Oahu ideas
 

We are looking at visiting Oahu in a couple of weeks with our 2 boys--9 and 7. We will have 4 full days outside travel days. What are some good kid-friendly hotels/resorts? We would prefer to stay in the <$300/night range. Also, what are "must sees and dos" while we are there? We want to give the kids a taste of the culture, so would love any ideas on that too. For example, I've read a few suggestions on getting shrimp from one of the shrimp trucks. To me, these types of things are things the kids remember b/c it's different than what we can do at home. :-)
Thanks!!

The shrimp trucks are, for the most part, on the north shore. You will want to rent a car to make the drive around Oahu. It's a fabulous drive!

Besides the shrimp trucks, you could make a stop at Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (but get an early start so you are not arriving at a park that is already full for the day). There is a Sea Life park along the drive as well, not too far north of the Bay.

It is fun to stop at a few of the scenic beaches on the island drive, to watch surfers. In the winter time, the waves are huge on the north shore.

Dole Plantation is an interesting stop. You can take a tour of the plantation, and I think there is a maze of some sort, plus restaurant and souvenirs.

There are lots of things to do on Oahu. Have a great time!

So much to see and do on Oahu. I agree you should have a car.
We just took our four kids to Oahu back in October, here is a link to our trip report

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...amily-of-6.cfm

Happy planning!

Families seem to like the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort (it's the largest hotel in Waikiki).

There are parks at either end of Waikiki (Kapiolani & Fort de Russy) which have play areas. There's also the Zoo. And of course the BEACH!

You can go to the farmers markets (Kapiolani Community College on Saturday morning, Waikiki Community Center on Tues & Fri, and Kings Village a few nights during the week). These all have food ready-to-go that would be fun for the kids. Cut up fruits in a cup, BBQ meats on a skewer, etc.

Simpson >>Besides the shrimp trucks, you could make a stop at Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (but get an early start so you are not arriving at a park that is already full for the day).>>

And by early she means very early - and you'll want to get there before they open so you aren't stuck in a line that meanders down the block. We got their at 9:00 AM and it was sold out for the day. I've been numerous times before it when you just parked and walked down the big hill to the beach. Hanauma Bay is definitely worth planning to see.


http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/

Your boys might like Haleiwa if they are interested in the surf culture of the North Shore.
http://haleiwatown.com/

Go on an outrigger canoe ride- very fun!
Sad that Hanauma Bay is so crowded- I lived in Hawaii in the 60's and sometimes there would be no one there when we went-

Pearl Harbor is a must.

If you think your boys can manage it, Diamond Head is a nice climb. The "path" is a bit worn (as in water eroded done the middle, so don't twist an ankle), and it's tiring. But the way down is easy! Lol. And the view is fantastic!

Eggs n Things has the most wonderful pancakes! The pineapple syrup was...incredible.

was going to post something but then realized this was a post in MAR and they were going in a few weeks. I wish they would report back.....