Top 14 Things to do with Kids in Oahu (7 I’ve Tried, 7 I haven’t)
Top 14 Things to do with Kids in Oahu
(7 I’ve Tried, 7 I haven’t)
Traveling with kids to Hawaii is full of adventures – from flying in a plane to exploring the islands and their culture – there is plenty to keep them engaged and entertained. My kids were perfectly content to play at the beach all day, every day, but I couldn’t miss the chance to show them a bit more of the ecology, history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. As usual, my list was longer than the amount of time we had so this list is filled with some tried and true excursions and some that sound like a blast but we couldn’t find the time for.
So, in no particular order, here are my top 14 things to do with Kids in Oahu.
Here are the 7 things we did get to do:
1. Polynesian Cultural Center
If you are interested in introducing your little ones to island culture, this is a must see. While a little pricey, the Center is packed with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, cultural experiences, local cuisine and more. Check out my post on visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center during our visit.
2. Outrigger Canoe Ride Waikiki
After hearing my mom talk about her outrigger canoe ride in 1960’s Waikiki numerous times, I decided we had to check this out. It turned out to be one of my favorite experiences during the trip.
My daughter was too small (There is a minimum age, 5 I think) but my son was just big enough and loved it! We didn’t need any reservations, just walked to the booking office a block or so from Waikiki Beach then met the staff on the beach. The staff were really friendly and took care to involve my son in the explanations before the trip. We were told that we’d catch two waves but ended up catching a third too. It was amazing to see the paddlers reading the incoming waves and calling out which one we’d get. Catching the waves was a lot of fun and we all got to be a part of it and paddle the boat to catch the wave. My son did drop his paddle in the water at one point which meant we had to do a small paddle of shame over to it in the surf but the staff didn’t seem to mind. We also saw a large sea turtle while on the boat and that was really cool and worth it just for that.
3. Swim at Waikiki Beach
Kids will really enjoy the liveliness of Waikiki Beach. Smaller kids will also do well with the sea wall which keeps out most waves creating a sheltered beach and ocean experience. Older and more adventurous kids can sit on the sea wall and have the waves wash over them. Rentals options are everywhere so this is a great time to rent a boogie board or just enjoy playing in the sand.
4. Matsumoto Shaved Ice
As soon as I saw pictures of the shaved ice from Matsumoto’s I knew we had to make the stop. The shop is located in the small downtown of Haleiwa on the North Shore. The town itself is really cute with lots of shops and restaurants – very worth a visit in its own right, so why not stop for some shaved ice during the trip. Matsumoto’s offers a variety of flavors and taste combinations with a huge serving of shaved ice. The servings are basically the size of your head. No one in our group could finish even half of one but still, no one wanted to share either. This experience should be a rite of passage for any kid visiting Oahu. https://matsumotoshaveice.com/
5. Take in a Surf Competition
Oahu’s North Shore has some wicked surf in the winter. While this doesn’t make for great swimming with kids, it does allow for some awesome surf spectating. There seems to be a lot of competitions happening throughout the winter so chances are something will be happening when you visit. Kids will be impressed by the large waves and the fearless surfers riding jet skis into them. They will also be inspired by the kids that are participating in the competitions. Younger kids might get a bit bored watching the competitions, especially when they are a ways off shore – just remember that you are at a beach when that happens and bring along plenty of sand and water toys to entertain them.
6. Visit Byodo-In Temple
A Buddhist Temple might not seem like a very kid-friendly activity but even little ones will be impressed by the Byodo-In Temple. The grounds and structures are breathtaking, especially when combined with the towing cliffs of Oahu’s eastern shore. If the architecture doesn’t excite them, the very active koi population will certainly entertain them. Kids can purchase handfuls of food for the fish and watch the spectacle unfold as the fish swarm at the surface of the water. I have seen koi many times, but these ones were truly impressive. Black swans and other water fowl complete the experience.
Don’t forget to ring the bell when you first enter. Kids will get a kick out of doing this on their own and making a wish.
7. Hiking
Even for non-hikers, Hawaii is packed with trails and paths that shouldn’t be missed. Take a break from the beach and explore some of the lush jungle or seaside hikes. We went to Kane’ana State Park and hiked along the Kane’ana Point Trail. This is a great hike with kids as it is pretty level. Our only challenge was navigating the frequent large puddles that took up most of the trail. There are stunning views on the way out to the point. On the way there, you can stop and check out Kaneana Cave.
I have not personally checked out the following activities but intend to on the next trip. ideas that we wanted to do but didn’t have time for include:
8. Atlantis Submarine Tour
Want to see what’s going on 100 ft. below the water surface? Check out the Atlantis Submarine, which takes visitors out from Waikiki Beach and descends 100 ft. down to the otherworldly ocean floor. Shipwrecks, bright schools of fish, and coral reefs are just some of the things you will see out your porthole.
I really wanted to do this when we were visiting Waikiki Beach but it was a little on the expensive side, our daughter was too small and, I’ll just say it, I was a little wary as someone who suffers from claustrophobia. Because the tour is a couple hours in length, it meant it wasn’t easy to separate the family to go on this with the older kids. Its definitely on my list for a future trip when my kids are bigger. https://atlantisadventures.com/
9. Pineapple Plantation
Honestly this one wasn’t on my list when I took my kids to Oahu. But in passing the plantation I was curious and did some research. It looks like a really fun and culturally important place to visit. Fun family activities include a maze and train ride around the property. Dole’s history in the islands is long and fraught, with the family helping to bring about the end of the island’s independence. So, eat some pineapple and introduce your children to America’s history of imperialism, or just enjoy the maze.
https://www.doleplantation.com/
10. Tour Pearl Harbor
This is an activity that will be better for older kids who can grasp more of the history of the island and can understand the site’s importance in World War 2.
http://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/
11. Kualau Ranch
If you are looking to pack all of Hawaii’s quintessential experiences into one day, a trip Kualau Ranch should be on your list. Whether this is worth the $$$, I don’t know, but the list of activities is impressive and the location looks breathtaking. See where Jurassic Park and so many other Hollywood hits were filmed!
12. Take surf lessons
This is the birth place of surfing so its now or never! Surfing is a sport the whole family can try and a taste of Hawaiian culture. All the islands are brimming with opportunities to get out on a board so it shouldn’t be hard to find an experience that works for you. Instructors will help you catch the perfect wave!
13. Waimea Valley Horse Back Riding
My toddler daughter loves horses and I just know this would be a highlight of her trip. However, for this trip she was a bit too young for the experience. Next time this will be at the top of our list.
14. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
Oahu’s beaches are amazing, but kids will be truly impressed with what goes on below the water’s surface. My kids were still learning to swim and were a bit too young for the concept of snorkeling so we saved this for a later trip. However, anyone kid who has seen Finding Nemo will relate to the coral reefs and the wide array of life that can be seen there. Hanauma Bay is a sheltered bay that was formed for an ancient cinder cone. The bay is completely protected, making it safer for little ones who won’t have to deal with the surf. Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park but suffers from overuse by visitors so be gentle if you do visit.
Have you done any of these activities with your kids while visiting Oahu? What did you think? Or do you have other activities that you would recommend for kids on Oahu?
