Our Unforgettable Family Adventure to Hawaii

(3 Reviews)

Magdalena Gonzales

Pasadena , CA
Family Travel Expert

Hi there! I'm Maggie, your friendly family travel planner extraordinaire. I have a deep passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences for families, and I'm here to make your dream vacation a reality.

With years of experience in the ...

Views at Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour

When my family decided it was time for a getaway, little did we know it would be such a special trip, especially since it was my husband and son's very first time on a plane! Traveling post-COVID had its challenges with some lingering restrictions, but Hawaii welcomed us with open arms and endless adventures.


We chose the stunning island of Oahu, staying steps from the ocean at the Aston in Waikiki Beach. The trip also doubled as a birthday celebration for my husband, which made every moment even more memorable. Our first stop was the Tiki’s Bar and Grill, where we indulged in mouth watering island flavors and refreshing drinks, all served with exceptional hospitality.


Our first night sparkled with magic at Paradise Cove Luau. This beautiful venue offered engaging activities like Polynesian bowling and spear throwing, which had the kids laughing and earning shell necklaces. Although COVID changed the traditional buffet to plated meals, the experience was just as rich, especially watching the pig being pulled from the underground oven! The sunset rounded out the evening perfectly as hula dancers swayed gracefully against a backdrop of vibrant orange and purple skies. My husband and son couldn’t take their eyes off the incredible fire dancer, who amazed us all with his fearless performance.


The next day, the family soaked up the sun and sea at Kuhio Beach, right in front of our resort. The crystal-clear water was so calm that small fish swam gently past our kids’ feet, sparking endless wonder. The weather was just right, with gentle light showers that only added to the island’s fresh charm. Friendly locals treated us like ohana (family), and our kids loved walking to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, where the Loco Moco quickly became my go-to dish.


Our adventure continued at Kualoa Ranch, a truly magical spot with something for everyone. Although my son was a bit young for the ATVs, we enjoyed a fascinating movie tour instead! Riding aboard the tour bus, we explored iconic filming locations for Jurassic Park, Fifty First Dates, and Pearl Harbor. Our knowledgeable guide also pointed out historic bunkers used during the Pearl Harbor attack. We eagerly hopped off the bus to take photos with props from famous movies a hit with all of us.


On our final evening, we embraced relaxation with a sunset dinner cruise. Swaying gently on the water, we savored delicious food while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Though the kids were sad the trip was ending, the memories we made will last a lifetime, our family’s first Hawaiian adventure was truly a dream come true!  

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