Hawaii: Oahu, Hotels & Resorts with Children’s Programs. Oahu is an amazing island with plenty of family friendly sleeping options. From upscale mega resorts and grand vacation clubs to condominiums, B&Bs and campgrounds, there is truly something for everyone. For parents looking for organized children’s programs the menu is rich with choices. From surfing lessons to learning about Oahu’s rich cultural history at world-class museums, there are various activities offered that were especially created with kids in mind. With mom and dad around or not, these fun-filled programs will be sure to keep the kids entertained.  

Below are some highlights of activities designed exclusively for kids. We have provided mini descriptions below to set the tone.  

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts – Cowabunga Kids Club. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ Cowabunga Kids Club offers activities that involve kids, ages five through 13, in learning more about Hawaii. The program offers activities and excursions supervised by licensed professional guides including boogie boarding, ceramic painting, fishing, lei making and some ocean activities. Outrigger also offers family programs that parents can participate in. 1(808) 923-0711.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort – The Keiki Klub. The Keiki Klub children’s program at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort offers a variety of activities such as creating a smoking, lava filled volcano, painting a Hawaiian tapa cloth, playing an authentic Hawaiian game called “Ulu maika” and dancing hula. 1(808) 922-6611.

Aston Hotels & Resorts – ASTONishing Kids. The new ASTONishing Kids – “Stay, Play & Eat Free” program offers children ages 12 and under free activities, meals and merchandise (when accompanied by a paying adult) to top family attractions, restaurants and Hawaii retailers. All families with children 12 and younger will receive an identification card for each child at check-in upon arrival. Participating vendors include Sea Life Park, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Don Ho’s Island Grill, Hilo Hattie and more. Toll-free 1-800 - 655-6055.

Starwood Hotels – Keiki Aloha Program. With the Keiki (children’s) Aloha program, children between the ages of 5 and 12 can spend part of their vacation doing fun, educational and cultural activities. The extremely popular program offers off-property excursions year round. At The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, children can experience a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, kite flying and boogie boarding in the morning. The excursions will take keiki to such places as the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, Diamond Head Hike, Bishop Museum and Keiki Tea at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The evening program includes activities such as crab hunting, a hotel scavenger hunt, Honu (turtle) cookie decorating and cultural games. 1(808) 931-8232.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel – Camp Hyatt. Camp Hyatt offers a variety of activities to keep your keiki busy while having loads of fun. Games include a variety of board games, including a selection of Hawaiian games and crafts, which teach some of the basics of the Hawaiian language and culture in a fun and easy way. Camp Hyatt also includes a DVD library with a wide selection of Disney and other children’s features as well as Nintendo games. The Camp Hyatt Library contains classic books, which children love to read. A Hawaiian children’s book collection has also been recently added. In addition to coloring books, crayons, colored paper, glue, scissors and markers, Hawaiian craft projects treat campers to a slice of Hawaiian culture. Toll-free 1-800-233-1234.

Hilton Hawaiian Village – Rainbow Express. Hilton Hawaiian Village’s year-round children’s program, Rainbow Express, is offered daily for keiki, ages five to 12. Once children register and receive their “Rainbow Express Passport,” they can experience educational and recreational activities, all with a Hawaiian focus. Activities include arts, crafts, nature walks, wildlife feedings, fishing, and visits to Bishop Museum at Kalia, Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo. 1 (808) 949-4321.

JW Ihilani Marriott Resort – Keiki Beachcomber Club. Celebrate the vibrant wonder of youth with the Keiki Beachcomber Club. The program hosts supervised international activities for guests between four and 12 years old. Activities include treasure hunts, hula dancing, and crafting leis to Karaoke, sports and crafts. Children will engage in diverse activities while making friends with other children from around the world. Toll-free 1 800- 679-0079.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii – The Keiki Club. The Keiki Club at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii takes advantage of the area’s natural wonders and Hawaii’s unique customs to provide an education and entertaining program for kids ages five to 12 years. Full-day or half-day program options are available and include activities such as hula dancing, palm frond weaving, playing traditional island games, swimming with dolphins, collecting sea shells and more. 1(808) 738-8911.

Top photo by Ron Dalquist. additional /images/ezine and content provided by Oahu Public Relations Agent for use at FamilyTravelFiles.com. 10/2005