Whenever life feels a little too overwhelming (or honestly, a little underwhelming), my mind goes straight to Hawaii. It's the kind of place where the air feels lighter, the beaches are calm, and the biggest decision of the day is whether the pool or ocean should come first.

As a single mum, those little mental getaways happen more often than I'd like to admit. But lately, I've been thinking… why not make it a reality?

Except my reality is that I'm travelling with a very energetic seven-year-old, who is significantly less interested in lying horizontal by the pool all day.

So, instead of planning a trip that only fills one of our cups, I started thinking differently about what would actually make this feel easy and doable as a duo. Turns out the secret isn't cramming our Hawaiian itinerary, it's picking the right 'home base' for us on holiday.

Here's exactly what I've mapped out for our holiday in Hawaii's capital, Honolulu, on O'ahu — the island known as "The Gathering Place".

Where we're staying in Honolulu

While there's plenty to see in Hawaii, I've realised the right accommodation can make or break the experience. Especially when you're managing a kid's energy levels solo. You need a space where both of you can switch off (emphasis on you).

That's how I landed on Aqua-Aston Hospitality. After plenty of research, I picked the Aston Waikiki Sunset in Waikiki, and it immediately felt like the kind of place that would make this trip easier, not harder. It's a condo-style option that's budget-friendly (which, in this economy, matters), without feeling like we're sacrificing on family comforts. Here's what won me over:

• The fully equipped kitchen. Not because I plan on cooking anything ambitious, but to have the flexibility of throwing together a couple of easy meals (I know my kid will actually like) means we're not constantly eating out.

• Separate bedrooms. A game-changer for my rest! It means my daughter can wake up at the crack of dawn and watch her very overstimulating kids' shows in peace, while I get a fighting chance to caffeinate before engaging with the day. Everyone wins. It's also the kind of setup that works if my parents decided to join us, with enough space for everyone to have their own downtime, without feeling like we're all living on top of each other.

• On-site laundry: A small but mighty detail. If you've ever travelled with a child (or, in my case, someone who regularly wears half their meal), you'll understand why this matters. It means we can both stick to one checked bag without the looming fear of running out of clean clothes halfway through the trip.

• The location: It's central, walkable, and only minutes from the beach and nearby family-friendly attractions, which is a lifesaver when you're met with "my legs are too tired" approximately every 20 minutes.

The property also features a pool, BBQ areas, and even a fitness centre. Realistically, I won't touch the gym (let's stay honest!), but I like knowing it's there in case 'holiday me' becomes a completely different person.

Aston Waikiki Sunset room views. Image: Aqua-Aston Hospitality.

If we end up extending the trip or planning a return visit, I've already got my eye on a couple of their Maui properties — Aston Kaanapali Shores and Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas.

Both lean a little more into that relaxed, beachfront resort feel, with a pool, beach access and plenty of space for families. They still keep those practical touches like kitchens, laundry and separate living spaces, but with a slightly slower, more laid-back pace.

What we'll see, do, eat in Honolulu

As much as my algorithm is feeding me endless options of things you 'must-do or see', I'm focusing on balancing a mix of day trips, shorter activities and low-effort days. As a single parent, I'm determined not to end up with an overtired kid and a holiday that feels like you need another holiday to recover from it.

Activities and sightseeing

Although Pearl Harbor is a key attraction tourists would flock to, we're dedicating a full day to it because both my daughter and I are history buffs. We'll aim to get there early and explore the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum to bring everything to life in a way that still keeps it engaging. On the way, we'll stop at Koa Pancake House, because a big breakfast feels like the only way to set ourselves up for a day like that.

The Kualoa Ranch UTV tour is high on our list. Not only is it fun zooming around open fields, but it's also where Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates were filmed, which makes it even more exciting.

We'll also do the classic Dole Plantation stop, mostly for the iconic Dole Whip, but it also features a maze and a train tour, which feels like an easy win.

One thing I'm really excited about is the Dolphins & You tour. It's a bit of a bucket list moment — sailing at sunrise and encountering dolphins, whales and turtles. It also includes a slide off the boat and snorkelling. I'm not sure which one of us is more excited.

And if we're up for something a little more structured, the Polynesian Cultural Center is also on the list. It's more of a full-day experience than a quick activity — filled with beautiful Polynesian demonstrations, performances and traditional food.

For slower days, I like the idea of driving through Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens. It looks so picturesque and feels like it's straight out of a movie — with jagged green mountain walls and a serene lake.

We'll also mix in a few scenic, low-effort stops like the Halona Blowhole and the Byodo-In Temple — the kind of places that feel worth it without turning into a full-day commitment.

And if we're lucky, we might make it to Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach), where you can sometimes spot turtles resting on the sand — just like its name suggests.

Speaking of beaches, we'll rotate between:

• Waikiki Beach: easy, central, no thinking required

• Ala Moana Beach Park: calmer water, more space

• Lanikai Beach: considered one of the best beaches in the world

If we're feeling ambitious, we might try paddleboarding on Waikiki Beach. We're also open to a hike if it's "realistic" for us! The Diamond Head State Monument and Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail both seem manageable. They're scenic, relatively short, and less likely to end in complaints of exhaustion from either one of us.

Restaurant and cafe recommendations

Arguably one of the most important parts of this trip. And something my daughter and I are equally excited about. I've mapped out a mix of go-to spots, quick wins, and a few places that feel worth planning our day around.

For breakfast and easy starts, we'll rotate between Island Vintage Coffee, Koko Head Café, and Bogart's Café. And then a couple of more "treat" stops: Holey Grail Donuts, Daily Whisk Matcha, and Maruwu Seicha.

For our shared love of Japanese food, we'll absolutely be heading to Kaimuki. We're eyeing off Kaimuki Shokudo, Totoya Kaimuki, and Maguro Brothers.

My TikTok research has told me Monkeypod Kitchen is worth a special stop (for the vibe, the live music, and apparently the pie), as well as Leonard's Bakery (the malasadas are apparently a must).

For something a bit more viral, we'll be trying YogurStory, mostly for the ube pancakes.

Also, shave ice from… literally anywhere. Because realistically, we'll be stopping for one at least once a day.

Bringing the Hawaii itinerary together

The more I've planned this trip, the more I've realised that a "no-fuss" holiday isn't about doing less, it's about setting yourself up properly from the start.

Having our central home base be Aston Waikiki Sunset means we're not constantly navigating logistics, rushing between activities, or trying to make everything fit into a rigid schedule. We can come back, reset, and head back out when it suits us.

And that's really the goal — a trip where there's something for both of us, without it feeling like hard work to make it happen.

If you're planning a family trip to O'ahu, it's definitely worth exploring their range of properties and finding a setup that works for you. Because once that part is sorted, everything else becomes a lot easier.

Check out Aston Waikiki Sunset , Aston Kaanapali Shores and Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas and other Aqua-Aston vacation rentals, resorts and hotels across Hawaii.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Aqua-Aston Hospitality

Aqua-Aston Hospitality is a collection of resorts, boutique hotels and condo-style stays across Hawaii, designed for travellers who want more space, flexibility and a sense of living like a local. With fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas and on-site laundry across many properties, guests can settle in comfortably for longer stays while still enjoying hotel-style amenities such as pools, concierge services and beachfront access. Across the four major islands — Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island — each property is positioned in prime locations that make exploring effortless. To find out more about Aqua-Aston Hospitality and its portfolio of stays, visit aquaaston.com