Staying in Ko’Olina for your family’s Hawaii vacation? Here’s a list of our favorite things to do while you are here!

Capture your family’s vacation memories with a sunrise photo session

You just came from the mainland US for your Hawaii vacation and your kids are waking up SUPER EARLY. Why not harness that morning energy and get your family photos done at sunrise? The smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and beautiful skies make sunrise the PERFECT time for family photos in Ko’olina.  In the summer on Oahu the sun rises earlier then 6 am!

I know what you’re thinking, that doesn’t sound like a great time. BUT, the earlier in your vacation you are, the more likely it is that your kids will be waking up at their normal time, which might even be 6 hours earlier than you had hoped 🙁 Those kids are going to be waking up anyway, why not get out of the hotel and off to a fun adventure.

If you’d like to see our packages and galleries visit our family page here: http://totoandmeme.com/familes

Eat breakfast with your kid’s favorite Disney Characters

Have you heard about the fun Disney Character breakfast at the Makahiki Restaurant in Disney’s Aulani Resort? Eating breakfast with Disney characters is definitely something my kids would love to do, and would be the perfect addition to your Hawaii vacation!

Did you know that you don’t have to be staying at the Aulani to book a breakfast with Mickey? You can come from any location on island, and booking it in advance (45 days ahead) is the best way to go. You can reserve your breakfast by calling or reserving online here: https://www.disneyaulani.com/dining/table-service/makahiki.

If you had a photo session before the reservation, making a 7:30 or 8 breakfast reservation would work well. 

Plan a beach afternoon

After your full morning of photos and breakfast, its definitely sounding like a great time to “go beach”( as the locals say). Ko’Olina’s lagoons are famous for their clear snorkel-able water where you will see fish, and sometimes a turtle or two.

The Ko’olina lagoons are the perfect kid-friendly beaches with almost no waves. This shallow water gives peace of mind for parents with young kids who don’t swim well, and that’s why it’s my family’s go to beach day location, since we have kids aged 2-9.

Another great perk about hanging out at the Ko’Olina lagoons is that you can go grab a treat at the Disney Aulani resort, even if you aren’t staying there. Want a mickey shaped shave ice or popsicle, or even a Dole Whip? Head over to Little Opihi’s to get one to bring back to your lagoon!

Paradise Cove is a great beach to visit with less restrictions than the other lagoons. If the public parking is already full, you can pay to park in the shopping center by Mekiko Cantina and walk over. The downside to this beach is that there is no shower or public restrooms, so plan accordingly.

Pros include a large tree shaded area, and the opportunity to see lots of wildlife. Paradise cove is frequented by Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. We’ve even seen manta rays there!

Your Hawaii Vacation memories captured

We know that taking pictures of your family vacation is one of the hardest parts. Plus, of all the pictures taken on your vacation, how many of them have you in them ?(I’m looking at YOU mom!) That’s why we always recommend taking time to capture those memories.

Book your session now: https://enzoramirez1.sproutstudio.com/book/68c6807c3d6125.21224728