How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?

Hawaii is a child-friendly place. There are special diaper-changing rooms at most large shopping malls and airports.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?

This depends on the area where you are living. Certainly neighbors and colleagues can help with recommendations. Other resources are local religious organizations and churches that have mothers-day-out programs and day-care programs. For assistance with finding a nanny, contact nanny agencies or placement agencies that offer professional sourcing qualified care-givers.
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Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.

Like any other place, Hawaii has its risks and dangers, such as traffic and water safety. Always keeping an eye on your child is important in any surrounding and children should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?

It should be of no surprise that the beach is one of the favorite hang outs for kids. Hawaii's islands have beautiful beaches that stretch for miles. Kids love to swim in the warm waters and play in the sand. However, there are several other places that kids love to go.
Some popular places for kids to visit in Hawaii are:
  • Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park - located 30 minutes west of Waikiki, this is Hawaii's only water park. This adventure park is 25-acres of clean family fun and excitement.
  • Honolulu Zoo -- located in Waikiki, Oahu, the zoo is visited by approximately 750,000 people every year. It is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and is unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people. The zoo is full of many animals and is a great place to spend the day!
  • Dole Plantation -- located in Waikiki, Oahu, the Plantation welcomes nearly one million visitors a year. When you visit you can enjoy many attractions and activities such as the Pineapple Express, the Garden Tour and the Garden Maze. And, the Plantation sells more than 3,500 fresh and juicy Hawaii-grown pineapples at the store for customers to take home! Yummy!
  • Waikiki Aquarium -- founded in 1904, the Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the U.S. A part of the University of Hawaii since 1919, the Aquarium is located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline. While visiting, you can see many exhibits which focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific.
  • The Polynesian Cultural Center -- located in Laie, on the beautiful north shore of Oahu, this is a wonderful place to experience. Here you can enjoy the aloha spirit of the people, traditional feasts, great shows as well as eat great foods.
  • The Bishop Museum -- founded in 1899, the museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artefacts and royal family heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, and has expanded to include millions of artefacts, documents and photographs about Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures.
  • Maui Tropical Plantation -- no stay in Hawaii is complete without stopping by for a visit to the 60-acre working plantation. Here you will discover Hawaii's rich agricultural history and you can try many tasty samples!!
  • Maui Ocean Center -- your visit here will be a journey of discovery through the extraordinary underwater world that lies beyond Hawaii's surf-ringed shores. You will get to see live coral, fishes and plant life!!
  • Hawaii Nature Center -- this is a great educational experience to learn all about the environment and why the Hawaiian people want to preserve it and take care of it. At the center, it is their goal to make people aware and appreciate Hawaii's natural environment.
  • Kauai Children's Discovery Museum -- this is a non-profit museum where you can touch, see, feel and learn all about science and art.
For more information on these attractions, go to the websites below.
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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?

Most schools offer after-school programs and activities. Joining one of the many local sports teams (soccer, football, softball and basketball) is very popular. Kids here also enjoy going to the movies, game arcades and shopping with friends. And, they like to just hang out with their friends at each other’s homes.
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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?

Living in Hawaii as a teenager can be an exciting and a fun experience, yet of course many parents have their concerns about safety. Much of the life of a teenager revolves around the school that they attend and the neighborhood that they live in. Most teens are involved in some after-school programs, whether in sports or drama club. Teens can drive in Hawaii when they are 16 years old, which is a younger age than in many other countries. Parents should keep in mind that this can give teenagers independence from school buses and parent transport at a younger age.
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?

Your local school and neighbors are good resources in finding social groups for this age group. This type of thing is very community-specific. A good choice for all kinds of family activities is the local YMCA.
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I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?

The best way for anyone to learn the culture is to jump in and live it. Cultural diversity is also taught in the school system as well as at any public library. The easiest way to do this is to have them interact with local youths as much as possible. Also, it is recommended to travel to as many islands as possible to learn about the different cultures and lifestyles.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.