Hawaii Vacation Recap!

Two days ago we returned from our Hawaiian vacation. It was a dream. Traveling with two children is not necessarily a vacation. But despite still having to parent, we were in paradise and had the best time. It was the perfect place to retreat, slow down, and enjoy C’s sabbatical. We made memories that I’ll keep in my heart for years and years to come.

Where We Stayed / What We Did

When choosing an island, I really wanted to go to Maui or Kauai. But I knew that what our family needed was an island that was easy, accommodations that had a view (My #1 tip for traveling with families is to get a place with a view. You will spend so much more time in your accommodations due to nap times), and a quick stroller friendly walk to the beach and/or pool. I knew we’d be up and down to our condo all day long for naps, so it had to be easy to get to and from the pool and beach area.

We selected the Beach Towers at Ko Olina on the island of Oahu. I know I’ve already said it was perfect for our family, but it truly was. We booked our rental through Ola Properties. By going directly through the rental company (as opposed to Airbnb or VBRO), we were able to save quite a bit of money. All the additional fees are cut by booking this way. We had a car for the first day to get us from the airport to Ko Olina. We also picked up groceries, diapers, etc. Then, we returned the car and spent the entire first week just soaking up the beach lagoons and the pool area.

The second week, we rented a car and were able to explore the North Shore and do a hike up to Makapu’u Point to see the lighthouse. Of course we also grabbed more groceries and sunscreen and anything else we had run out of in the first week. We also drove to a dinner at Mahi ‘ai Table which was hands-down our favorite meal. It was so good that we went a second time!

We rented a jogging stroller, baby bathtub, highchair, and puddle jumper from Paradise Baby Co. which was a game changer. Having a jogging stroller made our life so much easier. I kept calling it our island car. We would load everything up on it and schlep it all down to the beach or pool. G would nap each morning in the stroller, so none of us had to stay back with her in the condo for her morning nap. This company was so easy to work with and had everything waiting for us in our condo before we arrived. And at the end of our trip they came and picked it all up. So convenient!

Each night we would put our children to bed and sit out on the lanai and watch the sunset and look at the stars while listening to the waves. I’m so grateful for this vacation. It was such a gift to get to do.

Everything I brought on this vacation and be found in this post.