Hi Folks!
I'll be visiting my grandchilren, who are 8 & 4, in Honolulu in December . Should grandma & grandpa go alone or will they be okay. Of course, this grandma will be huffing and a puffin too. ;-) Would appreciate any advice on where to take them.

They won't have any problem climbing Diamond Head.

These are places that kids really like:

Polynesian Cultural Center

Hawaiian Adventures Water Park

Children's Discovery Center

Bishop Museum - They have a really nice volcano house where kids can create volcanoes & tidal waves.

Manoa Falls

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail - They can watch whales on this hike.

Byodo-In Temple

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

It could be a hike, depending upon what condition you are in. Some of the steps are very, very steep near the top. Be sure to take a couple of bottles of water with you and make frequent stops on the way up.

I agree w/Budman. Go early in the morning and bring water. The steps can be much for kids. I bet the 8 yr old will be fine but not sure w/the 4 yr old. Give it a try and take lots of breaks.

When we did Diamond Head, we saw about a dozen Japanese ladies, none younger than 50, climbing in skirt suits and low-heeled pumps, carrying parasols, which they used as walking sticks in shady areas and unfurled at the top. That as much as my own experience makes me think of it as a not very strenuous climb.

There is a lengthy stretch near the top of the hike that goes up rickety metal stairs in the dark. Take flashlights if you decide to go.

I took my child years ago when he was four and a half. He had no problems - in fact, he was nearly as fast as I was.

bobludlow, a recent poster here said flashlights are no longer needed--don't know why, but that's what he said. When we were there, volunteers were handing out flashlights to be returned at the end, but that was years ago.

They installed lights in the tunnel a couple of years ago. So flashlight is no longer needed.

We made the climb in May '06. We started up by 7 a.m., the parking lot was almost full. Once it is full, they stop cars from coming in until someone leaves, so if you aren't there early, you may have to park further down and walk to the parking lot. It was hot, even at 7 a.m. I couldn't have done it much later in the day when it really got hot, but it might not be that bad in Dec.

For me, who doesn't exercise but considers myself pretty healthy, it was a strenuous climb and took me longer than most. Every time the path turned to start another incline, I had to stop and let my heart slow down and my legs come back to me... they got weak & I felt like I had rubber legs at times. That last real steep part was worse, but I am so glad we did it.... beautiful sight!

DO take lots of water! & rest when you need to. There's no law says you have to climb it in record time. Kids will probably fly up it. My grandson is 3 1/2, he'd love it, I could see him getting to the top and back half way down to catch up to me!!

PS.
The climb worried me though, b/c my heart rate would get up so high, but I had a heart cath a few months later and everything was in excellent condition, so it was caused by me being out of shape. Walking has helped, so now I don't even have to take the meds the Dr. gave me.

I found it plenty strenuous. If you take the 4 year old, I'd be prepared to carry them when they get tired halfway up...

take a couple breaks, the most strenuous in my opinion was the last stretch of stairs that go straight UP. i got kinda scared, but since being a man, i had to act tough. in the tunnels its dark, but hey, its not that bad. the lights are dim.

I think you'll be fine with the kids--just go at an easy pace, and most importantly start early! It gets REALLY HOT on that hike!