Little Bird Blog
Off The Beaten Path
Turtle Bay sits on the northeastern tip of Oahu’s North Shore, where five miles of coastline (seven beaches in total) stretch between Kawela Bay to the west and open ocean to the east. It’s about an hour from Waikiki, far enough to feel like a different island. In July 2024, the longtime Turtle Bay Resort […]
If your family loves nature, the ocean, and a little adrenaline, this list of Oʻahu activities for adventurous families is for you. After more than two decades exploring Oʻahu, our local family rounded up the island’s most exciting beaches, hikes, and experiences. These are activities for families who love the outdoors, a good challenge, and […]
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Lulumahu Falls is a 1.7-mile out and back waterfall hike through bamboo forest and dense jungle near Nuuanu on Oahu’s windward side. It’s moderately challenging, has enough diversity to keep all ages of hikers interested, is super short, and rewards you with falls you can stand under. You need a $2.50 state permit to hike […]
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Lanikai Beach is as beautiful as advertised. Getting there is getting more complicated. A Kailua local shares the current parking situation, when to visit, what to bring, and how to make the most of one of Oahu’s most iconic stretches of sand. Lanikai Beach Kailua – Worth a visit? I’m surprised each time my toes […]
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The Lanikai Pillbox hike (officially the Kaiwa Ridge Trail) is one of the most rewarding short hikes on Oahu. It’s a steep but manageable ridge trail above Lanikai Beach with panoramic views of the Mokulua Islands, Kailua Bay, and the Koolau mountains. The round trip to the second pillbox is less than a mile and […]
Choosing what to wear for your Hawaii family beach photos doesn’t have to make you lose your mind. This guide breaks down beach-ready outfit ideas, colors, and fabrics that photograph beautifully, so you can relax, look amazing, and actually enjoy your time in the sand. What to Wear for Hawaii Family Photos (without losing your […]
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Most families assume summer is the obvious time to visit Hawaii. They’re not wrong, but they’re also not getting the best version of the islands. Winter in Hawaii runs December through April and brings cooler temperatures, dramatic surf, humpback whales, flowing waterfalls, and significantly fewer people on the beaches and trails. The caveat is rain, […]
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The Ehukai Pillbox Trail sits above Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, near Banzai Pipeline, about an hour from Waikiki. At roughly 2 miles round trip it’s one of the shorter hikes on the island, mostly shaded by ironwood and banyan trees, and ends at two WWII-era bunkers with sweeping views of the coastline below. […]
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The Aiea Loop Trail sits inside Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, about 12 miles from Waikiki in the hills above Aiea. It’s one of the better options for families who want a real forest hike without driving to the windward side or the North Shore. The park has picnic areas, a historic heiau worth seeing, […]
Malaekahana State Recreation Area sits on Oahu’s northeastern coast between Laie and Kahuku, about 35 miles from Waikiki. It’s one of the best family camping spots on the island: a long, wide beach, shady ironwood trees, Goat Island just offshore, and far enough from town to feel like a real escape. This is a spot […]
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Even if you’re there for a photo session, the beach is a playground. The ocean is right there, calling and the kids want to go in. And they should! The best photos happen when everyone stops trying to stay dry and clean and just plays. The thing that holds most families back isn’t the water; […]
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Oahu has no shortage of beautiful places to take family photos. The harder question is which one is right for your family specifically. The answer depends on where you’re staying, how old your kids are, what kind of experience you’re looking for, and what you actually want the photos to feel like. This guide covers […]
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