An Unforgettable Family Trip to Hawaiian Paradise

After an exceptional start to our family vacation in Hawaii, we were in anticipation of the rest of our vacation. We had planned our itinerary with many exciting places for the next few days. We indulged in plenty of fresh fruit juices, shaved ice and ice creams in exotic and rare flavors which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. We knew there was much more fun and enjoyment awaiting us.

Diamond Head Hike

We began day 3 with Diamond Head Hike, one of the iconic landmarks of Hawaii known for its military history, beautiful hiking trails, and spectacular coastal view of Diamond Head beach. Locally known as "Le'ahi", this place is believed to be a volcanic crater that was formed about 300,000 years ago. The trail is a paved pathway to the top, less than a kilometer and offers a glimpse of the geological and military history of this crater. The trail has steps and a tunnel to pass through which was thrilling for all of us. It is a comfortable trek that kids can easily do.

A little walking, a little carrying! That was my little one's mantra to do the Diamond Head Hike, fun either way!

Reaching the top is definitely rewarding! The view of the shoreline and Diamond Head beach from Koko Head to Wai'anae, Waikiki hotels, and mountains is indescribable. It makes for a picture-perfect sight. The trek took us 2.5 hours both ways with some time at the top. There were several fruit stands where we stopped and splurged on fresh fruit and juices. We had heard that it is tradition to visit Leonard's Bakery after a hike to Diamond Head. A 2-mile drive from Diamond Head, this is a famed Portuguese bakery started in 1952, that is known for its local delicacy called Malasadas. Trust me, it is worth all the time spent in line to sink your teeth into these delicious heavenly Malasadas.

This is a spectacular panoramic view from atop Diamond Head, the site of luakini heiau (Hawaiian sacred place)

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

After indulging in Malasadas, we headed to Nuuanu Pali Lookout. The drive up Pali Highway takes us through dense forests with lush vegetation. There is also Nuuanu Pali Lookout hike for those who seek adventure rather than driving up. It is one of the best hikes in Oahu. Slowly, the city disappears and the natural landscape of Hawaii emerges before us. The Nuuanu Pali Lookout has immense historical significance as it is the site of the Battele of Nuuanu. Here, in 1795, King Kamehameha I won the struggle and united Oahu under his rule. This lookout is known for its gusty howling winds. We felt the strong winds pushing us and heard the whistle of the winds through a small tunnel surrounded by mountains. It is one of Oahu's best scenic spots with a breathtaking view of Oahu's windward coast. This is the reason Oahu is the best Hawaii island for family vacation.

A picture perfect view from Nuuanu Pali Lookout that gets its name from Pali meaning "cliff" in Hawaiian

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

We knew that Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii, but seeing it in person is something else. Spread across 400 acres, this is the largest botanical garden in Oahu. Surrounded by Ko'olau Mountains which makes for a stunning backdrop, the lush greenery all around is mind blowing. The entrance to the garden creates the feeling of entering the sets of an exotic forest-themed movie. The authorities, knowing well that the entrance makes for spectacular photo ops, have placed signs boards instructing visitors not to stop for photos

The view of the entrance to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, you have to see it to believe it!

Ho'omaluhia means "peaceful refuge" in Hawaiian which aptly describes the garden. We drove through this unbelievably beautiful place mesmerized by the views all around us. Visitors can go fishing (catch and release only) and kayaking at the lake. But Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden Camping is a favorite among the tourists to enjoy the scenery of this place. We spent a lot of time here and the kids enjoyed chasing the chickens that were roaming around.

Goofing around with my family at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden near the beautiful lake

The flora & fauna in Hawaii is unique and there is no better showcase than you do not see it anywhere else. The Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden has a 32-acre lake which adds to the magical ambience of the garden. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden hike is another way to discover the diversity of flora and fauna. Oahu has a number of botanical gardens you can explore if you're interested.

We then headed to Kailua Beach, one of the best beaches on Oahu island. We made a quick stop en route at the famous Macadamia Nut Farm in Oahu. We were curious to check out the 15+ types of Macadamia nuts and Kona Coffee samples. Kona Coffee is exclusive to Hawaii and is only from Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Unfortunately, we were welcomed by looming dark clouds that announced the rains approaching. We quickly took some pictures at this beautiful Kailua Beach and just about made it into our Jeep before the rain clouds burst open. We drove back to our hotel through Interstate H-3 which was a fantastic drive. The tarmac cuts through Ko'olau Range with numerous tunnels and elevated bridges offering spectacular views.

A quick photo shoot with my family at Kailua Beach before the rain came down

Honolulu Zoo - something for the kids

Day 4 was planned to be a must do in Hawaii for kids. So, we headed to Honolulu Zoo, which is the only zoo within a radius of 2,392 miles. This 42-acre zoo is part of the 300-acre Kapiolani Regional Park which was established in 1877 by King Kalakaua, named after his consort Queen Kapiolani. The modern Honolulu Zoo originated in 1984 but the master plan has been evolving over the years. It is designed to incorporate large open spaces to accommodate over 1,230 animals in Honolulu Zoo so that they can roam around freely. We used a map to navigate around and the kids thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this beautifully landscaped natural environment. Honolulu Zoo night tour is another experience in case you want to extend your stay.

Kids enjoyed interacting with this enormous turtle at Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii

Pearl Harbor Museum - a national historic landmark

Pearl Harbor Museum, a national historic landmark in the US is a MUST visit for history buffs. This monument was built in 1962 and marks the resting place of 1,102 sailors killed on USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A boat ride took us to the USS Arizona Memorial that is built near the sunken battleship. It was a surreal feeling standing close to the monument! There are many things to do at Pearl Harbor including a visit to USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. A large section of visitors here are Japanese besides other international visitors. We left the memorial with a feeling of solemnity and respect.

Standing at the site of the USS Arizona Memorial was a surreal feeling

Sunset Beach of Hawaii

Sunset Beach is a tourist attraction in Hawaii and that's where we headed to as our last activity of the day. It has got some of the best views of the sunset in Hawaii. Known to be a surfer's paradise during wintertime and an amazing snorkeling spot during summertime, Sunset Beach Hawaii has several attractions. We reached the beach before sunset and were in anticipation of a spectacular sunset. True to its name, the view of the sunset was magical, probably the best we have witnessed. Sunset is a phenomenon that nevers ceases to amaze me every single time. It was a perfect, rather romantic end to a fabulous day.

Sunset Beach Park offers the most beautiful view of the sunset in Hawaii

Waimea Valley - epicenter of ancient history

On the last day of our family vacation in Hawaii, we decided to explore the North Shores. It is the best part of Hawaii to visit for the Pineapple experience. Our first stop was at Dole Plantation. Established in 1950 as a fruit stand, it is now Hawaii's "Pineapple Experience". Pineapple Garden Maze, one of the world's biggest Maze, is a fun activity that the entire family can engage in. We then headed to Lanikai Beach, the best place to go in Hawaii for sea turtles. We were in anticipation of seeing these fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, being a windy and rainy morning, the sea turtles were not on the shore.

Slightly disappointed, we drove to Waimea Valley, our next destination. When we reached the valley, it was like entering another world. The Waimea Valley located in Haleiwa, the North Shore of Hawaii is the epicenter of ancient Hawaian history. It is considered sacred ground by the locals. This 1,875-acre site encompasses many historic sites, a gorgeous botanical garden and of course the Waimea Valley Waterfall. It is also a wildlife refuge that is home to several of Hawaii's endangered creatures.

Here I am during Waimea Valley hike, basking in the exquisite beauty of a rainbow which is a common sight in Hawaii owing to the weather

Also known as the "Valley of Priests", the valley was inhabited by very religious Polynesian people. They believed in offerings to God and this valley was sacred land where these offerings were made. There is a beautiful paved pathway which is a 5.5-kilometer Waimea Valley hike that culminates at the gorgeous 45-feet tall Waimea Valley Waterfall. The walk took us through breathtaking gardens and historical sites and was a rich cultural experience. The shrines, ancient living huts, and farm land showcase the culture and lifestyle of the Hawaiian people that inhabited these places. Visitors can indulge in cliff diving or swimming here. My elder son and I got adventurous and attempted the dive which was an exhilarating experience while my younger son and wife were splashing around.

A peaceful hike in Waimea Valley culminates at the mindblowing Waimea Valley Waterfall

Haleiwa Historic Town

On our way back to Waikiki, we stopped at Haleiwa Historic Town which is a charming city with a Bohemian personality. This town is also known as Haleiwa Surf Town being a surfer's paradise. Haleiwa town center is very famous for shaved ice so we treated ourselves to an array of flavors of this delicious local delicacy. Content and refreshed, we drove back to our hotel enjoying the beautiful landscape along the way.

Shaved ice is a local delicacy in Hawaii and there are unique and amazing flavors to choose from at Haleiwa Town in Hawaii

A memorable Hawaii family vacation

We spent five days in the paradise of the Pacific and experienced the true Aloha spirit of the best island to visit in Hawaii. Looking back, the first half of our trip was as amazing as the second half. It felt like we were here much longer because we experienced and explored the best vacation spots in Hawaii. That said, one never gets enough of versatile destinations like the Hawaiian Islands, a complete family vacation destination. As we prepared to head back home to Texas, one last glance at the Aloha State and flashes of the beauty and hospitality of this gorgeous island fills our minds. There is something so endearing about Hawaii that we took a part of it in our hearts hoping to come back again, someday.

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