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Family Travel Forum's guide to Oahu's finest attractions for the family interested in wildlife and the island's marine wonders.

Friends warned us that Honolulu was just another congested big city. But while Oahu (known as the "Gathering Place") is undeniably more developed than neighboring islands, it's a lovely Hawaiian island with much to offer.

For those who point out Honolulu's excess of stores and restaurants, I say that's precisely what makes Oahu so accessible and family-friendly. Everything we needed -- from supplies to gifts and snacks -- was at our fingertips. The many malls can make a fun afternoon's outing and the entertainers that gather to attract passersby always seem to make kids smile.  And we could walk everywhere - well, almost.

And yet, when we wanted to block out the street scene, we headed for the seclusion of our oceanfront hotel - the Sheraton Waikiki (808/922-4422). Our room faced the ocean and Diamond Head Crater - and unless you walked out the front of the massive hotel, which faces downtown Honolulu, you wouldn't know how close it is to the city.

Walk-in Attractions

It makes sense to explore Honolulu on foot. On our way to the nearby zoo and aquarium, we strolled past the beach and watched surfers and swimmers. If your kids are like mine, pausing to watch the surfers can become a full day's activity. Ask your hotel concierge to recommend a local instructor if they sound like they're ready to try the sport, as many first-timer lessons are largely on land.

A large Banyan tree marks the Honolulu Zoo (151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu 96815; 808/971-7171) entrance. The zoo is fairly small and is lush with tropical plants - an ideal one or two-hour outing with children. Animal exhibits range from African Savanna and Tropical Rain Forest to Pacific Islands.

Nearby is the Waikiki Aquarium (2777 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, 96815; 808/923-9741), home to more than 3,000 marine animals from Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. At this well-designed aquarium, we saw reef sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, mahi-mahi, sea dragons and living coral. The staff was friendly and eager to explain things to us.