The last time we ventured to Hawaii was for our honeymoon, 15 years ago.  This time, we would be returning with two kids in tow: 8 and 10 years old.  A completely different trip, but yet the same.  We chose to visit two islands in this trip: Oahu (for the bustling, more populated island with many activities) and Maui (for a more beach style vacation).  I am famous for my never-sit-down exciting itineraries (I have to see it all!)  So without further ado, I give you our Hawaii trip:

OAHU

1. Day 1 – Fly from Denver to Honolulu (Oahu).  This is a non-stop flight that United offers! We arrived at the Embassy Suites Waikiki around dinnertime.  What a perfect hotel for families!  In addition to being walking distance to Waikiki Beach, the Embassy Suites also includes an amazing FREE hot breakfast on a gorgeous tropical patio.  Also, the suites were very spacious and feature a separate bedroom.
   

   Waikiki

2. Day 2 – Tour Waikiki Beach.  Surf’s up at Waikiki! Waikiki is the perfect place to learn to surf.  The waves are small, easy to catch, and you can ride them forever.  You don’t need reservations for lessons either.  Simply walk up to any of the surf shacks near the Duke statue (you’ll know it when you see it).  Our lessons were only $30/hour per person and they even have a professional photographer taking pictures!  Then, we headed over to Island Vintage Shave Ice for an authentic Hawaiian snack…
   

   Surfing Waikiki

3. Day 3 – Explore the North Shore.  We took in the sweeping views on the drive around the east side of the island to get to the North Shore.  We checked into the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort for one night and found our room was already ready!  Every room in the resort has an ocean view and is the definition of luxury.  Next, we couldn’t go to the North Shore without sampling from the famous North Shore shrimp trucks!  Then, we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn a little about the culture of the islands and take in what is known as the most authentic Luau on the island.  This was such a great experience that I highly recommend!  Although we were exhausted, we even stayed for the show “Ha – Breath of Life” which was worth every penny for the fire dancer portion.
   

   The North Shore, Oahu

4. Day 4 – Oahu Road Trip.  We took our time driving back to Waikiki through the center of the island.  This is the lush, farming region of Oahu that isn’t as well known, but just as impressive.  Our first stop was to see the famous Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach) and it was worth a quick look to see the turtles surfing the waves.  Then, a jaunt over to Haleweia to sample Matsumoto Shave Ice and to add to our sugar high, a dole whip treat from the Dole Plantation!
   

   Turtle Beach, Oahu

5. Day 5 – Swim with the dolphins. Are you exhausted yet? Well it’s another action packed day on Oahu! We took a morning tour with Dolphin Excursions which the whole family loved.  I would recommend that you should only do this tour if everyone in your party is a strong swimmer.  You follow the dolphins in a super fast speed boat and quickly jump into the water to swim with them.  We were able to get VERY close and even got to swim with turtles!  Afterwards, we realized that the Disney Aulani hotel was on the way back to Waikiki! Being huge Disney fans, we had to stop by, take a look around, and pick up a Mouseketeer bar!  It truly was a beautiful resort and perhaps someday we will come back and stay there! By this time, my family was dragging but Pearl Harbor was on the way back and we had reserved a time slot online for 2:00 pm.  You can enter Pearl Harbor for free, but I found it easier to pay a nominal fee to reserve online so I wouldn’t have to wait in line and the fee includes an audio tour!  While we were waiting for our tour, we opted to tour the U.S.S. Bowfin submarine! The kids loved this and it was a quick 30 minutes!
   

   Swimming with dolphins Photo credit: InfoMegan

MAUI

• Day 6 – Fly from Oahu to Maui.  This was a quick jaunt that took less than 30 minutes air time.  However, you still have all the security measures that you have on any flight so it does take a good bit of your day to travel between islands.  When we landed, we stopped at Costco right next to Kahului airport and stocked up for meals and snacks.  We stayed at the beautiful and equally family friendly Kaanapali Alii condos.  We had a one bedroom condo with a den and it was HUGE.  We faced beautiful gardens and had a full size upgraded kitchen.  We then walked a short distance to the Hula Grill for dinner and ate outside on a sand covered patio and watched the Hawaiian sunset.  Ah Hawaii!
  

  Kaanapali Alii Maui

• Day 7 – Beach Day. Here it is.  I know I’ve been promising it all vacation, but finally we have a day off.  The kids rented boogie boards and pretty much hopped between the ocean and the pool all day long.  We just had one activity at night (What? You said it was a day off!) – the ‘Ulalena show.  We found a groupon for this local theatre and took a chance.  We were so impressed with the local talent!
• Day 8 – SNUBA diving.  No, you heard me right.  Not SCUBA.  It is SCUBA’s distant cousin, SNUBA.  SNUBA is very similar to SCUBA except that you are tethered to a floating oxygen tank…and your kid.  Each tank is connected to two people and you are free to go within 20 feet of your tank.  Being a certified SCUBA diver already, I knew I would love it, but I was worried about the kids.  The kids love to snorkel but this was a completely different level.  To say they loved it would be an understatement!  Plus, you could get this picture for your Christmas card.
  

  Snuba diving Maui

• Day 9 – Iao State Park.  This was the day we felt like Hawaiian locals.  We picked up a plate lunch and had a picnic at Iao State Park.  Then we went for a hike to see the famous Iao Needle.  The lush green valley was a welcome change from the beach and pool.  Afterwards, we decided to sample the shaved ice at Ululani’s.  We loved the unique flavors and the unexpected ice cream in the middle!
  

  Maui’s Iao Valley State Park Photo credit: InfoMegan

• Day 10 – Day off.  What? Another day off? I must be getting lazy.  We did nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  It was glorious.
  

  Kaanapali Beach, Maui

• Last Day – Haleakala Volcano.  Sniff.  We aren’t sure when we’ll be back, but it was an amazing trip.  We were able to get another direct flight back to Denver from Maui.  Unfortunately, all trips home from Maui to the mainland leave at night.  The tricky part is you get kicked out of your hotel by noon and then you aimlessly wander Maui until your flight leaves at 8:00 pm.  We decided it would be a good day to drive to the top of Haleakala National Park because it was near the airport.  It was an amazing trip up and the views equally stunning.  Aloha Hawaii.  Until we meet again!

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