There is an abundance of things to do in Oahu with kids. My kids have been lucky enough to Oahu, Hawaii twice and experience all the fun. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Oahu besides hitting up all the various beaches and boogie boarding.
11 Things to do Oahu with Kids
Hanauma Bay, Oahu
Hanauma Bay is a state park and does require a fee to get in! Your kids will love snorkeling here. It is shallow, so they will be able to see all kinds of fish with little effort on their part. This area was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. Here you will find not only a stunning beach but the best snorkeling in Oahu. Be careful to not touch or walk on the coral while visiting. And do not forget that they are CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!
The Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is not far from Waikiki. The Zoo is 42 acres and home to 905 different animals from the tropics. Komodo Dragons, orangutans, elephants, primates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of African animals. They also offer “day camps” allowing children of various ages to explore the many aspects of the zoo and its animals. The camps engage keiki using games, crafts, discussions, walk-abouts and technology, appropriate to each age group. Children can explore a variety of topics from animal anatomy to the methods of scientific research in studying animals. (808) 971-7171
Sea Life Park Hawaii
Sea Life Park Hawaii – Ever wondered what it’s like to be an animal trainer? With a paying adult, kids 8 to 12 can feed and snorkel with stingrays; hug, kiss and watch a dolphin perform tricks; get up-close to adorable penguins and sea lions; and have the exclusive opportunity to see a wholphin, a hybrid cross between a whale and a dolphin. (808) 259-2500
Dolphin Quest
Daily Dolphin Quest programs at the Kahala Hotel & Resort offer an array of activities with dolphin education as the focal point. Kids can interact with these amazing animals in the comfort of the shallow waters through touching, feeding, and game playing. (808) 739-8918
Waikiki Aquarium
Whether by day or night, inside or outside, the Waikiki Aquarium makes learning about the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific fun and exciting. The Waikiki Aquarium offers a variety of classes and programs including nighttime excursions. (808) 923-9741
Honolulu Museum of Art
Hawaii’s premier art institution Honolulu Museum of Art offers art classes for kids and parents. The special courses allow preschool-age children and their parents take on projects in painting, printmaking, clay and more. All supplies are included with the class. (808) 532-8700
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument has the Keiki Ranger Activity Book (for ages 3-6) and Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt (for ages 7-12). The activity books, which can be downloaded online, allow children to make meaningful connections to history and what happened that fateful day on December 7, 1941. Upon completion of the activity book, an official Junior Ranger Badge is awarded. (808) 422-3300
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center encourages children to explore, discover, imagine, and dream. It provides a world-class environment that is interactive, participatory, and designed to inspire children to reach new heights of learning and discovery. (808) 524-KIDS
Dole Plantation
At the Dole Plantation, families can learn about Oahu’s agricultural history and contemporary landscape through exciting and educational activities. Ride the Pineapple Express, a vintage-style train that takes guests through working agricultural lands with spectacular views. Then, spend the rest of the day tackling the Pineapple Garden Maze, a more than two-acre botanical maze named the largest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. (808) 621-8408
Hawaii Nature Center
The Hawaii Nature Center is a resource center to help people of all ages to appreciate and respect the outdoors. It provides locals and visitors with opportunities to connect with Hawaii’s unique natural environment through hands-on, educational programs, and is especially dedicated to educating children. (808) 955-0100
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii offers a variety of age-appropriate slides and attractions, making it the perfect place to enjoy safe, secure and extreme fun under the sun. The park, which is located in the city of Kapolei, about 30 minutes from Waikiki, is Hawaii’s only water park. (808) 674-9283
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a 400 acre botanical garden that features rare and endangered plants from Hawaii, Polynesia, Malaysia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The garden offers a wealth of environmental experiences and educational programs that families will enjoy, including a 32 acre lake, walking trails, picnic areas, on-site campground, crafts, cloud-watching, and other activities. (808) 522-7060
Have you taken your children to Oahu? What were your family’s favorite things to do? Share them in the comments below.
Be sure to check out our Oahu travel guide, before you go!
