Itinerary Input - 1st week of January

Question

First time in Oahu (been to the other islands before). Below is my current itinerary for 7 days and I would love any suggestions or inputs! We have breakfast covered at the hotel. Traveling are myself, husband, 7yo and 5 yo. Kids aren't snorkeling yet but love playing in calm waters and will require pool time each day.

Overall questions: We are right near the Longs, do they sell beach chairs, seem more economical than renting each day. When we have a car for a portion of our trip, looks like the Waikiki Parking Garage (Ross) is the best bet for overnight parking.

Tues 12/31 - Land at 11am, taking Hawaiian Airport Transfer shuttle to Hilton Embassy Suites. Drop off luggage, have lunch, grab groceries. Pool in afternoon. We won't stay up for fireworks since kiddos will still be on California time.

Wed 1/1: Full beach and pool day. Any closures to note?

Thurs 1/2: Pool in morning, walk down to Kuhio Beach for afternoon beach day, Stay for sunset Hula show

Fri 1/3: Pool in morning, pickup rental car at noon. Head to Rainbow Inn for lunch. 2pm Diamond Head reservation. Friday night fireworks

Sat 1/4: North Shore day. Waimea Falls, Food trucks, watch the surf, Laniakea Beach. Dinner either up north or back in Waikiki depending on traffic.

Sun 1/5: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, scenic drive around to Nu-uana lookout. Head to Ala Moana beach for afternoon. Monkeypod reservation 5:45.

Mon 1/6: Fly home at 1:30pm. Not sure if we can add anything during this morning.

Answer

Your itinerary for Oahu looks well-planned and family-friendly. You have a great mix of pool time, beach days, scenic drives, and fun activities for the kids. I can definitely offer a few suggestions and answers to your questions to help make your trip even better. Here's a breakdown:

General Questions:

Beach Chairs: Longs usually has a selection of beach accessories, including beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. They tend to be more affordable than renting them from the hotel or beach vendors. It’s worth checking out when you arrive. If you're near the Hilton, you may also find beach equipment at ABC Stores, which are also plentiful around Waikiki.
Parking: The Waikiki Parking Garage (Ross) is a good choice for overnight parking. It's central and affordable. The rates are reasonable, but it's always best to check current prices and availability, especially since parking in Waikiki can fill up quickly, especially around popular spots.

Itinerary Suggestions:

Tues 12/31: Your arrival day sounds great, especially keeping it low-key with pool time. Just a heads-up, you might want to confirm if the Hawaiian Airport Transfer shuttle is available for your specific timing, as some transfers may require prior reservation or have limited availability on holidays. You mentioned the kids will be on California time, so a relaxing pool afternoon sounds perfect. The grocery shopping will be helpful for grabbing essentials for your stay.

Wed 1/1: A full beach and pool day is perfect for the first full day. Most attractions, including the beach and pool, should be open, but keep in mind that some businesses and local spots may be closed or have altered hours for New Year’s Day. Always check the specific places you'd like to visit, like restaurants or shops, just in case. If you're planning to do anything beyond the hotel area, it might be good to relax and not worry about too much exploring on the first full day.

Thurs 1/2: Kuhio Beach is perfect for families with calm waters for kids to play in. The sunset Hula show is a great addition to your day, and it's a fun way to experience Hawaiian culture in a relaxed, beautiful setting. Just make sure to arrive early for good seating since the beach can get busy. If you’re interested, you could also stop by the Duke Kahanamoku statue or walk along the Waikiki Beach Walk, which has shops and places to grab a snack.

Fri 1/3: Picking up the rental car and heading to Rainbow Inn sounds like a fun plan. Rainbow Inn serves great food, and it’s perfect for a stop before your Diamond Head hike. For the Diamond Head reservation, be sure to get there early enough to avoid crowds. The hike is manageable for kids, and you’ll be rewarded with great views at the top. The Friday night fireworks in Waikiki are always a highlight, so definitely keep an eye on the time to catch the show. The show starts at 7:45 pm, so plan your evening accordingly!

Sat 1/4: A North Shore day is a fantastic idea! Waimea Falls is a fun, family-friendly hike, and the food trucks around the area are a must. Laniakea Beach is a great place to stop and potentially see sea turtles. If your kids enjoy watching the surf, the North Shore is definitely the place for it. Just be mindful of traffic as it can get quite busy on weekends, especially around the more popular beach areas. If you’re heading back to Waikiki for dinner, make sure to leave enough time to avoid the evening rush hour.

Sun 1/5: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is an easy hike with amazing coastal views, and it’s perfect for your 7-year-old. The scenic drive to Nu’uanu Pali Lookout offers breathtaking views, but the winds can be quite strong up there. Afterward, Ala Moana Beach Park is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon. Monkeypod Kitchen is a great restaurant choice for dinner, and they offer a variety of kid-friendly options. The food and atmosphere are fantastic, and it’s a great way to end the day.

Mon 1/6: Since you’re flying out at 1:30 pm, you’ll have some time for a relaxing morning. You could either enjoy your hotel’s pool or take a short stroll along the Waikiki Beach Walk or Ala Moana Center (if you want a little last-minute shopping). If your kids still have energy, a visit to the Honolulu Zoo or a quick stop by the Waikiki Aquarium could be fun, but it will depend on how much time you have. Otherwise, a relaxing morning at the hotel might be the best option.

Additional Suggestions:

Waikiki Aquarium: If the kids enjoy marine life, it’s a small but lovely spot to check out in the mornings. It’s close by and gives you a glimpse of Hawaiian marine species.
Kailua Beach: If you have a free afternoon or want a change of pace from Waikiki, Kailua Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. The water is calm and perfect for families, and the area is quieter compared to Waikiki.
Kids’ Activities: The Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Zoo are both good options for educational, fun, and family-friendly activities that the kids would enjoy.

Overall, it looks like you have a wonderful plan with a perfect mix of beach, relaxation, sightseeing, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy your first trip to Oahu!

Itinerary Input - 1st week of January

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