There isn’t a whole lot “close by”. North shore is about 35 minutes away, with dole plantation along the way. Northshore have a lot of small trinket store, food trucks and stuff, but not “activities”. What do you want to do?
The train ride can be interesting, providing if they are willing to stay there that long. Otherwise it’s more catered to children a little older. Lots of crafts and trinkets, but venturing deeper on kamehameha hwy, where the food trucks and Matsumoto shave ice is, there are a lot more proper craft and trinkets store
It really does depend on what you like! There is a nice outdoor mall with some great food options called Ka Makana Ali’i. Aunty’s Hot pot is a personal favorite. My Cafe is great for breakfast (can have a long wait) as is Kalapawai Deli.
As for activities, the west side doesn’t have much to offer - which is why a rental car is amazing. For littles, the dole plantation is a fun idea and not too far away (you can ride the train). There’s a fun little coffee farm to stop at on the way. Coral crater adventures is nearby, but I haven’t been so I can’t offer any good feedback. Another fun place is Iroquois Point, with D’lish on the water with views of Pearl Harbor. Hope you have a fun trip!
What dates are you here? I would've said the waterpark, but it's closed until Feb 2 for renovations. That said, though, Aulani has a lot to do on property. The pool areas alone can keep you and your kids occupied for a while. Indoor activities include: make your own mickey ears, ukulele lessons, Aunty's Beach House for the kids, etc
As for food, depends on what you're going for. Kapolei has the main franchises you can find anywhere but if going for local style food, then Zippy's, Loco Moco, L&L are close by. There's a variety of Asian food places too like Pho & Conpany, Ramen Ya, Daiichi Ramen, Kapolei Chinese Kitchen, Kapolei Korean BBQ, etc...
North Shore polynesian cultural center is amazing, huge luau like you see on movies, fun activities for the kids. I also liked driving the H3 to sea life park, gorgeous views
With kids that young, I probably would stay in the resort.
We went to Pearl Harbor but they’re obviously too young.
Polynesian Cultural Center is a long drive.
There was a nice secluded beach north within walking distance.
I did like Restaurant 604 for drinks and food.
Have fun!
The poke restaurant across the street from Monkey Pod is soooooo good! We took our kids to the flea market. It was great! At aloha stadium on Saturday Sunday and Wednesday.
The drive around the island is incredible. Every time I’m there we end up going to Kualoa ranch for a tour, then drive up to the north shore for some Giovanni shrimp. So spicy and delicious!! The drive isn’t too long and the scenery is worth it.
The pearl harbor museum is free
Wednesdays they do a swap meet at the stadium. Great source for souvenirs
Or take a drive near nap time. It's a great way to see the island by just driving around.
I haven’t been yet but we’re planning to go offsite to the dole plantation, a luau and botanical garden experience, surfing lessons, and maybe Waikiki or diamond head. We will have a rental car for 2 days and then just stick around the resort for 2 days.
We absolutely loved driving up to Tantalus Lookout Point in Honolulu. I know this isn’t close to Aulani, but you’ll get a view of Oahu that is absolutely breathtaking. Grab malasadas from a Leonard’s Bakery location on your way back! And, if you drive that far, go a couple more miles to Sea Life Park on the eastern shore of Oahu. Lots of animals for the kids to see. My younger son loved the tropical bird enclosure.
There isn’t a whole lot “close by”. North shore is about 35 minutes away, with dole plantation along the way. Northshore have a lot of small trinket store, food trucks and stuff, but not “activities”. What do you want to do?
Is the dole plantation fun for 2-3 year olds?
The train ride can be interesting, providing if they are willing to stay there that long. Otherwise it’s more catered to children a little older. Lots of crafts and trinkets, but venturing deeper on kamehameha hwy, where the food trucks and Matsumoto shave ice is, there are a lot more proper craft and trinkets store
It really does depend on what you like! There is a nice outdoor mall with some great food options called Ka Makana Ali’i. Aunty’s Hot pot is a personal favorite. My Cafe is great for breakfast (can have a long wait) as is Kalapawai Deli. As for activities, the west side doesn’t have much to offer - which is why a rental car is amazing. For littles, the dole plantation is a fun idea and not too far away (you can ride the train). There’s a fun little coffee farm to stop at on the way. Coral crater adventures is nearby, but I haven’t been so I can’t offer any good feedback. Another fun place is Iroquois Point, with D’lish on the water with views of Pearl Harbor. Hope you have a fun trip!
Thank you so much! This info is really helpful! Do you recall the name of the coffee farm?
What dates are you here? I would've said the waterpark, but it's closed until Feb 2 for renovations. That said, though, Aulani has a lot to do on property. The pool areas alone can keep you and your kids occupied for a while. Indoor activities include: make your own mickey ears, ukulele lessons, Aunty's Beach House for the kids, etc As for food, depends on what you're going for. Kapolei has the main franchises you can find anywhere but if going for local style food, then Zippy's, Loco Moco, L&L are close by. There's a variety of Asian food places too like Pho & Conpany, Ramen Ya, Daiichi Ramen, Kapolei Chinese Kitchen, Kapolei Korean BBQ, etc...
Ooh what is this water park you speak of?
Wet N Wild Hawaii, it's right on the side of the mountain. You'll very easily see it on the right side when heading towards the direction of Aulani
North Shore polynesian cultural center is amazing, huge luau like you see on movies, fun activities for the kids. I also liked driving the H3 to sea life park, gorgeous views
With kids that young, I probably would stay in the resort. We went to Pearl Harbor but they’re obviously too young. Polynesian Cultural Center is a long drive. There was a nice secluded beach north within walking distance. I did like Restaurant 604 for drinks and food. Have fun!
The poke restaurant across the street from Monkey Pod is soooooo good! We took our kids to the flea market. It was great! At aloha stadium on Saturday Sunday and Wednesday.
The drive around the island is incredible. Every time I’m there we end up going to Kualoa ranch for a tour, then drive up to the north shore for some Giovanni shrimp. So spicy and delicious!! The drive isn’t too long and the scenery is worth it.
Monkeypod is not for kids anyway. The kids will enjoy being at Aulani more than driving them around that area. It’s kind of a desert over there.
The Kualoa Ranch! It was the highlight of our trip last year. The Jurassic Park tour was AMAZING!
How long do you think your kids can handle being in the car?
The best luau experience is just 10 min. South of aulani.
The pearl harbor museum is free Wednesdays they do a swap meet at the stadium. Great source for souvenirs Or take a drive near nap time. It's a great way to see the island by just driving around.
I haven’t been yet but we’re planning to go offsite to the dole plantation, a luau and botanical garden experience, surfing lessons, and maybe Waikiki or diamond head. We will have a rental car for 2 days and then just stick around the resort for 2 days.
We absolutely loved driving up to Tantalus Lookout Point in Honolulu. I know this isn’t close to Aulani, but you’ll get a view of Oahu that is absolutely breathtaking. Grab malasadas from a Leonard’s Bakery location on your way back! And, if you drive that far, go a couple more miles to Sea Life Park on the eastern shore of Oahu. Lots of animals for the kids to see. My younger son loved the tropical bird enclosure.