Best of Honolulu 2019: The Best for Families on O‘ahu

The 5 editorial and reader picks for the best for you and your ʻohana.

October 14, 2019

Cathy Cruz-George, Maria Kanai, Brie Thalmann, Christi Young,

Editor Picks

Best Dad-and-Me Boardshorts

Photo: Emma Mccullough

Having a matching mini me at swim time isn’t just a mom perk anymore. Water-loving pops can get in on the action, too, thanks to North Shore designer (and mama to four beach-loving boys) Maryam Fortuna, whose line, Of One Sea, offers tropi-cool boardshorts for rad dads and little ones. Made of a polyester-spandex fabric that wicks away water and dries quickly, the bottoms feature smart design elements including a stretch-flap Velcro fly and adjustable inner belt for keiki. And did we mention the cute graphics? Think playful rainbow, heliconia and wave patterns inspired by the Hawaiian landscape.—Brie Thalmann

ofonesea.com

SEE MORE: Best of HONOLULU Family 2019

Best Mini Golf Course

Photo: Karen DB Photography

Set against the Ko‘olau Mountains, Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline draws family members of all generations. Teens and tweens can try zip-lining on the 400-foot-long dual line that runs over the course, reaching speeds up to 25 mph. Meantime, younger children and their grandparents can putt 18 or 36 holes on mini golf courses wrapped around faux lava tubes and a waterfall. With plenty of little nooks to get cozy—or pause for a water break—and a shaded party space in the back, it’s easy to see why family reunions are common here.—Cathy Cruz-George, managing editor of HONOLULU Family

45-285 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 247-6464, bayviewminiputt.com

Best Way to Ramp Up Toddler Parties

Photo: KAREN DB PHOTOGRAPHY

Keiki Climbers owner Jenny Soderman is a former gymnast, gymnastics coach and elementary school teacher, which means she knows that little keiki like to climb, crawl and play. Thus, Keiki Climbers was born: a soft-play-equipment rental company perfect for birthdays and other parties. The “Little Kahuna Combo” ($395) comes with a ball pool with steps, rainbow tunnel climber, soft blocks, rainbow pyramid, keiki seesaw and two horse hoppers. A tip to party renters: Make sure the surface for your rental is flat and level and pay attention to the recommended number of kids to avoid crashes and crowding.—Maria Kanai

(808) 670-1118, keikiclimbers.com

Reader Picks

Best Local Brand for Kids Clothes

Photo: courtesy of manuheali‘i

As a family-run business, it makes sense that a love for ‘ohana is part of Manuheali‘i’s DNA. And that love is easy to see in the local label’s chic islandwear collections, designed with every member of the gang in mind, even the smallest. Made for keiki 6 months to 12 years old, its adorable pint-size aloha shirts, tank dresses and tunics—which perfectly coordinate with Mom and Dad’s—turn celebrations and special occasions into stylish affairs.—BT

Multiple locations, manuhealii.com

Best Pau Hana with Kids

photo: olivier koning

Pau hana with keiki is usually an early and quick affair. (Unless it is our second-most popular choice with HONOLULU Family voters: having a glass of wine at home.) At chef Peter Merriman’s Moku Kitchen, happy hour starts at 3 p.m. and comes with half-off all appetizers. There are plenty of other eateries and stores at Salt, and lots of activity, so sit outside and let the kids people watch while you sip on local-style cocktails, one of more than 30 beers on draft, or a refreshing mocktail—we love the house-made ginger beer with a dash of cayenne. That’s before you dive into 50% off garlic truffle oil fries, roasted squash ravioli, shrimp or lobster deviled eggs and all the $10 pizzas you can eat or take home as a tasty leftover.—Christi Young

Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, 660 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 145, (808) 591-6658, mokukitchen.com

This article appears in the July 2019 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.