Toddlers, Tacos & Waikiki Waves: Our First Day in Hawaii 🌊
Our First Day in Hawaii 🌺✈️🏖️
Looking back---Four years ago today, we packed up our little crew, and set our sights on Hawaii. We had big plans for sandy toes and umbrella drinks… but first, we had to survive the flight. And oh boy—it didn’t start off easy.
Our flight got canceled due to mechanical issues (cue the panic 😳). But luck was on our side. They brought in a new aircraft and a brand-new crew, and get this—our pilot was actually supposed to be flying to Paris that day. Instead, he got stuck with us and our three kids. Sorry, sir. Bon voyage turned into aloha! 🌴
The flight itself? About 9 hours total, which in toddler years feels like approximately 6,000 years. The flight attendants were absolute angels—they deserve a medal for how kind and patient they were. When the kids got antsy, we migrated to the back of the plane, spread out on the floor, and busted out crayons and coloring books like our lives depended on it.
Traveling with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old survival kit ✈️:
Endless snacks (seriously, pack double what you think you’ll need 🍿)
A change of clothes (for everyone, because kids + airplane = mystery messes 👕)
Sticker books & coloring pads 🎨
A tablet with kid shows (this is not the time to be anti-screen, trust me 🎬)
A sense of humor… you’ll need it 😂
🌊 Duke's Waikiki: Dining with a View and a Legacy 🏄♂️
By the time we landed, got our bags wrangled, and ubered into Waikiki, we were running purely on caffeine and excitement. First order of business? Duke’s on the shores of Waikiki Beach, Duke's Waikiki offers more than just a meal—it provides an experience steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking ocean views. Named after the legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic gold medalist, Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant embodies the spirit of aloha and the rich heritage of Hawaii.
🏖️ A Legacy of Aloha
Duke Kahanamoku, often hailed as the "father of modern surfing," grew up swimming and surfing in the very waters where Duke's Waikiki now stands. You HAVE to check it out! The vibe is tropical, fun, and a little bit magical. They’re known for their seafood, obviously.... We tried the fish tacos and macadamia nut chicken katsu: A local favorite featuring crispy chicken coated in macadamia nuts, served with a tangy dipping sauce, but let me tell you—the fish tacos? Life-changing.
🌮 Baja Fish Tacos at Duke's Waikiki
A standout on Duke's menu, the Baja Fish Tacos feature two pieces of fish battered in Duke's Blonde Ale. These tacos are complemented by shredded cabbage, tomatillo aioli, and pico de gallo, all nestled in soft flour tortillas. We devoured them while the kids bolted down to the beach to get their first taste of the Pacific Ocean.
Waikiki Beach: Toddlers vs. Waves 🌊👶👦
Picture this: Our two year old, toddling toward the water like it was just another lake back home. Meanwhile, the four year old sprinted full-force at the waves like he was auditioning for Baywatch. I had both of their hands in a death grip while trying not to look like “that mom” everyone was side-eyeing from their beach towels.
The waves were strong, the current even stronger—but their squeals of laughter made it worth the arm workout. The four year olds first encounter with salt water was hysterical. He couldn’t understand why it stung his eyes or why his lips were suddenly salty. He just kept shouting, “Why does it taste like this?!” 😂
And then there was our adventurous 10-year-old at the time. The second his feet hit the sand, he was gone—charging into the surf, wave-jumping like he’d been training for it his whole life. 🌊 Watching him out there, wild and free, was the kind of joy that makes a mama’s heart burst.
The One Who Stayed Behind 🎣🏕️
Of course, this wasn’t the whole crew. Our 8-year-old decided he’d rather stay home with Grandma and Grandpa to go camping and fishing. ✨ That’s just him—not one for flying, happiest with a fishing pole in hand and grandparents who spoil him. Even now, he says he doesn’t regret missing Hawaii one bit. We missed him like crazy, but we weren’t about to force him on a plane. And honestly? My parents probably loved that one-on-one time as much as he did. ❤️
A Warm Welcome 🏡🚗
After our adventure at Duke’s and the beach, we made our way to a long time friend’s house. She graciously opened her home to us and even let us use her vehicle during our stay. Talk about aloha spirit! It was so wonderful catching up after all those years—her kiddos welcomed us with open arms, and it felt like we had known them forever. That first night in Hawaii, surrounded by friendship, kindness, and ocean air, was the perfect start to our trip. Sharing a meal, stories, and laughter with them reminded us that part of travel is always about the connections we make along the way… another Kitchens & Kids moment. 🌺💖
Crashing After a Long Day 😴
By the time we got the kids settled that night, we were all completely exhausted. We’d been awake since 3 a.m. Wisconsin time, and it felt like the longest day of our lives—but also one of the best. Falling asleep to the sound of waves, sandy feet tucked under blankets, and hearts full of joy. That's the good stuff. 💗
Looking Back 🌸🌴
Our first day in Hawaii was a whirlwind of canceled flights, crayons in the airplane aisle, salty toddlers, wave-jumping adventures, and the best tacos ever. Waikiki Beach really is as gorgeous as they say, and watching the kiddos experience the ocean for the first time was something I’ll never forget.
Traveling with littles isn’t always perfect—or even pretty—but it is absolutely worth it. And sometimes, the best adventures combine everything we love: amazing food, kids learning and exploring, and the open roads that take us there. 🌺
✨ Day two of our Hawaii adventures coming soon—