Oahu is the perfect destination for a Hawaiian family vacation. With beautiful beaches, fun activities, and a rich cultural and historical experience, it is bound to be a vacation your family will never forget! Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Oahu with kids!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book a reservation through the provided link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
10 Things to Do in Oahu With Kids
Table of Contents
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay State Park
- Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
- Stop by Halona Blowhole and Beach Cove
- Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Take in the Wiews at Nuuanu Pali Lookout
- Swim at Lanikai Beach
- Experience the Polynesian Cultural Center
- Cliff Jump at Waimea Bay
- See the Turtles at Laniakea Beach
- Spend the Afternoon at Waikiki Beach
- Bonus: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Bonus: Kualoa Ranch
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay State Park
Swimming in an ancient volcanic crater is one of the most memorable things to do in Oahu with kids.
Hanauma Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in Oahu and is also one of the best places to snorkel on the entire island.
It was even voted the Best Beach in the United States by Doctor Beach in 2016.
This protected bay is a nursery ground for Green Sea Turtles and is home to a wide array of vibrant ocean life, particularly Parrotfish.
Snorkel sets are available for rent for $20, or you can bring your own.
Make note that the lifeguards clear everyone out of the water 45 minutes before closing and the parking lot gates shut promptly at closing.
If you plan to visit, you must reserve tickets 2 days in advance. The tickets are released at 7 am and they go fast! The cost is $25 per person, and kids 12 and under are free. Parking is an additional $3 cash only.
If you are unable to secure a ticket online, they do release 300 walk-in passes each morning on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The gates open at 6:45 a.m. and the passes are usually gone by 7:30 a.m., so come early.
Hanauma Bay is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. See the Department of Parks and Recs website for updated details as it can change.
From the parking lot, there is a short but steep walk down to the visitor center, but shuttles are available.
Not only is it a beautiful and pristine beach, but it is also a conservation area used to help educate visitors about protecting marine life.
If it is your first time visiting Hanauma Bay, you will be required to watch a short 9-minute video about conservation and the rules for visiting the park.
Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is a 1.6-mile roundtrip trail to the summit of Le’ahi, the Diamond Head Crater. The crater was formed between 300,000-500,000 years ago during a violent eruption.
The trail has an elevation gain of 560 feet. The first 0.2 miles is along a paved pathway. The remainder of the hike follows a series of steep switchbacks on volcanic tuff along the interior crater wall.
As you near the summit, you’ll also need to climb 176 steep stairs and pass through a 225-foot lighted tunnel.
The hike is challenging, but our kids managed fine as long as we took rest breaks along the way.
Be sure to pack plenty of water. The trail is exposed with very little shade so avoid hiking in the heat of the summer.
I will say that the hike up isn’t nearly as scenic as I was expecting. Keep in mind that you are hiking up the interior of a crater so there is not much vegetation.
We also visited in the middle of a dragonbreath summer so the surrounding landscape was a varying shade of brown.
However, once you reach the top, you are rewarded with the most perfect postcard-worthy view of Waikiki.
Diamond Head also holds historic military significance. The trail was originally constructed as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system.
A Fire Control Station was erected at the top and was used to control artillery fire from outlying batteries. Today visitors can see the remains of military bunkers and a lighthouse.
Parking is $10 per vehicle, free to local residents with ID. The last entrance to the hike is 4:30 pm and the parking lot gates close promptly at 6 pm.
Stop by Halona Blowhole and Beach Cove
The Halona Blowhole is easy to access and is worth a quick roadside stop.
It is located less than 2 miles north of Hanauma Bay along Kalaniana‘ole Highway, one of the most scenic roads on the island.
Thousands of years ago molten lava tubes were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. The hollow tubes are filled with the surging water of the Pacific Ocean, sending a geyser as high as 30 feet into the air.
The blowhole is most impressive in the winter months when the waves are more violent. Just use caution and do not get too close.
When we visited in June the water was calm and we didn’t see any action at the blowhole. However, it is still worth a stop.
Halona in Hawaiian means “lookout” and from this point, visitors can see for miles across the iridescent sea.
There are also interesting rock formations that are fun for kids to climb and explore. From December through April, it is even common to see whales breaching the surface in these waters.
While you are there, be sure to take the nearby staircase down to the secluded Halona Beach Cove below the scenic lookout.
This little pocket of paradise was made famous by the iconic love scene on the beach in the 1953 Hollywood Classic, From Here to Eternity. This is also the location of Whitecap Bay on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
There is also a lava tube cave that you can access from the shore. You are free to explore the cave when the tide is low and the water is calm, just bring a flashlight.
Sandy Beach, a world-famous body-boarding beach, is also located about a mile north of the blowhole.
Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a somber and educational experience. It will allow history to come to life for your kids as they learn the details of the events that took place that dark day in December 1941.
Visiting the site and seeing the USS Arizona up close will be something they will always remember. When they learn about it in school they will have their own knowledge and experience bank to draw from.
Visiting Pearl Harbor is free of charge. Within the complex, you will find a visitor center, museums, exhibits, a bookstore, a theater, and a dock to shuttle visitors by boat to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Tickets are required to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. The tickets are free, although there is a $1 service fee, but there are only a limited number available each day so you’ll need to make reservations in advance.
Tickets are released at 3 pm HST 8 weeks in advance. A limited number of tickets are also released 24 hours in advance.
Avoid tour operators that charge you to visit the memorial, unless you need transportation.
Your scheduled tour will begin at the Memorial Theater where visitors will take a short shuttle boat ride to visit the memorial site.
The memorial building has been constructed above the submerged USS Arizona where the remains of over 900 servicemen and women lay entombed.
There is an open area where you can look down and see the ship just below the surface.
Just past the viewing area, you’ll find the Shrine Room. Here, you’ll find the names of all 1,177 crewmen from the USS Arizona who lost their lives in the attack.
Another list honors the survivors who have chosen to have their ashes placed inside the ship after they have passed away.
Lou Conter was the final survivor of the attack on the USS Arizona. He passed away in April 2024 at 102 years old. He was only 20 years old at the time of the attack.
It’s a great opportunity for your kids to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. Especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
You can see other parts of the ship submerged underwater and appreciate the scale of just how large the ship was.
You can even see the oil that still leaks out of the sunken ship. The 1.5 million gallon oil tank was topped off the day before the attack in preparation for a long voyage. It leaks about one gallon a day and it is estimated that it will take about 500 years before it is empty.
After having time to reflect at the memorial, the shuttle boat will take you back to the visitor center.
The memorial complex also includes a museum with two compelling exhibit galleries. The museum is filled with information, artifacts, hands-on exhibits, and a film about the events leading up to the attack, the attack itself, and the aftermath.
Outside the museum, you’ll find a walking path with interpretive exhibits and informational plaques along the shore of the harbor.
My kids were fascinated with the size of the real anchor!
The path also leads to the Remembrance Circle which has been erected to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day.
There are a few other sites that can be visited in Pearl Harbor for an additional fee.
These include the USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
*Related post: If you’re looking for more things to do in Oahu, check out our guide to The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List!
Take in the Wiews at Nuuanu Pali Lookout
You don’t need to travel very far out of the bustling city to reach one of the most impressive lookouts on the entire island.
A short five-mile drive north of Waikiki on the scenic Pali Highway will transport you to a different world with untamed beauty.
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout, also known as “The Window to the World”, lies 1,200 feet above sea level.
You can see the wild shoreline and sparkling sea on one side, and the ominous rainforest-shrouded Koolau Cliffs on the other.
This site is also a historic landmark. This is the location of the 1795 Battle of Nuuanu against the King of Oahu and the invading force of Kamehameha I, King of the Big Island.
The fierce and bloody battle was won by King Kamehameha and aided in his effort to eventually unite all the Hawaiian islands under one ruler.
Hundreds of soldiers chose to jump from the cliffs to their deaths rather than surrendering. Centuries later, road construction crews have uncovered over 800 skulls at the bottom of the Pali cliffs.
Parking is $3 and the lookout is often windy and cold due to the high elevation, so bring a jacket.
Swim at Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is continually ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
It is said that Lanikai translates to “Heavenly Sea”, which perfectly describes the ocean caressing this sugary beach.
The calm warm water is protected by a barrier reef so it is perfect for swimming with kids.
The crystal clear water is also great for snorkeling and there are two small islands that can be reached by kayak.
The long strand of shoreline makes it feel as if you’re relaxing on the powdery shores of your own private tropical beach.
Parking can be tricky as it is in a residential area and there is no designated parking lot. This means that the beach is generally less crowded than other more popular beaches in Oahu.
Parking is available along the side streets in the neighborhood, just be respectful and do not block any driveways.
There are also no public restrooms or garbage bins, so plan accordingly and pack out any trash you bring.
If you have the time and are feeling ambitious, try the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. The 1.8-mile roundtrip trail leads up to old military pillbox bunkers and captivating views.
Experience the Polynesian Cultural Center
Immerse yourself in a cultural experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
You’ll find authentic villages spread across 42 acres. Each village represents one of the six Pacific island nations of Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii.
Your visit will begin with an introductory film in the Pacific Theater, then you are free to explore the villages.
Each village offers a taste of that island’s culture through music, dance performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, and experiences.
Canoe rides and a daily cultural boat parade are also included with admission.
The boat parade was impressive with each island performing native dances and wearing traditional clothing while floating along the canal.
Keep in mind that the weather in Hawaii is always unpredictable. Hot and muggy one minute, cold and rainy the next.
We were melting into puddles while watching the boat parade, then the sky opened up and we were completely soaked as we scrambled for cover.
But the rapid change in weather guaranteed a rainbow every single day we were there.
For an additional charge, guests can also experience the Ha: Breath of Life evening fire show, an Island Buffet dinner, or the Ali’i luau dinner show.
We opted to add the Ha: Breath of Life evening show to our ticket and it was amazing. The fire dancing was mesmerizing to watch and the whole program was very well done.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open daily from 12-6 p.m. Check the website for updated ticket prices and hours.
A variety of packages are available that include the evening show and dinner options. You may want to consider purchasing a Go City Pass that includes discounted tickets to several attractions, including the PCC.
Be sure to also make time to visit the Hukilau Marketplace just outside the PCC. This marketplace is reminiscent of a 1950s Hawaiian market with cute shops, restaurants, and food trucks.
Cliff Jump at Waimea Bay
The North Shore has a decidedly more local feel with sleepy villages and a rugged coastline.
It is our favorite spot on the entire island and we have an entire guide with the Best Things to Do on the North Shore.
Our favorite town to visit is Haleiwa and one of our favorite beaches is about 5 miles north of town at Waimea Bay Beach Park.
The main draw to this beach is a massive rock situated on the shore that is perfect for cliff jumping.
There are ledges at varying heights that make it fun for kids of different ages.
During the summer months, the clear calm water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding.
In the winter, the monstrous waves can reach up to 30 feet making this a world-famous surf beach.
Waimea Bay is part of the “7-Mile Miracle” that is prime for big surfing waves. In fact, the Banzai Pipeline has been attracting professional surfers since the 1950s.
It’s a fun spot to watch the surfers in the winter, but don’t attempt to enter the water unless you are an experienced surfer.
The parking lot fills quickly so plan to arrive early. If the lot is full you can also pay to park at Waimea Valley 0.6 miles away and walk to the beach from there.
Restrooms, showers, and a grassy area with picnic tables are also available at the Waimea Bay Beach Park.
See the Turtles at Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is located 2 miles south of Waimea Bay.
It is nicknamed “Turtle Beach” and is one of the best spots to watch these gentle giants playing in the water and sunbathing on the shore.
For decades, the Green Sea Turtles have been frequenting these shores more than any other beach in Oahu.
The boulder-laden beach itself is beautiful with powder-fine sand and swaying palm trees.
The Green Sea Turtle is endangered and it is illegal to get closer than 10 feet.
There are roped-off viewing areas and volunteers keeping an eye on visitors to ensure that they are not getting too close.
The turtles are tagged, named and monitored. They have their favorite spots to sunbathe and signs are posted with information about that particular turtle.
It is possible to snorkel with the sea turtles, as long as you maintain a distance of 10 feet. The water can get quite rough in the winter so it is recommended to only swim in the summer months when the water is calm.
The beach is small and unmarked so it’s easy to pass by. Just put Laniakea Beach in your maps and keep an eye out for a small parking lot on the other side of the street.
Parking is free, but the small lot fills up quickly so plan to arrive early.
There is also limited parking along the highway. You’ll need to cross the busy road from the parking lot to access the beach, so use caution.
Spend the Afternoon at Waikiki Beach
Hanging out on the shores of Waikiki Beach is a must on every visitor’s Oahu bucket list.
It may be packed with tourists but it is an icon that can’t be missed!
The beach is located in the heart of downtown Honolulu across the street from trendy shops and overpriced boutiques.
Stop at a corner mart and pick up some inexpensive swimming tubes then lazily float the day away under the Hawaiian sun.
There are walls and nets surrounding the protected swimming area that are perfect for kids and families. However, the water can still get rough, particularly in the winter.
If you’re hungry, the beach is conveniently steps away from cafes, street vendors, and ice cream shops. The beach is clean and there are restrooms and showers.
Consider taking a Catamaran Snorkel Cruise to Turtle Canyon, or take a surf lesson.
My sister did this with her kids and was so amazed that even her 7-year-old was able to learn to ride the waves.
Just south of the beach, there is a large grassy park with picnic tables and the coolest Banyan trees.
The Banyan trees are known for their vertical roots that descend from the branches to the ground, creating a twisted maze that your kids will love playing in.
There is also a nice boardwalk perfect for an evening stroll while watching the sunset. You can even spot the majestic Diamond Head Crater from here.
Parking can be a little tricky, so I would recommend spending at least one night in a hotel near the beach.
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott and would highly recommend it.
It’s only a short 0.6-mile walk to the beach, it has a beautiful tropical pool and outdoor patio dining, and the rates are reasonable for Honolulu.
I hope this guide helps you discover unforgettable things to do in Oahu with kids as you plan your dream Hawaiian family vacation!
Bonus: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly hike, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is perfect for families.
The 2-mile roundtrip trail is paved the entire way and leads to some of the best lookout points on the entire island. See our Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Hiking Guide for all of the details!
Bonus: Kualoa Ranch
For a fun family adventure, book a tour at Kualoa Ranch.
Our kids especially loved the Jungle Expedition Tour where you’ll go on an off-roading adventure through the jungle to visit filming locations for Jurassic Park and other movies.
Pin it for later:
Particularly educational, look ahead to visiting again. Leona Thom Jeddy