by Rea Papas

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

I don't have to say how beautiful Hawaii is. Whoever hasn't been there, definitely wants to visit, and for us lucky ones that have been there well let's just say that we most likely are thinking, "Why did I ever leave? I want to go back."

But of course Hawaii, like any other place, can be hard when visiting with children. Just in case you don't know it, Hawaii is not just one island but rather a collection of islands and the capital Honolulu is on the island of Oahu. In Oahu you will find one of the most famous beaches, the beach of Waikiki. So let's say you and your family want to visit Oahu. Are there things that can keep the little toddlers occupied in this beautiful paradise? Well you are really lucky because Oahu is quite child-friendly.

Of course you have to visit Waikiki beach. Not all places are nice for swimming for children, but there are spots with concrete barriers to break the waves and make it easier for swimming. Also the beach is great for the kids to play on and build castles. But these you can find anywhere. What else does Oahu have to offer?

Close to Waikiki beach is the Waikiki Aquarium, which has many activities that I bet the kids will love. Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the U.S. and is located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline. Here kids will be amazed by the coral farm and will enjoy watching the Hawaiian monk seals. The Waikiki Aquarium is near Kapiolani Park so if the kids want to play ball or something like that this would be a great place. Just a few blocks north you will find the Honolulu Zoo. Here you will see some Hawaiian native animals, probably for the first time in your life, along with kids favorites like giraffes, rhinos and even komodo dragons. From the zoo you can take a bus and head to the Diamond Head Crater. The kids will be excited about this place, especially when they find out that they are inside a volcano.

Another favorite place to visit would be the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and of course the Arizona memorial. The children, depending on their age, will probably not understand the significance of the history behind this monument, but still they will enjoy seeing the destroyers, the cruisers, the frigates, and the submarines. Close by is also the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. This is something like a super flee market where you can enjoy delicacies and of course get Hawaiian stuff for you and toys for the kids.

One destination that you definitely have to put

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