Join Colleen and the girls as they travel to the breath-taking gem of Oahu! Here, the family kicks off their Hawaiian vacation by learning to make the traditional lei, a necklace pieced together with flowers and other natural elements, that’s gifted as a sign of affection and welcome. After the lei-making, they’re ready for adventure, setting sail on the Voyaging Canoe, Hawai’iloa, then taking a scenic horseback ride through the stunning Kualoa Ranch. To soak up more local Hawaiian culture, they head to the Bishop’s Museum for a historical look at Hawaii, then pay a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where they get hands-on experience with Samoan cooking, fire-making, and even Tahitian spear-throwing!

By this time, everyone is getting hungry for some local cuisine, and make a stop at Macky’s Shrimp Truck, an off-the-road food truck that offers delicious shrimp, vegetables, and fruit. They round out the meal with a visit to Matsumoto’s Shave Ice for one of their 1,000 different shave ice desserts. Of course, this fun-filled day wouldn’t be complete without a Starlight Lū‘au, where Colleen and the girls delight in some of the wondrous nightlife Hawaii has to offer.

The journey into the heart of Hawaii doesn’t end here! With films such as Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates both shot on location in this beautiful area, it’s only fitting that we take advantage of Kualoa Ranch’s Movie Set Tour. This not only teaches Colleen and the girls about the films’ and Hawaii’s history, but also gives them the opportunity to experience the scenery up-close and personal, as the tour is taken on horseback! Next, Colleen and the girls join in on surfing lessons and watercycling. They also get the opportunity to learn about of some very influential aspects of Hawaiian culture by partaking in hula and ukulele lessons!

After working up an appetite, the family is ready for some lunch! Today, they opt for a taste of sweet home Chicago at Hank’s Haute Dogs, owned by Chicago native Hank Adaniya. Once they’ve refueled, Colleen takes her daughters to learn even more about the abounding history and culture of Hawaii, beginning with a trip to the USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri, followed by a visit to the beautiful natural landmark of Diamond Head. To round out their delightful and adventurous day, Colleen and her girls enjoy some relaxation at Duke’s Waikiki, the original stomping ground of Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, who grew up surfing, swimming, and canoeing on this very beach. Here, visitors and locals alike can follow in Duke’s footsteps and enjoy a gorgeous scenic view of Diamond Head and the ocean, go for a swim or do some surfing, or even savor some delicious local drinks and cuisine. It’s like the very best of Hawaii all rolled into one fantastic location!