By George Coyle
Even for the most seasoned travellers, Hawaiʻi is a bucket-list oasis. For families, especially, it’s near the top of the list, as one of the most attractive travel destinations on the planet. Thanks to pop-culture hits such as Disney’s Lilo & Stitch franchise—with its films, TV shows, comics, toys and theme-park attractions—youngsters know all things Hawaiian are cool. On the big screen, they’ve been introduced to the music, culture, landscape and importance of ʻohana, meaning family.
No wonder our kids were so happy to experience Hawaiʻi in real life. My wife and I were captivated, too.
Aloha, Maui
What a way to start off: in Maui! Truly, on the ground, Hawaiʻi’s legendary, second-largest island warrants the pop-culture buzz. We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawai‘i’s only all-suite and villa oceanfront resort. Located in Wailea on Maui’s south shore, this upscale tropical escape is just steps from beautiful Polo Beach. Our room was outstanding, with breathtaking views, and the kids were also pleased with the resort’s trappings, including the two pools for families, connected by a water slide. They really got a kick out of feeding the fish at the koi pond.
For adults, the tennis club, three 18-hole championship golf courses, spa, fitness centre, beach amenities and canoe experience will certainly appeal. Dining is another treat. The 22-acre Fairmont property includes various restaurants and lounges and we enjoyed dinner at Pilina, an exotic ocean-view spot featuring craft cocktails and locally inspired bites. It features a hot rock menu, including treats such as Hawaiian Ahi and Maui Nui Venison Striploin with Shiso Chimichurri.
We loved Mama’s Fish House, on Maui’s north shore. Famous for serving fish that is caught daily by locals, it’s also notable for its gorgeous oceanfront setting in Paia and its dishes such as Hawaiian Kanpachi with Crab and Lobster in a Macadamia Nut Crust and Tristan Island Lobster. All the details here, from the décor and ambience to the warm, personal service, embody the spirit of aloha and we were truly appreciative.
Koast, a modern spot in Wailea with creative cuisine and an island sensibility, is a place you’ll want to try and another must-visit restaurant is Humble Market Kitchin. It’s by James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi, who is known as the innovator of Hawaiʻi inspired cuisine.
As for activities I’d recommend, the north shore’s Twin Falls is worth a visit. On the famous Road to Hāna, it’s home to family-friendly hiking trails, lush rainforest greenery and a series of cascading waterfalls with natural swimming pools where you can actually swim. Pack your bathing suit; it’s pretty amazing. Molokini Crater snorkelling is another must. The underwater views of all the different species of tropical fish and coral at this marine sanctuary will dazzle you. The tour itself is definitely deluxe.
We also did the Hana Rainforest excursion with Maverick Helicopters. You’ll want to book this for sure. The views are amazing. It is truly a spectacular experience to fly along the coastline at 1,800 feet and then land in the rainforest.
It’s also worth mentioning that the transportation on any holiday is key to its success. Big Mike from Exclusive Limo Maui made our travel in Maui flawless, including all our transfers to activities and dinners. He always went above and beyond, especially for the kids. Definitely a 10/10.
Oʻahu Adventure
When we landed on the island of Oʻahu, a whole new Hawaiian adventure commenced. Nicknamed The Gathering Place, Hawai‘i’s third largest island is home to the capital city, Honolulu, and Waikīkī Beach, a famous hot spot for surfing. Oʻahu is also incredibly family friendly and we were warmly welcomed at the Four Seasons Ko Olina, an idyllic beachfront retreat on the western coast.
Beyond question, this is one of the nicest properties we’re stayed at and, I must say, the Four Season knows how to make everything flawless. The beach was spectacular, with calm, clear water beyond, and there were lots of family activities offered daily. The kids loved it.
So did we.
At the Four Seasons Ko Olina, a complimentary program for youngsters aged five to 12 offers a wide variety of fun activities and amenities. There are also options for teens, as well as a babysitting service to ensure the “rents” can have some adult time.
My wife and I particularly appreciated Dr. Mai Tai’s, the swim-up bar located at the edge of the resort’s adults-only infinity pool. It was quite something to sip one of the rum-infused cocktails while in the pool and enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean. FIVE I ONE I SIX, the oceanfront rooftop bar, was another highlight for us.
As for the food? Memorable. We tried three different spots within the resort—Mina’s Fish House, Noe and Mānalo Lounge—and each experience was unique, savoured and “Instagrammable.”
Mina’s Fish House, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is a beachfront gem tucked along the resort’s lagoons. Offering open-air dining with stunning water views and a relaxed island vibe, it celebrates the bounty of the ocean. There’s a raw bar and you can order your fresh shellfish ice cold or char broiled. And how about digging into Michael Mina’s Lobster Pot Pie (with truffled brandy lobster cream!) or making reservations for the multi-course Fish Sommelier Dinner? Seafood heaven.
Noe offers a slice of Naples in Oʻahu, dishing homemade pasta, locally-caught seafood and produce that’s both homegrown and imported from Italy. The combo of old Italian recipes, Hawaiian flare, a seasonal menu and refined ambience hits the sweet spot. You’ll want to try the Noe Signature Tagliatelle here.
You can feel the ocean breeze—literally—and drink in the incredible views at upscale Mānalo Lounge. It’s right by the water and perfect for laid-back, sophisticated dining en famille. Paying homage to Hawai‘i, Japan, Korea, China and the Philippines, the fare here features seasonal, local ingredients along with plenty of creativity. The blend of fusion cuisine, shareable plates, signature cocktails and exotic setting is definitely a hit.
Another big hit—for all of us— was our visit to Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre nature reserve and cattle ranch that’s also one of Oʻahu’s top destinations for adventures and movie tours. In fact, it has been called Hawai‘i’s Hollywood, as the setting for TV shows and more than 70 Hollywood movies, from Jurassic Park and Godzilla to 50 First Dates. No wonder. The landscape is incredible, encompassing mountains, valleys, coastlines and beaches. We did the three-hour UTV (utility terrain vehicle) tour and it was super fun, not to mention beautiful.
At another scenic adventure spot, Gunstock Ranch, we explored the countryside on horseback. A private guide took us up to the top of the ranch, where there were views of the ocean and we had a picnic lunch. Core memory? Check.
An additional kid-pleasing destination you’ll want to consider is Wai Kai, in West Oʻahu. An all-ages playground, it offers water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking and pedal boating. There’s a floating aqua-adventure course and the big attraction is the Wai Kai Wave, a deep-water standing surf wave that allows you to try surfing in a safe, fun way. We had a blast.
Finally, Executive Chauffeur Hawaii ensured we got around Oʻahu with ease and pleasure. Mahalo no nā hoʻomana‘o, Hawaiʻi (Thank you for the memories, Hawaiʻi.) gohawaii.com
