Planning your itinerary is highly advised if you’re thinking of taking the family to Oahu, regardless of whether you’ll stay at one of the best family hotels in Honolulu or just drop by.
The kids (and mom and dad, too) will have a lot more fun if you plan what you’re going to do before you get there.
Honolulu is a great family vacation spot since it has many things for kids of all ages to do.
Miles of beaches, dolphin encounters, museums, and zoos are just a few of the family-friendly activities available in Honolulu.
Here are 12 of the top family-friendly activities in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Dolphins and You
Dolphins and You offers dolphin swims in the azure waters of Oahu.
You’ll have the chance to splash around with friendly dolphins off the Honolulu shore after chanting a simple Hawaiian chant.
Along with these exciting opportunities, you may also check out stand-up paddleboarding and Oahu’s tallest boat water slide.
Ukulele performances and hula dances complete the excitement.
Additionally available are cheeseburgers and pineapple juice.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is on Honolulu’s list of great family activities.
The Hanauma Harbor Nature Preserve, hailed as one of Hawaii’s top natural resources, provides fantastic snorkeling opportunities in its distinctively curved bay.
You may get up and personal with various marine species that reside on the reef in Hanauma Bay.
The City and County of Honolulu also established a comprehensive conservation strategy to protect the marine ecology covered in the marine education center.
The beach has restrooms, changing rooms, and bathhouses.
The beach also offers storage lockers and rentals for snorkeling gear.
- Waikiki Beach
A trip to Waikiki Beach is a must for anybody visiting Honolulu.
One of the most well-known places in Hawaii is Waikiki, located on the city’s southern shore.
Waikiki, formerly the favorite vacation spot of Hawaiian aristocracy, is now one of the most well-liked travel locations worldwide.
Waikiki, the primary hotel and resort in Oahu, provides miles of magnificent beaches to discover.
Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most well-known sights, is also located there.
Waikiki beach is the ideal location in Honolulu if you’re seeking family-friendly activities.
Waikiki Beach is the ideal location to learn how to surf, boogie board, or simply splash around in the warm, tranquil, and beautiful seas.
- Magic Island
You should undoubtedly visit Magic Island Lagoon if you’re seeking one of the top family activities in Waikiki.
Numerous activities are available for kids of all ages on this man-made peninsula, located on the eastern edge of Ala Moana Beach Park on the south shore of Oahu.
Families vacationing with young children will find the lagoon’s large seawalls and quiet, shallow waters very convenient.
Additionally, lifeguards watch over the water.
Sandcastle construction and excavating are both made possible by soft sand.
You can also go fishing, surfing, bodyboarding, scuba diving, and other water sports on Magic Island.
Both concessions and restrooms with showers are accessible.
Trees at tables shade the best places to have a picnic.
- Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Fort DeRussy Beach Park is one of the best family-friendly places in Honolulu, Hawaii. This 71-acre beachside military reservation is nearly entirely open to the public.
Most of Waikiki Beach is occupied by Fort DeRussy, making it the biggest beach in the neighborhood.
Honolulu is a fantastic spot for family enjoyment, with so many fascinating things to do.
Playing on the beach and the surf is fun for you and your family.
There is a sizable, shaded playground area with fun activities for kids.
Make dinner for your family using the grills and picnic tables.
Utilize the racquetball, pickleball, and volleyball courts as well.
Additionally, there is a U.S. Army Museum to tour.
There are two public bathrooms located at each end of the beach.
There are no concessions, so bring your food and beverages.
- Kapiolani Park
Kapiolani Park is a vast area of verdant land that extends out from the Diamond Head crater and is named Queen Kapiolani.
Because the park contains so many family-friendly activities, it is one of the greatest venues for families with children of all ages.
Visit the Honolulu Zoo to view various animal species and tropical plants.
Attend a performance or concert outside at the Waikiki Shell.
Play a game of soccer or a tennis match.
There is also a 3-mile running path and an archery range.
The ideal location for an outdoor family lunch is a shaded picnic area.
Make sure to attend the Royal Hawaiian Band’s free concert if you arrive on a Sunday afternoon.
There are also public restrooms available.
- Ala Moana Beach Park
Almost everyone may find something to enjoy in Ala Moana Beach Park.
The park’s most notable feature is a half-mile stretch of white sand beach.
All ages of children can safely play in the calm water.
A beach nearby, a sizable grassy shaded area, picnic tables, tennis courts, and even a yacht club.
One of the three concession stands will sell drinks, or you can bring your food and have a picnic lunch.
There are also numerous public bathrooms available.
- USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see on every Honolulu vacation.
You and your family can learn about one of the most historically significant events in American history—the attack on Pearl Harbor, which resulted in the United States entering World War II—at Pearl Harbor, one of Hawaii’s most visited tourist destinations.
The USS Arizona, a Navy ship that sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor and is still recognizable underwater today, will be honored when you tour the memorial.
The “Be a Junior Ranger” program, which includes an interactive scavenger hunt, is open to kids.
- Kuhio Beach
One of the most well-liked locations among locals and visitors alike is Kuhio Beach, a portion of Waikiki Beach situated on the south shore of Honolulu.
The beach is divided by two concrete barriers, creating a tranquil swimming area.
The reason Kuhio Beach is frequently called “Kuhio Ponds” by locals and why it’s such a fantastic place for kids is because of the tranquil water.
In addition to swimming, you may bodysurf and go snorkeling.
Lifeguards are on duty, and food booths, public restrooms, and showers are accessible for your convenience.
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
For families looking to get outside and take in Honolulu’s natural beauty, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, also known as the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline, is one of the most well-liked hiking paths on the island of Oahu.
Kids can safely hike the rather easy trail.
You can enjoy the breathtaking views of Makapuu Beach, Koko Head, and the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai as you go along this trail.
While trekking, pause at Makapuu Point and check out the enormous tide pools.
Naturally, you’ll also want to stop at the Makapuu Lighthouse.
Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget to pack some food and water.
- Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum, Hawaii’s top cultural and natural history institution, offers information on Hawaii’s dynamic and diverse culture.
The Pacific and Hawaii’s cultures, histories, and environments are highlighted in various displays.
There are 25 million artifacts to discover, reflecting the Pacific region’s history and culture.
The displays consist of several iconic galleries, such as the Hawaiian Hall, the Pacific Hall, and the Picture Gallery, as well as rotating special exhibits.
The J. Watumull Planetarium, the first planetarium in the Pacific, is located inside the museum.
- Honolulu Zoo
Families must visit this 42-acre zoo and botanical garden.
It’s the perfect location that will amuse everyone, including babies.
The zoo is home to numerous animals and is located within Kapi’olani Park, not far from Waikiki Beach.
You’ll see American alligators, several turtle species, skins, Burmese pythons, cheetahs, spider monkeys, Asian elephants, Black rhinoceros, and African wild dogs.
Explore at your speed or participate in one of the unique activities, like Snooze at the Zoo, where you may spend the night at the zoo, or Twilight Tours, available on Friday and Saturday evenings after the zoo closes.
Concessions are sold at the Honolulu Zoo, or you can bring your food and drink.
Ample restrooms are available, and a gift shop sells souvenirs.
Be sure to wear comfortable footwear.