9 Family-Friendly Things To Do on Oahu

There are many fantastic beaches for families on Oahu, but Kailua Beach is one of the best. Located on the east side of Oahu, this picturesque shoreline has calm, warm waters year-round that are perfect for a kid-friendly swim. If your kids are a bit older—ideally in their teens—you can make your beach visit a little more active with a kayaking adventure from Kailua Beach to the nearby Mokulua Islands. Rent a kayak from a nearby vendor or book a guided tour that handles all the logistics.

A few minutes into hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, you’ll start to see what the hype is about—the trail's ocean views broken up by the Mokulua Islands will have you snapping dozens of photos. Add the golden glow of sunrise to the mix, and it's no surprise this trail is considered one of the best hikes on the island—and one of the best family activities on Oahu. Except for the steep first quarter-mile (0.4 kilometers), the trail is a relatively easy hike, and it only takes 25 minutes to reach the endpoint: the “pillbox,” an abandoned military observation station.

While there are many luau on Oahu, the Ka Wa‘a Luau at Disney®’s Aulani Resort is particularly great for kids. It offers plenty of opportunities to participate in traditional activities, including kapa (barkcloth) printing and taro pounding. And that doesn’t even touch on the island-inspired menu that's sure to please even picky kids, and the hula-filled, Broadway-esque performance. Add it all together, you’ve got a great cultural experience for families on Oahu that will entertain all ages.

Did you know?: The Aulani Resort is the only Disney® in Hawaii, and it’s one of the most family-friendly accommodations on Oahu.

For centuries, surfing has been a much-loved pastime in Hawaii, and there are many opportunities on the islands to try the sport for the first time. While there are great surfing conditions around Oahu, Waikiki’s calm beaches are a favorite for families and beginners alike. Opt for a guided lesson—choose between a private or group class—to learn the basics and to have the best chance of catching some waves. Before you know it, the whole family will be riding swells like the pros!

If you’re looking for a lovely nature walk to do with children on Oahu, consider heading to Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Located within Koko Crater—yes, the same one that houses the famed hiking trail—this garden has a stunning plumeria grove right at its entrance, with blooms in all shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white.

While there is more to Koko Crater Botanical Garden than just the plumeria grove, the rest is rather spread out and requires hiking along dusty, rocky paths. If energy levels are low, consider skipping the remainder of the garden and just admiring the flowers.

One of the most educational activities for kids on Oahu, Iolani Palace served as the official home of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1882 until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, and it's still a stunning architectural and historical marvel. For a day of sightseeing Oahu’s top sights, Book a tour to visit the palace alongside other nearby landmarks and discover the island's history.

Did you know?: This kid-friendly Oahu attraction is the only official royal residence in the US.

Kualoa Ranch is a sight to behold: Nestled within the beautiful Koolau Mountains of Kaaawa Valley and right on the blue Pacific Ocean, this spot's verdant mountains have caught the eye of many Hollywood directors. For one of the top family tours on Oahu, hop aboard a vintage school bus for a peek behind the scenes at the Ranch's movie magic. Young cinephiles can spot locations where the likes of Lost, Jumanji, Pirates of the Caribbean, and—maybe most notably—the Jurassic Park franchise were filmed.

The Dole Plantation is a blast for kids of all ages, especially younger children. This thriving pineapple farm is filled with activities, from the family-friendly Pineapple Express Train Tour to the massive Pineapple Garden Maze (it's so big that it once claimed the title of the largest maze in the world!). Round out your day with an expertly made Dole Whip and a pineapple-themed souvenir from the Plantation Center gift shop. All in all, the Dole Plantation packs in some of the most kid-friendly things to do on Oahu.

While there are many incredible places to snorkel on the island, Hanauma Bay is great for families as the waters are relatively calm year-round, and the bay always has lifeguards on duty. Dive in for a glimpse of tropical fish, coral, sea turtles, and more. Book a guided snorkel for the best chance to spot the bay’s rich marine life.

Insider tip: As a protected marine life conservation reserve, you must book tickets to visit Hanauma Bay. Go to the Hanauma Bay reservation site two days in advance at 7am HST on the dot—tickets are often snatched up within minutes.