The big island of Hawaii houses the Honolulu Zoo, which is the largest zoo and runs 2,300 miles in size, with its expansive African Savanna at the center. Children can gaze and learn about the Sumatran Tiger and the Colubus Monkey. The zoo offers child-friendly tours like the Dinner Safari, featuring dinner and night exploration of the zoo, aided by red-filtered flash lights. While visiting, take time to explore some of Hawaii's exotic animals, such as the state bird, the Nene goose.
The Waikki Aquarium houses more than 3,500 animals in their exhibits, including tropical fish, Hawaiian Monk Seals, and sharks. The aquarium also houses a 250-gallon tank, holding tropical fish, clams and bright coral. The aquarium hosts family activities, including Exploring the Reef at Night, which includes wading in the water and hunting for crabs, eels and octopus with your guide.
If you visit Maui between November and May, schedule time for a whale watching cruise through the Pacific Whale Foundation. Your family will travel out to the ocean in a caterman with accessible views and if you are lucky, a whale may come right near the boat. However, the company guarantees you will see whales within 100 feet or they will take you out again for free. As of January 2011, children under 6 years old are free.
Families and children alike should experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau, like the Old Lahaina Luau, where they combine traditional Hawaiian chanting and hulu dancing with island cuisine. At the luau, you'll watch them roast the pig before serving it, along with purple sweet potatoes, fresh Hawaiian fruit, and frozen drinks.
To learn about Hawaii's tropical fruit, visit the Dole Plantation and ride the Pineapple Express, a 20-minute train ride that travels through the fields. Listen to a narration of the history of Hawaiian pineapples and how James Dole founded his company. For fun, try your luck at the pineapple maze, which is constructed out of 14,000 plants and expands more than three acres. Stop in the Plantation Grille for some tropical treats.
For some family adventure, bring your children to the Kualoa Ranch, where they feature activities ranging from the Movie Sites tour, where you'll explore sites where Jurassic Park or Godzilla were filmed to ATV adventures or hula lessons. The ranch offers a seven-hour, half-day package, where you can add four one-hour tours and lunch, starting at $99 for adults and $59 for children. Prices are as of January 2011.
Dolphin Discoveries in Kona offers snorkeling excursions at Kealakekua Bay, where your family will receive instructions and snorkel gear before cruising out to the coast and diving underwater to view bright coral, turtles and eels. Dolphin Discoveries also features a Dolphin Swim excursion, which allows you to spot Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, observe their behavior, and watch if they choose to interact with participants. Dolphin Discoveries provides snorkel gear, if the dolphins do interact, as well as lunch on board.
