Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Frommer's Favorite Oahu Family Experiences
Flying a kite at Kapiolani Park:
Great open expanses of green and con-
stant trade winds make this urban park one of Hawaii's prime loca-
tions for kite-flying. You can watch the pros fly dragon kites and stage
kite-fighting contests, or join in the fun after checking out the con-
venient kite shop across the street in New Otani's arcade.
Learning the hula:
The new Bishop Museum at Kalia (in the heart of
Waikiki) is made for kids (and those of us who are kids at heart). The
interactive minimuseum features a host of activities, from lei making
to thumping an ancient Hawaii drum made from shark skin. Cool surf
movies, too. See p. 78.
Visiting the Honolulu Zoo:
Visit Africa in Hawaii at the Honolulu
Zoo (p. 114). The lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants delight young-
sters and parents alike. But the great new thrill is the Zoo by Moon-
light tour—so kids can see and hear what really goes bump in the
night.
Beating bamboo drums in a Fijian village:
The Polynesian Cultural Cen-
ter (p. 115) introduces kids to the games played by Polynesian and
Melanesian children. The activities, which range from face painting to
Hawaiian bowling, go on every day from 12:30 to 5:30pm.
Seeing the world's only wholphin:
It's a freak of nature, a cross
between a whale and a dolphin—and you can see it at Sea Life Park
(p. 115). Kids love this marine amusement park, where trained dol-
phins, whales, and seals do their thing.
Blowing bubbles bigger than you are:
The Hawaii Children's Discovery
Center (see “More to Discover” on p. 121) has a host of fun interactive
exhibits for kids ages 2 to 13, from sitting in a giant tooth in a giant
grin to finding out how our bodies and brains work.
Eating shave ice at Haleiwa:
No visit to Hawaii is complete without an
authentic shave ice. You can find shave ice in all kinds of tropical fla-
vors throughout the islands, but for some reason, it tastes better in this
funky North Shore surf town. See “Beyond Honolulu: Exploring the
Island by Car,” below.
Spending a day at the parks at Waimea:
What many think is only a
botanical garden tucked away on the North Shore is really a child's
garden of delight. Hike through the tropical jungle to waterfalls and
stop and look for the birds singing in the rainforest. See “For the
Active Family,” later in this chapter.
Shopping Aloha Flea Market:
Some kids hate to shop. But the Aloha
Flea Market, a giant outdoor bazaar at Aloha Stadium every Wednes-
day, Saturday, and Sunday, is more than shopping. It's an experience
akin to a carnival, full of strange food, odd goods, and bold barkers.
Nobody ever leaves this place empty-handed—or without having had
lots of fun.
