My Honest Oahu Trip Report: What's Worth It in 2026

Oahu Trip Report (Feb): What Was Worth It, What I'd Skip, and a Rental Car MistakeMarcie, a Hawaii destination expert, shares a February Oahu trip report with her 12-year-old, noting some experiences were hosted for honest coverage. They stayed five nights at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; annoying tight, offsite parking and $65/night fee). She covers tips and takeaways from Hanauma Bay reservations and logistics, Kahuku Farms’ full tour and cafe, Cirque du Soleil Auana’s Hawaiian cultural integration, Wai Kai’s mixed results depending on what’s operating, and Kualoa Ranch ziplining’s scenic tandem format. She reviews Mauka Warriors Luau (strong show, okay food, far drive), Pearl Harbor highlights including the Aviation Museum and Missouri, and an intimate Na Lei Aloha dinner/show at the Hyatt. She also recounts unknowingly driving a Thrifty rental with expired tabs and lists planning lessons like booking USS Arizona tickets early and confirming reservations.00:00 Big Oahu Trip Report01:52 Hyatt Regency Waikiki03:24 Hanauma Bay Tips04:58 Kahuku Farms Tour06:04 Cirque du Soleil Auana07:07 Wai Kai Water Park08:04 Kualoa Ranch Zipline09:31 Mauka Warriors Luau10:31 Pearl Harbor Updates12:08 Na Lei Aloha Dinner12:59 Thrifty Rental Car Fail14:46 What I’d Do Differently15:43 Planning Resources Wrap UpLinks to Tours/ActivitiesHanauma Bay ReservationsKahuku Farms TourCirque du Soleil AuanaWai KaiKualoa Ranch ZiplineMauka WarriorsPearl Harbor Aviation MuseumPearl Harbor Complete Experience PassportNa Lei AlohaBuy my Hawaii guides on my blog or AmazonBook a Hawaii Travel ConsultationBlog: Hawaii Travel with KidsInstagram @HawaiiTravelWithKidsAbout Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/