Aloha Reader!

Here's something I wish more families knew before they started planning: the activities are not something you figure out once you get there. The good ones sell out. Sometimes months out. And finding out your must-do luau has no availability for your dates is a really deflating moment when you're excited about a trip.

So let's talk about what to book, when to book it, and a couple of things to watch out for.

Before anything else, check the fine print.

If anyone in your family wants to do something like ziplining or an ATV tour, look up the weight restrictions before you get attached to the idea. These are real limits that operators enforce, and finding out at check-in is a lot worse than finding out at home. Same goes for age minimums on boat tours and water activities. A quick scan of the details before you book saves a lot of disappointment.

What I'd book first, by island:

On Oahu, if you want to do a luau, I always send families to the Toa Luau. It's intimate, it's beautiful, and it books out well in advance for summer dates. Book the Toa Luau here.​

On Maui, the Four Winds snorkel trip to Molokini is my go-to recommendation for families. It's a great boat, the crew is good with kids, and Molokini is one of those Hawaii experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype. Morning trips book out faster than you'd expect. Book Four Winds here.​

On Kauai, the Na Pali Coast is non-negotiable for me and a sunset dinner cruise is one of the best ways to see it with kids. This is the tour I recommend. Book it here.​

On the Big Island, this cultural ATV tour is one of my favorite family activities in all of Hawaii. It's unique, the kids love it, and it gives you a completely different perspective on the island than most tourists get. Book it here.​

How far out should you book?

For summer travel, I'd aim for 3 to 4 months out at minimum for popular tours and luaus. Some of the most in-demand options start filling up even earlier than that. If you're reading this in March and your trip is July, now is the right time.

The thing families don't always realize is that these aren't theme parks with unlimited capacity. A boat holds a certain number of people. A luau has a set number of seats. When they're gone, they're gone, and you're left trying to find a backup that wasn't your first choice.

Book the things that matter to you now. You can always plan the beach days later.

Talk soon,

Marcie