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How to Vacation in Hawaii With Kids

by Kelsey Erin Shipman

Overview

Vacationing in Hawaii can be a thrilling experience for the whole family. Though often viewed as a romantic getaway, with a little planning your family can have its cake and eat it too. There are some priceless Hawaiian sites that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, such as the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at the Pearl Harbor Navy Base or the aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center. Other pastimes such as a romantic sunset dinner or long walk on the beach can be reserved for adults-only. Many hotels offer-half or full-day programs for kids and are perfect for providing a break for parents.

Step 1

Prepare for the plane ride. Bring books, toys, coloring books, activity books, music and journals to keep kids occupied during the (at least) 6-hour flight to Hawaii. Personal DVD players and laptops are great for entertaining kids for long periods of time. Pop in a movie or a new video game and let your kids play for hours.
Step 2

Stay at a family-friendly hotel. Several resorts offer on-site activities for kids and families. Turtle Bay, a resort located on the Northern coast of Oahu, has a novelty pool with a waterfall and slide, boogie boards and tubes for rent, on-site snorkeling and horseback-riding for all ages.
Step 3

Be prepared during outings. When sightseeing together, be sure to bring along everything that you need. Hand sanitizer, baby wipes, toys and lots of snacks can make or break a family outing. Give your child something to be in charge of, like a backpack, to make them feel important and involved in the planning.
Step 4

Bring comfort items. A child's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy can help ease them into a new situation and relax inevitable temper-tantrums. Nap times are especially good moments to provide a familiar comfort from home.
Step 5

Plan kid-only activities. The Sheraton Waikiki's Keiki Aloha program is available to all guests of the hotel and arranges supervised activities for children in half- or full-day increments. Activities include arts and crafts, snorkeling, kite-flying, horseback-riding and native dancing. This allows parents to take a breather for a couple of hours and enjoy adult-only fun.
Step 6

Take photos. Give kids of any age their own disposable camera and they will feel a special sense of ownership on the trip. It also keeps them interested in their surroundings, occupied with an activity and provides a memorable keepsake upon the returning home.

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To help with ear pressure regulation on a long flight, try giving your kids chewable candies (like Starburst) or fruit snacks. This encourages chewing and swallowing which aids in alleviating pressure.
To help with ear pressure regulation on a long flight, try giving your kids chewable candies (like Starburst) or fruit snacks. This encourages chewing and swallowing which aids in alleviating pressure.