20 Best Things to Do in Oahu With Kids (Hawaii vacation fun)

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To kick off our large journey to America we spent two weeks in Hawaii and visited three of the most well-liked Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Maui, and the Massive Island.

We spent six days on Oahu and it wasn’t practically sufficient. The island could also be small, nevertheless it has rather a lot to do! There surroundings and panorama is jaw-dropping and the points of interest have been fascinating; the place else on this planet would you see a volcanic crater become a cemetery?

With prime points of interest in Oahu reminiscent of Pearl Harbor and the beautiful seashores of Waikiki, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Oahu. The truth is, the capital of Honolulu has sufficient points of interest to fill every week.

For those who’re unsure what to do in Oahu, then don’t fear, as a result of this information has all the most effective issues to do plus some hidden gems.

Getting Round Oahu

Oahu is a fairly easy island to get round. It’s a small island and has a bus community that connects most components of the island. The bus is cheap, nevertheless it’s sluggish. You do want some persistence when ready for the bus.

One of the simplest ways to get across the island is by automotive. You possibly can hire a automotive fairly simply and drive from A to B. RentalCars.com is one of the simplest ways to discover a rental automotive. It’s the world’s largest automotive rental reserving service that compares all the key manufacturers like Hertz, Avis, and Alamo.

If you wish to step your journey up a notch, think about embarking on a highway journey and tenting in an RV.

Outdoorsy is the most important RV rental market on the planet. They provide ease, flexibility, and a few distinctive and funky campervans in your Oahu highway journey.

For those who’re planning on seeing different islands in Hawaii in your journey, you’ll must take inner flights from island to island as ferries not function. Skyscanner is one of the simplest ways to seek out low-cost flights.

29 Greatest Issues to Do in Oahu Hawaii

So in case you are searching for tips about what to do in Oahu, down under we’ve listed the highest actions in Oahu we did expertise and suggest you add them to your itinerary in your personal Hawaii trip.

1. Diamond Head Stroll

Some of the well-known Oahu actions to do in Oahu is hike the Diamond Head stroll.

It was proper on the prime of our issues to do in Waikiki checklist and we actually loved it – the views over Waikiki Seashore and the Pacific Ocean are beautiful!

Go early although, we arrived on the entrance at about 8 am and it felt like the entire of Waikiki was there, so I recommend getting there for the park opening at 6:30 am. It is likely one of the prime issues to do in Oahu, Hawaii for a purpose!

While the stroll appears exhausting and steep, our youngsters managed it no downside as there are lots of switchbacks making it a comparatively straightforward ascent, and I’d permit not less than 90-minutes to finish the stroll.

Simply remember to take the 900 steps and observe the group in an anticlockwise path to ease the stream of site visitors.

2. Highway Journey round Oahu with Children

You possibly can’t spend day by day laying on the seashore in Waikiki, properly you would however driving across the Island of Oahu is an effective way to spend a day in your journey to the Hawaiian Islands.

We rented a automotive in Waikiki and spent a full day driving round Oahu, properly half of it – we bought to Haleiwa on North Shore Oahu then in the reduction of by way of the center of the island to Honolulu.

It was such a reasonably drive, particularly on the South East Coast.

And this highway journey is how we visited Hanauma Bay, Lanikai Seashore, the North Shore seashores and the historic city of Haleiwa. See ideas for these locations under.

3. Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Visiting Hawaii with youngsters? One of many different hottest issues to do in Oahu Hawaii on a household trip is visiting Hanauma Bay Nature Protect to discover the marine lifetime of Hawaii. It’s among the finest locations in Hawaii to go snorkeling.

Positioned 30-minutes east of Waikiki, this beautiful cove was as soon as a volcanic crater and now performs residence to clear blue waters and full of life reefs full of colourful fish.

Carry your individual snorkeling gear you probably have it, we rented masks, snorkels, and fins for $20.

Hanauma Bay is open day by day besides Tuesdays. The doorway payment is $7.50 per individual (youngsters 12 & underneath are FREE).

4. Pearl Harbor Tour – Prime Oahu Attraction

Some of the essential and historic Oahu factors of curiosity is Pearl Harbor.

We questioned whether or not it could be applicable for our youngsters to do a tour of Pearl Harbor and wouldn’t it be definitely worth the expense?

They’d by no means been uncovered to something to do with conflict earlier than, and one other day stress-free on Waikiki Seashore is difficult to surrender.

However I’m glad we did, it was a improbable instructional expertise for our youngsters and we all know suggest it as one of many best issues to do in Honolulu with youngsters.

It was a ravishing memorial, and you may go to the grounds and museum earlier than catching a ship over to the USS Arizona Memorial, the ship that sunk and is now the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed.

You may as well wander the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial, The Battleship Missouri Memorial, and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park.

That is the place to go to be taught extra about WWII historical past and Hawaii’s involvement within the conflict.

As we have been quick on time, and with no automotive, we joined a tour.

5. Spend a number of hours (or an entire day) on Waikiki Seashore

Waikiki Seashore on Oahu Island is legendary.

While the primary part in entrance of The Royal Hawaiian Resort (the Flamingo Pink) will get crowded and it may be exhausting to discover a spot to place your towel, as a metropolis vacationer seashore, we have been impressed.

The water is completely temperate, usually secure for youths to swim with calm waves, and the views over Diamond Head are like an image from a postcard!

It’s right here the place many of the outrigger boats function and be taught to surf colleges. When you get sick of the seashore, you might be proper close to the primary purchasing space of Waikiki alongside Kalakaua Ave.

It’s undoubtedly on the prime of the checklist of issues to do in Waikiki for households.

6. Swim at Lanikai Seashore – Greatest Oahu Seashore

Most likely our favourite spot on our drive round Oahu was Lanikai Seashore.

Constantly rated the most effective seashore in Oahu, this strip of seashore is simply attractive and an ideal place to cease and have a swim along with your youngsters.

It was a lot quieter than Waikiki Seashore or Hanauma Bay after we visited, and could be an amazing spot for kayaking or get up paddle boarding – if we had extra time we’d have kayaked to the close by islands or loved supping.

Put it in your itinerary in your drive round Oahu! It’s a improbable family-friendly Oahu exercise.

7. Bask in an Acai Bowl

We’ve had acai bowls earlier than in Australia and overseas, however they appear to be on supply in all places in Hawaii. And in case you’re searching for a wholesome breakfast choice, it’s exhausting to go improper with this superfood from Brazil.

For those who haven’t tried one earlier than, an acai bowl is sort of a actually thick smoothie topped with oatmeal and fruit.

For an amazing acai bowl, we suggest the Goofy Cafe, the Heavenly Island Way of life Cafe, or Bogarts Café & Espresso Bar – eat at Bogarts after you have got accomplished the Diamond Head stroll (25-minute stroll from the Monument, so in case your youngsters are drained catch an Uber).

8. Have a Browsing Lesson

Our eldest daughter Kalyra discovered methods to surf again in Australia, so she simply needed to rent her personal board and play within the waves with me.

However in case you are considering studying to surf, this is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Oahu with youngsters and Waikiki Seashore is likely one of the greatest locations to be taught.

With clear waist deep water and mild waves, you’ll be standing up very quickly.

There are a number of operators spanning the seashore, providing group or personal classes, and a 90-minute browsing lesson runs about $95, or you may merely do what we did and rent a board – we paid $25 for 2 hours of board rent!

9. Get pleasure from a Waikiki Sundown

Simply press play each night and nature will present a shocking sundown over Waikiki Seashore.

After a day of exploring Oahu or purchasing in Waikiki, why not seize a spot on the sand or sit in one of many eating places on the seashore to take pleasure in a spectacular Waikiki sundown – among the finest free issues to do in Oahu!

Sundown can also be a very good time for a stroll alongside the seashore, particularly down the western finish of Waikiki close to the Hilton Hawaiian Village – some cool bars alongside that stretch too!

10. Keep on the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort – household pleasant

Our pals raved about this resort earlier than we visited Hawaii, as do hundreds of different vacationers on TripAdvisor, and we ended up loving our keep there too.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a large property with 5 towers and has rather a lot going for it:

• Greatest kid-friendly lodge in Waikiki
• 5 swimming pools and waterslides
• Wonderful location on Kahanamoku Seashore however straightforward stroll into the hub of Waikiki
• 5-acre salt water lagoon
• Spectacular Friday evening fireworks show

It’s among the finest locations to remain in Oahu with youngsters for a purpose.

We stayed within the Rainbow Tower as friends of Hilton Hawaiian Village and this tower has extraordinary views of Waikiki Seashore.

Watch our video evaluate of Hilton Hawaiian Village:

11. Witness Massive Wave Browsing

We have been hoping to witness the large waves that North Shore Oahu is legendary for however contemplating we visited in March we have been a little bit too late.

It’s wintertime when the massive waves roll in (between November and February is greatest), so if you end up in Hawaii throughout winter, one of many prime issues to do in Oahu could be watching large wave browsing in swell that may attain as much as thirty toes excessive!

Undoubtedly on our bucket checklist of issues to do in Oahu with youngsters after we return to the Hawaiian Islands!

We nonetheless stopped in on the well-known North Shore seashores together with Sundown Seashore, Pipeline, and Waimea Bay for a glance on our drive round Oahu, with some first rate waves nonetheless rolling in at Pipeline.

12. Play at Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon

Even in case you don’t keep on the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, I extremely suggest you are taking your youngsters to this lagoon.

We loved a enjoyable afternoon enjoying on the paddle boats, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and kicking again on the sand.

Kalyra beloved perfecting a cartwheel on the stand-up paddle-board (SUP) how does she try this? And Caz had enjoyable taking Savannah for a trip on the SUP board.

It’s a secure place for households to hang around and a pleasant spot to soak up the sundown.

13. Eat Poke

For a conventional Hawaiian dish, order some poke.

This meals is trending around the globe and individuals are embracing it. One place we ate Poke at was the Barefoot Seashore Cafe which is like a beachside kiosk with wonderful ocean views – it’s a locals fave!

We ordered the spicy and Hawaiian poke and loved the contemporary, mild, tasty and wholesome dish. Price $9.

14. Chill out on Kahanamoku Seashore

On the lookout for a bit more room to put your towel for sunbathing and calmer waters for a swim?

Kahanamoku Seashore is a curved part of seashore on the western finish of Waikiki, proper in entrance of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort (one more reason to remain right here)

The sand is golden and the water crystal clear. It’s protected by the breakwater and pier, and in case you fancy a snorkel there’s coral working between them.

It could be straightforward to spend a day underneath a type of seashore umbrellas and an ideal household pleasant Oahu exercise.

15. Drink a Lanikai Juice

After our swim at lovely Lanikai Seashore, we stopped in Lanikai city and grabbed a smoothie from the Lanikai Juice Bar earlier than persevering with on our North Shore Highway journey.

This bar is superior, with an amazing vary of drinks and meals from smoothies to juices to wholesome salads – undoubtedly make a pit cease right here in your drive round Oahu.

Oh, they usually even have one other location on Oahu, throughout the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2005 Kalia Rd, on the Tapa Pool).

16. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Who loves shrimp?

In your drive to the North Shore of Oahu, the city of Haleiwa is a beautiful historic city to go to and right here you will see that a congregation of meals vehicles on the aspect of the freeway, one being Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (66-472 Kamehameha Hwy).

The shrimp truck business is flourishing on the North Shore, and Giovanni’s was the primary truck to start serving shrimp again in 1993.

We ordered their shrimp scampi, a dish that has made Giovanni’s well-known – a dozen shrimp marinated in olive oil, contemporary chopped garlic, and rice drizzled with a garlic lemon butter. Delish!

17. Kuhio Seashore

If the primary part of Waikiki Seashore or Kahanamoku Seashore is to not your liking, you have got an alternative choice in Kuhio Seashore.

Additional east towards Diamond Head, this family-friendly part of seashore is protected against the ocean waves by a sea wall and is away from the hustle and bustle

It’s fairly right here with the palm timber and uninterrupted views of Diamond Head.

Kapiolani Seashore Park is one other family-friendly seashore in Waikiki. Throughout from right here is Kapiolani Park named after Queen Kapiolani. This 300 acre park additionally has the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell, and basketball courts.

18. Settle down with Shave Ice

In want of a cool deal with? Shave ice is a well-liked dessert in Hawaii made by shaving a block of ice with flavored syrups added and absorbed by the ice.

Probably the most well-known shave ice in Oahu is at Matsumoto in Haleiwa, however we took one take a look at the LONG line and saved driving. We ended up shopping for our youngsters shave ice from a meals truck referred to as Snow Manufacturing unit on the identical location as Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.

There was no line and our youngsters had nothing to check it to and beloved their deal with!

19. See a Polynesian Luau

Are you able to come to Hawaii and never see a Luau? Most likely not!

A favourite reminiscence from our Hawaii journey was when Savannah bought a tattoo from one of many male performers on the Starlight Luau who occurred to look similar to Maui from Moana.

We had her satisfied it was him and the look on her face was priceless.

You may assume a Luau could be a bit kitsch and over-touristy, however we totally loved the dancing and music from the present which highlights the tales and tradition of the totally different Polynesian islands.

The spirit of the Hawaiian folks actually shines by way of, and a buffet dinner and a few free drinks by no means go astray – mai tai time anybody – put it in your checklist of issues to do on Oahu with youngsters. It’s essential they be taught the cultural significance of the locations they go to.

20. Eat WONUTS

We’d by no means had a wonut earlier than, and the minute we arrived on the Hilton Backyard Inn the pleasant bellboy enthusiastically recommended we should attempt the wonuts downstairs on the TR Fireplace Grill.

What’s a wonut? A hybrid between a waffle and a donut.

After the children begged us for lengthy sufficient, we gave in they usually bought to attempt them for dessert one night.

21. Study About Pineapple Farming on the Dole Plantation

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is half a museum and half amusement park. It’s the place you may be taught all in regards to the historical past and cultivation of pineapples in Hawaii, and in addition trip the Pineapple Specific land practice.

There’s additionally a maze and backyard.

For those who’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Oahu with youngsters, that is undoubtedly up there as one of many extra distinctive actions.

22. Snorkel within the Turtle Canyon

Have you ever ever needed to snorkel with inexperienced sea turtles? Then a cruise out to Turtle Canyon is the place you need to go.

Oahu’s Turtle Canyon is a few 2-3-hour journey out from Waikiki by boat and is the most effective place to seek out sea turtles of their pure habitat. The truth is, some snorkel excursions are so assured you will notice a turtle, that in case you don’t, you get your tour without cost!

Generally you may also see dolphins and whales as you make your technique to Turtle Canyon. And naturally, you’ll see loads of tropical fish.

23. Swim with Sharks

If you wish to tackle a extra adrenaline-fueled exercise in Oahu, then how about swimming with sharks? Sharks usually get a foul rep due to horror films like Jaws and Sharknado, however they’re really very misunderstood creatures.

They’re nonetheless harmful although, which is why it’s greatest to swim with sharks through a shark cage, to separate you from these wild predators.

The sharks are normally discovered off the coast of Oahu’s North Shore within the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Right here yow will discover wild Galapagos, Hammerhead, and Sandbar sharks. The sharks may be wherever from 5-15 toes lengthy, so that is undoubtedly not an exercise for the faint-hearted.

For those who time your go to proper, you may also see whales and dolphins in your manner out to the shark spot.

24. Go Whale-Watching

In fact, no journey to Hawaii could be full with out going whale watching. The perfect time to see whales is from December to Could when these majestic creatures come to Oahu to offer delivery to their calves.

You possibly can see whales from the shore in sure spots, in case you look intently and have a pair of binoculars. In any other case, you may take boat excursions out on the West Coast.

That is one of the simplest ways to see them of their pure habitat however from a secure distance in order to not disturb them.

25. Hike the Stairway to Heaven

The Haiku Stairs, or the Stairway to Heaven, is a difficult hike up 3,000 steps to the ridges of the Oahu’s Ko’olau mountain vary. The ladder is a steep, metal staircase that was utilized by the previous U.S. Navy to get to their communication facility.

Right this moment, it’s a well-liked climbing path that results in the breathtaking surroundings of the rugged mountains. Reaching the summit is unquestionably a rewarding expertise, although could also be too difficult for these visiting Oahu with youngsters.

26. Hike as much as Koko Head for Dawn

One other difficult hike in Oahu is the Koko Head Crater Tramway hike. This hike takes you up a vertical 2.6-km former tramway, which takes you to a viewpoint from the highest of Koko Head.

It’s greatest accomplished for dawn, because the views are simply unimaginable when washed within the orange glow of morning.

It takes roughly an hour and a half to hike this path, nevertheless it’s steep, so not appropriate for these with small youngsters or canines.

27. Spend a Day on the Seashore

For sure, among the finest issues to do in Oahu is to go to the seashores. A few of the most well-known seashores on the island are Kailua Seashore, and Laniakea Seashore.

Kailua Seashore is a tender white sand seashore that’s nice for kite browsing and snorkeling. It’s properly maintained and has all of the services you may want together with altering rooms and showers. That is the seashore you go to in case you take pleasure in swimming and sunbathing.

Laniakea Seashore is also called Turtle Seashore and is legendary for being the place the place many Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles come to bask within the solar. It’s a protected seashore and probably not for swimming, apart from being residence to turtles the waves are actually large, however you may see loads of turtles having fun with some rays right here.

28. Discover the Pure Great thing about Waimea Valley

Oahu is known as a true paradise on Earth, and in case you want proof of this, you solely want to go to Waimea Valley. It’s a lush, inexperienced panorama recognized for its climbing trails and waterfalls.

The hike by way of the valley is round 3.5-miles and is generally flat, paved floor, which is ideal for households. The trail passes by way of attractive gardens and historic websites, in addition to passing the long-lasting Waimea Falls.

For those who’re searching for stress-free issues to do in Oahu in nature, then make certain to cease by this attractive place.

29. Go to Manoa Falls

Manoa falls is a large 150-foot waterfall, which is an excellent sight to behold. Its magnitude is spectacular, and the encircling inexperienced panorama with timber virtually as tall because the falls and moss-lined cliff faces, makes it really feel much more highly effective.

The waterfall lands in a pool, although it’s probably not for swimming. You’ll discover loads of climbing trails, picnic areas and scenic views within the surrounding park.

Further Concepts for Oahu Actions with Children

• Households who love to buy will need to go to the Royal Hawaiian Heart, an outside purchasing middle within the purchasing district of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
• Go to the Polynesian Cultural Heart and see Hawaiian tradition come to life.
• Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s largest museum the place you may be taught the cultural historical past of Hawaii and the Pacific. Children will love the planetarium and Science Journey Heart right here as properly.
• Go to the Byodo-In Temple, a Buddhist temple within the Ko’olau Mountains.
• Take a stroll by way of the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Backyard.
• Wander round downtown Honolulu and do some memento purchasing.
• Kualoa Ranch is the place you’ll discover your Jurassic Park surroundings and film setting tour. Guide tickets right here
• For extra cultural historical past, go to the Iolani Palace, the house of Hawaii’s final reigning monarchs and served because the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom’s political and social life till the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Earlier than You Go

So there you have got it, these are all the most effective issues to do in Oahu and as you may see, I wasn’t improper after I stated the island has rather a lot to supply.

Whether or not you’re staying for every week or a weekend, you now have the useful resource to plan a extremely unforgettable journey.

To be sure you don’t miss out on something and have all the things deliberate, be sure you e-book your lodging upfront.

The island is small and the most effective resorts get booked up early. To not point out the costs soar when reserving final minute. Seize your self an early deal and test Reserving.com, which has over 500 resorts in Oahu to select from.

Free Oahu Bucket Listing PDF

Don’t miss these wonderful Oahu experiences and points of interest. Your free printable PDF bucket checklist will assist your planning.

Extra Tips about Journey to Hawaii

Are you planning to go to different islands in Hawaii? Then it’s best to try these different assets:

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Do you have got any tips about what to do on Oahu? Most of our time was confined to the Waikiki space and we’d like to discover extra of Oahu. What do you assume are the most effective issues to do in Oahu. Please share within the feedback down under.