I don't like zoos. And I especially don't like zoos in the heat. I don't know how I was so blessed to have my first trip to the SD Zoo Safari Park be in the misty rain and experience it for what it is, "a breeding area." This is what everyone who worked there referred to the park...a place for the animals to breed. And boy, did we see the results! We saw a baby gorilla (playful), baby giraffe (adorable) and baby elephants (better than Dumbo). And because of the rain, we were informed the animals were more likely to be seen, awake and in my opinion, in good moods.
The highlight of the trip was when we stumbled upon the Lion's eating time and were able to watch them being fed through a metal door. We were three feet from the woman feeding them and watched them enjoy their lunch of ground beef. She even had the male lion (as she did a tummy and teeth check) stand up for us. It was grand. He is a magnificent being and considering they sleep 20 hours a day, we were honored to witness this.
After the lions, we went on the Africa tram that took us around different regions of Africa and the animals they contain. Our guide on the mic was funny and touching and animated and upon hearing his stories of each animal, I could tell her was passionate about his job and these beautiful creatures. Not only was the guide stellar, but every employee of the park we came across was kind and helpful.
There are a couple of food courts that had pretty tasty food that included good vegetarian choices. The food is expensive, but isn't all food at Southern California parks ?
I have to add that this was my daughter's field trip for school so her admission price was free and mine was only $12. In addition, the Africa tram that is usually $15, was $5 for us. So my usual cheap self was able to enjoy the park for what it is and not keep wondering if the experience was worth the price. We had a perfect day of no heat, no crowds and little money spent. Perhaps we'll have a different experience when we go back, but after today, I know we will return. Plus, we still have the zip line to do!

In 1985, I snorkeled Hanauma Bay and in the reef I couldn't move a leg without touching a fish. Sadly, 27 years later, the fish are few and far between. I was told over and over to arrive at 6 before the crowds. My 7 year old daughter and i did just that and avoided parking fee ($1) and entrance fee (which we wouldn't have paid anyway as military members are free). Most importantly, we avoided the crowds of people. I would have gladly paid an entrance fee to support the efforts that are going on there to retain what bit of reef and sea life is still there.
We walked an incline down to the bay and watched the sun rise. My daughter put on her snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) and I wore swimmer's goggles (as I was too cheap to buy another snorkel set and I can hold my breath for a pretty good length of time). At first my daughter was hesitant in the water and didnt want to take her feet off the floor of the ocean. If you arrive after 7, you watch a mandatory video on how to treat the reef and what to do. Since we were early, there was a gentleman at the front gates who directed us not to step or walk on the reef. So at first we had to walk around the reef but once my daughter got a hang of floating over it, the fun began! We saw turquoise and orange fish, black and white spotted ones, and a plethora of other fish. I was able to stop comparing the experience to my first time as the wonder and excitement of being there and watching them dart around you takes over. I felt giddy. I felt like a little kid.
We took two breaks and within 2 hours, the beach was beginning to fill up. My daughter said she wanted to do one last go and we were so glad she did. At the last time in the water, we swam with a Honu ( a green turtle). At the risk of sounding cliche, it was magical. Of course we never touched him or tried to pet him and we kept a good distance between ourselves and him, but he was beautiful and it was the highlight of our trip.
So all in all, go early, respect the reef and it's inhabitant and have fun. Rediscover nature and become a kid again doing it.

Sometimes my kids want a beach, sometimes my kids want a playground. At Bellows Beach, they don't have to choose. Bellows beach rivals Kailua and Lanikai, but on the days I have been there are definitely less people. (Mind you I havent gone on the weekends when it is open to the public. It does tend to get more windy, but that's when my kids pop over to the castle shaped, milk jug material playground and enjoy the fun while I can still stare at the turquoise water while still keeping an eye on them. The water can have a pull and there are jellyfish but the beach is straight out of the show "Lost" and truly is a piece of paradise.

My seven year old and I did this hike on our last trip to Oahu. Even though at five she hiked Diamond Head on her own, this hike had her a little winded. The beginning climbs quickly and is in full sun. We didnt feel any breeze until about an hour into it (she was making a lot of stops for water). It may just have been her mood that day, but this wasnt the easiest for her. We saw a lot of people wearing their babies or pushing strollers but didnt pass too many kids walking themselves. Dont get me wrong, it's doable and it's fun and it's worth it in the end when you get to the view, but our time hiking was extended because of the heat and my daughter stopping for breaks. The views are spectacular and it felt good "work out" after hanging out at the beach on Waikiki. Bring lots of water and wear sunscreen!

Hands down, Kailua Beach is my favorite place on Oahu. Two years ago it was a hidden gem, but now that it is known as Obama's favorite vacation spot, it has become a bit more populated and some what exploited. BUT, the water is still the color of turquoise and the sand is still white. The waters are swimmable and good for body surfing. My four year old began his day in floaties but took them off after awhile as long as I was standing right next to him. Many people rented kayaks and took them out to little islands a few hundred yards away. I didnt think my seven year old was quite ready for that, but in two years if we go back, that will be the first thing we do. The bathrooms are clean (as much as beach bathrooms can be) and there are a few trees for shade if you are lucky enough to get them. But the water, oh the water! Did I mention it was turquoise? From April to October there are often man-o-wars (jelly fish like guys) who show up and my daughter did get stung this time around by them. The lifeguards were really helpful and told us to rinse off the wound and gave us a heat back to put on it. The pain was gone within a half an hour but its still a bummer so beware. Next time, we'd definitely ask the lifeguards how the day was looking before we got in the water. The town of Kailua is about a half mile away and now that they have a Whole Foods, I'd suggest picking up some lunch there and making a day at the beach.