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 Oahu forum aswell.

Answer

When considering the best age for a child to experience Oahu versus California, it’s helpful to think about the type of activities and travel logistics involved in each destination.

Oahu (Honolulu Base)

Oahu offers a mix of beach activities, light hiking, cultural experiences, and water sports. For a child aged 6–7, many experiences can be very engaging but also require careful planning due to sun exposure and stamina for longer walks or hikes.

Beaches and swimming: Waikiki Beach is calm and suitable for younger children; they can enjoy sand and safe swimming under supervision.
Short hikes: Easy trails like Manoa Falls or Makapu’u Lighthouse are accessible but require moderate attention for younger kids.
Activities: Snorkeling in shallow areas or family-friendly surf lessons can be fun for 6–7-year-olds, especially with parental assistance.
Cultural and sightseeing: Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, and small local excursions are suitable for this age.

California (Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, LA)

California involves more moving around and a mix of outdoor adventures. Kids aged 8–9 are often more capable of handling moderate hikes, longer walks, and activities that require some physical coordination.

Lake Tahoe: Swimming, tubing, and beginner-friendly water sports are great for kids 8–9; hiking and exploring beaches is easier at this age.
Yosemite: While Yosemite has options for younger children, trails like Yosemite Falls or Mirror Lake are more enjoyable for slightly older kids who can manage longer walks and stairs.
LA: Sightseeing, amusement parks, and structured attractions (Universal Studios, museums) are well-suited for 8–9-year-olds who can handle the energy and attention span required.

Other Considerations

Flight fatigue: Oahu requires a longer flight from the UK, so doing it when your child is slightly older may make the journey easier, but younger children often enjoy beach-based relaxation more immediately.
Travel logistics: California involves moving between multiple destinations; an 8–9-year-old can handle car rides and more complex itineraries with less fuss than a 6–7-year-old.
Physical stamina: Younger children may enjoy Oahu’s beach and cultural experiences more without the demands of Yosemite and Lake Tahoe excursions.

Recommendation

Given these factors, many families choose to do Oahu first when the child is 6–7, focusing on relaxing beach activities, easy hikes, and shorter excursions. Then California can be planned for when your child is 8–9, as they will better handle the logistics, longer hikes, and more physically active experiences in Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and LA.

What age is better for kids

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