Allison from OutdoorOhana,com sent me a link to her site a few weeks ago and I was extremely impressed. There is a ton of good information on child-friendly outdoor activities on Oahu, including the all-important shade factor. Coverage is primarily hikes as well as a bit of swimming (less thorough but still good). I am going to be posting a few samples of her content to give you a taste but I highly encourage all families (both locals and visitors) to consult OutdoorOhana.com for great ideas on the great outdoors. Here's a post after the jump. And feel free to tell us your family's favorite Hawaii activity spots (with a shade premium, of course).

LIKEKE FALLS

The Likeke Trail to Pali Falls is a great hike for kids. It’s 1.4 miles roundtrip if you start from the Ko’olau Golf course. This is a section of a 4 mile hike from Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. You can start at the lookout and end at the falls if you have a shuttle car to take you back. Do apply insect repellant…

Treachery: some slippery roots and rocks, but no more so than any windward hike. The falls were very tame (it’s August so less rainfall) on our hike today but during winter and spring there could be much greater flow. The pool could be a bit deeper and the footing trickier.
Lunchspot: a good stopping point is at the falls - there are some rocks to sit on.
Sun exposure: It’s shady the whole way!
Exertion: Easy incline. Our group of hiking kids included 3 3yr olds and a 2 yr old (oh, and my infant). The kids could hike the whole trail on their own with helping hands along the way.

Trailhead directions: Park in the back parking lot of Ko’olau Golf Course - keep going straight as far as you can past the main entrance and park in the last lot on the right. The trailhead is a road that goes uphill behind the treeline. You’ll see a water tank in about 100 yards. Go left just before the water tank - the trail enters a dense forest. Follow the trail as it turns into a very old road - this is the ancient Pali. At 0.3 miles go right at a large tree (you’ll see a picture of the junction in the album for this hike). This trail takes you to the falls.

—Alex, 11/17/08