Oahu encapsulates the best of Hawaii, and its family-friendly attractions make it a great place to explore with children. Here are some you might enjoy.
Hawaii children’s discovery centre
Designed to appeal to children’s senses, with interactive exhibits, activities and role-playing areas, a special area for under-fives, and a drop-in art program.
Polynesian cultural centre
Features the people and cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand, Fiji, the Marquesas, Easter Island, Tahiti and Tonga. There are walking tours, shows, movies and village demonstrations and special child-oriented activities throughout the day. General admission tickets allow free re-entry on each or any of the next three days the centre is open, so you have more than one day to explore.
Waimea falls park
Features cliff diving, hula performances, music demonstrations, free guided tram tours and a self-guided tour through tropical gardens, recreated ancient Hawaiian living sites and exotic flower collections. There is a children’s Jungle Trek play centre, and swimming or wading below the falls between performances.
Honolulu Theatre for youth
A family-oriented theatre company presenting new plays and old favourites on Saturday afternoons for different age groups.
Waikiki aquarium
Offers “face-to-fin” views of sea life, including coral, giant clams and seals. The family can enjoy a self-guided tour or take part in one of the family-oriented community programs.
Honolulu zoo
Features animals, birds and reptiles from the Pacific islands, African Savannah and tropical forest. There is a Keiki (Children’s) Zoo and Discovery Centre and activities include family Twilight Tours (ages 4 and up) and Zoo Strollers for toddlers and their parents. Reservations are required/recommended for most activities. Plan to visit in the morning, when the animals are most active.
Hawaiian railway society
Open Sunday afternoons and offers a fully narrated 13-mile rail trip using vintage locomotives, a beautiful ocean view at Kahe Point, train-yard displays, a picnic area and a gift shop.
Dole pineapple plantation
It has a visitor’s centre, gift store, koi pond, and pineapple themed food and refreshments. Entrance to the plantation is free, but there are fees for the Pineapple Express (a 20 minute narrated train ride through the plantation), the interactive self-guided tour of eight different gardens, and the world’s largest maze.
Atlantis adventures
Takes you into the undersea world in electrically powered submarines with large viewing ports travelling to depths below 100 feet. There is a minimum height restriction (36″).
Star of Honolulu
They offer whale watching (in season), and dolphin and cultural cruises. Family-friendly activities include the Wild Dolphin and Lunch cruise, billed as an eco-tour for all ages, and the Waikiki Fun and BBQ cruise.
Hawaiian water adventure park
Water fun and slides for all ages and a Keiki Kove, an interactive playground for younger children with waterfalls, mini-slides, water cannons and more. There are showers; lounges, tubes, floats and lifejackets are free; and you can rent lockers and towels.
Trolley rides
Waikiki Trolley has four narrated tour routes stopping at historic landmarks, attractions and popular shopping centres. One and four day passes allow unlimited boarding and re-boarding.
Rainbow Trolley runs every 20 minutes, stopping at historic landmarks and popular shopping centres. One day passes for adults and children can be purchased from trolley drivers, at tour desks or at the main office.
Kailua beach park
A family-friendly fine sand beach with warm, usually calm, ocean waters which is less crowded on weekdays. There are lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, showers and a concession stand. Between June and September be on the lookout for stinging limu seaweed and Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, and always look for and obey all postings and warnings.
Waikiki beach
A two-mile stretch of white sand on Oahu’s south shore, including a sheltered beach area with a breakwater (Kuhio Beach). This busy spot is surrounded by hotels and tourist facilities. Evening entertainment includes free events like the Sunset on the Beach family movies and a Hawaiian music and hula show at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
Kaimana beach
Soft white sand, shallow, calm waters and no strong currents near the shore. It lies between the World War 1 memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaiman Beach Hotel. There are showers and restrooms in the Natatorium.
Ko Olina lagoons
Four protected man-made lagoons with sandy beaches, calm waters and grassy, shaded picnic areas. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers and a concession cart. You should still keep an eye on ocean conditions and obey warnings and postings.
Enjoy!