Take a look and find the hotel that is right for your family. What isthisdoing in the activities lineup?! Whether you proceed down the Hawaiian Origins Tunnel to the Deep Ocean zone, stop and participate in the lab activities in the Living Islands zone, explore the interior of the walk-through volcano (the facility's signature exhibit), or climb up to the tree house to get a bird's-eye view of the volcano's erupting caldera, everywhere you turn you'll find intriguing things to see and do. They even raise cattle on site and sell fresh grass-fed beef, which a lot of my goodie friends go nuts about. Swimming at Waimea Falls is a big highlight for kids and adults alike. The kidsloved all the mechanical elements, the guns, the ammo, the crawl spaces and the vastness of the ships themselves. Oahus warm ocean waters are irresistable, whether you are splashing in the waves or floating in an inner tube by the shore. Do you need a kitchenette, a local market nearby, or an activity room within the hotel? For just a few dollars more, one child can tour free with an adult. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . My husband and I went to Paradise Cove with another couple on a date night, but we would go back with the kids now that we know what its about. WebAnswer 1 of 7: For those who travelled with young kids to Oahu, what fun activities did your kids enjoy (other than the beach of course)? Located near the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the second oldest public aquarium in the United States. John Fischer is a freelance travel writer and photographer who specializes in Hawaii and the South Pacific. Waimea Valley isa lush and gorgeous botanical garden located on Oahus North Shore, just inland from famed Waimea Bay Beach Park. Tours can be booked in advance online with a discount. Pearl Harbor is the sight of the surprise aerial attack by the Japanese army which killed 2,403 people and led to the United States joining the fight in World War II. There are tons of kid friendly Oahu resorts that are so much fun for families. They have trucks in Haleiwa and Kahuku, as well as a spot in Honolulu. Web1. Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, A Waldorf Astoria (Editors Choice) 2. Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Oahu. If youre looking for a cool water park in Hawaii, Wet n Wild is your best option. The Halona Blowhole is a good place to stop and enjoy the scenery while on your way to Kailua, the Makapuu Lighthouse, Sea Life Park, or some of the other attractions on the southeastern side of the island. You are also going to see a variety of tropical fish as you snorkel, and maybe even dolphins! The memorial itself is accessible only if you are part ofthe NPS tour from the visitor center. There are several outfitters with stands right next to the beach that will guarantee your kiddos will be standing on that longboard before their lesson is over. We also just go and throw down a blanket on one of the beautiful lawn areas and relax. The $1 million Island Adventure Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course featuring creative and challenging miniature golf surrounded by lush Hawaiian vegetation. If you are looking for consistently good food in with beachfront views, head to Dukes Waikiki inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. And its delicious because the consistency of the ice should be as close to powder as you can get. Kids naturally will gravitate to those beautiful waters, so activities such There is a viewpoint with whale placards, and this is a great place to see whales out in the water during the winter. There are a variety of fish plates with sides, fish burgers, fish salads, fish and chips, and more. This Oahu snorkeling trip is for kids at least 2 years old and they pay a discounted rate. Lush Waimea Valley is home to world-class botanical gardens and nearly 5,000 species of plants. Learn to surf at Waikiki, visit Pearl Harbor, and fall in love with the aloha spirit as you explore this beautiful place. Best Waterpark Hotels in Hawaii It doesnt have all the amenities that Kailua Beach has, not does it have as much actual beach, but it is simply stunning. Audio guides are included with your museum admission. If you aren't driving, you can catch the number 22 bus from Waikiki, which runs down Kuhio Avenue. The Pearl Harbor Memorial also has a nice museum which does a good job of explaining the history leading up to the bombing, what happened that day, and the ramificiations of the aerial attack. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The trail is typically wet and and can be muddy in some spots, but recent trail improvements have reduced the mud factor by quite a bit. Along the way, take time to see the massive Victoria Amazonica water lilies in the pond just past the ticket booth that can grow up to a 1/2 meter a day. The Paradise Coveluau is the best luau on Oahu, and one of the best anywhere in Hawaii. This activity center encourages kids of all ages to use sight, touch, smell, and hearing for the most interactive and educational facility in Honolulu. THE 10 BEST Honolulu Rainy-Day Activities Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Honolulu Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category An educational activity that allows visitors to learn about Hawaiis railroading history. If you want to experience real Hawaiian food and dancing, a luau is a great family experience. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection. Driving east from Haleiwa, you can stop and check out some of the most famous surf spots in the world, but your first stop should be Laniakea, better known as Turtle Beach, where the family can enjoy seeing green sea turtles lounging on the beach almost any day of the year. And these are just some of the things to do in Oahu with a toddler. Its a private dolphin swim for up to 6 people at Dolphin Quest. The most popular encounter is the Dolphin Encounter where kids (and adults) can get in the water with the dolphins. This is a very hot and dry portion of the island, so we suggest trying to do this hike in the morning. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardenis a peaceful place on the east side of the island, outside of the major city areas. If you do have a regular purse or backpack, you will have to store it in a provided locker for a fee. At a depth of 80110 feet, the drive takes you past numerous coral formations, six concrete pyramid structures, four Japanese-designed artificial reefs, the remains of two sunken airliners, and two shipwrecksthe U.S. Navy tanker ship YO-257 and the fishing boatSan Pedro. Avoid a vacation nightmare and first read this guide to renting a car in Hawaii before you book. The park features more than 25 exhilarating sights nestled on 29 acres of lush tropical landscaping and natural cliffs. Do you like to have big adventures while you travel? But, its fun just walking around and enjoying the touch pools and the playground. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Aulani Resort Beach. All children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The Ka'a'awa Valley has been used for the location filming of numerous major motion pictures and television productions. We also attended a friends wedding which was just an incredible sight in the view of the beautiful Koolau mountains in the background. An eye opening experience for kids. First of all, their coffee is some of the best I have ever had (and I drink a lot fo coffee). At Ola Properties, we offer a variety of upscale vacation rentals along Oahus sunny western coast. A word of warning, though. Over 70 movies and tv shows from LOST to Elvis classics- have been filmed at the Ranch. If youre looking for an affordable Waikiki boat trip, this is the perfect one for your family. Web8 Hrs. You will often see long lines of people outside this hot spot patiently waiting to purchase the bakerys legendary malasadas (Portuguese- style filled donuts) and pao doce (sweet bread like Kings Hawaiian rolls). Rainy day activities for the whole family at the Jersey Shore One of the classic experiences when visiting Hawaii, especially for the first time, is attending a luau. Head over to the Bishop Museum, which is one of the best things to do with kids in Honolulu. Still in search for accommodations for your Hawaii getaway? Its even better when they put a scoop of ice cream at the bottom and condensed milk on top. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, walk towards Diamond Head until you reach the Honolulu Zoo near the end of Waikiki in Queen Kapiolani Park. Adults pay $25 to enter the park while children under 12, active duty military, and locals are free. Kids ages 2 and younger are free and its fun for kids of all ages. Kualoa Ranch is only 45 minutes from Waikiki on Oahu'swindward (eastern) coast. Prepare for at least 4 hours of activities and games, maybe a canoe ride, temporary tattoos lei makingandbasket weaving. They win a prize and have their names written on a sign at the maze entrance. It is easy to reach the 150-foot waterfall via a 1.6-mile (round trip) trail through the rainforest to the falls. Only 1400 guests per day may enter the park. It is right on the coast southeast of famed Waikiki. Dole Plantation, whichwelcomes more than one million visitors annually, also offers a 20-minute, two-mile journey around the plantation on the Pineapple Express train, showcasing the legacy of pineapple and agriculture in Hawaii. My kids love this place, mostly because they get to wear layers of clothing, haha. We can spend most of the day there, so again, we bring lunch with us. Ala Moana Shopping Center is consistently ranked among the top malls in the nation, and for good reason. You must make reservations to enter Hanauma Bay and watch an orientation video before heading down the hill to the bay. Not every hiking trail is best for kids, so check that our first. 2. To appreciate the true sacrifices that our Navy sailors have made for our country, explore the submarine and try to imagine living in these tight quarters for months at a time! The hike to Manoa Falls is one of my favorites on the island. The tickets are a bit pricey, but you can find discounts through military connections, or check these sites:Hawaii Discount/Groupon. Momosan Ramen Waikiki is another one of our favorites for sushi and ramen. While it's not a great idea to visitthe memorial with small children, it is a once-of-a-lifetime educational experience for school-age children and young adults. If you want to have a beach day at some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches on the planet, head to Kailua Town and spend the afternoon at either Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach. Seven Brothers has a few different North Shore locations and some of the best fries on the planet. Staff are happy to demonstrate the games and help you learn to play them. Dont forget to check our guides to the best kids activities Oahu style. Older kids might want to rent kayaks and paddle out to the Mokulua Islands off the shore. During this 2 hour tour, youll take a boat out to the submarine and then go below the surface to see all kinds of coral and tropical fish. Yes, there is an ice skating rink in Hawaii. If you are happy to go off the beaten track and the kids have an adventurous spirit, getting away from all the tourist trappings can be a breath of fresh air. Book your Kualoa Ranch tour on TripAdvisor. While adrenaline addicts can enjoy slides such as Tornado, which catapults riders through a 130-foot tunnel into the swirling, raging waters and down into a splashdown pool, the park also features tamer attractions such as the relaxing Kapolei Kooler, a winding lazy river; Water World, an interactive children's area filled with fountains, water cannons, mini slides, and a dumping bucket; and Hawaiian Waters, a 400,000-gallon wave pool. And its one of the top tourist spots in Oahu. Walking into the old hangars (some of which still have original bullet hotels from the attack on Pearl Harbor) and seeing the kids up in awe at these amazing machines is just incredible. Hourly and daily rates are available. or make them walk, being outside in Hawaii is simply the best. The Waikiki Aquarium is open dailyexcept for Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. This little spot is typically packed with locals and an easy spot to pick up a couple different varieties of musubi to snack on by the beach. Here are a few spots that we love to visit when vacationing on Oahu. It is a great spot for a casual lunch. Shrimp trucks have become quite iconic on the North Shore, and there are several to choose from these days. One for those days you want to be somewhere familiar, but still be entertained. Kualoa Ranch offers horseback rides, ATV rides, bus tours, fishpond and garden tours, and jungle forays into the valley. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. They also provide little flowers that visitors can use to decorate their crowns. Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian Islands and families will be thrilled to discover there are so many fun things to do in Oahu with kids! There are informational signs around the ship to help you learn about its history. P.S. In between the two hangars is the Raytheon Pavilion which is home to STEM exhibits geared towards children as well as lots of hands on activities. Near Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa WetnWild Hawaii is one of Oahus top 10 most visited family attractions. Admission to the Battleship Missouri includes a 35-minute guided tour, or simply explore the ship at your own pace. Of all the things to do in Oahu with kids, I think visiting Pearl Harbor is the most important. One of the top Oahu attractions is Kualoa Ranch, but most of their tours are geared for older kids. Before or after your hike to Manoa Falls, make time to visit the Lyon Arboretum which is a 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden managed by the University of Hawaii. Best Oahu Kids Activities for Toddlers in Hawaii Its an incredible place for kids to learn how to dance, play music, taste food, and experience Polynesian culture. Have a night in by selecting the best in takeout, or visit the local restaurants. The park is set on 29 acres in Kapolei at the southern end of the Wai'anae Mountains, about 25 miles west of Honolulu and 3540 minutes from Waikiki. During this 5 hour tour, youll actually do some sightseeing through Honolulu on your way to Pearl Harbor. Families of all ages will enjoy the Bishop Museum's Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center, whichprovides exhibits that are immersive and interactivewith a strong emphasis on better understanding Hawaii's environment. There is also a restaurant onsite and a stand that sells the famed pineapple Dole Whip ice cream, my favorite! Winter is big surf season on the North Shore and surfers flock from all over the world to catch some of the biggest waves on the planet. Stop at one of the shrimp trucks that you'll find along the road near Kahuku. There is also a small fee for parking. It is popular with local residents, school groups, and as a venue for corporate parties. There is also a great playground for kids right next to the zoo that is perfect for getting the wiggles out. Its our little version of Sea World right here on the island! The USS Arizona Memorial is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Oahu is perhaps the most versatile of the Hawaiian Islands. Life jackets are required to swim in the large, deep pool at base of the falls and lifeguards are on duty to keep everyone safe. Best Things to Do In Oahu With Kids Compared. While Waikiki and downtown Honolulu have plenty of great activities for both adults and children, far too many visitors never take the time to explore the rest of what this wonderful island has to offer. If you are parking, you will be given a two-hour time slot. Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu Gay Guide and Photo Gallery, 12 Top Free and Cheap Things to Do on Oahu, One Week in Hawaii: The Ultimate Itinerary, Top Things to Do on Oahu Away from Waikiki and Honolulu, Filming Locations for ABC's "Lost" in Hawaii. The scenery along the way is just as special as the waterfall. Reservations can be made 14 days in advance and will surely sell out. The stories are heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. Keep in mind that Giovannis is cash only. Other stops well worth considering are Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. If it's winter, all the better because you may see the big waves. If they are at least four feet tall and can use a snorkel, they are welcome on this tour. From daylight till dark, all these things are worth experiencing but nowhere near the end of your Oahu memories. Kids under 2 years old will need to be carried during the hike, but kids ages 2 and older are able to fully participate. There are activities for the whole family in each village that represents each culture. I spoke of Giovanis Shrimp Truck earlier but I wanted to reiterate just how good this food truck is. I split this into two categories: Outdoor and Indoor, because sometimes it rains on your outdoor parade. Though it is hard to imagine, Lanikai Beach may be even more beautiful than Kailua Beach. It is possible that swimming at the falls could temporarily close after a big storm, so be sure to check the waterfalls status before heading out by calling (808) 638-7766 on the day of our visit. Maze wanderers search for eight secret stations on their way to solving the mystery of the maze. Located in Central Oahu, about a 40-minute drive north from In Waikiki, Island Vintage Shave Ice in front of the Royal Hawaiian Center, is an awesome place to go if you are looking for handmade fruit syrups, house-created mochi balls, and plenty of fresh tropical flavors. If you have airplane enthusiasts in your group then you wont want to end your time at Pearl Harbor without a stop at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. We can help create the best Hawaiian memories for you and your kids. Rather forget the whole thing? There are also numerous activities and exhibits available to park visitors of any age. Over 30 of the Best Things to do in Oahu with Kids on a Family Vacation. If you drive, you'll be able to park in the large parking lot. Its just 90 minutes in the afternoon, so it wont take up your entire day. The current is very strong and you will notice that most of the swimmers are wearing fins to combat the strong pull. It may be too much to handle for younger kids who may not understand what is happening. You must check in 30 minutes before the scheduled submarine tour time. Oahu is the most visited of all the They can run around in the small grassy area and have snacks picnic style. Here are our picks for the best beaches in Oahu for families. Honolulu If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, head to the North Shore where the pace is slower and the biggest attractions are scenery, surfing, and shrimp trucks. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Guide. And they can feed/pet the horse after their ride. While waiting for your tour to begin, listen to the excellent audio tour. Their first visit was when they were 5 and 6 years old my advice would be to go according to their own pace. There are also e-bike tours, ATV tours, horseback riding tours, and even a Secret Beach tour which leads you to a beach where kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, catamarans, and a glass bottom boat are awaiting. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Beginning May 12, 2022, out-of-state visitors must make advanced reservations online in order to visit Diamon Head State Monument. After you play on the beach for a bit, youll head enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch and then hop into the water to go snorkeling. Check latest rates and more information. Re: Kids playgrounds in Waikiki 11 years ago Save Not really a playground that comes to mind but maybe the picnic area down by the Hale Koa has some areas for kids to play. Many adventurers also see whales (in season) and some even hear the whales singing under the water! It is set in a 2,770-seat amphitheater atthe PCC's Pacific Theater. The new elephant exhibit is quite nice and more spacious than before. The fresh air, the smell of the tropical plants its so rejuvenating. The USS Arizona Memorial and the three Pearl Harbor historic sites share a common parking lot. Once upon a time, Oahu was an agricultural island filled with endless acres of sugar cane and pineapple fields. Kids ages 2 and younger are free. Expect some serious eye-rolling from the kids when you tell them you may have missed your lifes calling, and decide to join them in the fine art of taming the waves. A Hawaii vacation is always one of my favorite vacations. There are free toursmost of the day. 10 Best Indoor play Near Me in Honolulu - Kids Activities By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni KID Brentwood, Calif. and Kara Murphy, publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa. September 1, 2021 And save time to play at Waikiki Beach. Definitely make room for a decadent slice of Hula Pie which big enough to share. The water at Lanikai is almost always calm and quite shallow, making it a great option for families with young children. This list is in no particular order, just some things we have done with the kids that are the most enjoyable for them. For several years, Wild Side Specialty Tours have offered tours on the company's 42-foot sailing catamaran, the Island Spirit, featuring up-close and personal experiences with Hawaiian spinner dolphins, including the opportunity to get into the water and swim with these amazing creatures. If you would rather have a cage between you and the sharks, that is an option as well. The park allowskids to feed ducks and fish andprovide simple fishing poles to fish directly from the water, great for younger kids, too! Then a trip to Waimea Valley should definitely be near the top of your list of things to do in Oahu with kids. Another fun thing to do on Oahu with kids is hanging out at Sea Life Park. Kids ages 3 and younger are free. activities Required fields are marked *. Woah. Check latest rates and more information. They are mammals. Be sure to stop at the M. Matsumoto grocery store for shave ice, aka water ice. The hiking trail to the summit is very steep and uneven in some areas. Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Additional island exhibits include the great mo'ai statues and huts of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the islands of Marquesas. Youmight befascinated by all the history and details on an adult level, but depending on their attention span, just let them experience it through their own eyes and interests and questions. It was made famous by the 1953 film, From Here to Eternity, starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. Things to Do in Oahu with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities The images are really in your face. Exploration of the ranch and Ka'a'awa Valley can only be done by special permit or on one of the tours offered by Kualoa Ranch. Check latest rates and more information. If youre planning a trip to Oahu soon, check out these options as suggestions from a local family. The return trip takes you on a path along the valley's southeast wall. Pinpoint any specific facilities you may need. Celebrated, not only for its appeal, but looks as well. On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, Hanauma Bay remains open until quite late. The ride to and from the dock to the memorial, as well as time allowed at the memorial, will take about 45 minutes. Its such an easy way to see Hawaiian sea life without getting wet! Discover More Things to do in Hawaii with Kids: Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2023, Categories United States Destinations, Hawaii, 15 Fun Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids, The 10 Best Tucson Resorts for Families for 2023. Your email address will not be published. Sharks Cove is only good for snorkeling in the summer because during the winter, the North Shore is known for its big surf. The Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour takes guests to the filming locations of classics such a Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, and Jurassic Park. Located in Queen Kapi'olani Park on the east end of Waikiki, the Honolulu Zoo is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people. Each year, more than 330,000 people visit the award-winning aquarium, which has been designateda Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center of the federal Coastal America Partnership program. Bishop Museum is open Wednesday through Monday and is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day. The crew will take photos for you so you can focus on the sharks. Just an hour or so from Waikiki via central Oahu, the North Shore has a totally different culture than the rest of the island. There is great year-round snorkeling close to shore, and a nice beach to enjoy as welll. Cost. There are also canoe rides in the centers lagoon and an awesome daily parade of the islands on large platform canoes where performers put on a show related to the island they are representing. Flytographer has a network of incredible professional photographers ready to come to you and help your family create the ultimate souvenir of your special trip. You are literally standing over a gravesite where 1,177 men lost their lives. Wear good walking shoes and a hat, and bring water and sunscreen with you. Then keep reading! Lots of napkins. Be aware of jellyfish warning or strong current advisories. Be the first to review this attraction. Put the cameras down for a few hours and make the choice to take it all in. So, Im including this half day tour for families that want to visit this historic site with toddlers. Kids This park is very kid-friendly, including interactive exhibits with starfish, turtles, penguins (yes,penguins! Make no mistake, theyve already seen the brochures and heard the conversations. Be sure to also visit the Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium, located next to the Museum Caf, where shows are offered several times a day. Its not code. Just outside of Hawaii Kai is a wonderful hike for families to a viewpoint where you can see the Makapuu Lighthouse, the Windward Oahu Coast, Koko Head, and even whales! Oahu is a very multicultural place so the food offerings are endless. Visitors 12 years and older are welcome. Their Best of the West cruise on the Alaka'i departs early in the morning for a three-plus-hour tour, but expect to pay a couple hundred dollars. The site is on the mountain or Mauka side of the H-1 on Farrington Highway, about20 minutes from Honolulu Airport. This thoughtfully designed shopping center combines indoor activities in Oahu and outdoor elements to maximize the favorable climate and beauty of the island. This arcade is home to over 12,000 square feet of games, prizes, and good clean fun for the whole family. By the way never refer to shave ice as a snow cone. Diamond Head looms large over the Waikiki. 1 Review. This is where the sand and the sea melt into one. You can drive to the center (about an hour) or take one of the center's numerous buses that pick up at many hotels in Waikiki. Each area is full of surprise and wonder, completely hands on, and it allows for the kids creativity. The most popular attraction on Oahu is Pearl Harbor. Its perfect for a first trip to Oahu with kids. Browse our listings here! So, you made it through another year. The highly anticipated Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor (PAM) opened to the public on Dec. 7, 2006, the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Hawaii.
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