Oahu
The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are at the end of Waikiki Beach, and though both properties are small, the exhibits are interesting and kid-friendly. The zoo has a wide selection of animals in natural habitats, including lions, elephants and a tortoise exhibit with giant creatures. At the aquarium, there is a monk seal exhibit as soon as you walk into the gate, and the animals are always putting on a show. In addition, you'll find reef exhibits, giant clams and octopi. The aquarium is right on the Pacific Ocean. If you venture over to the North Shore, don't miss Matsumoto Shave Ice, where kids will love the giant array of colorful icy treats available.
Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 971-7171
honoluluzoo.com
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-9741
waquarium.com
Matsumoto Shave Ice
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy.
Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712
(808) 637-4827
mastsumotoshaveice.com
Maui
Besides fabulous snorkeling right off the beaches, Maui has myriad kid-friendly activities. Whale watching and turtle trips are popular on this island. You might also consider a trip to Molokini, a mostly submerged volcanic crater that has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Pride of Maui Adventures and Paragon Sailing Charters offer boat trips. In addition, a morning ride up to Haleakala to see the sunrise and a bike ride down is an exhilarating experience. Also, check out the Maui Ocean Center, which has interactive displays and a chance to swim with the sharks.
Pride of Maui
781 Kolu St. Suite E
Wailuku Hawaii 96793
(877) 867-7433
prideofmaui.com
Paragon Sailing Charters
5229 Lower Kula Rd.
Maui, Hawaii 96790
(800) 441-2087
sailmaui.com
Maui Downhill
199 Dairy Rd.
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
(808) 871-2155
mauidownhill.com
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Rd.
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 270-7000
mauioceancenter.com
Big Island
No visit to the island of Hawaii is complete without a visit to Volcanoes National Park, where you and your kids can walk across an inactive crater, hike through the rain forest or see lava flowing down an active volcano. You can also camp in the park. Kids aged 7 to 12 can participate in the Junior Rangers Program. At the Hilton Waikoloa Village, children of all ages can get up close and personal with dolphins at Dolphin Quest, a model habitat for the mammals. Children as young as 2 can touch dolphins, while older children can sign up for feeding and training adventures.
Volcanoes National Park
(808) 985-6000
www.nps.gov/havo
Dolphin Quest
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr.
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
(808) 886-2875
dolphinquest.org/destinations/hawaii/
Kauai
Take a train tour through a rain forest at the Kilohana Plantation, a former working plantation that has been converted into a tourist attraction. Besides the train ride, you can pick tropical fruits fresh off the tree in the plantation's extensive orchards. Another option is the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum, an interactive attraction with exhibits about the ocean, the skies and everything in between. The museum has a toddler (and younger) center where the really little kids can play while older children explore the rock climbing or painting areas.
Kilohana Plantation
3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy.
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
(808) 245-5608
kilohanakauai.com
Kauai Children's Discovery Museum
4-831 Kuhio Hwy.
Kapaa, Hawaii 96746
(808) 823-8222
kcdm.org
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
