Off the Beaten Path,... But FUN - with a Toddler and Extended Family!
 

Wheew, okay - that was a mouthful!

Bear with me. :)

My entiiiiire extended family will be going to Waikiki for a week this December (after Christmas). I have been there myself twice prior - before I became a mom, and never with my family, so I had my time for fun and partying, island-style. :)

This time around, I would love to experience some fun things off the beaten path (not so touristy, right!) but fun enough for my 3-1/2 year old and other family members to enjoy.

The entire family won't always be together for every event, so I welcome all suggestions!

What have you done in Waikiki (day trips to other islands even!) that is not just the same-old same-old? Any and every idea welcome! Thank you ... in advance. :)

topping

Not sure if I can offer anything too off the beaten track but I can share a few things that my kids enjoyed (then ages 4 and 8) during a holiday trip to Waikiki five years ago.

We loved the Waikiki Aquarium. Nice size, very accessible, not terribly crowded- very doable with a young child. Kids also liked walking through the Hilton Hawaiian Village- the penguins were the big hit.

Took the bus to Chinatown (bus ride in itself was a little adventure) and spent lots of time wandering, nibbling on treats and taking in all of the color. Kids were not terribly excited about some of the food items in the shop windows but they certainly made an impression.

The Christmas decorations downtown were very fun and another big hit.

Watched Stuart Little on the big movie screen at the beach at Waikiki while munching on pizza. Fun. Also stopped to watch Hula while heading down the beach. Lots of little ones dancing as they watched.

Checked out the big train set and Christmas decorations at the Moana Surfrider.

Had cocktails and pupus at the House without a Key. Kids loved it there (as did the adults.) The staff were lovely to the kids, we served them fancy little drinks and enjoyed the sunset, music and hula. Lovely spot.

Loved the beach in front of the New Otani.

We're going back this Christmas- girls are now 9 and 13- so will have many new things to experience.

Have a wonderful trip.

How far off the beaten path do you want to go? I'd recommend Kailua Bay, a nice beach on the windward side. There's also a fairly easy hike to Manoa Falls (near Waikiki). Depending on your three-year-old, they MAY enjoy watching the big-wave surfers on the North Shore too. Some kids might think the huge waves were cool and some might be completely bored :)

Thank you everyone! What great suggestions! I'm definitely writing these down so I can research more... thank you again. :) I can't wait to see the islands during the holidays!