Travel broadens the mind ///. Les voyages forment la jeunesse
I'm very excited to start a new feature called 'Take the Kids',
where I get to share with you my travel tips & guides, for small and big family trips
I believe it is never too early to travel with your kids
and hopefully our experiences (bad and good) can inspire you to just go for it and enjoy the ride.
Whether it is a trip to Marrakesh or to the doctor,
there will definitely be surprises, but also good memories for you and your kids to cherish forever
I love it when I overhear the boys playing in the living room and inventing Playmobil stories inspired
by their most recent trips. They might forget some of the smaller details,
but each vacation definitely shapes who they will become
So get your passports and sunscreen ready, this week I'm taking you to Honolulu!
A good family destination in my book offers a good balance between food/art/shopping/sports/sightseeing/safety, which is why Honolulu fits the bill as one of my favorite cities to come back to. It's a magical place with a relaxed vibe and it holds so many good memories.
I first went there with my parents and siblings as a child and then on my own for an IT consulting mandate (and my first suft lesson!) in my mid-twenties. A few years later, my hubby and I drove from our wedding reception straight to the airport to fly to Hawaii for our honeymoon and some scuba diving. And more recently, we brought out our toddler boys for some paddle boarding and to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We can't wait to go back in a few years with our newest family member.
Here are some of my favorites spots. Of course, this is just a glimpse of what to do in the city but this could definitely help you in your planning. If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below.
STAY
175 Paoakalani Avenue | 808 922 3861
129 Paoakalani Avenue | 808 687 7700
2005 Kalia Road | 808 949 4321
342 Seaside Avenue | 808 931 2444
My sister stayed here last week with her hubby and 3-month-old baby (my lucky nephew!) and said it was pure bliss!EAT
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| Shave ice bigger than your head / Brain Freeze Guaranteed |
151 Uluniu Avenue | 808 926 9717
This korean bbq place is our go-to place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take your meal to-go and enjoy it on the beach or in the hotel room while the kids nap. Chicken katsu and Kal bi beef are our favorites.
Ramen Nakamura
2141 Kalakaua Avenue #1 | 808 922 7960
Our first stop after completing the hotel check-in. Nothing beats a good miso ramen and some gyozas after a long flight.
2233 Helumoa Road | 808 237 6999
We went a few times during our honeymoon but didn't go on our trip with the kids because we were usually exhausted in bed by 9pm. But I remember that the Black Cod Miso was delicious and so were the drinks.
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, #2250 | 808 973 9111
Plan to eat here if you want to grab a quick bite while shopping at the Ala Moana Shopping Mall. There's a vast selection of Japanese meals and snacks for you to try.
Tip: Don't forget to try some of the shave ice places!
On our radar for our next trip:
Koko Marina Shopping Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy D103 | 808 396 8722
50 N. Hotel Street | 808 531 1888
83 N. King Street | 808 585 8255
SHOP
1152 Nuuanu Avenue | 808 531 4300
Such a cute store in the new part of Chinatown and the owner Marie is so sweet and has great taste. Make sure to ask her for some tips on what to do in this evolving neighborhood. Great place to pick up some gifts if you're not into hawaiian shirts
Such a cute store in the new part of Chinatown and the owner Marie is so sweet and has great taste. Make sure to ask her for some tips on what to do in this evolving neighborhood. Great place to pick up some gifts if you're not into hawaiian shirts
- 1154 Nuuanu Avenue | 808 538 8898
Tip: If you're in the Chinatown area, it's a good time to buy a fresh lei, they're much cheaper than in the more touristy areas.
Don Quijote
801 Kaheka Street | 808 973 4800
A superstore where you can buy food, champagne, bento boxes, souvenirs and electronics all at the same place.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard | 808 955 9517
If you need a break from the beach and sightseeing, you can get your shopping fix here. There's also a Disney store and an Apple store if you need to distract the kids. There are over 290 stores and restaurants, so this tip could come in handy.
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| Waikiki Beach |
DO
Waikiki Beach
The calm waters are perfect for young kids and hotels are just two or three blocks away from the beach. Perfect place to get your first surf lesson
Ala Moana Beach Park
1201 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu Zoo
51 Kapahulu Avenue | 808 971 7171
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Avenue | 808 923 9741
Outside of Honolulu area (A car is required for these excursions)
Lanikai Beach
Gorgeous beach. Perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
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| Honolulu Zoo |
North Shore
Home to the top world-class surfers. Visit Haleiwa and Turtle Bay, and try one of the shrimp trucks in the Kahuku area.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
Dole Plantation
Luau
There are many options offered so make sure to shop around
The Bus
A nice and affordable way to visit the city and gives you a break from pushing the stroller around (the bus have AC so you get to cool down a little). Most kids think taking the bus is an adventure by itself so sit back and enjoy the ride!
MAHALO!
xo
Kim-Anh
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| Lanikai Beach Perfection |
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| Family Shadows |
Photo Credits: Kim-Anh Tran
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