Family Travel to Hawai'i: Oahu with (Young) Kids

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Advisor - Lacey Hayes
Curated By

Lacey Hayes

  • Oahu

  • Hawai'i

  • Food & Wine

  • Beaches

  • Outdoors

  • Entertainment

  • Sightseeing

A view of a sandy beach with a city skyline along the coast in the background.
Curator’s statement

Honolulu, Hawai'i, is a special destination. There is no doubt that it's a top spot in the United States for beaches and fun in the sun. Honolulu is more than just Waikiki beach. It's a culturally diverse region of the island of Oahu. You will hear many languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Hawaiian and more. Honolulu is incredibly safe and welcoming and has so many non-touristy options for kid-centric activities, dining and hotels. I grew up in Honolulu, so it's always been a special place for me, and I love bringing my young family back to experience the island like a local.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Oahu

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu

Discover the beauty of Waikiki Beach at this iconic resort, offering breathtaking ocean views, luxurious accommodations and a variety of dining and entertainment options.

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Things to do in Oahu

A small child playing in the sand while wearing a blue bucket hat. There is a bright blue body of water in the background, as well as a city skyline and trees.

Beaches

  • Ala Moana Beach Park: This larger beach has plenty of space to spread out, and the water is like bathwater. There's also an adjacent park with picnic areas and public restrooms.

  • Kaimana Beach: A perfect little bite-size beach on the quiet side of Waikiki, walkable from all hotels. There is limited parking and a small park adjacent to it, but it's best to walk across the street to Kapiolani park; no public facilities.

Activities

  • The Port Waikiki Hilton Catamaran: Book tickets online for the first sailing and arrive early to line up (so you have a great spot on the boat), so conveniently located on the beach behind the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

  • Waikiki Aquarium: This is such a cute nugget of an aquarium; they utilize the space really well, and there is a generous amount of room in the back to run the little ones around.

  • Children’s Discovery Center: No reservation needed, this museum has something for everyone. The highlight for my child was the Hawaiian Airlines flight simulator.

  • Bishop Museum: There is lots to do here for the whole family. Witness art, culture, science and rotating exhibits as well as a planetarium where you can hear about the Hawaiian night sky.

Hikes

  • Diamond Head: This is an uphill hike (so maybe not the best for littles) that is affordable, close to Waikiki and quick. Some spots on the trail are rough so watch your step!

  • Makapu’u Lighthouse: This is a gorgeous paved hike with iconic views at every turn, and is not too long or steep. If you have a stroller, this is the hike for you (bring lots of sunscreen - there is no shade).

  • Manoa Falls: This is a great hike for slightly older kids (5+) over rocks and trees to the beautiful Falls. This is a beautiful misty, cooler hike in the mountains with ample shade, so this hike is wonderful if you want to hike but not in the blazing sun.

Play

  • Ward Center has a great playground area outdoors, and there is ample parking.

  • Kid City Adventure at Ward Center: Truly the most amazing and clean indoor play area I have ever seen with something for all the kiddos from babies and older (parents will be amused too). I highly recommend this, and eat at any of the nearby restaurants after, all within the same complex.

  • Ala Moana Shopping Center: There is a large "Luckey Climber" outdoor play area outside the Target rooftop entrance.

Places to eat & drink in Oahu

A man and small boy posing for an image on a white boat while holding onto a silver steering wheel.

All of these (less touristy) dining options have fabulous choices for kids with picky palates, allowing the adults to be happy too.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Advisor - Lacey Hayes

Travel Advisor

Lacey Hayes

Get in touch with Lacey

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Michelle & Justin Salzer guide, Beach-Lover's Guide to Oahu, Hawai'i.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawaii.