30 Things To Do In Oahu With Kids

Planning a trip to Hawaii with your family? Here are 30 things to do in Oahu with kids that the whole family can enjoy together.

From hikes to beach picnics, the aquarium and beyond, there is plenty to do in Oahu with kids that parents (or other adults like me) will also enjoy. So whether you’re deep in the throes of trip planning or trying to decide if Oahu, Hawaii is the right destination for your family, today’s post is for you.

30 Things To Do In Oahu With Kids

I will be the first to admit that while Dane and I don’t have kids of our own, we have spent plenty of time with our friends who have kids all over Oahu. We’ve gone hiking, to the zoo, out to restaurants, on beach trips, on a catamaran…you see where this is going. I’ve also gotten countless questions about visiting Oahu with kids and I can honestly tell you that it will be a memorable trip for everyone.

There is so much to do in Oahu with kids that I figured it was worth putting together a post to share the details for families trying to plan their Hawaii itinerary. I put stars next to activities that may work best for kids who are beyond the toddler stage, but ultimately…you know your child’s threshold for activity best. Oahu is a beautiful place for families to visit.

Visit the Honolulu Zoo.

Enjoy hot malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery.

Go on a submarine tour of Waikiki.

Visit Iolani Palace.

Hike Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (it’s fully paved!).

Drive out to Ko’Olina and enjoy the calm, man-made lagoons (no waves).

Get Mickey-shaped shave ice at Aulani Disney Resort.

Hike Diamond Head Crater. Go early to beat the heat!

Take free hula classes at Royal Hawaiian Center.

Visit Waimea Valley and walk back toward Waimea Falls.

Explore Sea Life Park.

Take a surf lesson on Waikiki Beach. Age 4+

Pay respects at Pearl Harbor.*

Snorkel at Shark’s Cove. Depending on the time of year you visit, the water is calm and very easy to navigate.*

Take a catamaran cruise from Waikiki.

Kayak at Kailua Beach. Bigger kids may enjoy paddling all the way out toward the Mokulua islands.

Walk around the Byodo-In Temple. Lots of beautiful koi fish kids will enjoy here!

If it’s rainy, book a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium.

Have an adventure at Kualoa Ranch – movie tours, ATV rides, etc!

Walk around the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Visit Dole Plantation and ride the train. Don’t miss getting some Dole Whip!

See a free hula show at Royal Hawaiian Center.

Safely watch the waves from the sand at Waimea Bay.

Hike Manoa Falls.

Ride the Waikiki Trolley.

Wade in the water or learn to paddle at Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay.*

Get a big plate of pancakes at Cinnamon’s.

Walk along the shoreline of Ka’ena Point (no shade, so pack water and sunscreen!)*

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy reading my Oahu, Hawaii content for more traveling tips.