Best Things to See and Do on Oahu with Kids

By Dana Rebmann
August 9, 2025
7 Min Read

Oahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island, is where beach life and city living combine in stunning fashion. It only takes one trip to fall in love with Oahu, so be warned — this will likely be the first of many family vacations. It’s something to look forward to; understanding the island’s history and appreciating the plethora of diverse activities available to traveling families grows stronger with each return visit to the isle sometimes called “The Gathering Place.”

This aerial photograph captures a densely developed coastal city with numerous high-rise buildings and hotels extending along a pristine sandy beach, while a pier or breakwater structure extends into the crystal-clear turquoise ocean waters. The urban landscape is framed by lush green mountains in the background and scattered white clouds in a blue sky, with palm trees lining the beachfront road that separates the buildings from the shore. — Waikiki Beach. Photo by Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash

What to See and Do on Oahu with Kids

Waikiki Beach

Oahu boasts more than 100 miles of coastline, but Waikiki Beach is the spot toward which a majority of folks visiting Oahu gravitate to enjoy long days of soaking up sunshine and surf lessons. Warm sand, sparkling blue water and views of Diamond Head (Mount Leahi) crater make for stellar beach days.

This aerial view shows a white cylindrical lighthouse with a red dome roof and glass lantern room positioned on a small rocky outcrop surrounded by deep blue ocean waters. The lighthouse stands on rugged terrain with sparse vegetation and visible pathways, completely isolated from any mainland and encircled by the open sea. — The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. Photo by Aidan Tottori on Unsplash

Hiking in Honolulu

Less than a 10-minute drive from Waikiki, Diamond Head State Monument is known for its hiking trail and the scenic views a little sweat can provide. Reservations are required; know that you will share the trail with many others seeking the same stellar vistas. If you go, I recommend reserving the earliest morning time slot available. On the eastern tip of Oahu, the paved, 2-mile (round trip) Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail makes for a stunning family stroll. Be on the lookout for the spouts of migrating whales from December through May.

This underwater photograph shows a sea turtle swimming in clear blue water, displaying its distinctive patterned shell with algae growth and scaled flippers with geometric markings. The turtle is positioned above a coral reef or rocky ocean floor, captured in what appears to be shallow tropical waters with natural sunlight filtering through. — Sea turtle spotted during an Oahu dive. Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Scuba Diving

It takes effort, but there is much to be seen and learned by getting a glimpse of the world beneath the sea. Kaimana Divers runs daily scuba diving trips and offers PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive courses. If you aren’t a certified diver but have always wondered about it, families with kids age 10 and older can sign up for a Discover Scuba session. (Kids should know how to swim and be comfortable in the water.) In addition to learning diving safety and basic scuba skills, participants go on two intro dives with an experienced instructor to see Oahu’s coral reefs firsthand. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Hawaiian sea turtle (honu). On my family’s last diving adventure, we saw a pair of endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

Two performers in matching yellow outfits are captured mid-acrobatic sequence on a theatrical stage, with one performer airborne above another who is positioned on a platform with legs extended upward. The scene is dramatically lit with bright stage lights creating distinct beams through atmospheric haze, and features an ornate circular backdrop with geometric patterns and decorative elements. — ‘Auana, the Cirque du Soleil resident show on Oahu. Photo by Ray Mark

High-Flying Fun

Hawaii’s first Cirque du Soleil resident show, ‘Auana, is a tribute to Hawaiian culture. It’s held at a custom-designed 784-seat theater at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, and your family will be talking about the awe-inspiring acrobatics long after vacation.

Tantalizing Eats

Some of Oahu’s best-known foods are perfect for families. Hawaii-grown bananas are turned into soft-serve ice cream at Banán. Since 1953, Leonard’s Bakery has been churning out golden brown malasadas. These Portuguese fried doughnut holes are traditionally rolled in sugar, but all sorts of coatings and fillings are available; think cinnamon sugar, guava and chocolate. In addition to the original location in Honolulu, a number of Malasadamobiles are scattered around the island.

What to See and Do on Oahu with Kids — Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa Town

When you make your way to the North Shore, stop in Haleiwa Town. Surf N Salsa serves tasty Mexican food in a casual alfresco setting. The pineapple curry, cashew chicken and coconut rice are favorites at Rajanee Thai. Wherever you dine, save room for shave ice at nearby Matsumoto’s.

We can help you plan an incredible Hawaii family vacation!

Our expert Family Travel Advisors work with you one on one to choose the right island, book vetted kid-friendly accommodations, create a custom itinerary and more. Click to send us a request!

A close-up of pale yellow and white plumeria flowers in bloom, with numerous unopened buds, set against bright green leaves and a vivid blue sky. Sunlight highlights the petals, giving them a soft, translucent glow. — Fragrant plumeria blossoms at Little Plumeria Farms

Outdoor Adventures and Learning Disguised as Fun

While Oahu’s beaches and coastal scenery will always be a big draw, farm tours are gaining popularity, particularly on the North Shore. Manoa Chocolate offers daily tours of its cacao orchard that include tastings of chocolate made from cacao grown on Oahu, Hawaii Island and beyond.

Run by three generations, Little Plumeria Farms is reportedly home to the largest collection of rare hybrid plumerias (the fragrant flowers often used to make leis) in the world. Farm tours run April through October and are typically led by family members.

Consider setting aside an entire day for a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Along with a half-dozen island villages that highlight the way of life in Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji and Hawaii, this cultural theme park offers a fun luau and a well-produced evening show called HĀ: Breath of Life that includes a mesmerizing cast of twirling fire knife dancers.

Continue your circle around the island to the Windward Coast for a visit to Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve. Best known as the backdrop for more than 300 movies, including Jurassic Park and Jumanji, it offers a variety of experiences, including horseback riding, ziplining and kid-friendly (age 5 and up) utility terrain vehicle (UTV) tours.

Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids

A vast majority of Oahu’s hotels are located in Honolulu along Waikiki Beach. That said, even though they share the same geography, each has its own distinct personality.

Halepuna Waikiki offers a restful stay along bustling Waikiki Beach. A moment’s walk away from the sand and directly across from its sister property, Halekulani, the Halepuna name means “House of Welcoming Waters.” One look at the intimate but stunning pool, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, was all it took for my daughter and me to drop all our plans and simply linger on-property.

Halepuna features 284 rooms and four suites, but has the feel of a much smaller hotel. In addition to the pool, families will be drawn to the hotel’s private garden. Located on the 8th floor along with colorful plants, there’s a stretch of grass perfect for shaking out any wiggles or to enjoy a picnic from onsite Halekulani Bakery. (I recommend the salted caramel croissant and mac nut sticky bun.) Parents will also appreciate the modern fitness center, hospitality center and laundry facilities.

Beachfront Outrigger Reef Waikiki Resort features 658 rooms and suites. Guests staying in club-level accommodations enjoy access to the resort’s Voyager 47 Club Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast and evening Hawaiian pupus (appetizers) and cocktails.

There seems to be an Instagram-worthy shot at every turn at the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger. Along with being home to ‘Auana by Cirque du Soleil, the 498-room hotel is loaded with coastal decor and local art. It has a vibe most kids love, especially the teen set. The small pool area, flanked by Maui Brewing Co. and the Hawaiian Aroma Caffe, boasts dive-in movies.

The only luxury resort on Oahu’s North Shore, The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay stretches over 1,180 acres, offering 462 accommodations, all with ocean views. Along with multiple beaches and four pools, there’s a working farm and horse stables.

With striking views of the Leeward Coast, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina boasts 370 rooms and suites. Kids’ menus are available in all of the resort’s restaurants, but the Club Lounge is especially convenient for traveling families. The largest Club Lounge in the Four Seasons global portfolio, amenities include daily breakfast and substantial evening hors d’oeuvres, as well as grab-and-go snacks and beverages throughout the day. The Club Lounge is exclusively for guests staying in Club room and suite categories.

Along with a calm, swimmable lagoon and sandy beach, the Four Seasons features a pair of family-friendly pools and the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, open to children ages 5 to 12. Tweens and teens are welcome at the kids’ club, but are not supervised and can come and go as they please.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Hawaii with kids

Hawaiian island hopping 101

Splash! 5 favorite ocean adventures in Oahu

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina provides pampering for the whole family

Best things to do on the Big Island with kids: volcanoes, waterfalls, sea turtles and more

Best of Maui with kids: Driving the Road to Hana

For review purposes, Dana received media packages from some of the properties mentioned. As always, our thoughts and opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Dana Rebmann except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

Start a Discussion

1 Comments

Gregory McCartney says:

2 weeks ago at 11:00 pm

And the most overlooked best kept secret in Ko Olina available for booking reservation at each of the hotels is Stars Above Hawaii, a NASA Ambassador guided tour of the universe. A Polynesian star navigation focused storytelling and star gazing viewing program every evening after sunset. Romantic, educational, interactive and fun for all ages.

Reply

Family Travel Blog

View All Posts

Best Things to See and Do on Oahu with Kids