Oahu-places to go with teens/Pearl Harbor
Jan 10th, 2011, 07:24 AM
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Oahu-places to go with teens/Pearl Harbor
We are headed to the Hale Koa in March with our 2 children (14 and 10) and their grandparents who are quite active. The kids enjoyed theses activities on our trip to Kauai: Outfitters Zipline/Kayak tour, surfing lessons at Poipu beach, snorkeling at Lydgate park.
Grandparents want to see Pearl Harbor. Any suggestions for activities for the kids? Any information on Pearl Harbor and the construction and wait time for the ferry? Of course, any other suggestions are welcome...restaurants, beaches, not-so-crowded areas...thanks for replying!
Grandparents want to see Pearl Harbor. Any suggestions for activities for the kids? Any information on Pearl Harbor and the construction and wait time for the ferry? Of course, any other suggestions are welcome...restaurants, beaches, not-so-crowded areas...thanks for replying!
Jan 10th, 2011, 08:08 AM
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We spent a week with our teens at the Hale Koa a couple years ago in March as well. For Pearl Harbor, arrive early. Earlier than you think you need to. The good thing is there is plenty to do if you get tickets for later. The USS Bowfin is right there, and if you have bags the lockers are right next to it so that is where you check your bags.
We went snorkeling a few times, drove around the entire island, stopped at the Dole Plantation, rented kayaks right near the hotel (they give you a military discount), went up to Punchbowl cemetary, climbed up Diamond Head, and went to a luau there at the Hale Koa. Other than that it was just beach time for us. It was the right about of stuff to do for a week for us.
We went snorkeling a few times, drove around the entire island, stopped at the Dole Plantation, rented kayaks right near the hotel (they give you a military discount), went up to Punchbowl cemetary, climbed up Diamond Head, and went to a luau there at the Hale Koa. Other than that it was just beach time for us. It was the right about of stuff to do for a week for us.
Jan 10th, 2011, 09:37 AM
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I'd definitely plan a drive to the north shore (famous beaches, Banzai Pipeline, the town of Haleiwa - get shave ice at Matsumoto or Aoki's), drive across the island (on Hwy H-3, spectacular), a visit to Kailua/Lanikai (maybe the same day you go to Diamond Head -- its out in that direction), again because the beaches are gorgeous. We did a kayak trip with Kailua Sailboards that was a ton of fun.
Jan 10th, 2011, 12:44 PM
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I think the whole family should see Pearl Harbor and go on the launch out to the USS Arizona memorial (Nat'l Pk Service). There is the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) too with a great overview. Reviewing these special WW II scenes will mean something different to younger and older but should not be missed.
Also wonderful family excursion over to Polynesian Cultural Center with a dinner served. This is on Kamehameha Hwy. Displays and demonstrations of the Pacific island cultures. www.polynesia.com Then too Bishop Museum gives you a slice of colonial history.
Bill in Boston [email protected]
Also wonderful family excursion over to Polynesian Cultural Center with a dinner served. This is on Kamehameha Hwy. Displays and demonstrations of the Pacific island cultures. www.polynesia.com Then too Bishop Museum gives you a slice of colonial history.
Bill in Boston [email protected]
Jan 10th, 2011, 02:12 PM
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I agree with Ozarksbill, to me, Pearl Harbor is one of those "everyone must visit once" places, just to pay their respects. Kind of like walking by the former World Trade Center even though it's just a construction site now. (The funny thing is, I don't visit cemeteries, ever, regardless of whose buried there....I can "remember" my family without those visits).
Jan 11th, 2011, 02:31 PM
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Agree that everyone should see...and will enjoy...Pearl Harbor. I recommend getting the audio sets which were $5/person in '08 w/ lots of information and I think added to my boys' enjoyment. The museum will keep you busy while you wait for your group to be called. Get there early as stated before...plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before it opens. However, if you are late (like we were since I got lost!) don't let the long line detour you. However, all tickets were distributed for the day by 12:30. We left at lunch time after a park ranger gave us a recommendation for a "plate lunch" place in a nearby shopping area.
Also recommend renting some snorkel equipment and spend the day at Hanauma Bay State Park...get there early or at least in the summer you needed to. We rented snorkel equipment at a local spot in town prior to going.
You might consider the royal Iolani Palace...again I included the audio tour for everyone, the swap meet at the Aloha Bowl, and surfing lessons. If you go to the North Shore, stop for lunch at one of the shrimp trucks, and make sure to get malasadas (Hawaiian doughnuts) from Leonard's in Honalulu!
Also recommend renting some snorkel equipment and spend the day at Hanauma Bay State Park...get there early or at least in the summer you needed to. We rented snorkel equipment at a local spot in town prior to going.
You might consider the royal Iolani Palace...again I included the audio tour for everyone, the swap meet at the Aloha Bowl, and surfing lessons. If you go to the North Shore, stop for lunch at one of the shrimp trucks, and make sure to get malasadas (Hawaiian doughnuts) from Leonard's in Honalulu!
Jan 11th, 2011, 06:59 PM
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Jan 20th, 2011, 09:29 PM
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There is a great Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium, which is a good place to get inexpensive things to take home, including hats, shirts, shorts, swimsuits, trinkets. I believe they are open on Wednesdays & Saturday, but check to be sure. My out of town friends always stop there when they go to the Arizona Memorial to buy things to take back.
You also should have shave ice (an Obama & island favorite). There is a shop near the Arizona Memorial in the Aiea Shopping Center called "Ice Garden" that sells great flavors & toppings. There is another shave ice place in Kapahulu, Waiola's that is also good (nearer your hotel). There is a WORLD of difference between a "snow cone" and "shave ice."
Another interesting place to eat is Aiea Bowl, which is on the 3rd floor of the Aiea Shopping Center (above the Ice Garden). They sell steaks, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. You can also arrange to bowl at the bowling alley before, during or after your meal.
Whale watching should be good in March--try to book a cruise. They also have glass bottom boat rides, which I enjoyed. Parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay are all fun activities and can be arranged at your hotel or in advance. Weather is generally pretty nice in March, tho there may be some passing showers.
The Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo are both in Waikiki (a bit of a walk from your hotel). Sea Life Park is a longer drive (a ways from Hanauma Bay)--sort of like Marine World. Bishop Museum has interesting exhibits, including a lot of information and things about the various groups who have immigrated here as well as an exhibit that changes seasonally.
There are also free tennis courts in Waikiki, at Kapiolani Park. There is a public golf course in Waikiki, Ala Wai, where anyone can make reservations and play.
You also should have shave ice (an Obama & island favorite). There is a shop near the Arizona Memorial in the Aiea Shopping Center called "Ice Garden" that sells great flavors & toppings. There is another shave ice place in Kapahulu, Waiola's that is also good (nearer your hotel). There is a WORLD of difference between a "snow cone" and "shave ice."
Another interesting place to eat is Aiea Bowl, which is on the 3rd floor of the Aiea Shopping Center (above the Ice Garden). They sell steaks, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. You can also arrange to bowl at the bowling alley before, during or after your meal.
Whale watching should be good in March--try to book a cruise. They also have glass bottom boat rides, which I enjoyed. Parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay are all fun activities and can be arranged at your hotel or in advance. Weather is generally pretty nice in March, tho there may be some passing showers.
The Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo are both in Waikiki (a bit of a walk from your hotel). Sea Life Park is a longer drive (a ways from Hanauma Bay)--sort of like Marine World. Bishop Museum has interesting exhibits, including a lot of information and things about the various groups who have immigrated here as well as an exhibit that changes seasonally.
There are also free tennis courts in Waikiki, at Kapiolani Park. There is a public golf course in Waikiki, Ala Wai, where anyone can make reservations and play.
