These are the dog days of summer. The last days and weeks before the school year begins present a golden opportunity to get out there as a family and have some fun. Try something new together or get back to that favorite park you haven’t visited in a while. Here is a list of Hawaii summer activities to consider for some quality family time:
Soak Up Some Culture – Museums and Historic Sites
- The Bishop Museum exhibit “Dinosaurs Unleashed” runs through September 7. A special exhibit in honor of Duke Kahanamoku begins August 9.
- Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art and enjoy free admission for those age 17 and under any day of the week. As a Blue Star Museum, all active-duty military and their families receive free admission to the museum and a 10 percent discount at the museum shops. Wednesday, August 5, and Sunday, August 16, are free admission days for everyone.
- Go see the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Museum buildings and the tour of the USS Arizona memorial are free. Add on tours of the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin, and the Pacific Aviation Museum if time and budget allow.
Play the Tourist – Don’t Forget Sunscreen
- Visit the North Shore and stroll the beaches, visit some art galleries, and enjoy a shave ice.
- Take a ride on the Hawaiian Railway and learn some history about the communities surrounding Island Pacific Academy.
- Look for bargains together at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.
Get Outdoors – Enjoy Life in Hawaii
- Take a hike on some kid-friendly trails.
- Build a sand castle at a family friendly beach. Ko Olina and Pokai Bay are great leeward options.
- See the animals at the Honolulu Zoo.
Stay Indoors – Stay cool
- Go see a movie together.
- Go to the library. Check out a book and check out these programs happening at Oahu libraries in July and August.
- Make and have a meal together. Try some of the kid-friendly ideas and recipes on the Lunch page.
Slow down. Savor these last days of summer. As they say, “Lucky, we live Hawaii”
