Waikiki has to be one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in the world, with its stunning beachfront lined with high-rise hotels and surrounded by restaurants and shops.  At night it buzzes with activity and the Hawaiian vibe, making it a destination that feels like a holiday 24 hours a day.   Luckily it was even easier for us this time, as we knew some of the tricks having visited before we had a baby. It’s one of those holidays where everything is at your hotel’s doorstep with no effort to get anywhere along the beachfront.  We did everything a parent dreams of,  put our feet up (mentally) and beached and shopped. It’s the perfect destination for a toddler.

Planning a Trip to Hawaii?

Planning is key when booking accommodation, but in Waikiki, most hotels are only 2-3 blocks from the beach and in such a great location with shops, restaurants, and cafes so therefore not a huge need to hire a car for your entire stay. We knew we wanted to be in the centre of Waikiki based on our need to be close to all of the beach locations, and more importantly the restaurants for the convenience of popping out for dinner, all close enough to walk back to our hotel and put our toddler to sleep.  Having access to all the activities of Waikiki by foot meant we didn’t have to spend additional money or time on public transport.  We found Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites comfortable, large, clean and affordable for our budget and so close to our favourite places to eat. In previous trips Waikiki Malia is also great along with Ohana Waikiki East by Outrigger, offering service, balcony friendly and clean apartments close to all the action of Waikiki day and night.

The ultimate accommodation is found along the beach of Waikiki with some incredible Resorts with all the facilities to make your holiday the ultimate destination. To name a few, The Hilton Hawaiian Village, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, Sheraton Waikiki, Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort and Spa will all make your holiday unforgettable.  There’s also a Disney-themed resort named Aulani, which is situated slightly out of the centre of Waikiki, closer to the site of Pearl Harbour if this will fulfil all your childhood dreams of staying in a truly magical place.

Tips on accommodation with toddlers? 

1. Resorts are amazing in Waikiki and there are a multitude to pick from. With Kid’s activities and all-inclusive deals, you can’t go wrong and find yourself not having to leave your accommodation.
2. If you’re lower on a budget then pick a serviced apartment with a kitchen and balcony so you can escape to the view once your baby is asleep at night.
3. If you have the option book two rooms with a connecting door so you can put your baby down in the other room for you to be able to enjoy the rest of the night.

I personally love staying in the centre of Waikiki as it’s the most convenient for our family being that generally we love spending all our time beaching, shopping and eating.  Some families would contemplate staying further up the Island on the North Shore, which is also beautiful and more tailored to those that want to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Waikiki, to see local beach shacks, food trucks, and love to snorkel and surf.  The North Shore, even in summer, can have a very strong swell, so swimming with babies and toddlers was a little more work but totally worth the drive to see the amazing local beauty and boutique shops and amazing local food trucks.  A trip up to the north shore is a must for those that have a few days of exploring up their sleeve. In comparison, Waikiki Beach, facing southwest, has a calmer and warmer water current and is favourable for all swimming activities including sunbaking, swimming, snorkelling and surfing. This is the perfect situation for young babies and much easy to relax for us parents.

The food in Waikiki is also such a highlight and if you are looking for some recommendations for your trip and I’m here to convince you of the best spots! We loved the coffee, the pastries, the poke bowls and lots of the local restaurants for breakfast in Dinner.

Needing food tips for Waikiki?

1. Kona Coffee Purveyors is a great coffee stop with an amazing range of patisserie items that melt in your mouth.  Every bakery item is incredible to eat. There is a queue!
2. La Pina Cantina with their delicious frozen margaritas, and affordable Mexican food menu. A relaxed early-night favourite.
3. The Cheesecake Factory for its great service, American dinner menu and delicious cheesecake.
4. Poke Bar Waikiki with a great mix of options for your poke.  It was a great option for an after-the-beach lunch.
5. Dukes Restaurant and Bar is one of the favourite places on the front of Waikiki Beach with the iconic tiki vibe, Hawaiian menu and the famous Hulu Pie for dessert. Reserve a spot to enjoy a buffet breakfast as well at Duke’s to enjoy the early morning Hawaiian sun, waves and beautiful food.
6. Hula Grill and Bar is known for its fish tacos, tropical drinks and weekend brunch.
7. Many of the Resorts along the front of Waikiki Beach have stunning sunset views from the on-the-beach restaurants. Can’t go wrong with visiting some of these. Dukes and Hula Grill fit into this category.

Looking for places to explore?

If you are ready to do some exploring the North Shore of Hawaii is absolutely stunning.  The instant feel of the local food trucks, boutique stores and cafes is just part of its charm.  There are beaches to see turtles right up and close, lots of snorkelling spots and a rock pool to visit with your toddler.  The North Shore, even in summer, can have a very strong swell, so swimming with babies and toddlers was a little more work but totally worth the drive to see the amazing local beauty and shops.

1. Waimea Bay, North Shore is a stunning white sandy beach
2. Dole Plantation, a Pineapple Farm is a perfect tourist destination with a tour of the farm, a maze and a train ride for the kids
3. The historical Town of Hale’iwa is lined with restaurants and local food trucks, including the famous Giavanna’s Food Truck and Poke for the People.
4. Three Tables Beach and Lookout is a great picnic spot with a stunning outlook back towards Diamond Head.

It’s almost a crime not to do some serious shopping when in America and Waikiki is no different.   It has so many great shops lining Kalakaua Ave to explore.  The large shopping centre of Alomana is a short Trolley Ride away for your larger shops including Macy’s, Nordstrom, and all the American Chain stores. You have to take home some of the American treats from Honolulu Cookie Company, raided the tourist section of your local ABC Stores, and found at least one bargain clothes item from Ross Shop for Less.

But what about the flight and time zone change?

We found that the 9-hour flight actually very good, even better when we left Australia at 8pm at night right in time for our toddler to be tiring herself out, ready to go to sleep ‘all night’ sleeping through the majority of the flight. So when we arrived at 10am in the morning she lasted the full day fitting right into the time zone.  We wish we had done the same flight home, but when all was said and done, we survived! We swear by having the Jetkids BedBox by Stokke making both flights easy for her to sleep and to play activities and our Babyzen Yoyo pram for the transit from the airport to hotels.

No matter where you go in Honolulu you stumble across stunning views, amazing shops, and delicious restaurants.  It’s a destination you’ll find yourself booking multiple times over in your life because it’s an addictive holiday and almost perfect for a family with toddlers.