Best Things To Do With Kids in Honolulu, Hawaii

The best family activities on Oahu, Hawaii. Personally tested with children, infant to college aged. These are some of the best on the island.

1. Waikiki Beach - Yes it is where all the tourists go, but they do have  breakwall that makes for a wave-free beach for infants and toddlers. They also have outrigger canoe rides, boogey board and surf board rentals and lessons. My favorite for families with small children.
2. Hike Diamond Head - Just short of 2 miles each way, the hike can be challenging for those 5 - 8.  Bring a carrier if you have young ones.  Kids will enjoy counting the 99 steps and the “cave” that you get to walk through on the way up. Beautiful view. Website
3. Kualoa Ranch - Horsebackriding and ATV tours. Minimum age for horseback riding is 10 and 4′6″ or taller, and ATVs is 16. Short horseback rides for kids 3-7. Jurassic Park and King Kong movie tour, fun for older kids and fans of the movie. My personal favorite is the 2 hour horseback ride.  Website
4. Polynesian Cultural Center - Great for the whole family. Lots of activities. See the luau as well. Whole day activity.  Website
5. Helicopter Tour -  Suitable for all ages. Great way to see the island, waterfall and mountains. Warning that noise and height may be scary for young children. Website
6. Contemporary Museum - In my opinion, the best museum on the island. Great for all ages. Beautiful grounds. Don’t leave without exploring the grounds behind the museum and the food at the cafe. If you are there in July, don’t miss Art Spree at the museum. So fun for kids 2 - 10.  Website
7. USS Memorial and Pearl Harbor - Worth a visit. Toddlers and young children won’t appreciate it, but Website
8. Waimea Falls Park - Lush and green. Fun to watch the cliff divers. Bring your suit if you’d like to swim in the pools. After your visit, spend the afternoon at Waimea Bay Beach (across from the park entrance). Beautiful sandy beach. Some adults may enjoy the rock jumping. Be careful to high surf in the winter.
9. Turtle Bay Resort - Great accomodations and location for North Shore activities. Can often see sea turtles off shore. Website
10. Hawaii Children’s Discovery Museum - Hands on activites, educational games and role playing for kids. Great place to take a break from being in the sun. Best for age 1.5 - 6. Open Tuesday - Friday (9 am - 1 pm) and Saturdays and Sundays (10 am - 3 pm). Bring a picnic and stroll on the grassy park next to the museum.     Website
11. Airplane Gliders - For the adventurous and fearless. Two seater gliders. Teenagers will love the aerobatics flight.  Website
12. Haleiwa Day Trip - Drive to the other side of the island. Some fun local shopping and great food in Haleiwa. Don’t forget to try some Matsumoto Shaved Ice.  More info.
    
13. Sunset Beach - Great 2 mile long beach with good snorkeling and  tidepools.  Can have high surf advisories in the winter.  More info.
    
14. Ehukai Beach - Home to the famous Pipeline. Good to playing on the shore and running up and down the high sand banks. I do not recommend swimming as the waves are huge in the winter and during the summer there are often stinging seaweed and jellyfish. More info.
15. Shark’s Cove Beach - Great place to wear your reef shoes and do a bit of wading or snorkeling. Great snorkeling although watch the strong current. Kids will enjoy wading in the tidepools. More info.
16. Honolulu Zoo - Across the Street from Waikiki Beach. Fun for kids.  Go before 11 am as parking will be a challenge in the late afternoon. Website
17. Kailua Beach Park - Beautiful beach, but can get VERY windy.  Great for windsurfing or sunbathing.  More info.
18. Dole Plantation - You don’t have to love pineapples to go. They have a garden tour, maze and train ride.  Note: The ground is red dirt and will stain.  If it is raining be prepared for dirty kids if they attempt the maze. Don’t leave without trying the pineapple frozen yogurt. It’s delicious. Website
19. Iolani Palace - Guded tours. Historical and pretty. Website
20. Sea Life Park - Very small. Cute dolphin and sea lion show.  Fun small playground for kids. Can swim with dolphins. Website
21. Hanauma Bay - Not the best beach or snorkeling, but unique in that is in a crater.  Entrance fee and must watch safety video. Tourist attraction, so will get crowded. I prefer to spend my days elsewhere.  Website
22. Waikiki Aquarium - On the beach, about one mile south of the main line of hotels on Waikiki beach. South of the volleyball courts.  Small aquarium, but still enjoyable for kids.   Website