Our Favorite Things to Do on O’ahu with Kids
Bringing the little ones with you on a vacation can be both exciting and little stressful. Thankfully, Hawai’i is an incredibly kid-friendly place with tons of activities for the little adventurers. We’ve compiled a list of our top recommendations for things to do on O’ahu with kids organized from least to most expensive. We’re happy to help make your family vacation planning easier! As you are researching, you may see the word “keiki”, which means child or children.
If you’re looking for more ways to cut down on your trip planning time, request your copy of our FREE Vacation Guide. Inside, you’ll find our favorite restaurants, activities, including family-friendly activities and so much more.
The Best Things to Do on O’ahu with Kids
Our list of great kid-friendly activities is arranged with free and cheap suggestions at the top and more expensive recommendations at the end. We’ve included current prices with each activity, but be sure to double check before booking an excursion as prices and availability are always subject to change.
Visit the Beach
If you’re in Hawai’i, you should definitely visit some of the gorgeous beaches on O’ahu! Our sandy shores are known around the world as being the best, and there’s a good reason for it. Whether you’re interested in trying a new water sport or you’re just looking to lounge on the sand, there are plenty of beaches to suit your needs.
Cost: Depending on the beach and parking, typically very cheap or even free.
Explore the Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo, located in the heart of Waikiki, offers a fun and educational escape for visitors of all ages. It is home to over 900 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and native Hawaiian species. The zoo highlights wildlife conservation and tropical habitats. Set within 42 acres, it’s a perfect spot for families to explore, learn, and enjoy a relaxing day. The affordability makes it an excellent things to do on O’ahu with kids.
Cost: Admission is $21 per adult, $13 for children 3-12, and free for 2 and under. There is free and paid parking nearby.
Experience the Dole Plantation
One of the top tourist destinations on the Islands, the Dole Plantation is a must-see excursion for kids! Weave through a pineapple garden maze or take an express train around the grounds and learn about how the plantation runs. At the end of your tour, be sure to get a large cup of Dole Whip to cool off!
Cost: For a combo ticket to ride the train, do the maze, and visit the garden. Adults are $28 and kids ages four through 12 are $24. Children under 4 are free.
Learn to Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay State Park is one of the top snorkeling spots in the world! See the tropical fish and turtles up close and personal. Here, you can experience some of the most beautiful coral, beaches and water around. First-time visitors are required to watch a brief nine-minute video introducing them to the preservation and explaining how to properly experience the environment without harming it in the process. This activity is perfect for people of all ages.
Cost: For a round-trip transportation package from Waikiki and snorkel equipment rental, it’s $54.95 for adults and $49.95 for children (this does not include the $25 per person entry fee). There may be a parking fee in Waikiki. You can also drive to Hanauma Bay and take a short bus from the parking lot to the beach ($3 parking fee). However, the parking lot often fills up before 7:30 a.m., so plan to be there early. Entry is $25 per person. If you are not using the transportation package, you must make entrance reservations 48-hours in advance.
Visit Sea Life Park Aquarium
Dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and other marine creatures call the Sea Life Park Aquarium home. A visit to this attraction is an exciting way to see these incredible animals up close, watch amazing shows, visit the touch pool area, and learn about the sea and its native inhabitants. If it happens to rain while you’re in Hawai’i or if you’re looking for a place to cool off, a visit to the Sea Life Park Aquarium is a must-do with kids of all ages.
Cost: General admission is $49.99 for adults and $39.99 for children ages 3 through 12, when purchased online. Kids under three are free. The aquarium also offers pricing that includes personalized animal encounters. You can find out more on their website.
Zip & Climb at Coral Crater
Coral Crater is a 35-acre adventure part nestled in West Oahu, offering nonstop excitement for outdoor enthusiasts ages 6 and up. The park features six exhilarating zip lines, an aerial adventure tower, and ATV off-road fun.
Cost: Zipline tours start at $99.99 per person, and Adventure Tower tickets start at $59.99 person. They also offer adventure packages and transportation from Waikiki.
Discover the Magic at Aulani Ka Wa’a Luau
Half Disney show and half authentic Hawaiian luau, the Aulani Ka Wa’a Luau is an experience your family will remember for years. Be sure to get there right when the gates open to experience all the activities that take place before the show, like learning the art of lei-making. During the show, kids are invited to dance with the performers. Plan on spending about three to four hours at this event, which is weather permitting and only held on certain days.
Cost: Adults are $190, children between 3 and 9 are $119. Kids under three are free. For preferred seating, adults are $219 and children are $139.
More O’ahu Kid-Friendly Activities
- Hawai’i Children’s Discovery Center (General Admission: $12)
- Waikiki Aquarium (General Admission: $12)
- Keiki & Plow (General Admission: $15/adult, $12/child)
- Hawaii’s Plantation Village (General Admission: $17/adult, $8/youth)
- Hawaiian Railway Society, Historic Coastal Train Ride (Standard Tickets: $20/adult, $15/child)
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (Online General Admission: $27.99/adult, $15.99/child)
- Bishop Museum (General Admission: $38.95/adult, $30.95/youth)
- Polynesian Cultural Center (Tickets Start At: $124.95/adult, $99.96/child)
Whether you are planning an unforgettable Father’s Day trip with your children, celebrating a milestone birthday, or embarking on an epic family vacation, there is no shortage of things to do on O’ahu.
Hawai’i with Kids is Best at Your Home Away from Home
No hotel room can compete with a spacious vacation rental when it comes to bringing kids with you! At Private Homes Hawai’i, we have an entire catalog of homes in O’ahu for you to select from, all with our world-class concierge service and near many of these excellent things to do on O’ahu with kids.
Our O’ahu vacation rentals can accommodate four to eighteen quests and offer a myriad of amenities. We offer spacious homes that are ideal for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for a home near the beach or a secluded oasis, we have a rental that is perfect for your travel needs. We can’t wait to help you and your family have the trip of a lifetime.