In Oahu with 2 little kids
 

Hi , my wife and I are finally getting a chance to go to Beautiful Hawaii(Oahu) and are bringing our 2 little boys 4yo & 5mths.<BR>1) Is a hike unreallistic with them at Diamond Head?<BR>2)We have a nice house booked in Kailua for 5 days but still need accomodations for 2 days in Waikiki. Would like to keep the costs down but still have a decent view. Any suggestions?? Aston or O'hana hotel chains???any feedback?? We have a car.<BR>3) Hows the weather in early April?<BR>4) Who makes the best Mai Tai's?<BR>Thanks...Aloha

We took our 4yo and 7yo daughters to Diamond Head and they did fine. It was a little rough, but they made it. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water. I assume that you will have some kind of backpack-type carrier or sling for your baby. We saw others who took their babies to the summit. Also, I would advise going in the morning when it is cooler. I can't be much help on accomodations. We stayed at Aston Coral Reef, which I would not recommend if you want a view of anything besides a parking garage! There are probably other hotels that would better meet your requirements. Hope you have a good time. We just went in Nov. and I wish I were going back!

Trick is to do your hike on an overcast day. Will also add I really loved the hike on the windward side, Makapu. There is a paved road and the veiw is tremendous at the top, far surpasses diamond head IMHO.

John,<BR>To hike Diamond Head with the kids will be a challenge, but if you're in good shape, it should be OK. There is one spot up near the top where you almost have to climb on your hands and knees to get to the viewing platform. This miight be tricky with a baby back pack. Also, be sure to bring a flashlight! We had heard about the tunnels you walk through but didn't realize how dark they get - pitch black. Take this into consideration if your 4 yo is afraid of the dark. I can't help you with accommodations, we stayed at the Sheraton Moana - won't help you keep the cost down. The weather should be great in April, as it is the other 11 months of the year. And lastly, the best Mai Tais are at the Mai Tai Bar, which is on the beach at Waikkiki, at one of the other Sheraton properties (the Pink Palace - Sheraton Waikiki, I think). Have a great time!

Ilikai in Waikiki is very affordable I suggest staying in the main building

Check out the family suites at the New Otani Kaimaina Hotel. Great beach for kids, parks and zoo very close by. <BR><BR>The walk to Diamond Head was easily done by our 5 year old - in fact, he was much faster than I was. Arrange things so you can give a piggyback ride if your child needs one. And definitely bring snacks and drinks, and go at the child's pace.

Thanks for the replies!<BR>Aloha