Hawaii has a reputation as a honeymoon destination, but it's also an ideal destination when traveling with kids. Children who like to be on the go all the time and kids who just want to chill at the beach or by the pool will all find plenty of good times in Hawaii. If you balance the kids' needs and think like a kid yourself, you will find a trip to Hawaii with the kids to be fun for all.
Instructions
1. Pick one island to visit. Lots of unpacking and island hopping can be unsettling to kids. Maui has the most kid-friendly resources of all the Hawaiian islands. Kauai, with its undeveloped wilderness, can be the least attractive to children who are sometimes uncomfortable with the unfamiliar.
2. Research the kids' club options at the hotels you are considering. Many Hawaiian hotels offer "Keiki Clubs" (kid clubs), with programs designed for different age ranges. Make sure the program actually enhances your children's Hawaii experience. Your kids might be happy sitting inside watching videos all day, but that can be done right at home.
3. Challenge your children to try new experiences, things they couldn't do at home. Hawaii's snorkeling is world-famous, and even small children can learn to swim with fins and a snorkel. Find snorkeling opportunities near your hotel, so you don't need to take lengthy boat trips. Even wading into the water right off your hotel beach can open up an underwater world of beautiful fish and coral. Of course, stay with your children at all times while they're snorkeling, especially if they are not strong swimmers.
4. Plan age-appropriate activities. Younger children are not likely to enjoy long hikes or bike rides, but older kids might find those the best part of their trips.
5. Visit a luau. Many hotels offer luaus that allow children to participate in traditional Hawaiian dances and crafts, as well as in the feast.
6. Go to the beach. There's no need to plan lots of activities for a beach day, because the ocean itself will keep the kids happy and occupied. Find family-friendly beaches to make your day easier and more enjoyable. Avoid Waikiki Beach, which is narrow and crowded and rarely has many families visiting. On Oahu, visit Kamaina Beach or the Ko Olina Lagoons, both of which have shallow, calm water. Hapuna Beach on Hawaii has plenty of family-friendly facilities such as picnic tables and snack bars, and Anaeho`omalu Bay is a great beach for older children because of its kayaking and windsurfing possibilities. H.A. Baldwin Beach Park in Paia on Maui has a beach just for babies.
7. Take your kids surfing, another activity they almost certainly can't do easily at home. Buy private lessons for kids under 12, who aren't allowed to take group lessons, and focus on calm surf beaches on Oahu and Kauai.
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