Keiki's Day Out

Activities on Oahu from Miss Mary, the Honolulu Mommy

Apr 20

The Honolulu Zoo

by Keiki's Day Out
 
 

Entrance to the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
9 a.m. – 4:30 pm daily
(Keiki Zoo closes at 4) 
  • Children under two are free
  • Kama’aina (local) rate: $8 for adults, $4 for children 3-12
  • General Admission: $14 for adults, $6 for children 3-12

IN A NUTSHELL

PROS:

  • Great Location
  • Plenty of Parking
  • Hands-on Keiki Zoo
  • Playground on Location
  • Inexpensive membership rates

CONS: 

  • Almost None! There are fairly aggressive peacock waiting to take any stray food but as long as your child is not terrified of birds it’s not real issue and actually pretty entertaining and cool to see them up close.
  • In spite of the new elephant exhibit, we did not see any while we were there and it ca not be easy for an elephant to hide.

Features:

  • Bathrooms (including family bathroom) 
  • Snack/Lunch Vendor (Kapahulu Market)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Goat Petting Zoo
  • Gift Shop
  • Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals
  • Animals
  • Gardens

Be sure to check out: 

The Keiki Zoo is fantastic for children, especially for little ones that might have trouble focusing on animals far away in their exhibits. Children can go right in the pen with the goats, and crawl through tunnels to see guinea pigs and impressive koi. 

Fun Fact: 

The peacocks on the grounds of the Honolulu Zoo are not actually part of the zoo. The land where the Honolulu Zoo resides used to belong to Princess Kaiulani. She had a penchant for peacocks and kept them as pets, and those that nest and wander around the zoo are the descendent’s of the princess’s very own peacocks.  

Flamingos near the entrance of the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is a fantastic outing for children of all ages located across from Waikiki beach at the intersection of Kapahulu, Monsarat and Kalakaua avenue on the grounds of the beautiful Kapiolani Park.

Playground near the entrance of the Keiki Zoo

While the zoo features the traditional opportunity to view animals from afar, it also features a keiki zoo and a playground for the active child who do not always do well in their strollers for long periods of time. The playground area features two different jungle gyms; a larger one for older children, and smaller one for toddlers, as well as benches and picnic tables an a green grassy area perfect for lunch time.

The zoo also has “Kapahulu Market,” where they sell food, drinks, and snacks. As one might expect, the food is on the expensive side in spite of being your average cafeteria variety. A hot dog is $8, a cheese burger is $10.25 and chicken tenders are $7.75. I would recommend bringing your own lunch, although I think their “keiki sippers” are a good deal (an animal shaped reusable sipper that you can refill for free through-out the day knocking-out both souvenirs and hydration in one)

There is paid parking available right next to the zoo off of Kapahulu avenue, but if you’re willing to venture a block further, there is free parking at the Waikiki Shell parking lot usually available in the case that there are not other events going on, as well as both free and metered parking along the diamond head side of Kalakaua Avenue.

The Keiki Zoo

Inside the Keiki Zoo

Most younger children, particularly toddlers, will be completely content to spend their entire zoo trip at the Keiki Zoo and the adjacent playground. Even if you do plan to see the entire zoo, it is the perfect place to begin your zoo trip and allow the keiki to run around out of the strollers and burn off their energy before loading them back in the stroller to see the rest of the animals.

Tunnel through fish tank

The Keiki Zoo is located behind the Kapahulu Market (lunch area) and the playground. Once inside, even the youngest toddler can get out of the stroller and explore. There is a keiki-sized tunnel through the middle of a tank of koi offering fun views for the kids, as well as a tunnel with hamsters and guinea pigs.

Goat Petting Zoo

The Keiki Zoo tends to feature more “farm” related animals which is a great learning tool for babies just learning how to speak. My daughter was thrilled to see a “Moooo” at the cow and “Baaa” at the sheep. But the best part of the whole keiki zoo is the Goat Pen, which allows children inside. After seeing so many animals behind bars or gates, it can be especially thrilling to have the opportunity to pet a goat up close. A big hand washing station is available just outside and a favorite of my toddler’s for some reason.

Toy Pavilion behind the Lizard Terrarium in the Keiki Zoo

There is also a covered “toy” pavilion located behind the lizard terrarium. Not only is the toy area a great place for the younger set to wind down and play in the shade, but it is perfect for nursing mothers who could use some shade or some entertainment for their other children while they feed baby.

Membership

The Chimps at the Honolulu Zoo never disappoint

Additionally, their membership is the best deal in town. Although the names of the membership options have changed in the past year (and the price has increased two dollars) it is still one of the only attractions where a membership is totally worth the price. We have the “Flamingo” Membership (now the “Ground Hornbill” Option) which was $38 (now $40) and provides unlimited free admission to the park for me and my daughter’s fathers, and my daughter is free because she’s under three. We only have to visit the park five times in a year for the membership to pay for itself. A “Chimpanzee” Membership is $55 for two adults, and up to four children.

Unlimited admission membership to most of Hawaii’s attractions are well over $100. Given that the zoo is so close to our home (as well as being close to the beaches, parks, and playgrounds) the membership is well worth it. It also alleviates the pressure to see everything in one trip. Most of the time we spend our whole trip in the keiki zoo, and only occasionally venture out to see the other animals, although the Chimpanpanzees, Siamong, and Tigers rarely disappoint.

Peacock

For a fun evening for older children, check out their Twilight Tours! For more information, check out this video:

For more information, visit the zoo’s website:

http://www.honoluluzoo.org

1-808-971-7171

Zoos * Aquariums * Centers

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Apr 15

Queen’s Beach

by Keiki's Day Out

QUEEN’S BEACH
2800 Kalakaua Ave,
Honolulu, HI 96815 

IN A NUTSHELL:

PROS:

  • Parking nearby
  • Fun and Safe Surf for Keikis
  • Grass and Shade available in addition to sand

CONS:

  • The beach bottom goes from being sand to being reef about twenty five feet in, and closer in other areas

Features:

  • Beach
  • Grassy Area
  • Bathrooms
  • Water fountains
  • Showers
  • Nearby Parking (at Shell, Street, or Zoo)

Sunset on the Beach

Queen’s Beach is part of the larger Waikiki Beach and covers the stretch from the pedestrian pier at the end of Kapahulu Avenue (the wall of which inspired the name of the surf break “Walls”) and the beach fronting of the Honolulu Zoo and most of Kapiolani Park. The location was the former beach home of Queen Liliuokalani, hence the name “Queen’s” Beach. It’s also the part of the beach that host’s “Sunset on the Beach” movies on Saturdays and Sunday.

The beach itself has everything most people look for in a family friendly beach. While the sand is not the whitest or finest on Oahu, it is not uncomfortably rocky and fun for play. For those who want to stay out of the sun and sand, there are large banyan trees and easily a hundred palm trees offering shade of picnics and family’s with babies.

Plenty of Shady Areas

The surf on the shore is bigger than what you would find at Kaimaina Beach, located just east of Queen’s, making it exciting for more adventurous and active children, but it is still one of the safest spots on Oahu, making it ideal for beginner body boarders. However, it is important to note that about twenty five feet off shore, the beach bottom becomes rocky and eventually is all reef. One can easily play in the water up until the depth of about four feet, any deeper and you might want protective footwear or a board.

Queen’s Beach might also being one of the most convenient beaches for parking as well. There is metered parking available along the street on Kalakaua, paid parking at the Honolulu Zoo, or completely free parking available at Waikiki Shell Parking lot on Monsarrat Avenue. Any of these options will get you close enough to the beach that you can lug a board, swim floaties, towels, and a stroller with out getting too short of breath.

Freshwater Pond behind the Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand

There are plenty of public bathrooms and showers around the beach, although during our last trip the shower closest to us was out of order. Luckily there was another shower just a hundred yards away.

In addition to the beautiful beach, the fresh water ponds (not for swimming) along the back of the Queen Kapiolani bandstand almost always have family of ducks, complete with adorable fluffy ducklings. For me, this area has always been the most lovely place in Waikiki.

Ducklings

Beaches Free

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Apr 14

Kawaikui Beach Park

by Keiki's Day Out

5459 Kalanianaole Highway 96821

Kawaikui Beach Park
5459 Kalanianaole Highway 96821

IN A NUT SHELL:

PROS:

  • Plenty of Shade
  • Beautiful views
  • Good for tree climbing and exploring

CONS:

  • No playground
  • Less than ideal swimming conditions

Features:

  • Bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Water fountains
  • Picnic Tables
  • Covered Pavilion
  • Parking Lot

The Kawaikui Beach Park is a neighborhood park located off Kalanianaole Highway just past the Aina Haina Shopping Center. It’s often used by surfers and body boarders to access the Tunas, Turtles, and Manantan’s surf breaks. While visiting the park, we also saw a fisherman, who was happy to show my daughter one of his catches. The park features a large grassy area with plenty of shade for picnics. It also offers gorgeous views facing east towards Kokohead and Hanauma Bay.

View east from a picnic table

Narrow strip of beach

The beach of this park does not yield itself to swimming or water play, as the ground is rather rocky and the strip of sand is probably only 10 to 15 feet from the water. Other online reviews have mentioned a “fishy” smell but it was barely noticeable unless one reaches the edge of the water. Even then, I would not describe the smell as “fishy” as much as I would describe it as “beachy.” In fact, it is the same smell you smell at any mainland beach, a mixture of sand, saltwater, and marine life. Although I would not chose this beach for water play with keiki, my daughter still enjoyed examining the rocks and tossing them into to water.

rocky sand

While the park does not have a playground, it still provides plenty of opportunities for play, and sometimes children need to use their imagination to come up with their own fun. Some of the trees have low branches perfect for climbing. There are fun birds to chase (my toddler’s favorite park activity) and little anoles (geckos) jumping around in the bushes that are always fun to point out. However, the creative nine-year-old in me loved the little nature-made “hiding places” around the fort. On the left was a little ledge, dangerous for younger children or when the tide comes in, where the branches hung down over a small strip of sand. An older child’s imagination could run wild here. Through out the park, there are places where the bushes open up to provide a clearing that feels like a fort. It’s perfect for older kids who aren’t bothered by a little dirt or some ants, but be careful. A good “hide-out” for kids is probably good spot for campers, or a teenager’s “love nest” so use your own judgement.

Beaches Free Playgrounds and Parks

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Apr 5

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center

by Keiki's Day Out

111 Ohe Street, Honolulu, HI 
Mondays: Closed
Tuesday-Friday: 9am – 1pm
 
Weekends: 10am – 3pm

IN A NUTSHELL

PROS:

  • Great for even the youngest children
  • Educational
  • Indoors

CONS:

  • The Hours (close early)
  • Pricey Membership

Be Sure to Check Out:

In addition to all the amazing exhibits, there is a giant lite brite on the first floor near the entrance on the left.

Life-sized Lite-Brite on the first floor

The Children’s Discovery Center is the ideal rainy day outing for restless children. Actually, it is the ideal activity for any occasion because it really is that much fun.

Although I had heard of the Children’s Discovery Center, I put off going because I thought my daughter was too young to enjoy it. I could not have been more wrong. Younger babies can enjoy watching the older children play and manipulate the activities, the play areas are sturdy enjoy for handling from even the roughest toddler and most of the exhibits are adaptable for any age.

Additionally there is a specific area, the “Tot Spot,” for the very young. The center’s Web Site describes the Tot Spot as being for children 5 and under, but that is stretching it in my opinion. My daughter was already over the “baby” area and on to the big kid exhibits by the time she was one and a half. And given that the center closes at 1pm on weekdays, we did not want to waste time on toys she can see at a McDonald’s play place when there were so many amazing other things to see.

The Children’s Discovery Center can best be described as a cross between a Children’s Museum and a gigantic pretend play house where children can pretend to be anything from a bus driver, actress, store clerk, or even Filipino. And I am not just saying that, the third floor exhibit “Our Rainbow World” features a variety of cultures with clothing and shoes for children to try on, and little rooms in the design of each respective culture.

The first floor begins with “Fantastic You!” an inside look at the human body. While the educational aspect of this exhibit might allude the younger crowd, the giant “stomach” which children can crawl through (filled with pretend food and bean bags) will be sure to please. And as an adult, I enjoyed the “foot prints” from everyone to Obama to Kristi Yamaguchi.

Famous Footprints in the "Fantastic You" exhibit

The next exhibit on the first floor is the “Your Town” exhibit. This is literally a miniature child-size town where children can climb into the firehouse, “drive” a bus, watch themselves as a new anchor in the studio, play with the cash register in a grocery store (complete with mini shopping carts and groceries lining the walls.)

Backstage at the "Our Town" exhibit's theater

They can even be an actress in the local theater, complete with a fully stocked backstage dressing room, lighted mirror, and buttons to adjust the stage lights, mood music, or even evoke applause or laughter. The theater was my daughter’s favorite part of the trip, but she also enjoyed the pediatrician’s office. Here children can throw on a white lab coat, grab the clipboard (with real pen and paper so kids can get the full effect), weigh the babies, take their temperatures, and even put x-rays up on a light board. Honestly, I was having as much fun as my daughter. “Your Town” is every imaginative kid’s dream.

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Pediatrician Time

The second and third floors are a lot smaller than the first, but are just as thorough and interactive. While the first floor caters to younger children, the upper floors are more educational and have more to offer older children. The second floor is all about Hawaii, and takes visitors from the plantation days all the way too modern Hawaii. The third floor, “Your Rainbow World” features pretend homes from a variety of cultures.

"Hawaiian Rainbows" exhibit on the second floor

Unfortunately, we did not have as much time for the top two floors because the Children’s Discovery Center closes at 1pm on weekdays. This is truly a shame because one could easily spend hours on the first floor alone. We were advised to go after 10nam on weekdays to avoid the crowds from school trips and sure enough, when we arrived around 10:30, we saw a ton of school buses and school children eating lunch on the grounds outside of the discovery center. There was no crowd at all once we got in, and it really added to our experience since my daughter did not have to share the exhibits with others.

But given the cost, which was $16 total, $8 for each of us, it seems a shame that we could only stay there till 1 pm. The employees were nice enough to go around and suggest people check out the upper floors since the center closes soon, but I used to be a waitress, I know every kind way to let people know it’s closing time. My daughter would have gladly gone the whole day without food or drink if she could have stayed, which is saying a lot for a kid whose first word was practically “Snack.”

On weekends, the Discovery Center stays open till 3pm, but I imagine it is a lot more crowded. While memberships are available they are awfully pricey. The Discovery Center is $150 for a ONE-child family. It’s an additional $50 to add another family member to that. I would have to take my daughter ten times a year for it to be worth it, and while I doubt she would complain, I would rather keep this place a special occasion destination. When I was growing up, places like the water park, or the amusement park, or even Chuck E Cheese were things that we would look forward to for weeks. And the anticipation made it all the more fun. I consider the Children’s Discovery Center to be one of those places. Make a big deal about it before you go, watch your children’s eyes light up at all the fun in front of them, and expect them to take fantastic naps afterward.

PARKING:

I have to make a note about this because people on internet forums have said that the center is difficult to find and that they drove in circles looking for it. It is a giant building painted pastel colors with bright stars on it at Kaka’ako Beach Park. Turn makai (towards the ocean) on Ohe street from Ala Moana Boulevard. Keep driving toward the beach, staying on Ohe Street. The street will steer slightly left. Look for a giant yellow building with blue poles coming out of it and a star on the side. Plenty of parking is available at the actual building, but even if that lot is full, there are tons of other parking spaces in Kaka’ako Beach Park. 

For more information visit the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center Web Site: http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org or call (808) 524-5437

Zoos * Aquariums * Centers

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Apr 4

Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park

by Keiki's Day Out

Looking down on Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park from the start of Kamananui Valley Trail

Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park

1857 Ala Aolani Street
Honolulu, HI 96819

PROS:

  • Serene Location
  • Extensive Parcourse for adults

CONS

  • Parts of the playground are boarded-up and missing
  • Closes earlier than most parks (7pm)
  • Signs of health risks from water

Features:

  • Two basketball courts
  • Bathrooms
  • Water fountain
  • Fitness Station Par course
  • Playground
  • Picnic Table
  • Covered Pavilion

Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park

The Moanalua Valley area is a gorgeous community surrounded by mountains and separated from the hustle and bustle of urban Honolulu. It is easy enough to find, just take exit 2 off Interstate H-201 W (coming from town), take a right on Ala Aolani Street (the main road in the Moanalua Valley Community). Ala Aolani street is only a mile and a half long and ends right at the park. There is a parking lot available at the park, as well as plenty of street parking as the neighborhood is entirely residential. 

Fortunately, the beauty of the area makes up for the terribly neglected playground at their neighborhood park. While the setting is serene, located at the start of the Moanalua Valley Trail, half the playground is either boarded-up, or missing.

The result is somewhat comical. There is a ladder with only one rung. There are hand rails for a bridge, but no bridge. None the less, the children still managed to have fun running around underneath what is left of the playground, and jumping up to grab railings just out of reach.

Missing Bridge

Ironically enough the fitness station par course appears to be in great shape and has a lot more equipment than any other par course I have seen on the island.

Fitness Station Par Course

One explanation might come from the online reviews of the area, which describe Moanalua Valley as an older quiet community (emphasis on the “quiet”). Instead of closing at 10pm, like the majority of parks in Honolulu, this park closes at 7pm, and according to some of the neighbors, the gates are locked at 7 o clock on the dot and many people end up having to call the city to unlock the gate and retrieve their car. Perhaps the community is trying to a cater to a quieter crowd of hikers, and the older community, rather than have a bunch of kids or teens running around making noise.

Leptospirosis Warnings at Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park

Add that to the department of health signs warning of Leptospirosis from potentially contaminated water and mud, and you have a playground I probably will not be running back to just for my daughter’s sake. But in it the communities defense, the easter egg hunt event we attended with friends was wonderful, as were the community members present.

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That said, a friend in the neighborhood said she did the Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as Kamananui Valley Road, with her infant in the baby carrier and it was not a strenuous hike. It is said to be a good trail for families, small dogs, plant lovers, and people who enjoy nature but are not necessarily looking for a difficult trail. The trail itself starts right at the top of the park, you just head up the hill next to the playground and can not miss it. One look around the area will tell you that the views and plant life on the hike should be stunning. In short, Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park is a fine park for the community, but not necessarily one you would travel out of your way for, unless you are a hiker looking to take advantage of their fitness par course.

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start of the trail

Free Playgrounds and Parks

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