16 Exciting Family-Friendly Activities on O’ahu, Hawaii

Hawaii has something for everyone. Many couples make Hawaii their honeymoon destination, but the islands are perfect for families, too! Here are 16 family-friendly activities on the island of Oahu!

Family-Friendly on Oahu

1. Go to a Family-Friendly Luau

Paradise Cove Luau is a top luau destination (arguably the best luau) on O’ahu, offering a traditional Hawaiian luau with sunset coastal views in Ko ‘Olina. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai and authentic Hawaiian foods, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit. During this 5.5-hour experience, you can watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Three dining packages are available, and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is also available.

2. Visit a Film Site

See where films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park and Magnum P.I. were shot! Kualoa Ranch offers 1-hour movie tours where a local guide will lead you to the Hollywood hotspots and provide background on the history of the ranch.

Tour the ranch by vintage bus to see filming sites for famous Hollywood movies and TV shows
Snap photos of locations used in Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, Lost, Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O
See the sparkling waters of Kaneohe Bay, featured in several scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean
Learn the history of the ranch and the area from an expert local guide

3. Take a Circle Island Tour

There are a number of circle island tours to meet a wide variety of schedules and interests. Here are some of my favorite!

10-11 Hours: The Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Waterfall – This 11-hour tour packs in a highly rated lunch plus a rare stop at Waimea Waterfall.
Oahu Grand Circle Tour with Snorkeling with the Turtles – See the Dole Plantation, the Halona Blowhole, Diamond Head, and Makapu’u Beach during this day-long outing, including snorkeling with green sea turtles on the North Shore. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is included.
Majestic Circle Island Eco Tour from Waikiki – This full-day tour from Honolulu visits the the Dole Plantation, the North Shore Beaches, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and Waimea Falls. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

4. Go on a Helicopter Tour

Experience the island like you’ve never seen it before, flying above island landmarks including Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ko’olau Mountains, Ka’a’awa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and more: 45 min Isle Sights Unseen – 45 Min Helicopter Tour (Doors Off or On)

5. Delve into History

One of the most-visited sites on O’ahu is Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. A complex comprising locations both on O’ahu and Ford Island inside Pearl Harbor itself, part of which is still an active military installation, visitors can spend a day learning about and finally, truly understanding how the Attack on O’ahu played out. The entire complex includes the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin submarine, Pacific Aviation Museum, and The USS Missouri Battleship.

Pearl Harbor WWII Heroes Adventure Tour (Guided Tour) – Immerse yourself in World War II history during this full-day tour on Oahu. Visit the USS Missouri and the site of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor to walk in the footsteps of the country’s war heroes. Climb aboard the USS Bowfin and learn about its important role in battles during WWII. View the sunken USS Arizona, the watery resting place for over 1,000 brave soldiers, and visit the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is included.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – The most poignant part of my own visit to the PHAM was viewing the bullet holes in the windows of Hangar 79 that still stand as a testament to the Attack on O’ahu. “Experience the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor like you never have before, from the place where bombs first fell on that fateful day. Beginning with the attack and covering 75+ years of Pacific aviation history, General Admission gives full access to our 50+ aircraft and all exhibits in Hangar 37, Hangar 79 and The Raytheon Pavilion.” – PHAM

6. Go Snorkeling

Hanauma Bay is one of the gorgeous bodies of water I’ve ever seen. If you want to to experience marine life in their natural habitat, this is the place for you and your family. Hanauma Bay has been a protected underwater park and marine life conservation area since 1967.

Set inside the cone of an ancient volcano, the waters of Hanauma Bay are pristine and a diverse ecosystem of various species of marine life. Here, you and your family can enjoy a snorkeling adventure, where you’ll get to see a real coral reef and many different types of colorful fish.

Avoid missing out! This professional tour takes the stress and hassle out of the experience, with organized transportation and snorkel gear. Because of the sight’s popularity, the parking lot often fills up halting entrance to the beach

7. Take a Nature Walk

With a local guide, take a Waterfall Hike and Nature Walk to Manoa Falls, the tallest accessible waterfall (150 feet) on Oahu. Located in what is known as the Rainbow Valley, the area is lush with vegetation due to near-daily rains, and rainbows after showers are common. Visit Tantalus Lookout for views of the Diamond Head crater and the Waikiki skyline.

8. Visit the Honolulu Zoo

Located right between Waikiki Beach and Diamondhead near Kapi’olani Park, the Honolulu Zoo celebrates various species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles native to Hawaii, as well as from other parts of the world. The Zoo also offers fun programs such as Twilight Tours and exclusive Morning Safari Tours.

9. Explore Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is Hawaii’s ultimate marine experience park. Located north of Hanauma Bay, the park provides opportunities for tourists to interact with sea life. The spiral path around the Hawaiian Reef Tank offers nose-to-nose views of marine life, including sharks, manta rays, moray eels, turtles, and exotic reef fish. Visitors can even swim with dolphins and sea lions!

Contact Kimberly at Kimberly@NextAdventureVacations for special Sea Life Park pricing.

10. Take a Vintage Train Ride

The Hawaiian Railway Society is an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to saving, restoring and protecting Hawaii’s railroading history. They have the only historic railroad on the island of Oahu and the only operating railroad museum in the state.

Ride along a historic stretch of track west of old Ewa and listen to stories about the history of railroading in Hawaii.

Related Post: Oahu, Hawaii – A Unique Vacation Off the Beaten Path

Family-Friendly and Free

11. Visit Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

A trip to Oahu isn’t complete without a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Monument. Here, you and your children will learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor, which lead the United States to enter World Word II. At the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial and pay respects to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Pro-Tip: The Be A Junior Ranger program is specifically designed for children. This program, which takes place at the visitor center, includes a scavenger hunt that encourages kids to answer questions about Pearl Harbor, learn about the Tree of Life, and explore the bell of the USS Arizona. History and traditions of Hawaii are also explored in the program.

There’s a short documentary on the attack, which may be better suited for older children, though younger kids can also benefit from seeing it. It highlights the significance of the attack on the USS Arizona and its impact on history.

Makapuu Lighthouse — Makapu’u Lighthouse

12. Take a Hike

Visit the Lanai Lookout and see if you can see Maui, Lanai and Molokai
Hike to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout or Diamond Head or Koko Head
Trek up the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.

Diamond Head

Called Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian, is a dormant volcanic crater and Hawaii’s most recognized landmark. Visitors can drive through a tunnel into the interior of the crater (the headquarters of the state Civil Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration). The hike to its summit is a dry, dusty one. The trail climbs through tunnels and gun emplacements left over from World War II.

Pro Tip: If you plan to hike Diamond Head, flashlights and good shoes are a must. The ascent requires stamina. The climb includes a stairway of seventy-nine concrete steps leading to the first tunnel, a dark passage through a long, narrow tunnel, and a second stairway of 99 steps.

Koko Head

Stretched across nearly 2 miles of Koko Crater in the Windward Coast region of Oahu, Koko Head hiking trail features more than 1,000 steps made from abandoned railroad ties. At the trail’s summit, visitors will find panoramic vistas of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Diamond Head State Monument.

According to U.S. News Travel, recent hikers cautioned that the Koko Crater Trail is steep and difficult to traverse, so travelers who are not physically robust may want to hike elsewhere. Coming prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and hiking shoes is critical. Some suggested visiting on a dry day since some parts of the trail are slippery, especially when they’re wet. Others recommended arriving early to avoid crowds and peak temperatures. Those who don’t mind the challenges that come with hiking this trail will be rewarded with “spectacular” views at the top, according to reviewers.

Makapu’u Lighhouse Trail

Less than 6 miles northeast of the Koko Crater Trail lies the 2-mile-long Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. Easier to trek than the one at Koko Crater, this free trail overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is an excellent spot for spotting seabirds and whale watching between November and May. The path also leads to the Makapu’u Lighthouse, which was built in 1909.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is paved and features frequent benches, making it easy for travelers of all ages and abilities to explore. The trail has amazing views, and on a clear day, trekkers can see the island of Molokai from the summit. This path is mostly exposed to the sun and wind, so dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and pack plenty of water.

13. Relax at a Beach

Oahu-Waikiki-Hawaii-Family-surfing-in-Waikiki

Waikiki Beach is Hawaii’s best-known beach, remarkable for its festive atmosphere. Nearby, numerous shops, hotels, and nightlife opportunities are located along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues. Often thought of as one beach, Waikiki Beach is actually a collection of contiguous beaches stretching two miles along the shoreline.
About 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu on the Windward Coast, you’ll find two of Oahu’s most family-friendly (and popular!) beaches: Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach. Of the two, Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands.

14. Visit a Park

Kapiolani Park: in the shadow of Diamond Head and just a short stroll from the end of Waikiki, Kapiolani (ka pee oh lawn ee) is Hawaii’s largest and oldest public park, a grassy oasis loved by weekend athletes and families. Created by King Kalakaua in the 1870s, it is listed on the state’s Historic Register for its exceptional trees. Visitors can picnic under the stars in this park located close to the Waikiki Shell. Performances are offered for free at the outdoor amphitheater. It is also a place to fly kites, play tennis, and watch rugby or soccer.
The Liliuokalani Botanical Garden was once the property and favorite picnic grounds of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. She later donated her land to the City and County of Honolulu to be used for the public’s enjoyment. This developing garden is devoted to native Hawaiian plants.

15. Go Shopping

Ala Moana Center – Hawaii’s largest shopping mall is a beautiful, open-to-the-sky shopping mall with stores offering everything from clothes to luggage to tea. There are even touristy-stores (the ABC) and a drugstore (think CVS) inside. The lower-level food court features a wide variety of both mainland-familiar and islands-familiar foods – so there truly is something for everyone!
Hunt for bargains every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.

16. Visit the National Cemetery of the Pacific at The Punchbowl.

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Puowaina, or “place hallowed by sacrifice”) is located in Punchbowl Crater fronting Pauoa Valley. The volcanic cone exploded 150,000 years ago. Today the crater contains the gravesites of victims of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If you go, please give my respects to Corporal Carl W. Alderson of Missouri, eulogized below by my dear friend and research partner Katherine:

Kimberly Brownlee is a Hawaii Destination Expert. Let her help you plan your trip of a lifetime!

Call or text 816.866.8883 or email Kimberly@NextAdventureVacations.com to start planning your Hawaiian vacation today!

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Oahu, Hawaii – A Unique Vacation Off the Beaten Path
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