Top 13 Family Friendly Activities in Oahu

Aloha! Beautiful readers! Are you ready for an exciting Hawaiian trip? This time, we will discuss Oahu, a fantastic destination for travelers from all walks of life. Whether you are on a solo journey or traveling with your kids, this island has something for everyone. Families are especially welcome here to explore, have fun, and make beautiful memories. Let us help you find top family-friendly activities in Oahu that will make your expedition unforgettable.

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Visit The Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram

You likely learned of the Attack on Pearl Harbor during your school time. Japan launched the deadly attack on December 7, 1941, resulting in the deaths of thousands of service members and civilians. This pivotal moment marked the entry of the US into World War II. Although the incident is nearly a century old, the wounds remain fresh. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial has preserved these memories in Oahu. It honors the lives affected by the Pearl Harbor attack. It offers free entry to its museums and grounds. You can take your kids to the memorial to showcase the drastic aftermath of the war.

Learn About Late WWII Soldiers At The USS Arizona Memorial

• Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee: Free entry, but a $1 non-refundable management fee is charged when booking through Recreation.gov

December 7 is forever etched in Oahu’s history. On the same day in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona with armor-piercing bombs. The USS Arizona Memorial honors the late servicemen who died in the warship. It is the resting place of 1,177 sailors and marines killed. The sole living survivor of the USS Arizona, Lou Conter, also passed away in 2024. Moreover, the USS Arizona still lies underwater beneath the USS Arizona Memorial. The ship was so damaged it could never be salvaged.

Explore The Battleship Missouri Memorial

• Address: 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Ticket Prices: General Admission: $39.99 (Adults), $19.99 (Children aged 4-12)
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

The historic Battleship Missouri Memorial is part of Pearl Harbor. Also known as the USS Missouri (BB-63), this warship participated in World War I and II, the Korean War, and The Gulf War. It was stationed at the site where Japan officially surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II. It was eventually donated as a museum and memorial ship in 1998. Today, the memorial welcomes hundreds of visitors annually. Visitors can buy a general admission ticket, which includes visiting the exact spot where WWII ended. It also offers two additional guided tours: the Captain’s and the Chief Engineer’s tours.

Learn About Oahu’s Pineapple History At Dole Plantation

• Address: Kānekapōlei St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

So far, we have listed attractions depicting Oahu’s military history. Now, let’s switch to the island’s agricultural history. Pineapple is one of the fruits primarily produced in Oahu. And Dole Plantation tells visitors everything about this fruit. Its 20-minute Pineapple Express Train Tour narrates the pineapple story in Hawaii. If you prefer a long tour, try an hour-long Plantation Garden Tour or the 40-minute Pineapple Garden Maze. The latter is among the world’s largest mazes and will be exciting to solve.

Go Down Thrilling Slides At Wild ‘n’ Wet Hawaii

• Address: 400 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii will be a refreshing change if museums and memorials are boring. This waterpark features over 25 attractions suited for visitors of all ages. It has a kid zone with the Lil Kahuna Beach (an 8,000 square feet space with slides, spray, and tipping buckets), Kapolei Kooler (a lazy river), and Keiki Kove (a kid’s spray ground). There are also family and moderate rides. If you love thrills, try adrenaline-jerking Volcano Express, Volcanic Wedgee, or Da’ Flowrider. For a better experience, rent a private cabana to relax on the patio and lounge chairs.

Take Your Kids To Honolulu Zoo

• Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Tickets: $21 (Adults), $13 (Children aged 3-12)
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

You can never go wrong with the zoo, especially if you have little ones. The Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo in the US originating in a King’s grant of royal lands. It offers natural sanctuary to approximately 900 animals from various continents and zones. Visitors will see the Asian elephant, Fennec Fox, Meerkat, Cheetah, Reticulated Giraffe, African Wild Dog, lion, Sumatran Tiger, Black-Handed Spider Monkey, New Caledonia Giant Gecko, and Kolea. Moreover, if you don’t like crowds, book Twilight Tours on Saturday evening. This two-hour walking tour occurs after the gates close.

Enjoy Horseback Riding At Kualoa Ranch

• Address: Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

There is nothing like Kualoa Ranch in all of Hawaii. This 4,000-acre private ranch serves as a nature reserve and a working cattle ranch with over 600 cattle, 200 sheep, and 120 horses. It offers exciting outdoor recreation activities, ranging from Ziplines to ATV Raptors, Jungle Jeeps, E-Mountain Bikes, and Catamaran tours. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding here. Also, did we mention that Kualoa Ranch has been featured in over 70 Hollywood movies? Some are Jurassic World, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, and Jumanji.

Follow The Trail To Makapu’u Point Lighthouse

• Address: Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7:45 PM
• Things To Do: Hiking, Birdwatching

Next, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse is a historic landmark in the Makapu’u region of Oahu. It was established in 1909 and automated in 1974. This historic red-roofed lighthouse features the deep blue sea as the backdrop. You can reach this 46-foot active United States Coast Guard lighthouse by following the 2-hour Makapu’u Point Trail. Throughout the hike, you will see stunning views of the Koko Head, Koko Crater, and the windward coast. In good weather, you might even see Moloka’i Island. You can also see humpback whales and seabirds between November and May.

Lounge Under Your Umbrellas At Waikiki Beach

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Things To Do: Sunbathing, Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling

Oahu has many beaches, but only a few hold a candle to the picturesque Waikiki Beach. It features an endless stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water. This beautiful beach is surrounded by palm trees, with Mount Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) as a backdrop. It offers plenty of sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding opportunities. Visitors can hang out or picnic with their families at the Waikiki Beach. They can also explore the nearby restaurants, boutique shops, and attractions.

Have A Picnic At Ala Moana Beach Park

• Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 4 AM – 10 PM
• Things To Do: Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, jogging

You don’t always have to pay money for family-friendly activities in Oahu. Free attractions like Ala Moana Beach Park are ideal for all, especially budget travelers. This 119-acre city park was once a swampy marshland. It underwent many renovations and development to become what it is currently. It features 40 designated picnic sites, a half-mile of sandy shore, jogging paths, bathrooms, food stands, and parking. You can walk, jog, or bike around the park. It is also a perfect location for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding.

See Unique Marine Species At Waikiki Aquarium

• Address: 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Waikiki Aquarium is among the top kid-friendly destinations in Oahu. It has a picturesque setting next to a living coral reef on the Waikiki shoreline. This aquarium has various indoor exhibits housing over 3,500 organisms of 490 marine plants and animal species. You can see seadragons, seahorses, pipefishes, giant clams, corals, and unique fish species like Tilapia, Asian Arowana, and Hawaiian stream gobies. The aquarium also has the Hawaiian Monk Seal Exhibit, which housed the rescued Ho‘ailona. However, it is closed as the male seal has been transferred to a research program in California.

Hike To Manoa Falls

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96822, United States; Google Map
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Hiking Level: Moderate

What could be a better way to bond with your family than through hiking? Manoa Falls is the perfect hiking destination for families. This 150-foot waterfall is a renowned attraction in the Manoa Valley. Visitors come here to enjoy the scenery and take beautiful snaps of the waterfall. It has been featured in many movies, including Catching Fire and Jurassic Park. Furthermore, the 1.6-mile Manoa Falls Trail takes 1 to 2 hours and suits hikers of all levels. Some even mention this trail as ‘easy.’

Take A Walk Around Kapiolani Park

• Address: 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 5 AM – 12 AM
• Things To Do: Picnics, attending concerts, watching sporting events

Oahu has many regional parks, including the Kapiolani Park. This 300-acre park is Hawaii’s largest and second-oldest public park. It is next to Waikiki Beach and has many attractions, including the Honolulu Zoo, Queen Kapiolani Statue, and the Waikiki Shell. It also features tennis courts, sports fields, and paved paths where visitors can walk, jog, or play sports. This park’s origin goes back to the 19th century when King Kalākaua dedicated this royal land as a public space and named it in honor of his Queen Kapi’olani.

There is no limit to family-friendly activities in Oahu. This gorgeous island has everything from kid-friendly beaches to zoos, aquariums, and waterparks. You can also take your kids to indoor attractions like museums and cinemas. Or, choose any of the activities listed in this blog. Moreover, Oahu offers family-friendly hotels and resorts at reasonable costs. The best areas to stay on the island are North Shore, Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Leeward Coast. Find hotels around these neighborhoods and book your stay.