The Family Fun Gift Guide
This year, give the gift of more family time together. By giving an annual membership or season pass to your fam’s favorite outings, you’ll be providing opportunities for year-round fun. Here’s a few I think would make great gifts for parents, grandparents, aunties or uncles and all the kids who love them. Happy Holidays!
Honolulu Zoo Membership
The zoo is one of my family’s favorite places, and I can personally vouch that their membership is WELL worth it! A family membership is $55 for two adults and up to four children under 18. For a kamaaina family of four, this pays for itself in three visits. Membership includes unlimited admission, discounts at the gift shop and snack bar, discounts on programs and more. New benefits this year: a members-only entrance line, and discounts on your guests’ passes. You can also buy them as gift certificates, which are available for immediate pick-up at their membership booth, or you can order by phone at 926-3191, ext. 153. For more info click here.
Waikiki Aquarium Membership
My kids go bonkers for the aquarium, so I’ve invested in a family membership. $60 includes two adults and their children under 18, and for a kamaaina family of four, this pays for itself after three visits. A Family Plus membership is available for $85, which also includes free admission for two extra guests. Benefits include free admission, exclusive events, discounts to classes, programs, and summer concerts, rental of the aquarium for events (how cool is that?), free saltwater pickup for aquariums, and more. Gift memberships also available. For more info click here.
Hawaii Nature Center Membership
My daughter and I loved the recent workshop we attended here, so I’m considering investing in a membership for discounts on upcoming classes. Each member receives advance notices and discounts on hikes, classes, and nature adventures. The $50 fee includes two adults and two children under 17, so it should pay for itself after a couple of classes. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing your membership helps fund programs for 20,000 students a year. For more info click here.
Wet n’ Wild Hawaii Season Pass
There are two options, a Fun Pass or Gold Pass. The Fun Pass is $44.99 for adults, $34.99 for kids 3 and older and under 42”, and includes unlimited free admission, newsletter, and Bring-a-Friend-Days for $9.99. The Gold Pass is $59.99 for adults and juniors under 42”; $54.99 when you purchase four or more. It includes the same as above, plus free parking, early entry before the public, unlimited admission to Island Adventure Golf, discounts on cabana rentals, and Bring-a-Friend-Days for free. If you go here a lot, it sounds like the Gold Pass is the way to go; it pays for itself after two visits. Hurry, because prices will go up Jan. 1. For more info click here.
Bishop Museum Membership
My kids love the Bishop Museum, and every time we go, I always kick myself for not buying a membership. At $70, the family membership pays for itself after just two visits for a kamaaina family of four. Membership includes two adults and their children or grandchildren under 18, with unlimited free admission to the museum and planetarium (which was newly renovated), exclusive invitations to exhibit openings, discounts at the gift shop and more. Hurry, because prices will go up Jan. 1. For more info click here.
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center Membership
Beyond the awesome interactive museum, the HCDC also offers a ton of great events and workshops (we loved the Kids in the Kitchen class!). With a family membership, you’ll get free or discounted entry to those classes, plus unlimited free admission and discounts to the gift shop and Kid Café. For a kamaaina family of four, the annual membership is $200 and pays for itself in about six visits. Gift memberships also available. For more info, click here.
Polynesian Cultural Center Annual Pass
OK, I’m going to sound like a commercial here, but this is a pretty amazing deal. Right now they’re offering 50% off annual passes, only until Dec. 31. That means it’s only $27.47 for adults and $14.97 for kids. For a whole year! I thought it was a typo. This includes unlimited gate admission for a year, access to all activities, free seating to Ha: Breath of Life show, 20% off for your guests, free parking, and discounts on food and merchandise. Even if you only plan on going once this year with out-of-town guests, this is a deal to scoop up. For more info click here.
Ashley de Coligny is the proud mother of Ella (5) and Charlie (2). She usually has applesauce in her hair and can name all of the My Little Ponies. You can reach her via email, Twitter, Facebook, or via her personal Honolulu Mom blog.
