Planning a family trip to Oahu? You don’t need a jam-packed itinerary or a huge budget to have a great time. In Honolulu, it’s easy to mix beach days with adventures that actually keep the kids interested—without wearing out the grown-ups.
From dinosaur jeep rides and reef snorkeling to pineapple farm train tours and chocolate tastings, these family-friendly activities in Honolulu are low-stress, high-reward, and worth building your vacation around. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or in-betweens, this list of the top 10 things to do in Honolulu for families has something guaranteed to thrill everyone!
Still sorting out your plans? Our Ultimate Mom’s Resource for Planning Travel to Oahu breaks down everything from packing tips to where to grab groceries. And when you’re ready to explore more of the area, check out our list of nearby attractions just minutes from your condo.
1. Explore Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch
For families with movie fans (or dinosaur lovers), the Jurassic Adventure Tour at Kualoa Ranch is unforgettable. Hop in an open-air safari truck and take a bumpy ride through the lush valleys of Kualoa, Hakipuʻu, and Kaʻaʻawa, stopping at sets from Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.
Kids will recognize the Indominus Rex paddock and get to see original dinosaur cages, all while soaking in panoramic views of the island’s greenest corners.
Kualoa Ranch Tour Details:
- Location: Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: Adults $149.95, Children (3–12) $74.95
- Age: Minimum age is 3 years
- Note: Not recommended for guests with back issues or pregnant guests
- Reservations: Highly recommended in advance – secure here.
2. Spend a Full Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center
This North Shore attraction is more than just a stop—it’s a full cultural experience spread across six island villages. At the Polynesian Cultural Center, families can watch fire-making in Samoa, learn dances in Tahiti, try games in Tonga, and enjoy a canoe pageant on the lagoon.
Stick around for Hā: Breath of Life, an evening show with fire knife dancing and storytelling that’s surprisingly engaging for kids.
Package options include self-guided village access, dinner buffets, and VIP upgrades with tour guides and reserved show seating. Though this is about an hour away from Honolulu, it's an easy drive, plus you can stop at the popular Pali lookout on the way!
Polynesian Cultural Center Details:
- Location: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie
- Hours: 12 PM – 9 PM (closed Sundays and holidays)
- Recommended Time: 5–8 hours
- Dining: Hukilau Marketplace on-site for meals and snacks
3. Attend a Waikiki Luau With Fireworks
If you want to experience a traditional luau without leaving Waikiki, the Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a great fit. Held on select nights at the resort, it features performances from across Polynesia—Samoan, Tahitian, and Hawaiian hula—plus the always-popular fire knife dance. You can purchase full dinner packages or go with a show-only ticket if you're traveling with picky eaters or on a tighter budget.
But if you’re visiting on a Friday and want a little more excitement, upgrade to the Friday Night Fireworks Luau. This version includes interactive games for kids, traditional buffet dishes like kalua pork and poi, and a brand-new show that ends with fireworks over Duke Kahanamoku Beach. It’s festive, energetic, and especially fun for families with older kids who can stay up a bit later.
Luau Details:
- Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki
- Schedule: Sunday, Tuesday–Thursday
- Special Feature: Fireworks show on select Fridays
- Reservations Needed: Yes
4. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
If your kids are ready to try snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is one of the safest and most scenic places to start. This protected marine life conservation area is known for calm, shallow waters and vibrant reef life—ideal for beginner swimmers. The number of visitors is capped each day to protect the ecosystem, so you’ll need to plan ahead, but it’s definitely worth it.
You don’t need to bring gear—there’s snorkel equipment for rent on-site, along with a snack bar for post-swim treats. For something extra fun, consider picking up a kids’ underwater camera before your trip so they can capture what they see beneath the surface. (You can find some under $30.)
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Details:
- Location: Hanauma Bay State Park
- Hours: 6:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
- Cost: $25 per person (kids under 12 free)
- Reservation: Required 48 hours in advance
- Amenities: Rental gear available, snack bar on-site
5. Spend a Morning at the Honolulu Zoo
For an easy outing with younger kids, the Honolulu Zoo is the perfect option right in Waikiki. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals—from elephants and sloths to native Hawaiian birds—and the layout is great for strollers. There’s also a keiki (kids) petting zoo, playground, open-air exhibits, shaded picnic areas for breaks, and snack spots when you need to refuel.
After your visit, it’s an easy walk to nearby parks and occasional weekend farmers markets where you can grab fresh fruit or local snacks to take back to your Marina Hawaii Vacations condo!
Honolulu Zoo Details:
- Location: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu
- Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM daily – Zoo grounds close at 4 PM
- Admission: Adults $21, Children (3–12) $13, Under 2 Free
6. Try Surf Lessons in Waikiki
Soft breaks, sandy bottoms, and warm water make Waikiki the ultimate classroom for first-time surfers. You’ll find plenty of instructors offering family lessons and private group sessions—often with boards, wetsuits, and rash guards included. We love Sparky’s Surf School, if you want to skip the googling and go straight to booking your lesson.
They operate 7 days a week from 7 AM to 3 PM, and all equipment is included.
7. Visit Pearl Harbor
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a meaningful way to introduce older kids to a pivotal moment in American history. The site includes multiple museums and memorials, including the USS Arizona Memorial, where you’ll take a boat ride to the sunken battleship site. There’s also the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum for hands-on exhibits and walk-throughs.
Younger kids may enjoy the interactive displays more than the films or guided talks, so you can tailor your visit to fit your group’s attention span.
Pearl Harbor Details:
- Location: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu
- Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM daily
- Cost: General admission is free; special exhibits and tours require purchased tickets
- Reservations: Recommended for the USS Arizona Memorial
8. Ride the Train at Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation is an excellent break from the beach, with several kid-friendly attractions all in one spot. Start with the Pineapple Express train tour for a narrated ride through the pineapple fields, then head to the garden maze, recognized as the world’s largest! Spanning over three acres with 2.5 miles of paths and 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants, it’s a fun challenge for parents and kids of all ages.
Top it all off with a cup of Dole Whip and browse the gift shop for pineapple-themed souvenirs before you leave.
Dole Plantation Details:
- Location: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Maze Admission: $10 adults, $8 children (4–12)
- Train Tour: $15 adults, $12.85 children
- Other tours
9. Go Chocolate Tasting at 21 Degrees Estate
This family-owned cacao farm in Kaneohe offers a one-of-a-kind experience, especially for folks with “foodie” kids. The 2–2.5 hour guided tour includes a walk through the orchard where you’ll learn about (and taste) fruits like mango, coconut, and lychee, depending on the season. You’ll also visit the cacao trees, cut open a ripe chocolate pod, and finish with a shaded, connoisseur-style chocolate tasting.
Chocolate Tasting Tour Details:
- Location: 47-546 D Mapele Pl, Kaneohe
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday 11 AM–5 PM
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Tour Type: By appointment only
- Contact them to book online
10. Hike Diamond Head or Makapu’u Point
If you're looking for an active morning that doesn’t require hours of planning (or a ton of gear), Diamond Head and Makapuʻu Point are two of the most popular family-friendly hikes on Oahu. They’re both easy to access from Honolulu and work well for kids who can manage a bit of uphill walking.
Diamond Head is a short but iconic hike that winds up through an old volcanic crater. There are stairs and switchbacks, but most kids can handle it with a few water breaks—and the views of Waikiki from the top are unbeatable.
Makapuʻu Point offers a more relaxed experience. The entire path is paved, making it stroller-friendly, and you’ll get sweeping ocean views along the way. During whale season (November to May), bring binoculars—this is one of the best spots for whale watching on the island.
Hiking Details:
- Diamond Head Trail: 1.6 miles round trip, moderate difficulty
- Makapuʻu Point Trail: 2 miles round trip, fully paved
- Bring: Water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks
- Whale Watching Season: November through May
Plan a Family Vacation That Works for Everyone
Featured Property: Ilikai Tower 1843
From movie-set jeep rides to snorkeling in a reef crater, these family-friendly activities in Honolulu show off the fun side of Oahu while allowing you to stay flexible. And the cherry on top of the perfect vacation days? Coming home to a cozy and convenient vacation rental that’s outfitted with everything you need!
At Marina Hawaii Vacations, we offer beautiful condos in the heart of Waikiki, ideal for small families and couples—affordable, clean, and right in the middle of the action. With our on-site team, you’ll get personal support, local advice, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you got the best rate on your stay. That’s because you’ll never pay an Airbnb or Vrbo hidden fee when you come straight to us.
If you’re looking for maximum comfort and proximity without breaking the bank, check out our family-approved properties today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Family Vacation to Honolulu
How many days in Honolulu is enough?
We recommend 5–7 days for most families. It gives you time to relax, explore, and enjoy a variety of activities without rushing through everything.
Is it better to go to Maui or Honolulu with kids?
Honolulu is often the better choice for families on a budget. The average daily cost per person on Oahu is around $200, compared to about $350 on Maui.
Do you need a car in Honolulu?
Not necessarily. Many attractions in Waikiki are walkable or accessible by public transit. For a full guide to getting around, check out our blog on navigating Waikiki without a car.