School's out! It's time to celebrate surviving sheltering in place, distance learning and working from home this past year. After all the stress and tight quarters, your ‘ohana deserves a getaway. Even if only a short drive from home, a kama‘aina staycation can lift your spirits, provide much needed rejuvenation and set the scene for making sweet memories together.
The Lee Family from Kane‘ohe knows how to live it up on a Waikiki staycation. Photographer mom, Anela, and her two energetic girls, have escaped to the leeward side several times this past year, and now Anela is sharing the scoop for the ultimate family-friendly Waikiki itinerary. Check out her insider tips for the best activities, keiki menus and must dos to get the most out of your Spring Break getaway.
3 p.m. Check-In
"I choose to stay at Embassy Suites Waikiki because the suites are spacious, breakfast is included, and the staff is friendly and amazing. I love how clean the hotel is too. Plus, the location is in the heart of everything we love to do, and only steps from the beach."
Score a deal when you book Embassy Suites Waikiki's Kama‘aina Ultimate Staycation Package starting at $229 plus tax per night for Hawai‘i residents. You'll get a waived resort charge, 50% off parking, and a 4 p.m. late check-out. Use promo code KAS.
5 p.m. Sunset Catamaran Sail
"The Maita‘i Catamaran is a very short walk from Embassy Suites Waikiki (on the beach toward Diamond Head). A sunset sail is such a fun and different activity that we wouldn't normally do. They serve delicious mai tai cocktails and juice for the girls."
7 p.m. Pizza Please!
"We love Giovanni Pastrami on Waikiki Beach Walk. It's kid-friendly and right across the street from the hotel. We don't get to go out to eat much, so enjoying a nice dinner together and walking back to our suite is a treat. No drive home and unloading the kids after they fall asleep!"
9 p.m. Lounge in the Suite
"The one- and two-bedroom suites are so spacious that we can do a fun activity or play a game to wind down before bedtime. Then I can tuck the girls in and close the bedroom door while I relax in the living room for a while longer."
7 a.m. Pancake Time!
"The made-to-order breakfast is amazing, and it's included! There's even an omelet bar. We either take it to the pool deck or chow down in our pajamas in our suite."
9 a.m. Surf's Up
"We love renting surfboards from Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee and grabbing a cup of coffee at the shop downstairs. It's very convenient since it's only steps away from the beach."
12 p.m. Poolside Lunch
"Reserving a cabana or the Pakini Lounge on the pool deck is the most fun! I can see my girls swimming while I relax in a private lounge area. It includes a $30 credit for food and beverage at Yard House which is AMAZING! They deliver our lunch right to the pool which saves me a trip to the room to dry off and get the girls ready."
4 p.m. Check-Out
"The late check-out gives us time to enjoy one last activity before heading home. We really enjoy hopping on biki bikes and riding around Fort DeRussy. It's fun and affordable!"