Top Things to Do in Honolulu With Kids

Top Things to Do in Honolulu With Kids

Discovering family-friendly adventures amidst the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands is a dream come true, and Honolulu stands as a beacon of unforgettable experiences for both young and old. The capital city of Hawaii beckons families to create cherished memories together. From downtown Honolulu to other areas of Oahu, your Hawaiian vacation will be nothing short of magical.

Read more to see 30 kid-friendly activities in Honolulu and throughout Oahu.

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Free THings to DO in Honolulu

Hula Dancer Statue and Aloha Tower

Tropical Fish in the Harbor

1. Aloha Tower and Fish-Spotting along Aloha Tower Drive

Built in 1926, Aloha Tower stands 184 feet tall and looks out over the Honolulu Harbor and the ocean beyond. It was originally a lighthouse, but has since been converted into a marketplace area with restaurants and shops. Wander around the shops, grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage if you desire, and take pictures of this Honolulu icon. Then locate the Hula Dancer Statue for more Insta-worthy pictures. From there, head south along Aloha Tower Drive and peak into the water along the harbor to spot a wide assortment of tropical fish (the yellow tangs and moorish idols are my favorites!) in their natural habitat.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Hula Dancers Statue

2. Hilton Hawaiian Village

Take pictures in front of the hula dancer statues and watch the koi in the koi pond. My little animal lover could have stayed here watching the fish and ducks all day!

Duke Statue

3. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue

This Hawaiian icon draws crowds at Waikiki Beach, but Duke is worth the wait for a great photo.

4. Dolphins at Kahala Resort

Head south from Waikiki to Waialae and visit Kahala Hotel and Resort. This romantic resort has been there since 1964 and has a nostalgic but luxurious feel. Watch the dolphins, relax in the rocking chairs on the deck, and enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants.

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Beaches

5. Waikiki Beach

The busiest and most popular beach in Honolulu, Waikiki Beach attracts over 4 million visitors each year. Dive into the clear water and soak up the sun!

Playing in the Sand at Kahala Beach

6. Kahala Beach

If you prefer a beach with fewer crowds, head south to Kahala Beach, where you can walk along the soft sand, dip your toes in the water, and take beautiful photos with palm trees and log "benches."

Playing in the Sand at Ala Moana Beach

7. Ala Moana Beach

Another beach with fewer crowds is Ala Moana Beach, located near the Ala Moana Shopping Center and Ala Moana Regional Park. If you're lucky, you may wade out into the water and see schools of small fish swimming in the calm, shallow, crystal clear water around you.

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Shopping

8. Ala Moana Shopping Center

With an arcade, tons of shops, and a huge food court, you can easily spend a rainy afternoon having fun at Ala Moana Center.

9. Hilton Hawaiian VIllage Shops

With a large selection of shops, this is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for loved ones. You'll also find a large variety of dining options, so plan to spend a couple of hours here.

10. Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

Covering three city blocks, the Royal Hawaiian Center features high-end luxury brands like Harry Winston, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. You'll also find The Royal Grove within the shopping center, where you can catch free shows and various classes, like ukulele and hula lessons.

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Attractions

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

11. Iolani Palace

Your older kids can learn some of the history of Hawaii and enjoy the various displays throughout the historic Iolani Palace, which was built in 1879 and has been a museum open to the public since 1978. Iolani Palace is open Tuesday through Saturday.

12. Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Memorials

You and your family can easily spend an entire day at Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center was opened in 1980 and allows visitors to tour the grounds on which the bombing of Pearl Harbor took place in 1941. The USS Arizona boat tours run from 8am to 3:30pm daily. Both are free, but you do need a reservation for the USS Arizona. You can also locate the memorials for the USS Utah, the USS Missouri, and the USS Oklahoma.

13. Museums in the Pearl Harbor complex

The Pearl Harbor area is also home to a couple of museums: the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, which includes the USS Bowfin submarine and the Waterfront Memorial. Your older kids may enjoy spending time exploring the museums and learning the history of WW2, planes, and submarines.

Emmett loved the koi fish at the Honolulu Zoo!

14. Honolulu Zoo

This was one of our favorite things we have done in Honolulu. Your little animal lovers are sure to enjoy the Honolulu Zoo! With everything from large mammals like giraffes, elephants, and hippos, to birds, fish, snakes, and other reptiles, you'll find something for everyone.

15. Waikiki Aquarium

This small aquarium is part of the University of Hawaii and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. During your visit to the Waikiki Aquarium, you'll see fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and reptiles, like green sea turtles.

Hike to the Top of Diamond Head for Spectacular Views

16. Diamond Head Crater

Take your older children on a hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater. Entry is $5 per person, and you'll need to make reservations ahead of time, as they now limit the number of people who can enter the trail. This is easily one of the best places to get gorgeous panoramic photos of the city of Honolulu below.

17. Bishop Museum

Another education opportunity for your kids, Bishop Museum offers insights into the natural history and cultural history of Hawaii. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

18. Children's Discovery Center

Perfect for young children, the hands-on interactive exhibits at Children's Discovery Center are sure to keep your littles entertained for as long as you need.

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Restaurants

19. Teddy's Bigger Burgers

If your kids love burgers, this is the place to get them! Located just across the street from the Honolulu Zoo and close to Waikiki Beach, Teddy's Bigger Burgers is a must try!

20. Goofy Cafe and Dine

Offering organic foods, Goofy Cafe is worth the wait! Their pancakes are phenomenal, their loco moco is exceptional, and the service is excellent as well.

21. Pau Hana Place

For good food eaten al fresco, combined with live music, visit Pau Hana Place, across from Prince Waikiki near Ala Moana Park.

22. Duke's Waikiki

Popular with tourists, Duke's embodies the aloha vibe. Both the beachfront location and the food are excellent.

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Other Things to Do on Oahu

Though Honolulu is the largest city on the island of Oahu, you'll find many other things to do around the island, outside of Honolulu. Particularly if you have rented a vehicle, I strongly encourage you to drive to some of the other areas to see more of these fabulous attractions.

Dolphins at Sea Life Park

23. Sea Life Park

This is another one of our favorite places on Oahu. With dolphins, green sea turtles, an interactive aviary, penguins, and other marine life, Sea Life Park is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

24. Monk Seals

When you leave Sea Life Park, make your way to Makapu'u Beach and look out toward Kaohikaipu Island State Seabird Sanctuary and Manana Island State Seabird Sanctuary, where you may see monk seals lounging about.

25. Aulani, a Disney Resort

Head north from Waikiki to the Ko Olina area. Your little Disney lovers are sure to get a kick out of Aulani Resort. Whether you stay there on site or you visit for the day, there's fun for the whole family. Make reservations for the character breakfast to meet Minnie, Mickey, Stitch, and other favorites. Enjoy the many pools, including a lazy river and kiddie splash pad, have lunch at one of the other restaurants on site, and experience the Disney magic.

Polynesian Cultural Center

26. Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center on the north shore of Oahu is a great place to take your kids to learn about Hawaiian culture. With educational activities, regular talks and shows, and an authentic Hawaiian luau, you and your kids will learn about the local culture while also being entertained.

27. Hanauma Bay State Park

Hanauma Bay is a popular place to go snorkeling. Take your older kids and dive into nature!

28. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

Your active family can enjoy a nice hike out to Makapu'u Point, where you'll find a lighthouse and beautiful coastline. If you're there between November and April, you may even spot humpback whales!

29. Kailua Beach

With its white sand and calm waters, Kailua Beach is a great spot for your keiki (kids) to swim.

30. Dole Plantation

Head further north to the Dole Pineapple Plantation for a tour of the grounds and a taste of delicious Dole Whip, straight from the source.

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Honolulu is the perfect place to seamlessly blend relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, soak up the aloha spirit, and embark on an unforgettable journey that will leave your family with a lifetime of cherished memories. Aloha!

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