My daughter is at a very exciting age. She is learning quickly, remembering details, and drawing her own conclusions about the world around her. As we approach her 4th birthday and our family trip to Hawaii, I find myself thinking that this could be a trip she really learns from and enjoys. How can I help create the fascinating experience that I want her to have? Prepare her for the trip in advance!
The following are things I’m trying to get the kids excited about Hawaii and to deepen their appreciation during our trip!
Look at pictures from previous trips
Because we have family in Hawaii this is an especially good lead up to the trip. Last time we went HJ was 8 months old so we have tons of pictures. “Look! Here you are with your Auntie Isabelle,” “Look! Here you are with a sea turtle,” “Look! Here you are with a waterfall,” etc.
Since we’ll visit many of the same places this time, I’m hoping the kids will recognize them from the pictures.
Read about Hawaii
These are great because they are equally enjoyable for my 2-year-old and my 3-year-old.
Picture Books
Baby Honu’s Incredible Adventure
Coloring Books
These will be great for the plane ride over!
The Story of Hawaii Coloring Book
My Hawaii Coloring and Activity Book
The How ‘Bout Hawaii Coloring Book!
Read Aloud Chapter Books
I’ve only read one full-length chapter book to HJ so far, but she did great and I need to make this part of our daily routine. I’m going to start with the first book in this series and then skip right to the Hawaii one.
High Tide in Hawaii (Magic Tree House)
Listen to Hawaiian Music
This can also be a great way to get the adults fired up for vacation! Both of these are free to stream if you have Amazon Prime.
Authentic Hawaiian Luau Party Music
Hawaiian Music Ukelele and Steel Guitar
Learn about Hawaii from Movies or TV
These would also be great for the plane ride over!
If your kids love this one, you could grab a Stitch doll and have the kids take pictures with it on your trip. This could help get the kids excited for taking pictures and make a great souvenir of their trip.
This one is not set in Hawaii, but Hawaii shares a lot of history with the Polynesian Islands the movie was based on. The demigod Maui is featured in the movie and is based on a legendary character in Hawaiian (and other Polynesian) mythology. He was said to have given the secret of fire to the Hawaiians.
Anything else we can be doing to get a 2 and 3-year-old excited for a trip to Hawaii? If you’re headed there soon, check out my tips on visiting Hawaii with a baby.
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