What age is better for kids….

Question

Hoping someone has experience of both oahu and California. We are coming from the uk and are planning to visit oahu and California on different trips- but cannot decide the order in which to visit based on the age of our son. We plan to visit both for 3 weeks, myself, husband and son. The first trip will be when he is 6/7 and the second will be when he’s 8/9. In oahu we would base ourselves in Honolulu but in California we plan to move around a bit. We would like to do a week in Lake Tahoe and then the rest of the time in Yosemite and LA. Both trips would be in the summer months. We are interested in going for easy walks, visiting state parks, swimming, a few activities like tubing, ziplines. I have been to California several times but mostly focused on the south and visited Yosemite in winter. We’ve never been to Hawaii. Other than difference in flight times, does anyone have any tips or opinions on what they would do in this situation? We’re getting ready to book the first trip :-) I’m posting this in the California forum aswell.

Answer

It sounds like you have two exciting trips ahead of you, and I can understand the dilemma of trying to decide the best order based on your son's age! Both Oahu and California offer a range of experiences, and the age of your son can definitely influence the kind of activities you might prioritize. Here’s a breakdown of how the two trips might differ based on your son’s age:

Oahu (6/7 Years Old):

At this age, your son will likely enjoy the more relaxed activities that Oahu has to offer. Honolulu is great for families with young kids because it combines both fun and educational experiences. Some ideas:

Beaches and Swimming: Waikiki Beach is perfect for kids, as the water is relatively calm, and there are plenty of options for paddleboarding or simple beach play. The gentle waves are great for beginners.
Zoo and Aquarium: The Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are wonderful for younger kids, giving them the chance to see animals up close.
Easy Hikes: At this age, short, easy hikes like the Diamond Head Crater hike or the Manoa Falls Trail (about 1.5 miles) should be manageable and fun.
Cultural Experiences: Visiting Pearl Harbor and the Bishop Museum could be educational and interesting, though your son may need a little guidance to appreciate the history. Still, the visuals are captivating.

California (8/9 Years Old):

By this age, your son will likely have more stamina for hikes, more interest in outdoor activities, and perhaps even a bit more independence. The California trip seems to be a more active one, with the plan to visit Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and LA. Some highlights:

Lake Tahoe: With a little more endurance, your son will enjoy activities like tubing, paddleboarding, or even a family-friendly hike around the lake. You can also enjoy activities like biking or ziplining.
Yosemite: Yosemite offers amazing opportunities for easy walks and exploring nature. At 8/9 years old, your son will likely appreciate longer hikes, such as the one to Lower Falls or Mirror Lake. He can also enjoy activities like rafting in the Merced River or simply exploring the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
Los Angeles: LA has a ton to offer for kids in this age group, from the LA Natural History Museum to Griffith Park and the California Science Center. For a more thrilling experience, you could also visit Universal Studios or Disneyland (though that could be its own trip).

Tips for Deciding the Order:

Both trips will be enjoyable, but considering the age of your son:

If you choose to visit Oahu first (when he’s 6/7), he’ll be able to appreciate the laid-back beach vibe and smaller hikes. Oahu is perfect for introducing young kids to nature without overwhelming them with strenuous activities.
If you choose California first (at 8/9), your son will be more physically capable of taking on more challenging hikes and will appreciate the grandeur of places like Yosemite and the outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe.

Final Suggestion:

If you want your first trip to Hawaii to be a more relaxed, slower-paced vacation to ease into things, I would recommend starting with Oahu when he’s 6/7. By the time you visit California when he’s 8/9, he’ll be able to handle the more adventurous activities and longer hikes with more energy. California also has a lot of outdoor adventures and excitement that he’ll be able to enjoy fully by that age, and you’ll also have a wider variety of options for exploring different regions.

Either way, both destinations are perfect for creating lasting memories for your family, and each trip will offer unique experiences. Have fun planning both!

What age is better for kids….

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