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Oahu encapsulates the best of Hawaii, and its family friendly attractions make it a great place to explore with children. Here are some you might enjoy.

HAWAII CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY CENTER (111 Ohe Street, Honolulu, 808-524-5437) is designed to appeal to children's senses, with interactive exhibits, activities and role playing areas, a special area for under fives, and a drop-in art program. At this writing it is under construction but still open; check the website for program and construction updates.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER (55-370 Kamehameha Highway (83), Laie, 800-367-7060) features the peoples and cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand, Fiji, the Marquesas, Easter Island, Tahiti and Tonga. There are walking tours, shows, movies and village demonstrations and special child-oriented activities throughout the day. General admission tickets allow free re-entry on each or any of the next three days the center is open, so you have more than one day to explore.

WAIMEA FALLS PARK (59-864 Kamehameha Highway, North Shore, 808-638-8511) features cliff diving, hula performances, music demonstrations, free guided tram tours and a self-guided tour through tropical gardens, recreated ancient Hawaiian living sites and exotic flower collections. There is a children's Jungle Trek play center, and swimming or wading below the falls between performances.

HONOLULU THEATER FOR YOUTH (Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, 808-839-9885) is a family oriented theater company presenting new plays and old favorites on Saturday afternoons for different age groups. Check the website for plays and dates; purchase tickets on-line, by phone or at the theatre (up to 1 hour before the performance).

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM (2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 808-923-9741) offers "face-to-fin" views of of sea life , including coral, giant clams and seals. The family can enjoy a self-guided tour or take part in one of the family-oriented community programs. Check the website to see what's on.

HONOLULU ZOO (151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, 808-971-7171) features animals, birds and reptiles from the Pacific islands, African Savannah and tropical forest. There is a Keiki (Children's) Zoo and Discovery Center and activities include family Twilight Tours (ages 4 and up) and Zoo Strollers for toddlers and their parents. Reservations are required/recommended for most activities. Plan to visit in the morning, when the animals are most active.

HAWAIIAN RAILWAY SOCIETY (P.O. Box 60369, Ewa Station, Ewa, 808-681-5461) is open Sunday afternoons and offers a fully narrated 13 mile rail trip using vintage locomotives, a beautiful ocean view at Kahe Point, train-yard displays, a picnic area and a gift shop. Check their website for the latest information.

DOLE PINEAPPLE PLANTATION (64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, 808-621-8408) has a visitor's center, gift store, koi pond, and pineapple themed food and refreshments. Entrance to the plantation is free, but there are fees for the Pineapple Express (a 20 minute narrated train ride through the plantation), the interactive self-guided tour of eight different gardens, and the world's largest maze. See their website for current prices.

ATLANTIS ADVENTURES (1600 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, 800-548-6262) takes you into the undersea world in electrically powered submarines with large viewing ports travelling to depths below 100 feet. There is a minimum height restriction (36"). Check the website for current prices and promotions, and to make reservations.

STAR OF HONOLULU (Pier 8, Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu) does whale watching (in season), dolphin and cultural cruises. Family-friendly activities include the Wild Dolphin and Lunch cruise, billed as an eco-tour for all ages, and the Waikiki Fun and BBQ cruise. Check their website for current prices, cruises and promotions; reservations recommended.

DOLPHIN QUEST (5000 Kahala Ave (Kahala Hotel and Resort), Honolulu, 808-739-8918) features interactive programs with dolphins and introductions to various fish and green sea turtles. They have a 15 minute dockside program for children 4 and younger (with adult), a longer program for children 5 to 10, and a Family Swim Program. Check the web site for the latest information, programs, prices and promotions.

HAWAIIAN WATER ADVENTURE PARK (400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, 808-674-9283 (Ext.107) has water fun and slides for all ages and a Keiki Kove, an interactive playground for younger children with waterfalls, mini-slides, water cannons and more. There are showers; lounges, tubes, floats and lifejackets are free; and you can rent lockers and towels. Check the website for the latest information.

SEA LIFE PARK (41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7, Waimanalo, 808-259-2500) has reefs, lagoons and pools to visit, and dolphin, penguin and sea lion shows to enjoy. Encounter programs (additional cost) include a dolphin encounter program for children as young as one, and a sea ray encounter for children older than four. The park has new owners and is being upgraded; check the website for news, activities, hours and prices.

TROLLEY RIDES are family-friendly. Waikiki Trolley (Duty Free Galleria, 2222 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki, 808-926-7604, 808-593-2822) has four narrated tour routes stopping at historic landmarks, attractions and popular shopping centres. One and four day passes allow unlimited boarding and re-boarding. Check the website for current customer service locations, coupons, combos and on-line promotions.

Rainbow Trolley (2300 Kalakaua Avenue (Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel), Honolulu, 808-539-9495) runs every 20 minutes, stopping at historic landmarks and popular shopping centres. One day passes for adults and children can be purchased from trolley drivers, at tour desks or at the main office.

KAILUA BEACH PARK (526 Kawailoa Rd, Honolulu, 808-233-7300) is a family-friendly fine sand beach and with warm, usually calm, ocean waters which is less crowded on weekdays. There are lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, showers and a concession stand. Between June and September be on the lookout for stinging limu seaweed and Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, and always look for and obey all postings and warnings.

WAIKIKI BEACH (2909 Kalakaua Avenue to 2005 Kalia Road, Waikiki) is a two mile stretch of white sand on Oahu's south shore, including a sheltered beach area with a breakwater (Kuhio Beach). This busy spot is surrounded by hotels and tourist facilities. Evening entertainment includes free events like the Sunset on the Beach family movies (www.sunsetonthebeach.net) and a Hawaiian music and hula show at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.

KAIMANA BEACH (2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu) has soft white sand, shallow, calm waters and no strong currents near the shore. It lies between the World War 1 memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaiman Beach Hotel. There are showers, and restrooms in the Natatorium.

KO OLINA LAGOONS (off Farrington Highway, Southwest Oahu) has four protected man-made lagoons with sandy beaches, calm waters and grassy, shaded picnic areas. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers and a concession cart. You should still keep an eye on ocean conditions and obey warnings and postings.

Enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Margaret Mair.
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