Our Trip To Hawaii: Full Itinerary with Kids

Y’all, it’s been about 3 weeks since we came back from Hawaii and I’m having serious Hawaii withdrawals. It was honestly the most incredible trip to date. Visiting Hawaii is something I have always wanted to do sine I even learned about the island. And I knew that one day when I was an adult, I would take my kids there to experience it with me for the first time. From start to finish we had a great time, the kids fully embraced the culture, and so did Renaldo and I. If you ever have an opportunity to travel to Hawaii, I say jump on it, and don’t wait!!

New Non-Stop Flight from Orlando (MCO) to Honolulu (HNL) with Hawaiian Airlines 

So all of this was even possible because of Hawaiian Airlines and their newest non stop route from Orlando to Honolulu. This is huge y’all because if you’ve ever looked at Hawaii flights you know that it’s pretty pricey because we are flying from clear across the country, and we’d typically have to stop somewhere on the west coast. But now you can fly to Hawaii for a good price (prices when we fly were under $600 a person) and we made no stops at 10 hours long, which may seem like a lot, but I like it more this way instead of wasting time in another airport.

Our overall flight experience was great. We sat in extra comfort, which is not first class, but not main cabin. This included bigger, more spacious seats, in the front section (after first class) of the plane, priority boarding and additional amenities. On all Hawaiian Airlines flights include HOT meals!!!

So when we took off it was 8am Orlando time, and they served us a hot breakfast, plenty of snacks, and then lunch served with wine just before we landed. On every seat on the plane included a Hawaiian Airlines blanket which was nice because we all used our blankets. The TV’s on the plane are loaded with really good movies and shows, and also some good games for the kids (and myself lol), and they provided headphone just in case you forgot yours.

Our itinerary:

Day 1/Saturday: 

-Departed for Hawaii at 8am and arrived to Honolulu at 12:30ish Hawaiian time. They are 6 hours behind eastern time.

-Picked up our rental SUV from Avis (make sure you book your rental car far in advance, and if you can’t find the car you are looking for, keep checking every day because new ones will appear.) Our experience with Avis was amazing, and so quick. From the time we made it to the check in counter until we were in our car and our way to our Hawaiian vacation was all under 15 minutes. if you

-Drove about 30 minutes to Target to pick up my drive up order that I did for essential items that I didn’t want to pack like shampoo, conditioner, nighttime pull ups for Laila, sunscreen, goggles, etc

-Drove to our Resort Four Seasons Oahu at Ko’olina and checked in right aground 2:30. We were welcomed with a lei and freshly squeezed juices. They also verified all of our health forms for our entry into Hawaii so we would not need to self quarantine. Once verified, we received a special bracelet that we wore the entire trip (look closer at all my photos from Hawaii, you’ll see it lol) notifying we’re covid free.

-Once we got settled in our room, we went down to the pool restaurant and ate lunch/dinner? It was definitely dinner for us because it was like 10 at night back at home.

-After we ate our lunch and dinner, we went back to our room, shut all the blinds and went to sleep by 6:30 lol. The jet lag was real.

Day 2/Sunday

-It was Mother’s Day, so this day was all about me lol. kidding, but I knew I wanted this day to be super chill and just relax by the pool.

-We all woke up at 3 am, no lie. it was 3 am Hawaii time, and 9am eastern time. Because I had a strong feeling the kids would wake up super early (before room service)I bought cereal and milk so they could eat when they woke up, and prevent a strong case of the HANGRY children lol.

-After the sun rise, we got ready and went down to the pool area and got a picture of all of us for Mother’s Day and to share that we are in Hawaii. I always like to take at least one photo of all of us at the beginning of our trip.

-After that we went to breakfast at La Hiki (at FS Oahu), and it was too good!!!

-After breakfast, we put our swimsuits on and relaxed by the pool for basically the entire day. We had a poolside cabana by the Keiki pool (kid’s pool) which was really nice and honestly, the best way to spend Mother’s Day.

– We then went over to La Hiki again and had a special Mother’s Day brunch which was like a 5 course meal. it was amazing and the perfect way to end my Mother’s Day.

Day 3/Monday 

– Walked to Island Vintage right when they opened so we could try their famous coffees. I ended up ordering an Iced Island latte with Oatmilk, and oh my goodness, SO GOOD!! We then ordered in room dining and had breakfast in our room. we love this option because my husband was still working (the benefits of the time change meaning we starts his work day at 3am Hawaii time, and ends it at 10:30 am their time. So on his “12pm lunch break” which was really 6am, we went to get coffee, and then when we got back we’d order breakfast and eat in the room, watch cartoons, and then start getting ready for our day around 10, so when Renaldo was done with work we get started on all of our activities we had planned.

Got a nanny and Took the kids to Kids Club, and got some alone time.

– We booked a nanny for this day through a 3rd party which was recommended by our hotel called Happy Kids. We only needed there nanny for Laila and Joel because the older two (ages 5 and 8) were able to stay in the supervised kids area at Four Seasons called Kids For all Seasons. The kid’s area is loaded with so many things for them to do! But the best par, this club is able to be used by little kids (like Laila and Joel, as long as a parent or a nanny stays with them). So our nanny took Laila and Joel there, so they could be with their older brothers the entire time. It was a pretty sweet set up, and we had her for 5 hours. Why I trusted ut so much is because the kids’ club is in a separate area of the resort that’s tucked away and no randoms can get to. and plus these were trained professionals with our kids, and if they needed us for anything we were still on property where we periodically checked in on them. And the biggest thing was that we could tell them what is off limits, meaning we told them no swimming in the pool or beach because we are very picky about the kids being in large bodies of water without us there supervising, even though the boys can swim.

– During the time they were at the Kids’ club, Renaldo and I had a private cabana (like with a tv, fridge, fan and multiple lounge chairs and sofa) by the adult only pool!! This was huge for us because we never get to experience the forbidden pools of people who are with children lol. But we got to really enjoy it, and order our lunch pool side.

-Massage!! I got to getaway and have a NAUPAKA LOMILOMI massage at our resort, Four Seasons Oahu which was in this outdoor hut style building that was open (but private0 where you heard the sounds of the ocean. It was so serene and like nothing I have ever experienced before.

-After We picked the kids up, we had a private lei making experience with Kahiha Floral. And if you have an opportunity to do this, I definitely recommend it. Such a grounding and beautiful experience. The kids were so focused and enjoyed making their own lei.

-Then went back to the beach to get some more sun in, before heading out to dinner at NOE. It is Italian Hawaiian Cuisine and REALLY good!!

 Day 4/Tuesday

We were all very excited for this day because we were going on an adventure to the other side of the island!

-Breakfast in our room, again it’s just the easiest, most convenient and actually REALLY good breakfast option for all of us.

Kualoa Ranch!!

-Got ready as soon as we were done eating to drive over to the other side of the island, to go to Kualoa Ranch! This is where a ton of movies and shows were filmed including, Jurassic Park and World, Jumanji, Godzilla and Kong Movies, and the show Lost, just to name a few. We did the movie sites tour, which consisted of us getting on this really old vintage school bus that drove us from the entrance of the ranch and to all the famous movie sites. The entire tour lasted about an hour and a half, and we made a few stops so we can explore and take pictures. It was definitely worth it (especially for us because my kids love all the movies listed above, and  the views were breathtaking!!). Next time we come back to Hawaii, we are bringing someone with us, so Renaldo, the older boys and I can do the Razor tour (we couldn’t do it because all kids must be over the age of 5).

-After we were done with the tour, we got lunch at the ranch, and it was by far my favorite plate lunch yet. The Kalua Pork and Macaroni Salad was on point, and I cleared my plate lol.

-That evening we had a photoshoot with one of our friends, who is currently living in Hawaii. She took us to this beautiful spot where we got epic views of the sunset and the photos were even more gorgeous. If you gave an opportunity to get professional photos while in Hawaii (especially with @KateLarainePhotography) I’d say to do it! It’s 100% worth it, and you will always look back at the photos and remember the beauty Hawaii holds, and the memories that were made there.

-For dinner, we ate at Mina’s Fish House, and man oh man, it was hands down the best meal I had the entire time there (that’s was a sit down dinner, not quick service). We had a private table around a fire, by the beach and it was just a relaxed dinner experience.

Day 5/Wednesday:

-We woke up bright and early for our morning coffee at island vintage, had breakfast delivered to our room by 7:30 and were at there beach by 8:00 for a Catamaran Sailing Experience at our hotel, provided by Hawaiian Ocean Adventures. We arrived a little before our sail, so we can sign some paperwork and get our life vests on. Once we were all squared away, we got on the boat and into the open sea. It was pretty amazing, and the kids loved it. We even got to see dolphins, which they said doesn’t happen very often!!

-After Sailing, we got ready for our day and drove over to Ko Hana Distillery, where they make rum! We got a full tour of the distillery, the barrels that it’s aged in, and even got to do a tasting. While we were doing our tasting, they gave the kids homemade gelato!

-We then drove to Honolulu JUST so we could experience Kona Brewing, straight from the source. My husband and I love Kona beer, and alway said the day we go to Hawaii, we’d go to the brewery, and we sure did. The brewery is more like a pup where they serve food, and the food there was on point!! But if you are also a fan of Kona Beer, you’d love this place because there were beers that they don’t bottle, that you can only have there!

-That evening, we walked over to the hotel next to ours, AKA Disney Aulani Resort, and go to experience their KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani!! The kids were over the moon for this because although its a very traditional Luau, there was a small touch of Disney (Minnie and Mickey came out for about 5 minutes). We had the preferred seating so we could arrive earlier than the general seating, we also had unlimited drinks (including mixed drinks, and beer). And there was SO MUCH food!!! Because of COVID, they didn’t serve the food the traditional Buffet style, so they served it all at once lol.  The entire experience was amazing, and I definitely recommend try it out, especially if you have kids.

Day 6/Thursday

-The day we were supposed to leave, and decided not to lol. Woke up early this morning, got on the phone with Hawaiian Airlines, Avis and our hotel and shifted all of our plans for a Sunday departure date. We just didn’t feel ready to leave, and wanted t do some more things, like see a waterfall, lounge by a pool all day, and try some more food spots.

-We spent the entire day lounging by the pool and beach (exactly what we wanted a full day to do) and that was the agenda. We ordered food by the pool, and when we finally made it to our room, we doordashed dinner from a local spot that’s pretty well known. However, im not going to recommend it because I wasn’t crazy about it.

Day 7/Friday

– We drove to Wimea Valley to go to the Wailele Waterfall. I loved this waterfall because the entire path up was paved so it was easy to walk/climb and could keep Laila in her stroller the entire time. The water fall itself is beautiful, and they have life guards, and provide life jackets (you must wear one). All of us got it, but Renaldo and Laila because we couldn’t leave our bags unattended (there are lockers there) but the struggle it is to get in the water with little kids (the rocks are slippery) we didn’t bother with trying to bring Laila in. After doing the waterfall and the scenic walk back, we ate at their restaurant and it was really good as well, still doesn’t top Kualoa Ranch though lol.

-On our way back to the hotel, we stopped by Matsumoto Shaved Ice and had some of the best shaved ice we’ve ever had before. The first time we drove by this place there was a line wrapped around, so we didnt go. So when we were driving by, we noticed the line wasn’t long so we pulled over and got some!!

-After that, we started driving back to the hotel, but pulled over because we found this beautiful beach, so we pulled over and let the kids play! And that’s what’s great about Hawaii, all beaches are government property, so they’re all public, no matter the hotel or home that’s on it!!

-Once we made it back to the hotel, we left our car with valet and went walking to the train tracks in Ko Olina, right at the entrance of the resort area. This post is hidden gem because thew arrived right before sunset and got the most amazing views of the sun going down. While we were out there, the kids were just running around, playing tag and enjoying each other, nature and all the beauty that was within that moment. My mama heart was overflowing.

Day 8/ Saturday

We relaxed by the pool and beach for the entire morning, and early afternoon. We wanted to make sure the kids got as much water time as possible, because what’s a trip to Hawaii without endless beach and pool days.

-After playing in the pool for awhile, we got ready and drove over to Pearl Harbor. We got there too late because they were closing at 4pm, so we could only pull over and look. Regardless, it was a cool experience being there!

-After going there, we drove about 20 min on the freeway, and went to Wahiawa to try this restaurant called Maui Mike’s Fire Roasted Chicken, and the food there was so good, and so cheap! This spot is in the north shore area, so on your way to the falls, or to the north shore, I definitely recommend stopping here.

-Then we decided to drive over to the opposite side of the island to see Kualoa Ranch one more time, because truly it was the most breathtaking views. We got there when the ranch was already closed, but still doesn’t mean you cant drive down the coast and soak in those views. and that’s exactly what we did. We had the windows down and soaked in all of Hawaii. While we were driving, we found this open park area where we pulled over and let the kids just run around while my husband flew his drone a little bit.

-When we finally made it back to the hotel, we ordered room service dinner and just cuddled up on the couch and watched a movie together. It was honestly the best way to end our Hawaii vacation.

Day 9/Sunday

The day we finally leave for home, we almost extended it again lol.

-Started our morning ordering breakfast and then quickly running to the pool one last time! Before we did any of that, we packed all of our suitcases so we could just relax.

-Our checkout was at 12, so we actually checked out in time (rare for us lol), and drove to the airport to drop our car, and check in. If you fly Hawaiian Airlines, you will be pleasantly surprised how fast their ticket service is there. We had absolutely no issues checking in, nor in TSA, or finding our terminal. It was truly a breeze.

Whew!! That is it, we were there for such a long time, and really enjoyed our time (clearly). But I hope if you’re reading this it’s because I inspired you to travel to Hawaii, or you already booked but need help planing what to do, where to stay, or what to eat. For doing so much and being there for so long, with so many kids, this vacation felt THE most relaxed but adventure filled out of all our trips. It really was a incredible time, and I know for a fact we are officially those families that will be visiting Hawaii at least once a year- we all know those families that go to Hawaii every year lol. Welp, that’s us now.

If you followed along on Instagram, thank you for the love and support. And if you didnt, make sure you go to my instagram and look for “HAWAII” highlights, where I share everything from above!!

Special Thank you to Hawaiian Airlines for Partnering with our family, and Thank you to Four Seasons Oahu for hosting our family.