What to do in Honolulu with Kids

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is not just a paradise for adults but also offers a plethora of activities for families with children. From stunning beaches to cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, Honolulu has something for everyone. If you’re planning a family vacation to this tropical destination, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do to keep the kids entertained. Here’s a guide to some of the top family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, beaches, day trips, places to eat, and family-friendly hotels in Honolulu.

Top Family-Friendly Activities

• Explore the Waikiki Aquarium: Take your kids on an underwater adventure at the Waikiki Aquarium, where they can discover fascinating marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
• Visit the Honolulu Zoo: Spend a day exploring the diverse wildlife at the Honolulu Zoo, home to over 900 animals from around the world.
• Discover the Bishop Museum: Dive into Hawaiian culture and history at the Bishop Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages.
• Take a Pearl Harbor Tour: Educate your kids about the events of Pearl Harbor with a family-friendly tour that includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites.
• Enjoy a Luau Experience: Treat your family to an authentic Hawaiian luau, complete with traditional music, dance performances, and delicious island cuisine.

Outdoor Adventures for Families

• Hike to Diamond Head Crater: Embark on a family-friendly hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of Honolulu and the surrounding coastline.
• Snorkel at Hanauma Bay: Introduce your kids to the wonders of underwater life with a snorkeling adventure at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine conservation area known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species.
• Go on a Family Surf Lesson: Learn to ride the waves together with a family surf lesson at one of Honolulu’s renowned surf spots, such as Waikiki Beach.
• Picnic at Kapiolani Park: Spend a relaxing day outdoors with a family picnic at Kapiolani Park, where you can enjoy lush greenery, playgrounds, and stunning views of Diamond Head.
• Take a Sunset Cruise: Treat your family to a memorable sunset cruise along the coast of Honolulu, where you can spot dolphins, turtles, and other marine life while enjoying the breathtaking Hawaiian sunset.

Beat the Heat Indoor Attractions for Kids

• Visit the Children’s Discovery Center: Beat the heat with a visit to the Children’s Discovery Center, a hands-on museum featuring interactive exhibits on science, technology, and Hawaiian culture.
• Explore the Hawaii Children’s Museum: Let your kids unleash their creativity at the Hawaii Children’s Museum, where they can engage in imaginative play and exploration.
• Bowling at Aiea Bowl: Cool off indoors with a family-friendly game of bowling at Aiea Bowl, complete with glow-in-the-dark lanes and arcade games.
• Indoor Rock Climbing: Challenge your family to a thrilling indoor rock climbing adventure at one of Honolulu’s climbing gyms, suitable for climbers of all ages and skill levels.
• Catch a Movie at the Ward Village Theaters: Escape the heat and catch the latest family-friendly movie at the Ward Village Theaters, featuring comfortable seating and state-of-the-art sound systems.

Best Beaches for Families

• Waikiki Beach: Relax on the iconic shores of Waikiki Beach, where families can swim, surf, and build sandcastles against the backdrop of Diamond Head.
• Kailua Beach Park: Escape the crowds and enjoy a day of tranquility at Kailua Beach Park, known for its turquoise waters and powdery white sand.
• Lanikai Beach: Discover paradise at Lanikai Beach, a picture-perfect destination with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Sunset Beach: Experience the beauty of Oahu’s North Shore at Sunset Beach, where families can watch surfers tackle massive waves and explore tide pools teeming with marine life.
• Hanauma Bay Beach: Snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Hanauma Bay Beach, where families can encounter colorful fish and sea turtles in a protected marine sanctuary.

Day Trips for Fun Family Adventures

• Explore the North Shore: Embark on a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore, where families can explore charming surf towns, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, and indulge in delicious shrimp plates from local food trucks.
• Visit the Dole Plantation: Take a scenic drive to the Dole Plantation, where families can navigate through the world’s largest maze, take a train tour of the plantation, and sample refreshing pineapple treats.
• Hike to Manoa Falls: Trek through lush rainforest to reach the majestic Manoa Falls, a family-friendly hike that rewards visitors with stunning views of a cascading waterfall.
• Explore the Waimea Valley: Discover the cultural and botanical wonders of Waimea Valley, where families can hike to a scenic waterfall, explore traditional Hawaiian gardens, and learn about indigenous flora and fauna.
• Take a Catamaran Cruise to Turtle Canyon: Hop aboard a catamaran for a family-friendly cruise to Turtle Canyon, where you can snorkel alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Best Eats for Kids

• Rainbow Drive-In: Indulge in classic Hawaiian plate lunches and tasty treats at Rainbow Drive-In, a local favorite serving up comfort food since 1961.
• Ted’s Bakery: Treat your kids to mouthwatering pies and pastries at Ted’s Bakery, famous for its delicious chocolate haupia pie and garlic shrimp plates.
• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Savor the flavors of Hawaii at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, where families can feast on succulent shrimp scampi served with rice and garlic butter sauce.
• Island Vintage Shave Ice: Cool off with a refreshing shave ice from Island Vintage Shave Ice, featuring a variety of tropical flavors and topped with sweet condensed milk.
• Duke’s Waikiki: Enjoy a family-friendly meal with oceanfront views at Duke’s Waikiki, where kids can choose from a special keiki menu featuring grilled cheese sandwiches, fish tacos, and more.

Best Hotels for Families

• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Experience the magic of Disney at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, offering family-friendly accommodations, themed pools, and character experiences.
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: Stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort for an unforgettable family vacation, featuring spacious suites, a water park, and daily activities for kids.
• Sheraton Waikiki: Enjoy beachfront luxury at the Sheraton Waikiki, where families can relax in spacious rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean and take advantage of amenities like the infinity pool and children’s club.
• The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort: Treat your family to a stay at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” offering elegant accommodations and family-friendly amenities.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk: Enjoy the comforts of home at Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, featuring spacious suites with separate living areas, complimentary breakfast, and a pool for the kids to splash around in.