Hawaii: A Family Paradise
"Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you."Family-Friendly Places to Visit on Oahu, Hawaii.
It’s undeniable that Hawaii has stunning beaches and offers family-friendly activities. You can explore beautiful gardens or go on exciting hikes, learn about Hawaiian culture at luaus and visit historical sites. Regardless of your family’s preferences, Hawaii provides something enjoyable for everyone. Here are my top suggestions:
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Waikiki Aquarium: The Waikiki Aquarium is a great choice for families, typically taking around an hour to fully explore. It's an opportunity for kids to discover marine life such as colorful fish, jellyfish, stingrays, and more. The aquarium also has a photographer so you can get family or group pictures. You can buy the pictures later if you want. They also sell cute stuffed animals in the gift shop that kids will like. While there's a very limited number of free parking spaces in front of the Waikiki Aquarium entrance, street parking is also available.
Honolulu Zoo: Check out the Honolulu Zoo! Especially for kids eager to explore animals from all over the world. It’s close to Waikiki Beach and the Aquarium, so you can walk there. You'll find plenty to see and do here, they have playgrounds and a café for well-deserved breaks. Be sure to check out the zoo shop for their adorable toys. And, don't forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray to ensure a comfy visit.
The Byodo-In Temple: The Byodo-In Temple is situated within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, a tourist attraction on the windward side of Oahu. Getting there is convenient, whether by driving or taking the bus. Visiting this place gives you to experience its amazing atmosphere. You can see fish, turtles, and ducks swimming in the peaceful surroundings. It's a beautiful place to take a relaxing walk and enjoy the peacefulness.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden: If you need a break from the beach, this botanical garden is a nice change of scenery. You can stay for about 30 minutes or longer if you want to enjoy a peaceful picnic by the calm lake. This is a popular tourist spot on the windward side with a beautiful view of the Koolau Mountains. Families can relax here, and kids will enjoy seeing the fish and ducks.
Dole Plantation: Dole Plantation is a popular tourist spot on island. You can do train and garden tours, explore exhibits, and shop for souvenirs. They also have a pineapple maze and delicious dole soft serve ice cream. It's a great place for families to have fun and learn about Dole Plantation. You can visit for a few hours or a whole day, and don't forget to buy fresh pineapple to bring home!
Children’s Discovery Center: Located in Honolulu, the Children’s Discovery Center is a museum made for kids. We took our daughter there when she was 1. She was very interested in the different exhibits. This center is fantastic because it encourages children to explore items from various cultures, fostering their learning and encouraging discovery.
Ala Moana Center: A great place for families to go shopping. It's a big outdoor mall with lots of stores and a nice atmosphere. They even have free Hula shows! Wear comfy shoes because there's a ton of shops, we always make sure to visit the Lego Store and Barnes & Noble, and we love looking at the fish displays outside.
Kualoa Ranch: Kualoa Ranch offers lots of fun activities for families like horseback riding, ATV tours, and movie site tours where you can see where famous films and TV shows were made. The beautiful Kualoa mountain provides a stunning backdrop for your adventures. To learn more about the different activities at Kualoa Ranch, visit their website - https://www.kualoa.com.
Polynesian Cultural Center: The attraction is a must-visit for those looking for a unique experience on the island. It's one of Hawaii's top attractions - both entertaining and informative, offering a full day of learning about the Polynesian Islands and the settlement of Hawaii. Each island features performances that teach about their culture, and the experience is very interactive. I highly recommend it, especially for first-time visitors to Oahu.
Bishop Museum: The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is all about Hawaiian culture, history, and science. It's a great place to learn about Hawaii and the Pacific region. They cover the histories of Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. The science building is really cool and has hands-on activities for kids to learn about the islands' past. People of all ages should visit the Bishop Museum on Oahu because it has beautiful architecture and tells the captivating story of Hawaiian history, making it a really educational experience.
Keiki-friendly Beach/Lagoon:
If you have young kids who like calm beaches, our best picks for a relaxing day in the sun or playing in the sand are Hilton Waikiki Lagoon and Ko'Olina Beach. Since my daughter is only 2 years old and enjoys playing, we think these two places are ideal for our family trips.
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Ko’Olina - The lagoons have sandy areas with calm, clear water, making them perfect for kids to swim. Be careful though, as there are no lifeguards. Families, especially those with little ones, will enjoy this spot, near the Aulani resort. It can get busy with parking, so it's best to come early. Also, no umbrellas or tents are allowed, so try to secure a shaded spot in the morning.
The Hilton Lagoon is a free and accessible part of Hawaii's beach, open to everyone. Situated at the end of Waikiki Beach and known as the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, it's a shallow and tranquil area, making it perfect for children to play without concerns about large waves. Despite being located on Hilton property, it's open to the public and can get quite crowded. Essentially, it's a shallow, man-made pool near the ocean that's open for everyone to enjoy.
Have a wonderful and enjoyable time as you explore Oahu!
