Want to take a trip to O‘ahu with kids in tow? Whatever your family enjoys—spending time at the beach, engaging with different animals, or exploring cultural sites—Honolulu has everything to make the trip memorable. The locals are friendly, the weather is beautiful, and it is very easy to entertain the keiki (kids) which allows for peace of mind for the parents.
On top of all this, Honolulu has many attractions other than just the beach; your family can relax and enjoy the island vibes while also learning a thing or two. From exciting tide pools to towering waterfalls, there are many fun and relaxing things to do in Honolulu. So get ready with your sunscreen, slippers (aka flip flops), and adventurous spirit.
Waikīkī Beach Days: Safe Shorelines and Sandcastles
Waikīkī is probably the most famous beach in Hawaiʻi and this is one of the best places for families to spend an afternoon. The most relaxing area? Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It is a shallow, artificial lagoon located next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and is great for keiki who are still learning how to swim.
There are no waves to upset the loose sand at the bottom, and there is some room to paddleboard, float, or just dig. There are also places to get snacks, restrooms, and shaded lawn areas to sit and have a bite to eat. For people on the main Waikīkī beach stretch, gentle waves that are great for splashing are a little bit further off, as well as some sand which is perfect for beginner surf lessons.
The Honolulu Zoo: Meet the Animal ʻOhana
Nestled between Waikīkī and Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo is a nice family excursion that can be easily completed in a few hours. The zoo is quite spacious, featuring tropical vegetation and large walkways, allowing even young children to walk around without getting lost.
There’s an elephant exhibit, a zebra display, a local bird section, a reptile house, and each exhibit is built with short attention spans in mind. There’s also a big playground at the main entrance which is most likely your child’s new favorite spot. A little tip: make sure to get there as early as possible to see the animals in their most active state and remember to bring your own bottles to refill during the visit.
Explore Underwater Worlds at Waikīkī Aquarium
For something both educational and fun for the young ones to do indoors, the Waikiki Aquarium is a great pick. It is smaller in size, which is perfect for younger children who may not be able to endure through larger aquariums. It is rich in color and life such as colorful coral reefs, jellyfish and the stunning Hawaiian monk seal. The aquarium is located next to a calm ocean walkway that extends from Kapi?
Hike to Mānoa Falls: A Mini Jungle Trek
For older children who enjoy the outdoors, hiking to Manoa Falls is an excellent activity for would-be island explorers. The trail wraps around a vibrant rainforest, a large bamboo forest, and many tall trees and it ends at a 150 foot waterfall. The round trip is about 1.6 miles which is not overly challenging, but it is not well suited for strollers.
Aside from this, however, the trail often appears to be from a fairytale, though mud will be plenty after rainfall. Sturdy sneakers or water sandals are the best footwear for this area. There is also a small café situated next to the parking lot which is awesome for snacks after a hike.
Cultural Fun at Bishop Museum
For families interested in Hawaiian heritage, the Bishop Museum should be on top as the first place to visit. The museum integrates interesting cultural exhibitions with interactive displays that kids will truly enjoy.
You’ll find everything from lava demos to Polynesian navigation tools along with a science center that has a massive volcano and areas for space-themed play. They frequently have live storytelling sessions as well as keiki-friendly workshops during holidays and weekends. Children have their fill of thrilling activities, and then it’s time to go out to shave ice.
Kids Surf Lessons in Waikīkī
Hawai‘i is famous for surfing and it’s an activity that, even for the youngest tourists, can be enjoyed in Waikiki. As a new surfer, it’s the perfect place to paddle out as the waves are mild and soft. Many Waikīkī surf schools have specially tailored lessons for kids with great instructors that are amazing, enjoyable, and prioritize safety.
Typically, classes begin with a land-based introduction followed by a balance and paddling session to catch the instant feeling of standing up on a wave. The joy on their face when your child rides a wave is absolutely incredible. Not to mention, it provides amazing cannon fodder for hilarious family videos back in Honolulu.
Sea Life Park: Marine Life and Dolphin Shows
A little drive from Honolulu takes us to the beautiful Sea Life Park which is perfect for a family stop-off of half or even a full day. Nestled between the ocean and Koʻolau cliffs, it is picturesque before even entering the gates. The breathtaking view only gets better from there. Inside, children have the opportunity to see sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Not to mention the dolphin show that the kids can attend as well.
Moreover, the touch and bird feeding experience is unlike anything else, in addition to the safe splash areas available. This is a great learning experience for the kids as not only do they have fun, they get to learn about marine conservation and ocean ecosystems of Hawaii.
Honolulu’s Best Shave Ice Spots
Flavorful, sweet, and loaded with tropical syrups, shave ice definitely defines Honolulu. It is simply shredded ice with processing that gives it the flawless design of a beloved keiki hat. After a fun day at the beach or after a long hike, my local favorites include Waiola Shave Ice either in McCully or Kapahulu as well as Island Vintage Shave Ice which is located directly inside the Royal Hawaiian Center.
Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park
Local families flock to Ala Moana Beach Park, while the artificial peninsula Magic Island provides a tranquil setting for swimming, picnicking, and running around. The calm lagoon is great for little kids and there are always beachgoers, paddle boarders, and sunbathers soaking in the atmosphere.
What’s even more remarkable? Shower and restroom facilities are nearby, as well as a lot of open green space, smooth scooter and stroller friendly pathways, and paved sidewalks. It’s one of those places where you can set up camp for the whole afternoon and just chill.
Hawaiian Railway Society Rides
Hop aboard a real narrow-gauge train for a unique keiki outing. The Hawaiian Railway Society in ‘Ewa offers weekend rides on historic rail cars that chug along a scenic route toward the ocean. The gentle rhythm of the train along with cellphone commentary make this a hit with most toddlers and train loving kids.
The early trains leave from the station in Ka‘ena Point and last about 90 minutes with a stop for ice cream. While it is not technically in Honolulu proper, it certainly worth the short drive for something a little different.
Honolulu Museum of Art’s Family Sundays
Art is not everyone’s cup of tea—unless it’s accompanied by paint, music, and some form of dancing. This is where Family Sunday activities at the Honolulu Museum of Art come in. These monthly gatherings include active art making, storytime, and imaginative play for children of all ages.
The museum grounds are calm and stroller accessible, and the cafe serves children’s sizes and healthful lunches. The museum also provides a break from fresh air excursions on onthose days when there are no events scheduled.
Kakaʻako Murals and Street Art Tour
Vivid, daring, and utterly unfettered, the street art in Kakaʻako is as if kids had free reign in a gallery, which makes it a perfect gigantic outdoor art space. The murals get replaced every year during the POW! WOW! Festival, and the neighborhood becomes an adventure on its own, especially for children who enjoy spotting crazy colors and characters.
There are several dessert shops and cafes nearby to make your walk more interesting. SALT at Our Kaka‘ako has places where kids can eat and relax between taking photos which is perfect for this age group.
Manoa Chocolate Factory Tour
If your kids are like most others and love treats, a trip to Manoa Chocolate’s tasting room is a fun stop. This factory specializes in chocolate and is located in the town of Kailua, which is approximately 30 minutes north of where Honolulu is located. They do short tours that explain how our tasty chocolate bars are made from cacao beans.
During the tour, you will sample many varieties of chocolate, and older children will love seeing the machines work. It’s an educational stop that is quick but very memorable.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Planes and History
For the plane enthusiasts, I recommend the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island. It may be necessary to take a short shuttle (included in the ticket), but pilots can spend hours enjoying the open hangars, vintage planes, and the interactive flight simulators that are set up in fixed base operator terminals.
Kids can touch, learn and feel history in a thoughtful manner that is convenient for their age. Pair it with a trip to USS Bowfin Submarine that’s not too far for a day’s worth of facts about the naval forces and proof that Honolulu’s history exceeds the beach.
Evening Hula Show at Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Enjoy a spectacular hula performance at the beach, which is the perfect way to kick off or wind down your day. The Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound stages early evening performances which include local musicians and breathtaking dancers.
Parents have the option to lay mats or towels on the grass and experience watching the sunset while the children enjoy it. Everything combined is stress-free, cultural, and friendly. Children will love being introduced to Hawaiian music and hula dancing through a fun and engaging environment.
Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Your Family Trip to Honolulu
Every good trip starts with setting the course for action, and this one is no exception so don’t be afraid to ask a local for advice. Don’t forget to bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles. Most places set a reasonable limit for kids under twelve receiving discounts, plus lots of them are stroller friendly with reasonably clean restrooms.
Make an attempt to locate shade at the beach to protect yourself while outdoor points of interest are best enjoyed during the early mornings. Relax and don’t lash out if it doesn’t go as you wish, you might capture affection moments of casually spending time with your children while enjoying some shaved ice and viewing what they truly enjoy.
Begin Your Keiki Adventure in Honolulu Today
Honolulu is perfect for families, offering various options from beachside relaxing to cultural learning. The city’s sunny weather, beautiful views, and friendly atmosphere ensure that even young tourists feel comfortable.
Your family can spot animals and oceans, or even just enjoy the open space, showcasing the joy this small island has to offer. Your family trip to Honolulu is bound to be filled with treasured stories, beloved pictures, and true “remember when…” moments that last long after the beach is left.
Ready to plan your unforgettable family trip to Honolulu? Let us help you create a custom Oʻahu itinerary filled with kid-friendly adventures, local tips, and stress-free travel planning. Whether it’s your first time to the islands or your fifth, our team at Hawaii Aloha Travel knows exactly how to make your family vacation feel effortless and fun.
Reach out today and let’s start building your dream getaway—because the best memories begin with a little aloha.
