Just Add Water: Recipe for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii with a Toddler
Landing announcements are like the drumroll of a flight - the signal that the show is about to begin! Descending into Oahu, the turquoise waters below are the opening act to our adventure. This moment never fails to ignite the fire behind my wanderlust, and now, watching the same enchantment in our mini jet setter is priceless.
That’s the thing about our travel—it’s toddler-led, and it turns out that’s a great thing. When we were pregnant, so many people told us that our travel days were over. We knew this wasn’t true, but we understood they would be different. We still travel on whims, but now our whims include ensuring that Rio, our now 2-year-old, will be happy with our plans. Based on our experience, any place with warm temperatures and a beach is an instant hit with our little fish, so Hawaii was an obvious choice.
Life with children transforms everything, offering a refreshing perspective on the world. Seeing life through their eyes is an endlessly intriguing experience, where every day is an unexpected adventure. This change heightens the travel experience, as we now find ourselves doing things we’ve never done before, like lounging in kiddie pools while sipping piña coladas by day and hanging out with birds on our shoulders at night.
Rio has a strict sleep schedule that he created and enforces—this boy loves his sleep. His early risings, plus the time difference, made catching gorgeous sunrises while sipping coffee the best part of waking up.
Rio’s sleep schedule includes naps, three-hour ones to boot! At home, but especially on vacation, this is a much-coveted time. This three-hour intermission calls for strategically scheduling events to maximize this ‘free’ time. Workouts are usually first on the list, followed by lounging on the beach collecting snoozes and tan lines.
Hawaii, home of the kalua pig, is a yummy place for those leaning towards the herbivore palate. Our toddler loves to eat fruit, and in Hawaii, we were in luck, as the island is full of fruity pebbles. Stopping at various roadside fruit stands is our favorite tourist activity. Meeting the locals while getting healthy snacks is a wonderful way to get a taste of the island.
The pineapple didn’t fall far from the tree, as Rio not only loves to travel but is truly an island boy at heart. Spending time with our little one while soaking up all the Aloha possible is a cherished experience. Whether exploring beaches, indulging in local treats, or simply enjoying the laid-back island vibe, every moment spent in paradise is precious, knowing we’re creating lasting memories. So, book that ticket, take that drive, and roll with the toddler flow—it might surprise you.
