Honolulu/Waikiki, Hawaii

Although this Island is very commercial, the Village resort is a city unto itself. With tens or restaurants and numerous activities, this 22 acre oasis is just about as self contained as can be. With ocean/beach access, as well as a calm lagoon, water sports and relaxation are mere steps away. The complex is sprawling, so a good idea of what activities you will be engaged in may inform your tower/room choice.

While honolulu is not the prettiest island, the Hilton Village is its own oasis. With multiple room towers and shops galore, Hilton's Village is a great self contained destination. We did a bit of everything from drinks and live band every night, sunset on beach, surfing lessons, lounging on the beach, etc. Tired just thinking about it,

With its oceanfront, central location in Waikiki, the Outrigger Reef made it easy for our family of five to enjoy a prime beach spot with easy access to shops and restaurants. Perfect for teens who want independence. Our spacious rooms overlooked the beach and we fell asleep to the sound of the surf. The hotel isn't so big that you have to walk a mile to get back to your room if you forget something. The open-air bar/grill serves fabulous food and there's live Hawaiian music in the evenings. We've stayed at the Outrigger Reef several times and love the casual ambiance and aloha service.

I take my daughter to this aquarium about once a year. Although it is rather small, she is extremely happy with it. You can pick up a free recorder that gives a little narrative about each tank after you enter the tank number onto your keypad. Each person may have a recorder so you don't have to stick to a group or huddle to put your ear around it. After the indoor aquarium, there is an outdoor tidepool-like area where a volunteer attendant usually is posted to assistant visitors with holding one of the creatures. Last time, she got to play with a hermit crab which tickled her hand so she was amused. Next, there is a great big lawn for the little ones to exhaust any remaining energy (perfect for nap time after). They can also watch Hawaiian monk seals play and swim (or sleep). Last but not least is a cute little gift shop if you're willing to buy a little souvenir.

This is something you must do if you can. This is out of complete respect for the people that lost their lives that day defending our great country. The least you can do is take time out of your vacation to learn about what happened. You must get there early for reservations. The tour is really quick. You get on a boat and "drive" to the memorial. There you get off the boat and go on the memorial for a short time. I think its like 10 minutes. Its hard to believe that so many people lost thier lives in that very spot and that they are still there. You can still see the occasional bubble of oil come to the surface. This is where these people are buried. Its sad and beautiful all at the same time. It really makes you think how things could have gone differently if it were not for these brave people.

I love everything about this hotel! The parking fee is not as horrendous as other hotels, the location is so great (right on the corner of the main strip and across from Waikiki beach and a couple blocks away from the Honolulu Zoo), and my favorite highlight has got to be the Oceanarium Restaurant! Their buffet out of this world (check their website for their dinner menus, as they have different specials on the buffet line by weekday; I know Monday and Thursday nights are king crab legs, but don't ask me how I know that ;)). My daughter usually is done eating way earlier than I am, so she ends up watching the fish swim by and if you schedule your dinner around the divers who feed them, that is another bonus. I have hosted many birthday dinners here also. If you pay a small additional fee, you can have the restaurant write a personalized sign in the window for the diver to surprise the birthday guest with (or anniversary, engagement, etc). It is just a wonderful experience that I hope you can enjoy soon!

I chose to have my daughters 5th birthday party at the Pacific Aviation Museum. I'm still receiving compliments about not only the party, but the actual facility. It is well-maintained and have something for everyone. When there is not a party scheduled, it is just another quiet museum that holds so much history and cultural lessons. Through the museum are 5 flat screen tvs that take you through December 7, 1941 and the days surrounding it. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant. For an additional small fee, you can also ride a simulator that is a lot of fun. Definately worth a visit!

Located at the end of the Waikiki strip of hotels and attractions, this Zoo is the ONLY zoo on Oahu! There, you will find thousands of different species, all presented in a well-maintained facility. It is very roomie, enough to bring in your own food and mats and enjoy a peaceful picnic on one of the big lawns. There is always refurbishment going on, but I understand its about the future, so I don't mind certain parts of the zoo being under construction. My daughter always gets a kick out of the elephants and then traditionally takes a picture with the baby elephant statue. The reptile cave is also a favorite of ours as well as the playground, of course right next to the icee booth, and no zoo can go wrong with a petting zoo!

This hotel is a beautiful choice for a staycation, vacation, and even a wedding! It is always my #1 pick for where to stay during a staycation. Recently, I attended a wedding there and it was one of the best weddings I've ever been to, mainly due to the facilities. The food offered for the wedding and at two of their restaurants that I tried (Orchids and A House Without a Key) were so good also! I might not recommend this hotel for young children as they might not appreciate the little details so much as older children or adults (see my review on Aulani). Hope you can enjoy this piece of heaven!