Activities in Honolulu and Oahu

Bishop Museum

Address 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI Map, Tel 808.847.3511 Call, Website

The Bishop museum is the best place for your kids (and you) to learn more about Hawaii. Hawaiian Hall houses the largest collection of Hawaiian artifacts in the world, with many drawn from the Royal Collection. There's a hands on area for kids, and many of the artifacts will hold appeal for kids as well. Start here before your kids get too tired. more

Childcare at Poppins Keiki Hawaii

Address 2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Map, Tel (808) 931-8086 Call, Location 4th floor of the Sheraton Waikiki., Reservations Preferably 24 hours in advance Website

This state licensed drop-in childcare is conveniently located on the fourth floor of the Sheraton Waikiki. It is one of the few programs that accepts babies as young as three months old (though children 2.5 and under are limited to no more than 5 hours of care per week. more

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Address 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy. Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786 Map, Website

I went here with my family way back in 1993 when I was 8. To this day, it stands out as one of the highlights of the trip. We packed a picnic and made our way to the center of the pineapple maze for lunch. My siblings and I ran around and played tag in the maze for hours. You can also sample different varieties pineapples...heavenly! more

Happy Kids Childcare Oahu

Tel 1.888.669.1991 Call, Website

Happy Kids Nanny Referral Service is used by many hotels on Oahu and I tried it myself (anonymously and at my own expense) during my stay at the Aulani Resort. After filling out a web form describing our needs, I was matched with a nanny who arrived with a backpack full of activities. She had been working for the agency for 2 years and had been a nanny for a family with triplets before that. I felt comfortable leaving baby Eilan with her, and she was able to take him around our resort (but not to the ocean) so that they had an enjoyable morning together. Rates are $20 per hour with additional charges for late nights or holidays. more

Hawaii Children's Discovery Center

Address 111 Ohe St., Honolulu, HI Map, Tel (808) 524-5437; Call, Website

If you need to get out of the sun for a little while, this small children's museum will work perfectly. Separate rooms house exhibits about our towns, our bodies, hawaii, and world cultures. There's also a rotating special exhibit. Check the museum's website for special events. more

Honolulu Surfing Museum

Address 2300 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI Map, Tel (808) 791-1201 Call, Admission Free, Location Adjacent to the Jimmy Buffett Restaurant on the Upper Lobby Level of the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber Website

If your kids are interested in Surfing, take the time to wander through this free museum which houses Jimmy Buffett's collection of surfboards and surf memorabilia. more

Honolulu Zoo

Address 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Map, Tel (808) 971-7171 Call, Website

This is a nice zoo which is reasonable to see with little ones. I went twice in one day with my 2 year old! It's also located right next to very nice parks along Waikiki Beach, so very easy to combine with a beach outing, restaurants, and the Aquarium. more

Honolulu's Chinatown

Address King and Kekaulike, Honolulu Map, Website

Honolulu's long-established Chinatown district is sleepy and calm compared with the nonstop bustle of San Francisco or New York's Chinatown districts. Still, if your kids haven't seen the exotic fruits and vegetables, buckets full of fish, that typify any Chinatown district, this is a great place to wander. As a bonus, you may see and try produce that isn't imported to the Mainland. Arrive before noon to see the market in action and have lunch at one of the many noodle shops or Chinese restaurants. more

Polynesian Cultural Center

Address 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, Hawaii (HI) 96762 Map, Tel 1-800-367-7060 Call, Website

The Polynesian Cultural Center is high on my list of things to do next time we're on Oahu (our time was just too compressed on this trip to make it work). Most of the publicity you'll see is about the center's luau, but during the day there are hands-on exhibits where families can learn about 8 Polynesian cultures including games, language, crafts, music and history. more

Saturday Farmers Market at Kapiolani Community College

Address 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816-4421 Map, Tel 808.848.2074 Call, Location Parking Lot C, Hours Every Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Website

This true farmers market is a great place to introduce kids to Hawaiian produce. You will find products that are not normally available in stores, and you'll be able to ask questions of the people who grow or make them. Don't worry though, it won't be all fruits and vegetables - rumor has it that the shave ice here is the best on the island. more

Sea Life Park

Address 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy Waimanalo, HI 96795 Map, Tel (808) 259-7933 Call, Website

Sea Life's small size makes it an easy place to visit with small children who cannot walk long distances. Tanks are lowered, making them easy for young children to see into. A small cafe offers hamburgers, hot dogs and other kid-friendly food, but you might prefer to pack a picnic and visit one of the nearby beaches. more

Waikiki Aquarium

Address 2777 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI. 96815 Map, Tel 808.923.9741 Call, Website

This is a very well done aquarium. Not that large, mostly inside, but very manageable for little kids and probably interesting for older ones who have the patience to look at the many gorgeous varieties of fish. Touch tanks, too! more

Ala Moana Beach

Best Beach to take the kids. Lots of sand and not a lot of big waves. Toddlers can sit on the edge of where the water comes in and play in the sand and water at the same time. I like to bring my sand chair and sit there with them! Lots of parking during the weekdays. During weekends - you also have to deal with locals who also want to enjoy the beach. Close to Waikiki more

Dole Plantation

Address 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, HI 96786 Map, Website

At Dole Plantation my kids love to ride the Pineapple Express train, feed the Koi fish and eat Dole Whip. The pineapple garden gives kids a chance to see pineapple growing up close. We've also done the giant maze there and our son loved it. And a bonus when traveling with kids - nice restrooms! more

Fireworks on the beach by the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort

Address Waikiki, HI Map, Tel 808-949-4321 Call, Website

Sand! Fireworks! Staying up "late"! What more can a kid ask for?! :) more

Go to Kailua beach or Lanikai beach, Go to children's discovery center(like children's museum),Hula

My husband grew up in Kailua-Kailua beach is a great beach! So is Lanikai beach.
Children's discovery Center is great for kids to learn about cultures and people of Hawaii.
Aquarium, is small, but worth while(new and very nice).
Hula show in Waikiki about 5-6pm great! Plus it is free more

Hanauma Bay

Address 7455 Kalaniana 'ole Hwy Honolulu, HI 96815 Map, Website

They charge $5 per person, to preserve the area. The fish are unafraid of people because they have never been hurt or caught before. Hundreds of colorful Hawaiian fish will swim up to your body. It is like swimming in a fish tank, but it's in the ocean. Incredible experience, but go early to get a parking spot. more

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center

Address 111 Ohe Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Map, Tel 808 524 5437 Call, Website

Children between 0 and 10 will love this museum. Lots of hands on activities all geared for children to enjoy and learn from.
For example, walk through a stomach to observe digestion, pick pineapples from a farm. more

Hawaiian Fire Surf School

Address 3318 Campbell Ave Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 Map, Tel 808-737-8908 Call, Website

Hands down the best activity on Oahu! The instructors were great and really gave the kids 1 on 1 training that got them riding waves the whole time. more

Honolulu Zoo

Address Waikiki Map, Website

It's small, and easily walkable for the family. Local dishes are served, along with shaved ice.
Nice, friendly zoo. more

Iolani Palace

Address 364 S King St Iolani Palace Honolulu, HI Map, Tel (808) 522-0822 Call, Website

Iolani Palace is simply gorgeous, and a great place to show kids another element of Hawaiian history while appealing to their Disney-side. The best time to go (except in regards to crowds!) is on Fridays when there is a noon concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band in full regalia. more

Kapiolani Park

Address 3902 Paki ave, Honolulu, HI? Map, Tel (808) 545-4344? Call, Website

This is a fun place to fly kites! more

Ko olina resort lagoons

Located on eastern shore of Oahu about a 45 minute drive. There are 4 lagoons open to the public and free parking is available but limited. The waves are small and great for younger kids. There are umbrellas already set up (and they're free!). Again these are limited. We went late in the afternoon and virtually had the beach to ourselves. You may want to bring food/ snacks as there aren't many restaurants or stores nearby except maybe in the hotels. Picnic tables are scattered throughout and there is also a grassy area next to beach. Also the changing areas were the cleanest we saw during our stay. more

Paradise Baby Co. Baby Equipment Rental Oahu

Address Moaniani St, Waipio,HI 96797 Map, Tel (808)561-1061 Call, Website

Paradise Baby Co. was voted Best Baby Equipment Rental Oahu 2012 by Honolulu Magazine. Packing and traveling with kids can be a handful for any parent. Paradise Baby Co offers top of the line baby gear with FREE delivery and pick up to your hotel or vacation rental. Rent full size cribs, car seats, stroller, high chairs, toys, beach gear, bikes and so much more. Why not have all the luxuries of home with you on your trip. FREE delivery and pick up island-wide Oahu! more

Rainbow Travel

Address Kauai Hawaii Map, Tel 808 212 5031 Call, Website

I have a baby equipment rentals company on Kauai. We rent all gear for babies. more

Shimazu Store

Address 330 N. School St. #B, Honolulu, HI 96817 Map, Tel (808)371-8899 Call,

The perfect place for a cool yummy Hawaiian Shave Ice (snow cone) after a day at the beach.
They have so many flavors! Closed on Mondays so plan accordingly. more

snorkeling in aulanis lagoon!!

Address 92-1185 ali'lnui drive,kapolei hi 96707 Map, Tel 18086746200 Call,

It is small enough not to be too intimidating
and children get an up close personal look at some beautiful fish that are native of Hawaii. what could be better? !! more

The Byodo-In Temple

Address 47-200 Kahekili Highway Kaneohe, HI 96744 Map, Tel (808) 239-9844 Call, Website

The Byodo-In Temple, while not the place to bring your rowdy child, is one of the most gorgeous buildings in O'ahu and provides an opportunity to show more than just the beaches. If your child doesn't appreciate the architecture or the history, then the peacocks and the phenomenal koi pond will surely grab their interest! more

USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor

Address 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 Map, Tel (808) 422-0561 Call, Website

My son absolutely loved this. Granted he is a WWII buff, but I think any kid would be interested in seeing this part of history. My kids loved the boat ride to the memorial and were full of questions about the sunken ship. Our visit really sparked a lot of discussion about the tragedy. I really suggest the audio tour to keep the kids engaged. more

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park

Address 11 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, HI, 96818 Map, Tel (808) 423-1341 Call, Website

Kids age 4 and up can walk aboard a real submarine and see what life was like at sea. more

Waimea Valley

Address 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale`iwa, HI 96712 Map, Tel (808) 638-7766 Call, Website

Waimea Valley is a great place to go with kids, and with a paved path is good whether you have a toddler in a stroller or an older child. The botanical gardens are gorgeous and show off the best of O'ahu. The real gem is the stunning waterfall, and you and your older children can swim right up beneath it with a watchful lifeguard off to the side. Other activities include traditional story telling, Hawaiian games, and even Hula lessons. Great for all children! more

Wet'n'Wild Hawaii (Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park)

Address 400 Farrington Highway Kapolei, HI 96707 Map, Tel (808) 674-9283 Call, Website

This 29 acre park has everything from inner-tube slides, to a wave pool, and a spray area for very young children. more