This is a real splurge but so worth it! You experience the phenomenal scenery of this Island's hidden rain forests, lush valleys, and stunning historic sights. You fly over the vivid turquoise coral reefs of Waikiki, look down into the extinct volcano of Diamond Head, view crescent-shaped Hanauma Bay, white-sand Waimanalo Beach, Chinaman's Hat and the beautiful coral formations in Kaneohe Bay. You'll soar over the cliffs of the Nuuanu Valley Rainforest, then fly along the breathtaking coastline to legendary Sacred Falls and the panoramic Dole Pineapple Plantation. Your Blue Skies of Oahu adventure will also include sweeping views of Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.
Travel 110-feet below the surface and learn about coral reef life while visiting sunken shipwrecks, airplanes and other artificial reefs that Atlantis created over 30 years ago. My kids loved this experience!
Shopping All along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki there is some excellent shopping, especially up near the Moana Surfrider Hotel (which looked like a beautiful place to stay.)
This is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations on Oahu. Be sure to GO EARLY as the parking fills up quickly for the day. We ended up not being able to go as we arrived at 9:00 am and the lots were already full!
Hop aboard the Pineapple Express, a fully narrated 20-minute train ride through the plantation. It's a beautiful ride and the kids will see how pineapples and bananas are grown! Next up, be sure to try your hand at the World's Largest Maze. The maze stretches over three-acres and includes nearly two and one-half miles of paths crafted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. After the hard work, you head inside for yummy pineapple ice cream and to see the work of local artisans selling their treasures! A fun day for kids!
Kualoa Ranch 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy. Kaneohe, HI 96744 (808) 237-7321
Kualoa is a working cattle ranch and farm, preserved and managed by the sixth generation kama’aina family. Experience their authentic Hawaiian eco-tours and activities like horseback and ATV tours, Jungle Nature, Secret Island and Valley Movie Site tours. If the views look familiar, it’s because Kualoa has been the site of many television shows and Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Tears of the Sun and 50 First Dates. TV shows including the old and new Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I. and LOST have also been filmed at Kualoa Ranch. It has become known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot.”
Teach your child all about the different cultures in the South Pacific, meet the people of Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga and be amazed as you watch them dance, craft, drum and sing! They show you their many skills and how they live. You experience what island life is really like! Be sure not to miss the Evening Luau and the show “Ha, Breath of Life!” Your kids will love it!!
Picnic and Exploring at Kawaikui Beach Park 5475 Kalanianaole Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96821 This is not a swimming beach but a great beach for exploring and having a nice picnic. Lots of grass for the kids to run and play in and a beach for them to explore and find treasures!