. He doesn’t always tell the same stories so you can go more than once. If you have older kids like I do wait until one of the late night story times, because there’s no crowd.

5. Uncle’s Kahakai Canoe Racing

During this family activitym you and your family will learn about the different parts of a canoe and put one together and decorate it. Moana even shows up to help you finish it and take pictures with you. Then all the families Head out to the beach to race each other. You get to keep your family canoe as a keepsake. This was one of my favorite activities all week. They only offer it twice a week, so be sure and get to the family room early in the morning to sign up. This is another activity we got wait-listed on, but we got in.

How to Save Money at Aulani and turn it into an Affordable Family Vacation

6. Take Family Photos

This freebie made me so happy. I’m a single mom and I never have anyone around to take a family photo of us and I am not the best selfie taker. Around the resort are PhotoPass cast members. We took total advantage and ask them to take our photo down on the beach in front of the beach. They will take it with your camera or cell phone and with their nice camera. I ended up with quite a few great photos like this one. If you want to buy the photos they take it costs $99 and they put them on a CD for you. They put all the photos they take of you during your stay onto the CD.

7. Teen Program

The teen program at Aulani is fantastic and I can say this because both of my teenagers loved the program. They went to a handful of the events they offered the week we were there and enjoyed all of them. In fact, one of the days I was hustling to get back to the resort in time for their activity. When we got there they took off. I can assure you this has never happened before and I felt like that said all that was needed to say about the program. Teens rarely get excited to go do anything!

In the teen program, my teens learned how to play 4 or 5 notes on a ukulele, took an animation class, attended parties, participated in a physical challenge down on the beach, make leis, techniques for building sandcastles, and more.

8. Beach Fun

Boogie boards and sand toys are complimentary for guests. All you have to do is check them out for the day and turn them back in at the end of the day. My kids used the boogie boards as skim boards and they worked pretty well. Lucky for us it isn’t one board per family. You can check out as many as you need. They do have waiters that come down to the beach if you want to order food and drink. The chairs and umbrellas are first come.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Aulani

9. Board games and Disney Movies

There is a family room with an assortment of board games available for checkout. We checked out a couple of games and kept them all week. At night we sat around playing games together. You can sit and play the games in the family room as well.

Also in the family room is a movie library with every movie Disney has ever made! You can check these movies out and take them back to your room. The rooms are nice here, so you will definitely spend some time hanging out in them!

10. Kid’s Club

There is a kid’s club program for children ages 3 – 12 at Auntie’s Beach House. All kids must be potty trained in order to participate in the program. Many of their extra activities are included and a few cost an additional fee.

My son is 10.5 and didn’t love the kid’s program, granted he only went once to make slime. That’s him as a mad scientist during Stich’s Goo class! During Stitch’s Space goo workshop, kids make slime that they get to keep. Jonah had fun but thought they drug out the class a little too much.

Sadly, they only offer a few activities just for tweens. If your child is younger they will love this place. There is always something going on. They can even eat meals here for a fee while parents have a date!

Depending on how old your child is they can check themselves in at Auntie’s Beach House, but cannot check themselves in. The day Jonah went he checked himself in. I was so surprised when they called to let me know he arrived safely. How nice for my peace of mind. Granted, as I sat poolside, having a frozen cocktail I wasn’t really that worried. I could see him walk over from where I was sitting.

**Are you ready to book your Disney Aulani vacation? Check Rates Now!

Conclusion:

All in all, Aulani is the perfect getaway for families. With its variety of offerings and commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience, it’s no wonder why Aulani has become one of Disney’s most popular destinations. Whether you choose to lounge on the beach, explore local restaurants or explore the rich Hawaiian culture on a guided tour, you’re sure to find something that will make your vacation truly magical. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your stay today for the chance to enjoy these 10 free activities at Aulani! Who knows? Maybe a little Disney magic can help make this year’s vacation the best one yet.

Disney Aulani One Bedroom Villa Tour

Oahu Travel Guide

11 Things to do in Oahu with Kids

Hiking Diamond Head in Oahu, Hawaii with Kids

Cinnamon’s Restaurant the Best Breakfast in Oahu

The post 10 Free Things to do at Aulani Disney Resort in Oahu, Hawaii appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Oahu, Hawaii is quite simply paradise. Every time we visit I think why did we wait so long to come back. Many people will recommend the other islands, but they are all good and Oahu is awesome.

Here’s a packing list just for visiting Hawaii.

Things to do in Oahu

11 Things to do in Oahu with kids– I previously wrote up a list of things to do with kids in Oahu, so I am not including these here. You can check out the list for more ideas including the zoo, aquarium, and lots more.

Paddle board the Anahula River – Spend one day on North Shore paddle boarding up the Anahula River looking for sea turtles. Eden and I spotted at least 5 sea turtles. (You can rent paddle boards at nearby Surfnsea in Haleiwa for $20 an hour. They offer a military discount.)

Kayak Lanikai Beach – Rent kayaks at Lanikai Beach and paddle out to Mok Nui Island. Once you are on the island you can climb around it and depending on the water condition cliff jump. If it is windy this can quickly become an intense kayak trip out and back.

Fun Fact: Lanikai Beach is the 10th most Instagrammed beach in the world. Even on a cloudy day you can see why, just look at that turquoise water pictured below.

Parasailing – Take your kids parasailing with X-treme sail. I have tried another company, but I liked this one better. My youngest was 10 when we went and he was super scared, but they convinced him to give it a go and then dunked us during it.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay – This is an amazing state park with an underwater park. You can see all kinds of fish here. There are a few extremely shallow sections. They are closed on Tuesdays.

Go Hiking

There are so many great hikes you can take on the island. So, if you are into hiking you must do at least one good one.

Diamond Head – Diamond Head is a must during any Oahu vacation! It’s a bit intense going up all the stairs, but there is a different way up with less stairs. 

Maunawili Falls – This is a beautiful hike, but be sure to read my post before you go. You do not want to end up lost, like we did. 

Pearl Harbor – Visit the site of the attack on Pearl Harbor. You can purchase a ticket at the site or take a tour of Pearl Harbor.

Polynesian Cultural Center – Learn all about the Polynesian people here. They also do a good luau here.

Experience a Luau – There are lots of places that offer a luau experience, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hale Koa resort, Aulani Disney Resort, Hilton Waikiki, and more. The cheapest one of military personnel is probably the one at the Hale Koa. We’ve only experienced the one at Aulani and it was phenomenal.

Go Shopping

Oahu has loads of shopping. You can find almost any store you are looking for somewhere on the island. Instead of mentioning the obvious places I am just going to list some of my favorite ones that are unique to Oahu.

• Honalua Surf Co. – Near the Hawaii Fire shop is a bathing suit shop that has more bathing suits than anyone could ever possibly need. We got Eden the cutest swimsuit here.
• Surfnsea – in Haleiwa on North Shore is a little shop jammed packed with Billabong, Roxy, Hurley, O’Neill, and more. I scored some amazing deals on clearance here.

Best Places for Shaved Ice in Oahu

Matsumoto – Up on the North Shore is one of the most popular places to get shaved ice on the island. Expect a line, because it’s really well known.

Located at: 66-111 KAMEHAMEHA HWY SUITE #605, HALEIWA, HI 96712.

Shimazu Shaved Ice – This is the perfect place to grab a shaved ice after hiking Diamond Head. The shaved ice here is gigantic. Eden is holding a small!

Located at: 3111 Castle St, Honolulu, HI 96815.

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha – Located in the Aina Haina Shopping Center, this is the perfect place to pick up a shaved ice in Waikiki. It’s served with fruit and ice cream.

Located at: 820 W Hind Dr #116, Honolulu, HI 96821

Where to Eat in Oahu

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Oahu. Having some Hawaiian food is obviously a must while you are here!

The Food Company – They have amazing Hawaiian food over in Kailua at The Food Company.

AMA Ama – AMA Ama is a restaurant over inside Aulani that is fantastic for lunch. The lobster roll and the steak sandwich were both excellent.

Cheese Burger in Paradise – They have multiple locations around Waikiki.

Cinnamon’s  – Hands down the best breakfast on the island. They have two locations, one in Kailua and one in Waikiki.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Their shrimp is worth standing in line for an hour for. Giovanni’s Shrimp truck easily lived up to all the hype. We stood in line forever and it was totally worth it. I had the shrimp scampi covered in lemon butter and garlic. It was so messy and so delicious.

The North Shore location is at 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712.

Greek Marina – This is a fairly cheap place to eat and they have really good gyros. I suggest stopping in and getting some gyros to go and taking them with you to Hanauma Bay.

Kalapawai Cafe & Deli – They have two locations, one in Kailua and one in Kapolei. They use locally sourced and natural ingredients whenever possible.

Dukes

Dukes is super popular for a reason. Great food, good service, reasonable prices, and live music.

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

If you love Japanese, you will love Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin so much. The crispy pork cutlet was next-level.

Family Friendly Hotels in Oahu

Aulani by Disney

This is by far our favorite place to stay, because of all the activities that are included during your stay. If you can afford it definitely spring for a stay here. There are some ways to make staying at Aulani more affordable.

Marriott Waikiki 

Marriott Waikiki is not cheap, but the rooms are nice and the rooftop pool is fantastic. Try to get a rate that includes breakfast. One of the nights they had live music at the pool bar, which was super enjoyable. This hotel is on the far side of Waikiki, so closer to Diamond Head.

Sheraton Waikiki

Jonah and I stayed at this hotel the last time we were in Oahu and we had the best time. The location is phenomenal. It’s within walking distance of so many things that you don’t need a car if you are staying here. We loved the adults only infinity pool and the multiple hot tubs. I think all the rooms have an incredible view. We could see Diamond Head from our room. It had a few onsite restaurants which was also so convienant.

Military Lodging on Oahu

With so many bases in Hawaii there are tons of places for military members, veterans, and their family members to stay at. So far we have stayed at four of them.

Bellows AFB Cabins – These are so nice if you can score one.

Hale Koa  – Depending on your rank this might be a little overpriced.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam

Hickam TLF – We stayed in one of these before they remodeled the housing, so it’s hard to say exactly what it’s like now, but at the time it was 2 or 3 bedrooms for $55 a night.

How to Save Money in Hawaii

Oahu is not cheap. I know total shocker! But like any destination that are various ways to try and save some money. Here are a few.

Bring Your Own Snorkel

There are a handful of easy ways to save a few bucks in Hawaii and it mostly comes down to packing certain items like snorkel gear. If you have to rent snorkel gear each time you want to snorkel you can quickly end up spending quite a bit of money. Instead of spending $10 or $20 here and there buy yourself a set and take it with you anytime you are headed somewhere you might use it.

Eat a Cheap Breakfast in your Hotel Room

Another quick and easy way to save money is by bringing something to eat for breakfast. Anything you are going to buy in Hawaii is going to cost you double. Throwing in one or two boxes of pop tarts into your suitcase can end up saving you tons of money. Think about it. Every time a family of four needs to have breakfast in Hawaii it’s going to be at least $50. That box of pop tarts only costs $3 bucks! That’s a massive savings.

Watch for Deals

Groupon’s Daily Deals are available all around the island. I got a good deal on parasailing and a catamaran cruise through this.

Watch various websites for the best hotel deal. Use which ever site you need to. I use Expedia.com the most.

Have you been to Oahu? What was your favorite thing? I would love to hear any tips or advice you may have to share in the comments below.

Other Hawaiian Islands

• 5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii
• Kauai, Hawaii

The post Oahu Travel Guide appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Noah, Eden, and Jonah have been traveling with me their entire lives. So far the three of them have been to at least 22 countries, 4 continents, and almost every state in the United States. Needless to say, when I ask them what the best family vacations were, they had more than a few opinions! 

They quickly fired off an assortment of places we have been. It was interesting to hear what they picked, some of them I knew, but other ones were a complete surprise. After some serious conversation with them, we’ve narrowed it down to 17!

Top 17 Family Vacations You will Never Forget!

1. Singapore

Singapore is in all of our top ten picks. My oldest, Noah considers Singapore to be a utopia because of its cleanliness and orderliness. Oddly enough, we were only in Singapore for two days, making it one of the shortest stays we have done anywhere. It only took one day for us to fall in love with this city. We recommend walking around Marina Bay where the architecture is insane and definitely visit some parts of the Marina Bay Gardens. I can assure you that your kids have never seen anything else like this! The kid’s favorite hotel here is the Fairmont Singapore. For more ideas on what to do and where to find the best milkshake see my article: Singapore Travel Guide.

2. Cancun

Cancun has so much going on, and don’t worry, it’s safe. We spent a week there and basically had a non-stop adventure! The entire area is set up well to accommodate any kind of family and literally any type of budget. Families will appreciate luxurious, all-inclusive resorts with kid’s clubs and teen clubs. While the kids are off doing their own thing parents can head to a spa or the bar. There isn’t a bad beach anywhere in the area, so plan to spend at least two full days beach bumming.  While you are there, be sure to see Mayan Ruins, swim in a cenote, eat lots of Mexican food, and go ATVing. 

For a list fun family things to do in Cancun check out this post: 12 Adventurous Things to do in Cancun. I recommend staying at The Grand in Cancun or at another one of the  11 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families.

If at some point you head over to Cozumel (you totally should), check out my post: 13 Things to do in Cozumel. I recommend staying at Allegro Cozumel.

3. Thailand

Thailand is absolutely incredible and I wasn’t surprised it landed in my kids top three places. You can basically go anywhere in Thailand and have an interesting experience. I recommend visiting at least these three places when you go: Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Although they each have some similarities they are completely different experiences.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s islands and it’s extremely kid friendly. My kids thought taking a Thai cooking class was cool and they loved going to the beaches and interacting with elephants and tigers. To find the elephants on the beach check out my post: Swimming with Elephants in Thailand. And for more help planning your trip to Phuket see my article: 5 Day Phuket Itinerary with Kids.

Bangkok

Bangkok is massive so there are loads and activities. The kids loved biking through the city despite the heavy traffic and they were thrilled when we stumbled across monstrous milkshakes. To read more about taking Bangkok to kids, check out my article: Two Days in Bangkok with Kids.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an easy city to get around and it has tons to see and do. The city has an incredible night market where you and your kids could shop for hours. Here you will find interesting things to purchase like leather journals, bracelets, and tuk-tuks made out of soda cans. There is an elephant sanctuary where families can care for elephants and of course the food is outstanding! I recommend staying at the Shangri-la and taking a food and city tour by bike. Learn more about visiting Chiang Mai with kids in my article: 4 Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

4. New York City

New York City is currently Noah’s #1 and in Eden’s top 3 and in my top 15. The kids love the many dessert experiences here like Serendipity and  Black Tap. Both places have outrageous over-the-top desserts. They all enjoy hanging out in Central Park and Bryant Park, both parks have lots of free activities. At Bryant Park, kids can play kubb, while parents grab a drink at the little outdoor bar there. In Central Park, there are multiple playgrounds.

Visiting the 9/11 memorial is a must and if the kids are 10 or older tour the museum. Kids enjoy touring the Statue of Liberty, but not necessarily Ellis Island. If you do, go to Ellis Island to look for your family’s name on the wall. If you want to do a bus tour I recommend The Ride, especially if your kids are teens or tweens. I think going to a Broadway show is a must, but this is expensive and not worth it if your kids hate musicals or might possibly sleep through it. Good plays for kids are Wicked, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.

Remember the further out you can plan a trip to New York the cheaper the trip will be. Here are 15 Ways to save money in NYC.

We’ve been to NYC more times than we can remember. Check out our New York City Travel Guide to help you plan your own epic NYC getaway!

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is another place that all three kids agree on and Oahu is their top island followed by Kauai. On Oahu, their favorite thing to do is sit at the pool or sit on the beach.

The kids recommend hanging out at the beach on North Shore to check out the waves and do some shopping. While you are up there have shrimp from Giovani’s Shrimp truck and get shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice. If you feel like getting active rent a paddleboard at Sea N Surf and paddle up the Anahulu River and look for sea turtles. The last time we went we saw five huge sea turtles.

Also, fun in Oahu is parasailing in Waikiki and hiking to the top of Diamond Head. When you get done hiking Diamond Head, stop by Shimazu Shave Ice for massive shaved ice.

For more help planning your family’s Oahu vacation read our Oahu Travel Guide. 

I highly recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani if possible. 

6. Orlando

Orlando would probably make any kid’s list. With it being home to Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios a family could spend a month and do something different every single day. Universal Orlando is a must once each kid is tall enough to ride all the roller coasters and the new water park, Volcano Bay is fantastic. Besides the theme parks, there are all sorts of other fun things to do like swamp tours through alligator-infested waters, knight tournaments at Medieval Times, and within a short drive lots of beaches.

7. London

London also made it high on the list of the kid’s favorite places. We visited during Thanksgiving a few years ago and everything we did was awesome. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a week or two here and never run out of activities. Some of their favorite things were seeing the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, eating at Borough Market, and doing the Tower of London tour. Both boy’s least favorite thing to do is the bus tours. I personally appreciated how many free things there were to do in London. For more London ideas and tips, see my article: London with Kids.

8. Negril, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica is Jonah’s #1 pick, and if I was his age, I think this would possibly be my #1 too. We recommend staying at Beaches Negril. This is an all-inclusive resort geared specifically for families. Highlights of staying here include:

• Sesame Street parade and BBQ party where families can dance with the characters, DJs lead dances, flame throwers perform, and more.
• Ice Cream Machine – The kids loved the ice cream machine which they visited a minimum of three times a day. (Don’t judge me, it’s vacation!)
• Snuba – Even kids can snuba at Beaches Negril and they do not have to have any experience to do this. The instructors are fabulous and it’s an activity the kids will never forget.
• Multiple pools, a lazy river, a water playground, and hot tubs.
• Miniature golf
• Video game lounge
• Kid’s club

9. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is another destination that is enjoyable year-round. During the summer the kids enjoy biking around town, riding horses around the mountain, and visiting the Epic Discovery adventure park set up on the mountain. In the winter the skiing is excellent. My kids have skied since they were little and appreciate the extensive skiing found in Vail. If you do not ski, this is a great place to learn.  For more info, check out our Vail Travel Guide. 

10. Silvies Valley Ranch

Visiting a dude ranch is a completely unique vacation. You can have an experience as a family that just can’t be had unless you are on a working ranch. Here you can shoot guns, interact with baby goats, hit the spa, experience gourmet dining, participate in a cattle round-up, and much more. They even have four golf courses on the ranch. Golf lovers will flip out over the reversible golf course that’s right I said reversible! With a little bit of everything, your family is sure to have an incredible time. To get a feel of the overall ranch read about our Silvies Valley Ranch Experience.

11. Greece

Greece is an epic experience because let’s face it, there’s no other place on earth like it. It basically doesn’t matter what part of the country you visit, you will never have a bad meal, you will experience history and culture like never before. I can state this as a fact because we’ve traveled all over Greece and it’s all been wonderful. 

Athens

Chances are high that one way or another a Greek vacation is going to take you through Athens at some point. Plan to spend at least a day here so you can visit the Acropolis before heading out to the islands. At night during the sunset dine at Savvas, their rooftop overlooks the Acropolis. Hotels can be difficult to get for a family, you may want to stay in an Airbnb.

Mykonos

A one of a kind city and gorgeous beaches await you in Mykonos. Teens and parents alike will love Mykonos City full of white-washed buildings. Also, if you can get a sitter or if your kids are old enough to stay at the hotel alone plan to go out. Mykonos has one of the best nightlife experiences in the world.

• For more advice, check out my post: Mykonos with Kids

Santorini 

Here you will have the opportunity to see things you’ve never see before like Red Beach. Perissa, the black beach is also worth visiting if you’ve never seen one before. There are two towns built into the sides of the island, both of which are worth spending time in, Fira and Oia. In Oia, you will see one of the greatest sunsets in the world. 

• For more things to do and where to stay check out my post: Santorini on a Budget. 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is from biblical times and many of their historical sights have withstood the test of time. (Okay, I know what you are thinking. Yes, all of Greece is from biblical times.) They basically have ruins or a gorgeous church around every corner. The food scene is excellent here. For a list of things to see and do check out my post: Thessaloniki on a Budget. 

Kassandra

Can’t afford to splurge on the islands? Head here instead. Here you will be greeted with that famous aqua water and glorious beaches. Go shopping in Pefkochori and grab lunch at Agora Beach Bar. I highly recommend staying at Alexander the Great Beach Resort in this area. 

12. Australia

If you can get yourself to Australia, do it! Australia is just as fabulous as everyone says it is. There are so many varied experiences to be had throughout the country.  Try to plan a minimum of 9 days in the country. More than two weeks would be better. 

Whitsunday Islands

If swimming the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, then this should be your first stop. Whitehaven Beach should also be on your bucket list. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Melbourne

If you’ve got a family of foodies, Melbourne is sure to delight. They have the most over-the-top, whimsical food creations you’ve likely ever seen. In between beautiful meals stop by the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes and the graffiti alleys. The alleys in Melbourne are really cool. 

• Where to eat in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road 

One of the top road trips in the world is driving the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, you can stop at dozens of scenic overlooks and take in the magnificent rock formations like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles. You can enjoy one of the many nice beaches where kids can swim and play in the sand. Plus, there are animal encounters. Pull over to look for koalas in the trees and feed the birds at Kafe Koala. Be sure to stop at the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos. 

13. Texas

We are originally from Texas so it was no surprise that Texas made the list. The kids have been all over Texas and they recommend eating lots of Tex-Mex food and visiting the following cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.

San Antonio

San Antonio has a ton of stuff for families to do. Here you will find a massive zoo, Fiesta Texas theme park, the famous San Antonio River Walk, and just outside of town is Schlitterbahn the #1 water park in the world. When visiting plan at least one full day at Schlitterbahn, half a day at the river walk, and float the Comal river. Our favorite restaurants in San Antonio currently are Ocho, Toro Kitchen + Bar, and Rita’s on the River. 

In San Antonio, I recommend staying at Hotel Emma.

Plan your entire trip with our San Antonio Travel Guide.

Dallas/Fort Worth

The Dallas, Fort Worth area is packed with stuff to do for families. Over in Fort Worth will love the rodeo at the stockyards. Be sure to go when they have bull riding. Also found in the stockyards is a fun maze and Texas-themed shopping. Plus, they do a daily cattle drive. Our favorite restaurants in Dallas include Meso Maya for dinner and El Jordan Cafe for breakfast. Just north of Dallas is Addison, TX which is jammed packed with great restaurants. 

14. Honduras

Honduras is easily one of our top vacations, according to me. Unfortunately, the kids remember very little of the trip. I recommend going to Roatan and Copan. These two places are no where near each other and two extremely different experiences. What they do have in common is affordability!

Roatan

Roatan is one of the Bay Islands and along the 2^nd best barrier reef in the world. The reef is near the shoreline making it extremely easy for kids to snorkel. Jonah was 4 when we visited and he was able to snorkel. Also fun here is zip lining and paddleboarding.

Copan

Copan is a Honduran city that borders Guatemala. Here you can go horseback riding up a mountain, go zip lining on one of the longest zip lines in the world, and visit an incredible hot spring.

15. Panama City Beach

Another family favorite in Florida is Panama City Beach. The beach has soft, powdery, white sand. It isn’t as big as many of the beach towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do. Go mini-golfing and go-carting, spend the day at the beach, or shop around at Pier Park. Spend one day bopping around Scenic 30A, where you will find tiny beach towns like Seaside or Rosemary. Renting some bicycles is a perfect way to explore this area. Another interesting spot worth venturing out to is Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf. Here, families can indulge in boutique shopping, zip-lining, ropes courses, an arcade, and unique eateries.

Use our Panama City Beach travel guide to plan your entire vacation.

16. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is super cool country with a wide variety of things to do. The food was consistently good, the activities were exciting and the people were so nice. Whether rafting down a volcano’s raging rivers in a tube near La Fortuna to chilling at a beautiful beach on the Pacific or the Atlantic everyone is going to enjoy the country. Costa Rica Travel Guide

17. La Paz

La Paz features miles of white sand beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure including paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, SCUBA diving, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, sportfishing, hiking, mountain biking, and much more. If you want your kids off their devices and outside doing stuff you will love it here. Plus, the food is unbelievably good. 

Plan your own trip with our La Paz Travel Guide for Families. Plus, Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico and Best Beaches in La Paz.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, the best of the best family travel locations. There are hundreds of other places that could have made the list but didn’t. These were ones that just barely missed making our list: Las Vegas, Bavarian Alps in Germany, Paris, and house boating on Lake Shuswap in British Columbia. Like Honduras, my kids do not even remember house boating up in Canada, but if they did (well not Jonah, he had yet to be born), I am sure it would have made it onto the list.

Where are your favorite places to take your kids on vacation? We are always taking recommendations and planning our next family vacations. Yes, plural. Why take just one vacation? I think you should take as many as possible, big trips, weekend getaways, family reunions, you name it. These are all opportunities to have fun, spend time together and make the most memories possible. And don’t delay. Noah’s a high school senior and he’s about to move on with his life. (Oregon State University #Bragging) And y’all, I straight up ran out of time with him. You will run out of time, so make today count.

Read Next:

16 Insanely Awesome Girl’s Trips

11 Best Places to Snorkel with Kids Around the World

The post 17 Incredible Family Vacations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Hale Koa a Military Resort Review

I’m standing on Waikiki Beach to take this picture of the hotel. All the hotel rooms are located in that tower.

Waikiki Beach – Check out the older people standing behind my daughter.  I guess they were taking a picture of Christmas cards or maybe they just love Santa hats.

The top balcony on the corner in this picture was ours. As you can see the balconies are a nice size.

The adults-only pool. We never got to enjoy this pool, but it looked very nice and was quiet.

View from our room.

Part of one of the big pools.

The resort is right on the beach. Here’s the public beach out in front of the hotel. They do not have any private beach but as far as I know all the beaches in Waikiki are public. So, this isn’t unusual. It’s never been crowded when I am here.

Read Next:

Stay at Bellows Beach in a Bellows AFB Cabins

Military Lodging at Joint Base Pearl Harbor & Hickam

The post Hale Koa a Military Resort on Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Say Aloha, and welcome the endless activities on offer that will make Hawaii a one-of-a-kind vacation. Between that and some relaxing beach days, you’ll never have trouble filling in your time. Therefore, you’re tropical paradise awaits, and we are here to help you plan with the selection below.

So, read on to discover all that Honolulu has to offer, romantic or otherwise!

Things to do in Honolulu for Couples

Honolulu is a bustling metropolis and the largest city in Hawaii. Since most visitors opt to stay in the heart of the region, it’s convenient and easy to plan your trip from Waikiki. This could include taking a surf lesson, indulging in local cuisine, wandering through local streets, or embarking on a hiking journey.

Based on your time available and what you like to do, you can use the selection below as a guide and help map out your days. 

Walk the Diamond Head Summit Trail

First up, you should walk the Diamond Head Summit Trail, which is one of the more popular things to do in Honolulu. The trail will take you to the top of the Diamond Head Crater (Lē‘ahi), a dormant volcano on Oahu’s southeast shore. It’s an iconic landmark, and while it’s free to use the trail, there is a small charge to enter the State park. Along with learning the history of World War 11 and strolling through the previously used bunkers. 

The hiking track is relatively steep and strenuous, but it’s a short 1.6-mile (4km) return hike and worth the effort. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a postcard view of Waikiki Beach and the skyline of buildings. This is perfect for the couple selfie shot with the skyline in the background. 

Go Surfing

Surfing is known as the favourite pastime in Hawaii, so you can either take advantage of these waves or even learn how to do it. There are plenty of spots across the island, and even nearby ones, where you can catch some waves. Or, conveniently, you can join surfing lessons right at Waikiki Beach.

If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed, there is something truly exhilarating about the feeling of riding the waves. It’s the best way to get out on the water, have some fun, and feel the wind in your hair as you glide across the water.

Join a Luau dinner and Show.

A Hawaiian Luau is a guaranteed romantic occasion, filled with engaging cultural performances and a feast of local cuisine. You’ll start off your night with a warm welcome of a lei (Flower necklace), a delicious Mai Tai (cocktail), and live Hawaiian music. This is where you’ll get to know other travellers and where they are from.

After that, you’ll try some delicious Hawaiian dishes such as Kalua Pig, Haupia, and Poi. Along with enjoying a music and dance show acted out by local Hawaiian performers. Consequently, any Luau show promises an unforgettable evening filled with education, entertainment, and, of course, delicious food.

Learn about Pearl Harbour’s history.

Almost everyone knows about what happened at Pearl Harbour, but the tour of the Pearl Harbour Memorial tour allows you to explore all the historical sites. From ancient Hawaiian stories to the events that shaped World War II. Your guide is an expert in local history and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Imagine standing on the USS Missouri battleship deck where this historic moment occurred, and feeling the weight of the significance. Then take a short boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the impact of that historic event on the region. Even if you’re not a history buff, this is a must-see stop, and you’ll get an educational and immersive experience.

Try Snorkelling

Have you ever dreamt of swimming with turtles, seeing spinner dolphins, catching glimpses of exotic fish, and maybe even making a new marine friend? Well, there are plenty of snorkelling and diving companies offering a wide range of exciting opportunities to see the hidden wonders of Hawaiian waters. Even better, all the snorkelling equipment is included, and you just have to bring your sense of adventure. 

You’ll be able to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water and see different types of tropical fish. Plus, with over 100 species of coral and 400 species of fish waiting to be discovered, you just might find your new favourite underwater creature. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the marine world and share some precious memories to bring home with you.

Go Whale Spotting

Whale Watching is a seasonal activity, so if you’re visiting from December to May, then it’s a great time to check out the annual migration. Grab your camera or binoculars and expect to be on the water for a couple of hours. These magnificent creatures grace Hawaii’s waters with their presence, swimming, feeding, playing, and even breaching right before your eyes.

The expert guide will provide you with fascinating facts about their migration patterns, behaviour, and more. Plus, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious snacks and drinks while taking in the views. In the end, you don’t have to be an expert on marine biology to appreciate the sheer beauty of these gentle giants. 

Swim or sunbake on the Waikiki Beach.

It’s not hard to see why Waikiki Beach has made a name for itself. From the moment you step onto its shores, you’re greeted with miles of luscious, velvety white sand and the sight of gently swaying palm trees. But perhaps the real highlight of this iconic beach is the calming sounds of the waves and the relaxation that overwhelms you. 

The bright blue waters are both crystal clear and beckoning you to take a dip and cool off from the warm Hawaiian sun. And remember the gorgeous sunsets that Waikiki is known for; a romantic walk is definitely something you’ll want to take advantage of. This is one of the best free things to do in Honolulu, and you could even catch a random fire-breathing or acrobatic show.

Check out the Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace was the official residence of Hawaii’s very own king and is a monument to a time long gone. With its rich history and grand architecture, it’s no wonder why this attraction is one of the most talked-about in Honolulu. Inside, you’ll find an array of traditional artefacts, vintage clothing displays, fittings, furniture, and relics of past royalties.

Initially built in the late 1800s by King Kalakaua and rebuilt in 1969, you can explore the plush-carpeted political offices or flutter around the grand Royal rooms. You’ll be transported back in time from the moment you step through the doors, and you may even feel like royalty while inside. 

Stroll the Botanic Gardens

If you both love spending time outdoors surrounded by flora, then the Honolulu Botanical Gardens are going to be right up your alley. Spread throughout the city, each unique garden offers a different experience, and if you’re a true nature buff, you’ll want to see them all. 

Choose between the Foster Botanical Gardens, Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Lyon Arboretum, or one of the favourites is the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Why not make a plan to visit each of these gorgeous gardens, one by one? Take your time, soak up the scenery, and let the plants work their magic on your soul. 

Try the Shaved Ice

Satisfy that sweet tooth and stop at one of the shaved Ice vans places all over Honolulu. Indulge in a simple masterpiece with a variety of flavours and toppings, knowing that each one can be a work of art. You can even mix and match to create the ultimate flavour experience. 

Why not try the tropical taste of passionfruit with the creamy goodness of haupia? Or maybe pair the boldness of chocolate with the earthy undertones of green tea? From the sweetness of mango to the tangy refreshment of a margarita, It’s no wonder that tourists adore this unique delicacy when visiting the Hawaiian Islands. 

Shop till you drop.

If you’re looking for a shopping experience that combines style, flavour, and the Aloha spirit, the Royal Hawaiian Centre in Honolulu is the place to be. With over 90 retail shops, boutiques, and eateries, it has everything you’ll need to indulge in a little retail therapy, from the latest fashion trends to mouth-watering cuisine. 

The Mall is located along three blocks of the famous Kalākaua Avenue in Waikiki. With over 310,000 square feet of shopping space and over 110 stores, you’ll find high-end brands that cater to your needs. Whether you’re looking for designer clothing, souvenirs, exquisite jewellery or a new handbag, this shopping mecca is the place to go.

Fly like a bird in a Helicopter Tour

As a couple, a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to see the island of Oahu in the shortest amount of time. Sure, it may cost a bit more than some other activities, but the experience is certainly worth it. The views from above are stunning and fly you over places like Diamond Head, North Shore, Jurassic Park scenes, Waikiki Beach, and the Pearl Harbour Memorial. 

And if you’re looking for a bit of fun and nostalgia, why not opt for the Magnum PI Hawaii Helicopter Tour? The Helicopter is painted just like the one in the hit TV show that aired back in the 80s, and you can even choose to ride with the doors off. So, if you want to splurge on something unforgettable, this helicopter ride must be part of your itinerary.

Get a picture with “The Duke”

Have you met “The Duke?” He’s the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku who welcomes visitors to Waikiki with his wide smile and muscular frame. Not only was he a master of swimming and canoe paddling, but he grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki as well. And it wasn’t just his athletic ability that made him so impressive. 

During his very first competition, he broke the world record in the 100-yard freestyle. Later, he went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle, a silver medal in the 1912 relay, and more medals in 1920 and 1924. It’s no wonder that a statue honouring this incredible man now stands on Waikiki Beach and probably gets thousands of selfie pictures every day. 

Conclusion – Things to do in Honolulu for Couples

It’s easy to find plenty of things to do in Honolulu for couples, and it is a great place to visit for those who love being by the beach. From exploring historical landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or just taking an afternoon stroll, there are plenty of experiences that you’ll want to share with that special someone! 

So, make it an unforgettable holiday and head over to Honolulu today!

Guest bio: Chris Fry is the writer and photographer behind Aquarius Traveller, where she shares her journeys and provides valuable information and inspiration for your destination travels. She lives in Australia and has travelled to 36 countries and in-depth across Australia.

Read Next:

Oahu Travel Guide

Hike Maunawili Falls in Oahu, Hawaii

The post 13 Things to do in Honolulu for Couples appeared first on Mommy Travels.

First, you need to decide which of the main islands you’d like to visit. Hawaii isn’t like most other places; it is actually the world’s longest chain of islands, with 132 islands in total. Each of these islands are actually the tops of submerged volcanic mountains and most are not inhabitable by humans. However, there are about 8 other main islands : Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Lanai, and Kahoolawe (which is not inhabited, but you can visit by boat). The main islands each boast beautiful beaches, volcanic mountains (many of which can be explored), tropical ocean swimming, diving and fishing, as well as popular tourist attractions such as shopping. The smaller islands can be visited, but you’ll want to spend most of your time on one of the bigger islands to get the best feel for Hawaii.

Oahu

If you are a little unsure of what you want, you’ll like Oahu. Oahu boasts a larger city feel with shopping, nightclubs and lots of wonderful restaurants. You’ll still be able to experience the diverse cultures that make up Hawaii as Oahu boasts the most cultural and historical sites in Hawaii. You can visit the famed North Shore to do some surfing or just lay on the white, sandy beach and then return to your first class hotel at night to relax. This is the best island to visit if you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii.

Oahu Travel Guide

Maui

Maui is perfect for you if you love to golf! It has several PGA class golf courses as well as gorgeous vistas and amazing beaches. You can hike to the summit of Haleakala in Haleakala National Park for something a little out of the way, or just lay on the beach all day. And Maui is a little less expensive, but also has fabulous hotels and condominium rentals for your stay.

5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

Big Island

If your loves are horseback riding, or hiking, the Big Island of Hawaii is the one for you. It is so ecologically diverse that you can experience water, lush tropical forests, snow-capped peaks of mountains and volcanoes all in one place. The Big Island has fabulous hotels, but is also much more budget friendly for families who might be visiting. 

Kauai

Kauai is the oldest and has the most secluded feel of the main islands. The beaches stretch for miles and you might never see another soul as you walk along the shore. It has exotic vegetation and often people come here to explore and relax with a much slower pace to life. Although there are wonderful hotels to stay at, you will visit Kauai with a need to unwind and get back to nature without the hustle and bustle of big city life. This is a great place to honeymoon!

Navigating Kauai with Infants and Toddlers

North side of Kauai Hawaii

Lanai

Lanai is for the rich and pampered! It has two of the top hotels in the entire world and really is not the place to go if you want to do sight-seeing, shopping or exploration. This is the place to go if you have a platinum credit card and want to do nothing other than sit by the pool at your hotel and be doted on. To get a great feel for the diversity of the Hawaiian islands, Lanai is not really the place you’d want to visit. This is for those who have been before and just want an experience this time.

Molokai

If you really want to experience Hawaii, really get a feel for how the locals live, then you might want to visit Molokai. This island has the most natives living here, huge with diverse cultures and peoples, but not extensive in the way of tourism. This is a place where people live, not necessarily where people take a vacation. It might be interesting to take a quick hop over from Maui or Lanai to see the beauty of Molokai, but you won’t want to vacation here if you are looking to be pampered.

Now that you know which island you’ll be visiting, the rest is easy. Pack up your camera, sunscreen, bathing suit and some comfortable shoes and explore! Your hotels can provide you with great local maps and advice on what to visit when you get there. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to see an active volcano? Hawaii is an experience like no other!

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Best Resorts in Hawaii for Families

The post How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii appeared first on Mommy Travels.

You want to take a vacation but don’t know where to go.

Resorts are a great option because they take care of everything for you. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is typically in the fall, in October or September. The crowds tend to become smaller at the end of the summer months, therefore hotels offer cheaper rates to tourists. If you’re looking for good weather and fewer crowds, the end of the summer months are the best months to visit. However, keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November.

How much does a typical trip to Hawaii cost?

Depending on how long you plan to stay in Hawaii, it’s feasible to visit at any time of year. The cost of a flight will vary depending on where you depart from and arrive. 

Round-trip flights range from $500 to $875, with lower-cost West Coast airports such as Los Angeles and San Francisco providing alternatives if you need to find a cheap flight. The price of a room at a resort in Hawaii varies depending on the season, but you can generally expect to pay around $200 to $600 per night.

Resorts in Hawaii with vacation packages offer great value for your money if they include all of your meals and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the price of the room. You’ll also have access to all of the resort’s facilities and activities, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra for anything.

How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

There are many factors that influence the price of a trip to Hawaii, such as where you’re going, how long you will stay, and what kind of accommodation. The prices can range from low budget to high end, but this is dependent on your personal preferences.

Saving money on a trip to Hawaii doesn’t mean you have to forgo all the luxuries. There are plenty of ways to save, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel or want to pack your own food.

When booking your trip, consider traveling during the off-season. The cheapest time to go to Hawaii is typically in the fall when the weather is still warm and the crowds have died down. If you’re not limited by school schedules, consider traveling during the week instead of on weekends. Weekdays are always less busy and tend to be cheaper.

We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up our top picks for resorts in Hawaii that are perfect for families.

Best Resorts for Families in Hawaii

Let’s get into these hotels and resorts that are great options for families vacationing in Hawaii.

1. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

This beachfront resort is perfect for families with kids of all ages. There are a variety of activities available, including a water park, three golf courses, and a kids’ club that offers activities such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and more.

When staying at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, you’ll have access to plenty of activities beyond things offered directly at the resort to keep the whole family entertained. 

Some of the most important activities to include in your Maui itinerary include:

• Swimming with dolphins – This is a popular activity for visitors to Maui and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can book a swim with dolphins through most tour operators on the island.
• Horseback riding – Explore the beautiful beaches of Maui on horseback. There are a number of stables throughout the island that offer guided tours and rides for all experience levels.
• Helicopter tour – Get an aerial view of Maui on a helicopter tour. This is a great way to see the island’s volcanic peaks, rainforest, and more.

To get to the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, you’ll need to fly into Kahului Airport (OGG). The resort is about a 20-minute drive from the airport. Check the current rates at Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

2. Hilton Waikoloa Village

This resort is located on the Kohala Coast and is perfect for families with young children. There are three pools (including a lazy river and a water slide), a kids’ club, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of things to do in Hilton Waikoloa Village, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring the area’s natural wonders. 

You can also visit the hotel’s dolphin lagoon, go golfing or take a shopping trip. With something for everyone, Hilton Waikoloa Village is the perfect destination for your next family holiday.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is located about an hour’s drive from Kona International Airport. If you’re renting a car, take the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) towards Waimea. The resort is well marked, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. Check the rates at Hilton Waikoloa Village.

3. Royal Kona Resort

At the Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island, kids will love the two-acre water park with a lazy river, waterslides, and a variety of pools. There’s also a mini-golf course, game room, and children’s Activity Center with arts and crafts, movies, and more. The beach is just a few steps away, and the resort offers plenty of dining options, both casual and formal.

The Royal Kona Resort is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s easily accessible from Kona International Airport, which is just a short drive away. Check current rates at Royal Kona Resort.

4. Sheraton Waikiki

The Sheraton Waikiki is located on the beachfront in Waikiki, Oahu. It’s easy to find – just look for the iconic twin towers. If you’re coming from Honolulu Airport, the resort is about a 20-minute drive away. There’s a free shuttle service that runs to and from the airport, or you can take a taxi.

The Sheraton Waikiki has 496 rooms and suites, all of which have ocean views. Standard amenities include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an in-room safe, and a desk. The bathrooms come with a bathtub and a shower.

The resort has six restaurants and bars, including signature restaurants like The Edge Steakhouse and Mahina & Sunshine. There’s also a 24-hour food court, so you’ll always be able to find something to eat. And if you need a break from the kids, there’s a full-service spa on site.

The Sheraton Waikiki is a great choice for families because of its variety of activities and amenities. The kids’ club is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and there’s a supervised playground for younger children. The resort also has a dolphin lagoon, where you can watch the dolphins play, as well as a pool and a beach. 

Waikiki Beach is just footsteps away, so you can easily spend your days sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. And if you want to explore more of the island, the Sheraton Waikiki is close to popular attractions like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Check current rates at Sheraton Waikiki.

4. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a perfect resort for families. It offers a water park, a climbing wall, and more for kids to enjoy. There are also a number of restaurants and bars available on-site. Plus, the resort is located on the beach, so you can enjoy the sand and surf.

Kauai is one of the most beautiful places in the world with plenty of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is located on the beach in Kauai, Hawaii. It’s easy to get to the resort – just fly into Lihue Airport, which is located only minutes away. Check current rates at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

5. The Aston Kaanapali Shores

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is a beachfront resort that is perfect for families with young children. It offers a variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a water park, and more. There are also a number of restaurants and bars available on-site. This resort is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is located on Maui’s North Shore. It is easily accessible from Kahului Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away. Check current rates at Aston Kaanapali Shores.

6. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

The Aulani Resort is a beautiful, five-star resort that offers a unique Disney experience for guests of all ages. There’s something for everyone at this incredible resort, from swimming in the pool with water slides and a lazy river to enjoying character meet and greets with some of your favorite Disney characters.

The Aulani Resort is perfect for families, and there’s even a special villa available for larger groups. Plus, with so many amazing amenities and activities included in your stay, you’ll never have to worry about finding something to do during your vacation.

• How to Save Money at Aulani and turn it into an Affordable Family Vacation
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Aulani
• 10 Free Things to do at Aulani the Disney Resort in Oahu, Hawaii

7. Travaasa Hana – Maui

Travaasa Hana is a Hawaiian Resort that is family-run. This means that they understand the importance of family vacations and have put together an excellent package that includes all the amenities you could want! The resort is also very child-friendly, making it the perfect destination for families. If you’re looking for a resort in Hawaii, Travaasa Hana should be at the top of your list.

They’ve put together an excellent package that includes all the amenities you could want. The resort is also very child-friendly, making it the perfect destination for families.

Check current rates at Travaasa Hana.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the perfect resort for your family vacation, Hawaii is a great destination with plenty of amazing resorts to choose from. No matter what type of resort you’re looking for, we hope that our list has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect place to stay in paradise. Mahalo!

Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTraveler.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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The post Best Resorts in Hawaii for Families appeared first on Mommy Travels.