1. Dole Plantation
Pineapples everywhere, maze, train ride, and wonderful shop. Bring lots of money because everything costs here, but its still pretty great and a staple in Oahu.

Dole plantation in Oahu with kids
2. Makapu’u Tide pools and Hanauma Bay


3. Luau
This is a must to really capture the spirit of Aloaha in Oahu! The best part was the pre-show actively like lei-making, weaving palm leaves, and hawaiian tattoo stamping. We did our Luau at the Hale Koa hotel, if you are military this one is for you. They have a strong nod to the military during the show which made it extra special.


Making leis in Oahu with kids

4. Kualoa Ranch

5. Tropical Farms




6. Byodo-In temple
This spot really really surprised me. Its so jaw-dropingly beautiful. The kids really enjoyed ringing the bell and feeding the koi fish here. One of the most picturesque spots in Oahu, in my opinion!




Extra Tips!
We stayed at the Hale Koa in Waikiki. While the hotel was very nice with pools and restaurants etc… the traffic and congestion in Honolulu was difficult to manage. I highly highly recommend staying at (if you are military) Kaneohe Bay cottages, Pearl Harbor Navy Lodge, or my dream spot-Bellows Air Force– Its not crowded, great location and you can be in a condo or cottage. We visited for a beach day at Bellows and fell in complete love plus had the beach to ourselves. Just breath-taking. If I did it again, I would stay here, book well well in advance.

The best shrimp truck, a must eat is the Giovanni’s Shrimp truck, I could’ve had this meal every day. Expect swarms of people, but its a cult classic. GO.
Our best dinners were at the Kona Brewing Company, wonderful food paired with great drinks!
And this açai bowl was my breakfast on repeat- From Lanikai Juice!