Home : Oahu for You : Family : Family Tips

WHAT TO PACK? Pack for summer all year-round.

1. CLOTHES:
   1. SHORTS
   2. T-SHIRTS
   3. COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
   4. HAT & SUNGLASSES
   5. SWIMSUITS & TRUNKS
   6. *FLIP-FLOPS
   7. *SUNSCREEN
   EVENING WEAR:
   1. LIGHT JACKET
   2. DRESS SLACKS
   
   
   *FAMILY FYI: Don’t worry, whatever you forget to bring can be easily purchased on Oahu. In fact for the flip-flops and sunscreen, you may want to buy after arrival. Get some island style flip-flops that can double as footwear and a souvenir of your stay. Unless packed properly and within TSA guidelines, sunscreen can be messy and tricky to pack, save some space and buy at a local store upon arrival. Aloha is not just a saying but a lifestyle. For a casual dinner, consider buying some comfortable and fashionable aloha wear dresses and dress shirts for the family.
   
   
2. OTHER ITEMS:
   Strollers, *Car Seats, Wheelchairs, etc. are available for rent or borrow depending on where you stay. Many hotels provide strollers on a first come, first serve basis while major car rental companies provide car seats for a daily fee.
   
   * FAMILY FYI: As of January 1, 2007, Hawaii passed a booster seat law to protect children in vehicles. Booster seats are required for children between the ages of four through seven, unless at least 4’9’’ tall. For more information, please visit http://www.state.hi.us/dot/publicaffairs/safecommunities/boosterseat.htm or call (808) 537-9200.
   
   
3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
   WATERPROOF CAMERAS - Water adventures are very popular on most family vacation itineraries on Oahu. Be sure to capture those wet and wild memories with a waterproof camera. Many cameras have waterproof case accessories or perhaps your family may want to invest in a waterproof disposable camera to capture your fun under the sun and under the ocean.
   
   HAPPY TRAVELS – FUN FLIGHTS
   1. For a quick and quiet flight to Hawaii, consider choosing a red-eye flight where tykes can have the opportunity to sleep for the majority of their flight to Oahu.
   2. You may also consider bringing a portable DVD player and play “Lilo and Stitch”, “Aloha Scooby Doo” or other family friendly Hawaiian themed movies to remind them the fun they have in store when the plane lands.
   3. Favorite snacks can act as surprises and comfort during a flight especially if it’s their first.
   4. Bring some juice for the flight as air travel can be dehydrating, maybe some fruit punch!
   
   
   FAMILY FRIENDLY FOOD:

   OPTIONS - Family friendly dining is easy to find on Oahu. Be as bold as you dare with Pacific Rim and Asian fusion cuisine or take comfort in knowing there are many, hometown favorites such as mainstream fast food chains that will have familiar food for less adventurous eaters. Whether you want island style flavors or spaghetti and burgers, Oahu has something to accommodate every taste.

   LUAUS! Entertainment, culture and food collide at these family friendly “parties”. Watch the hula, enjoy a fire-knife dance, listen to the enchanting sounds of Hawaiian music and try some local Hawaiian fare. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to treat all your senses to something exciting and new! Smell and taste the local flavors, see and hear the cultural dance and music of the islands, see and feel the joy on your family’s faces.

   List of luaus on the island

   * FAMILY FYI: There are many award-winning, ocean front fine dining restaurants located in hotels for a romantic evening or lunch alone. Many hotels have “keiki” or children programs that will be both educational and fun for the kiddies while giving you the opportunity to make some special, intimate memories together. Don’t forget to pack some nice evening wear for your date.

   FOR MORE TIPS:
   Visit our planning your trip FAQ’s for information on time difference, weather, and much more. Visit www.travelsmarthawaii.com for more tips.