Ohana Means Family
This year, we celebrated my mum's 60th birthday in the stunning paradise of Hawaii. It was the ideal destination for our family, blending adventure and relaxation to make the occasion truly special. Joining us were my mum, my brother and his wife, and their adorable 7-month-old baby, Jax—my little nephew.
Flying with Qantas was seamless, and having a bassinet for Jax made our journey comfortable. We stayed at the beautiful Moana Surfrider Hotel—oh, how I adore you, Moana! This place felt like a dream, perfectly capturing my love for Hamptons and provincial aesthetics. With charming plantation shutters, sparkling blue waters, an inviting pool, and polished wooden floors, every detail resonated with me. The attentive service, majestic banyan trees, and live guitar music created an atmosphere of paradise. I cherished the moments spent watching catamarans sail by while sipping cocktails at the beach bar—this hotel truly had it all!
Our adventures began with a red Jeep Wrangler from Budget, as we explored Turtle Bay and Lanikai Beach. We hiked to the gorgeous Ku‘olauloa waterfalls and wandered through the national park, immersing ourselves in Hawaii's natural beauty. A highlight of our trip was the thrilling two-hour ATV Raptor adventure at Kualoa Ranch—an experience I can’t recommend enough! For my mum's birthday celebration, we enjoyed a delightful dinner at Monkeypod, took beautiful family photos on the beach, and ended the day with a breathtaking fireworks display over the ocean.
Throughout our trip, we also savored a booze cruise with Ocean and You Tours and a serene sunset cruise with Three Tikis, both of which added to the magical memories we created together. Visiting the aquarium with Jax was a joy, and seeing his little face light up made every moment even more special.
This holiday was a beautiful blend of family bonding, celebration, and the enchanting spirit of Hawaii. I’ll treasure these memories forever and hope to inspire others to create their own magical moments with loved ones.
Date: September 2024
Airline: Qantas
Hotel: Moana Surfrider
Car Rental: Budget Jeep Wrangler
Tours:
Ocean and You booze cruise
Three Tikis sunset cruise
Kualoa Ranch: 2-Hour ATV Raptor Adventure
Restaurants Visited:
Monkeypod at Outrigger Reef for ocean views and amazing food
Sky Bar for beautiful rooftop views overlooking the ocean and iconic pink hotel with great cocktails
Mai Tai Bar for beachfront ocean vibes and drinks
Cheesecake Factory for an iconic family dinner experience
Tacos and Tequilas for a casual vibe and delicious bites
Tips for Traveling with Babies:
Travel Pram: Consider purchasing a second-hand travel pram from a marketplace. Lightweight and compact options are ideal for travel.
Extended Family: If traveling with extended family, coordinate plans and responsibilities to ease the workload and enhance the experience for everyone.
Request Bassinets: When booking flights, request bassinets in the bulkhead or exit row for added comfort during the journey.
Fan for Pram: In hot climates, bring a portable fan for the pram to keep your baby cool and comfortable.
White Noise Machine: A small white noise machine can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and soothe your baby to sleep in new environments.
Microwave Sterilizing Pouch: Use microwave sterilizing pouches for quick and easy bottle sterilization on the go.
iPad for Older Kids: Bring an iPad loaded with games, movies, or shows to keep older kids entertained during travel.
Baby Headphones: If attending live events or fireworks, use baby headphones to protect your little one's ears from loud noises.
Family Lanes at Airports: Look for family lanes at airports, which often provide a smoother security experience for those traveling with children.
Have an Open Mind: Travel can be unpredictable with babies. Stay flexible and patient to adapt to changes along the way.
Wipe Down the Plane: Consider bringing Milton wipes to wipe down surfaces on the plane for an extra layer of cleanliness.
Tailored Itineraries: I create customized itineraries specifically for families, ensuring ample time for connections (like 60-minute transits) and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
By following these tips, families can navigate travel more easily and create wonderful memories together!