Hawaii is on the radar for most travellers, if you have not been yet I am sure it will be high on the priority list in the not too distant future. We have been a couple of time (with and without children), and it does cater for every age. Whether you are planning a low key holiday, romantic honeymoon or a family vacation Oahu ticks all the boxes. What better way to ring in the new year than watching the fireworks over Waikiki beach. Here is the run down on the must do's for first timers!

GETTING THERE

Coming from Australia, we flew QANTAS all the way as it is part of One World but returned on Jetstar (as it was the only day that suited us getting home). We were pleasantly surprised how much more room you have on the flight, as our experience with Jetstar in the past has been small planes, small leg room, no in-flight entertainment (yes, budget airline standard travelling), but it was not the case which was great! I find on a budget airline during the day makes a huge difference because sleeping on a plane with limited space makes the flight an unenjoyable experience. If you want to know more about Frequent Flyer program click here-

When we flew from New York we flew Delta; as we had points left over. I have to say it was a lot further than we had expected and flying overnight (even on their version of a premium economy) was uncomfortable.

CAR HIRE

We initially hired a car from the airport pre-booking online with AVIS as we were only spending a day there before heading to New York. Hiring a car from the airport worked out well because we could not check our luggage in because the counter was not open 12 hours before the flight. We also realised that there are no longer airport lockers in the airport so catching public transport was not an option, getting a seven seater Tarago style vehicle worked well because we were able to leave everything in the car while we spent the day in Waikiki.

Hiring a jeep for the day when we finally returned to the island after our trip was comfortable, we booked at the Marriot hotel desk and picked up a vehicle the next day! Easy and affordable way to explore the island on your own.

ACCOMODATION

We stayed at the Aston Waikiki Circle, which was a great location (on top of Eggs and things) however, the accommodation was pretty basic. Our view was right opposite Waikiki. Unfortunately, the noise of the traffic was loud enough to wake us in the morning. We did try Eggs and things one morning because every morning we walked out there was a long line outside (it was very basic but very affordable).

Paradise Cove Luau

You can not go to Hawaii and not go to a Luau; it would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, it just would not be right! We have been to Paradise Cove twice, and it does not disappoint, we booked online (if you want to be closer to the stage and if you want fresh flowers rather than a shell lei then go VIP). I know it is very touristy, but sometimes you just need to be a tourist to tick it off the bucket list, don't you? Besides the kids loved it!

PEARL HARBOR

Pearl Harbor was alway high on our priority list with and without the children. We often asked the kids to pick one thing to do or see in each place we visit, and for my 18-year-old history buff this was high on his bucket list (having been to Hiroshima and lived in Japan this was just as important to visit). We booked a tour because the local tour guide suggested that we would have to either arrive very early and hope that we are allocated a free ticket (which run out pretty quickly) or book online (which were all booked out well in advance). So booking a tour of the city which included Pearl Harbor was the safest bet.

NORTH SHORE

For most, when you think of Hawaii you think of big waving surfing in Ohau's North Shore. We hired a jeep and headed to Waimea Bay for a little sight seeing. We decided to stop at a few beaches along the way, and we were not disappointed. The water was gorgeous, clear, crisp and less crowded than that of Waikiki. We stopped by the food trucks in Shark's Cove and ate lunch along the way. We spent the later part of the afternoon shopping at the outlets (at our leisure).

DIAMOND HEAD

If you are anything like us, we love to get out and explore where we are staying. So we decided to walk to Diamond Head from Waikiki (it is not very far, and the scenery along the way is worth it). The streets leading up to Diamond Hill are gorgeous and the houses and quaint, it is worth a look. It is great to do with or without the family tagging along and if you are wanting a great photo opporunity then it.

WAIKIKI BEACH

If you are not staying on or near the beach then making a day of heading to the beach and doing nothing but swimming and relaxing is a must. The beach is a little overcrowded in and around The Duke Kahanamoku Statue but anywhere along the beach is worth parking yourself for the day. You can hire banana chairs and umbrellas on the beach, buy them any ABC store along the way or borrow them from your hotel (Aston Circle lets you use any of their beach supplies from surfboards to beach umbrellas).

HONOLULU WITH KIDS

Paula Barreca Barnes

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