What are 10 best things to do in Oahu or Maui?

Question

Our kid is going to be 3 years old when we plan on going to Hawaii in the Spring or Summer 2007. What are some things to do and see in the islands of Oahu or Maui with a 3 year old?

Answer 1

I live on Maui. The only time I go to Waikiki is to let loose with other adults...usually around the Pro Bowl or an event like a chili cookoff etc. Adults being the operative word. It's lively and hopping - just what you want for your 3 year old...not. The international markets are 'nice' if you want 'stuff' with Hawaii splashed all over it. Most of it is tourist junk to me. And stay clear away from most of the jewelry - it's cheap. Honolulu is crowded and there is traffic. I would consult others on what else to do on Oahu because I have yet to explore that island's best parts.

Maui is beautiful. Of course how much a three year old can appreciate this is open to debate. But appealing to his or her senses won't be hard to do if not flat out unforgettable for a child. That's what I remember about trips when I was that age.

I think the key to a perfect Maui vacation w/ kid in tow is that the parents should be having a blast. That will rub off on little one.

For example...I would not bike down the crater. For one thing the bike companies are starting to piss people off who live upcountry - they clog up the flow of traffic at times. Child safety concerns doesn't qualify as having a blast. Just drive up there and check it out. If you can work it so that you catch the sunrise then bonus. Out of this world beauty.

Baby beach is a north shore beach in Sprecklesville. If the little one has yet to experience the ocean then it's the perfect place to do it. There is a stretch there that is very shallow, sandy and protected from waves. This will tell you if you can take little one into other ocean spots on Maui. Pa'ia town is close and worth a stop after a little sun and fun.

Two ways to Hana. Not sure if you booked accomodations and where. I like the back way because the 'road' is more open but it is very very undeveloped. I like the north road too. It's has cool little narrow 'bridges' and the road winds and meanders. And there are places along the way to pull off and take a breather and let little one smell and look around. Hana epitomizes the best of Maui - the natural beauty won't cost you.

Lahaina and Front Street. Again don't buy the jewelry it's junk. But Front Street is a great stroll. On the way to this side of the island is Maalaea where we have an oceanic aquarium. I have been trying to go. I don't know if its a must see since I don't know your tastes but I want to see it at least once and I would take my nephew there.

If you want affordable accomodation ideas then email me. My cottage is strategic for the Crater-Hana-Pa'ia adventure. I know of others for south Maui. West Maui you're on your own.

Aloha

Answer 2

These are in no specific order:

3 year old is tough. if i were you i would change your plans and go see grandma or other relatives. wait til your kid is older. i think 7 is probably a good family hawaii age.

i am sitting in an airport right now, and i just want to say what ever you do, please control your child. there is nothing worse than sitting in front of a loud or crying kid for a long flight.

here is an attempt at a list knowing you have a 3 year old:

1. The Beach: If you have a rental car and you want to get away from the crouds, head of to Lanikai Beach on the East Side or to Sunset on the north side. During the summer the conditions on the North Coast are really flat (no waves). Plus, there will be less people over there, so you don't have to worry as much about your kid.

2. Bishop's Muesuem might have some kid programs. This I think is a must see for anybody. There is a lot of history here.

3. Check with the hotel you are staying at an see if they have any daycare kid's programs. If they do, leave the kiddo at the hotel for the day and head out by yourselves. You deserve it. Either go on a day cruise or maybe drive around the east Side of the Island.

4. Haunaumau (spelling) Bay: The is a conservation area, so there is a lot of marine life there. Just becareful with the little one, sometimes the currents can be a little strong.

5. PCC and Luau. This is a good one for a family. The Polynesian Cultural Center would be a good place to spend the day. The complex has little areas that represent different islands around the pacific. Each area has presentation on that particular island nation. Its kind of like a little South Pacific Epcot. Also, the Luau at the end of the day is Alcohol Free, so you don't have to worry about a bunch of boozed up partiers corrupt you childs poor little mind.

6. Pearl Harbor, but mind you rchild. This should not be considered a tourist attraction. It is a Registered National Cemetary. It is kind of a serious experience. I don't think the 3 year old will have any idea what is going on at this one.

7. Dole Pinapple Planatation: I have never been, but I think it is geared for families.

8. Surf: Go to the beach in front of Duke's Restaurant. There will be some blue umbrellas there. Look for the Beach Boys giving surf lessons. Ask for Barney. He does a great job, and he is a friend of mine. Very cool guy with a great spirit. Have him give you a surf lesson. I am not sure how much they charge, but it is worth it. Very important: TIP WELL!! Take turns watching the kiddo, and let your wife have a shot too. They also have a couple of surf canoes there, but i don't know if they will allow a three year old.

9. Hale Iwa for Shaved Ice: Its the little town on the North Shore. Go to Matsumotos and get a Shaved Ice with Ice cream on the bottom.

10. West Side: The most beautiful beach on the island is Makaha. The natives can be a little sensative, so when you go have respect for the place and the people that are there. Leave the tourist attitude in Waikiki. Be cautious of your rental car. There have been some issues out there with thievery, and they target rental cars out of respect for the locals. Also, be careful in the water. The currents can be strong out there. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a rip current form at Maili beach in about 3 seconds. it pushed the kid about 200 yards down the beach instantly. it was a pretty amazing site.

Answer 3

1. Go the Honolulu Zoo on O'ahu
2. Waikiki Aquirium or even Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, O'ahu(my home town)
3. Go the Beach right across of Sea Life Park is called Baby Makapu'u where you could take your 3 year old to play in the tide pools they have there its safe there, I grew up there as a kid and also took my own children there to play and swim..(don't forget sunblock now)
4. Lets see you may want to go and see the Polynesian Culture Center on O'ahu its family oriented they also have the night show which I would recommend seeing but that might be a little to late for the little one.
5. Don't forget to stop on by in Haleiwa,O'ahu to get some famous Shave Ice always a pleaser with the little one.
6. Along the way from Haleiwa is the Dole Plantation that would be another cool site to take your little one because they have pony rides and also a train ride, they also have a big maze that you could walk around too.
7.On Maui there is another Aquirium there that is called Maui Ocean Center. www.mauioceancenter.com. Try this site out.

8. Also on Maui there is Sugar Cane Train Ride which most little ones loves trains its located in Lahaina.
9. You could take a walk through Ala Moana Shopping Center located right at the entrance to Waikiki. Always a good place to get your child tired by letting the little one walk around the mall.
10. You could also enjoy watching a movie at one of the many movie theaters located around the islands.

I hope I have given you a few ideas as to what you could do with your 3 yr old. Have fun.

Answer 4

Oahu
- Arizona Memorial
- Pauli Drive
- Tantilus Rain Forest - great view, and drive - hard to find.
- Macapu Beach (maybe too much for 3 yr old, ride waves)
- Sea Life Park
- Hanauma Bay
- Polineasian Cultural Center
- Lei Greeting - when you get off the plane
- Helicopter Tours
- Beaches- Beaches - Beaches
- Banana Shake on the Windward side
- Drive around the Island, stop frequently.
- Dole Plantation
- Eat sugarcane

Answer 5

1, Kids discovery center
2. Ala Moana Mall
3. Zoo
4. Pearl Ridge Mall
5. Aquarium
6. Sea life park
7. Stadium Swap Meet
8. Hanauma Bay
9. Bishop Museum
10. North Shore

Answer 6

Take a Stunt Glider ride ,or Tandem Skydive at Dillingham Airfield at Mokuleia on the North shore of Oahu. Take a Tandem Hang glide above Makapuu & Sandy Beach Look up extreme adventures in the Oahu phonebook. Take a surfing lesson in Waikiki. Go sailing on a catameran or a racing sloop on either Oahu or Maut. Maui is much better, the crews from the America's Cup pratice in the Maui waters because of the consistent winds. Speaking of winds, take a Windsurfing or Kitesurfing lesson, (In order to learn these sports you need a full day or 2)Watch sunrise @ the top of Haleakala.(10.056 ft. 2 hr drive from West Maui) Bicycle down Haleakala, !0,056 ft. (they stop for lunch & you get to see a magnificent view all the way down.)Hike up Daimond Head, or anywhere on Maui or Oahu. Buy a book on Hiking trails or go w/ a group. Go Parasailing on either island.Kualoa Ranch on Oahu has many activities, ATVs, horseback riding, they used to have stunt Biplanes. On Maui I went on this Stunt Biplane (what a rush! almost as good as skydiving or hang gliding, there is also a tandem ultralight plane ride. Ecotourism is booming on all islands, it's mandatory to see the undeveloped portions of the islands, or else you could just go to Disneyworld! A Helicopter ride on Maui is worth every dime, there are also videos you can buy for souveniers. (2 hr.DVDs $10-$20),they sell them all over.Drive the Hana Hwy, (waterfalls ,rainforests, if you want to drive one way & helicopter back I've done that a few times, the rental car cos. will allow that.Go golfing on Maui, xceptional courses,(Oahu has some good courses also.Hike, or Backpack inside Haleakala Crater. You can go for a day hike or reserve a cabin (3-4 cabins inside) & stay in & explore lava tubes, youcan also rent horses to carry your stuff in. Arizona Memorial, & USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor, Oahu (free I think) right across from the Aloha Stadium (where they play the pro Bowl) Swap Meet (flea market, Sat., Sun., Wed.,there is Kam swap meet 2 miles away, same days, lots of good deals for souveniers, brand new in the package (no not hot!) & used or only used once stuff. Check gohawaii.com & honolulu.com. Aloha! Come visit Hawaii, just don't forget to go home after you have spent all your money here. Sorry I didn't read the part about your 3 yr old kid! Hawaii Adventures Waterpark on Oahu. You can take him to the Waikiki Aquarium, & the Zoo is only 1 block away at the South end of Waikiki right across from Kuhio Beach.Many of these activities you can take your 3 yr. old, maybe even for free or discount.We have 3 yr olds who surf & snorkel.I've seen on Maui big round see thru plastic rafts that all 3 of you can see the fish & just float.Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea,(15-20 min. from airport) one of the best aqariums in the US.

Answer 7

Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. The beaches are fun too. Drive through the pinapple fields and stop at the Dole tourist thing. Id suggest going to a luau, not sure if I remember any younger kids there, but I don't see why not (good food, reasonable price). We went to Germaine's Luau (I may not have the spelling right, but it's pronounced that way). The hotels will have plenty of brochures. Be sure to try a Mai Tai.

Answer 8

I haven't been to Oahu but I've been to Maui three times and I love it. See my previous answers to similar questions about Maui at the links below.

Answer 9

Lotsa good answers from the locals here (you too localgirl420 - visitors always forget to bring the sun block). Dirtt makes an excellent point about catering to the enjoyment of your three year old. As usual, braddah pmiya1 forgets to read the fine print about your 3-year old keiki! The only other point I can add is to remind you to bring the stroller - the one that comes with that shade thingy that acts like a roof over little keiki's head and one where the backrest folds down to form a bed. There's lots of sun on both O'ahu and Maui. Plus you can hang all your bags on the stroller handles, put drinks and beer in the storage rack, and stuff packages of souveniers inside with the baby... just remember to check on the little one every now and then :o)
Aloha

Answer 10

1. Hana noma bay
2. Pearl Harbor
3. Diamond Head - if there arent loose rocks falling
4. North Shore
5. Luao's
Im not exactly sure if a three yr old would get much pleasure from all of the above, my kids were teenagers when we went to Oahu (14 and 17 yo) and we rented a jeep and took the top down and just had a blast!