Traveling with a little one can be a challenge, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Last summer (2023) our family embarked on a memorable trip to Oahu, Hawaii, with our 14-month-old son, just a week after he started walking. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which proved to be a fantastic choice for families. Here's a glimpse into our 11 day adventure, filled with beach days, cultural experiences, and island exploration. I hope that my tips and tricks are helpful if you are planning a trip to Oahu.
The Long Journey to Get There
Our journey began with a flight from Tampa to Oahu, with a layover at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Traveling with a baby requires careful planning, and we found DFW to be accommodating with a wonderful mothers' room. This private space featured a comfortable chair for nursing or pumping, a great changing station, and even offered diapers and wipes.
Navigating the airport and boarding the plane was made much easier by carrying our son in a Tula baby carrier instead of using a stroller. We did gate-check our stroller for convenience. Upon arrival in Honolulu, we took a taxi from the airport to Hilton Hawaiian Village. We used and would recommend Honolulu Airport Transfer for a smooth and hassle-free ride. We requested a car seat for our taxi ride, and they had it already installed and ready to go. Given the 12-hour travel day and layover, we decided against bringing our own car seat to limit the number of items we were traveling with.
As a member of the Hilton Honors Program, check-in was a breeze. The check-in lines can get extremely long, especially during the summer months, so having a digital key was a blessing. We were able to get a digital key on the Hilton App, which allowed us to go directly to our room upon arrival. This was a lifesaver with a very tired baby. The hotel also had a Pack 'n Play already set up for us, making our transition seamless.
Travel Essentials we Packed
Traveling with a baby requires careful packing to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some items that came in super handy:
Disposable Stick-On Placemats: These were perfect for keeping eating surfaces clean and germ-free on the plane and when dining out.
Hand Wipes: Essential for wiping down the plane, tables, and hands to keep everything clean and hygienic.
Foldable Play Tunnel: This super lightweight and easy-to-pack item provided our son with a fun play area, especially in our hotel room.
Silicone Bib: Easy to clean and perfect for keeping our son's clothes tidy during meals.
Sippy Cups: Essential for keeping our little one hydrated throughout the day.
Baby Spoons: Handy for feeding our son wherever we were.
A Few Small Toys: These kept our son entertained during flights, car rides, and downtime at the hotel.
Lots of Snacks: We packed plenty of snacks like teething crackers and puffs to keep our son satisfied between meals.
Portable Sound Machine: Helped our son sleep better by providing a consistent, soothing sound, masking unfamiliar noises in the hotel room.
Wet/Dry Bags: Perfect for storing wet swimsuits or clothes separately from dry items.
Teethers with a Pacifier Clip: These were lifesavers, as the pacifier clip ensured we didn't lose the teether.
Tula Ergonomic Baby Carrier: This made navigating the airport and sightseeing much easier, allowing us to carry our son comfortably without using a stroller.
Staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village was the perfect base for our family trip. The resort is not only beautiful but also incredibly family-friendly. With our little one just learning to walk, having everything we needed within a short walk was a lifesaver. The resort offers a wide range of dining options and shopping opportunities, making it easy to find something for everyone.
One of the highlights of staying at the Hilton was the incredible firework show on Friday nights. Watching the sky light up with brilliant colors was a magical experience that delighted our son. The resort also offered a plethora of activities for all ages, including lei making, hula lessons, ukulele lessons, yoga, fish feeding, and more. These activities provided endless entertainment and learning opportunities for the entire family.
The pools at the Hilton were amazing. With multiple options to choose from, including kid-friendly areas, we spent many enjoyable hours splashing around and cooling off in the water. The well-designed pool areas ensured both relaxation and fun for everyone. Additionally, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a spectacular five-acre salt-water lagoon, was perfect for families with little ones to splash in the water. Its calm environment made it easy for our son to play without the worry of waves.
Traveling with a young child means bringing along a lot of gear, but Hilton Hawaiian Village provides Pack 'n Plays upon request, which made our stay even more convenient. We used the hotel's Pack 'n Play instead of trying to travel with one, which was a huge relief.
Fun in the Sun Beach Days
One of the highlights of our trip was the ample time spent on the beach. Oahu's stunning beaches provided endless entertainment for our son, who loved playing in the sand and splashing in the gentle waves. The Hilton Hawaiian Village's beachfront location made it easy to have spontaneous beach days, allowing us to fully enjoy the island's natural beauty. The beach next to the Hilton is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which was named the #1 Beach in America for 2024 by Dr. Beach. Several times we enjoyed watching Hawaiian Monk Seals coming up to shore to sunbathe. Additionally, we spent lots of time at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It was perfect for our son because we didn't have to worry about any waves knocking him over.
Exploring the Polynesian Cultural Center
A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center was a cultural highlight of our trip. This unique attraction offers an immersive experience into the diverse cultures of the Polynesian islands. Our son was fascinated by the vibrant performances, traditional crafts, and interactive exhibits. It was a wonderful way to introduce him to the rich heritage of the region. The center also has lots of green space for littles to run around and let out their energy, which was perfect for our active toddler.
The Hukilau Marketplace, located at the Polynesian Cultural Center, offered a variety of food options. We enjoyed meals from the Shaka Shake Korean BBQ food truck and the Hapa Sushi and Poke food truck. The food was amazing at both spots!
Gorgeous Island Drive
To truly appreciate Oahu's beauty, we took a scenic drive around the island. The diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to picturesque coastlines, provided breathtaking views at every turn. We made several stops along the way to explore charming towns, try local delicacies, and take in the stunning scenery.
For our rental car, we used Hertz at the Ilikai Hotel, which is right next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This location was perfect for us to pick up and drop off the rental since we only needed the car for two days to see the rest of the island. The rest of the time, we were able to walk wherever we needed since Waikiki is a super walkable town.
The drive was a peaceful and enjoyable way to experience the island's natural wonders while our son napped. However, be aware that Oahu traffic can be really bad, especially around Honolulu. If you have an excursion planned for a certain time, be sure to add some cushion time just in case.
Sailing on the Vida Mia
One of the most unique experiences of our trip was sailing on the Vida Mia, a wooden yacht from 1929. This beautifully restored vessel offered a glimpse into the past and a serene sailing experience. Our son enjoyed the gentle rocking of the boat and the fresh ocean breeze. He also got to explore the cabins below deck, adding a sense of adventure to our sailing trip. However, if you are traveling with a very mobile baby and/or toddlers, this experience could be tough because of the narrow pathways with low railings on the starboard and port sides of the yacht. It was a perfect way to unwind and appreciate the ocean's beauty.
Family Time with Grandpa
Having my dad join us from California made the trip even more special. It was heartwarming to see three generations enjoying the island together. From beach days to exploring cultural sites, my dad's presence added an extra layer of joy and bonding to our adventure.
Food Spots We Loved
Our trip to Oahu was also a culinary delight. We discovered several fantastic food spots that we highly recommend:
Duke's in Waikiki: Known for its delicious Mai Tais, burgers, and Hula pie. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a stunning ocean view.
Banan Waikiki Beach Shack: This place served up a unique treat called the "Pineapple Yacht," which was as delicious as it was Instagram-worthy.
SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar: We had the best chicken and waffles and an amazing Ahi Poke Bowl here. The stunning rooftop views added to the dining experience. Tip for the ladies, be sure to check out the women's bathroom. There is a window above the sink and the view was incredible!
Aloha Melt Waikiki: Their grilled cheese and tomato basil soup were the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy meal even on a hot summer day.
Aloha Sitters for Childcare
To enjoy some adult-only activities, we hired a babysitter from Aloha Sitters for a few hours on a couple of days. This allowed us to indulge in a relaxing spa day and an exciting catamaran and snorkeling trip. Robyn from Aloha Sitters was amazing, providing excellent care for our son right in our hotel room. Aloha Sitters offers peace of mind with all their nannies being CPR & First Aid certified, having clean background checks, and possessing a minimum of 5 years of experience caring for children (not including their own or for friends and family). Robyn's professionalism and warmth made it easy for us to enjoy our time knowing our son was in good hands.
In Conclusion
Traveling to Oahu with a little one was an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, family-friendly accommodations, delicious food, and reliable childcare made it a perfect destination. Whether you're planning beach days, cultural excursions, scenic drives, or culinary adventures, Oahu offers something for everyone. Our trip was filled with cherished memories, and we look forward to more family adventures in the future.
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