Family Friendly Things to Do in Waikiki
Waikiki is a paradise for kids and families alike. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium or the Honolulu Zoo, or take advantage of beach activities like surfing and canoe paddling on one of the world’s most famous beaches. The fun in Waikiki is endless.
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Waikiki. From Waikiki Beach to the North Shore, the Island of Oahu is an enchanting paradise glowing with Aloha spirit. With hundreds of miles of glistening sand beaches, turquoise waters, peaceful lagoons, beautiful parks, breathtaking waterfalls, scenic trails, exciting attractions and a colorful culture, Oahu is a utopia for family fun.Honolulu Zoo. Set against the backdrop of Diamond Head in Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo houses over 1,000 species of animals, mammals, birds, reptiles and rare wildlife, including a Sumatran tiger, lions, Hawaiian nene goose, Francois monkeys, giraffes, hippos, Indian elephants, spider monkeys, native Hawaiian birds and Galapagos tortoises. Exhibits include the African Savannah, Tropical Rainforest, Pacific Islands, Kabuni Reserve and the Children’s Zoo where kids pet llamas and cows. The “Zoo by Moonlight” tour offers a rare glimpse of the Zoo’s nocturnal animals. Visit www.honoluluzoo.org/.
Waikiki Aquarium. Next to a living reef on Waikiki’s shoreline, Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest aquarium in the U.S. The Aquarium exhibits over 2,500 diverse marine life organisms – representing over 420 species of aquatic animals – from Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Explore incredible coral reef exhibits and get close to sharks, colorful reef fish, living corals, graceful sea jellies and the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The Aquarium offers reef walks, adventures with sharks and sea jellies and scuba diving and snorkeling trips. The Waikiki Aquarium is the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region. Visit www.waquarium.org.Sea Life Park in Waikiki. Located 15 miles from Waikiki on Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is an exciting marine attraction between the Koolau Mountain Range and Makapuu Beach. Sea Life Park features over 4,000 marine creatures in naturalistic habitats and displays. Swim with dolphins, come face to face with sea lions, see penguins play and watch thrilling animal shows in a magical place by the sea. Families encounter an array of unique marine life and make discoveries about our aquatic world. Visit www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/.
Hanauma Bay State Park. Hanauma Bay State Park is a protected marine conservation area and underwater park. The crescent-shaped bay and cove are alive with marine life and tropical fish. A rich coral reef that extends throughout the cove into deeper water makes Hanauma a haven for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. Dive to the bay floor, a crater of an ancient volcano, or snorkel among Hawaiian reef fish. Voted Best Beach in America in 2004, the wide sandy beach is an idyllic spot for swimming, surfing, body boarding, sunbathing, and picnicking. Hike on scenic trails along the coastline and ridge above the bay, enjoy jaw-dropping lookouts and check out the Marine Educational Center.Dole Pineapple Plantation. Take a scenic one-hour drive from Waikiki to Hawaii’s famous pineapple plantation. Dole Plantation is a family attraction where kids enjoy the 2-mile train ride on the Pineapple Express through tropical scenery. The Plantation Garden Tour winds you through acres of pineapple plants, 8 beautiful gardens with unforgettable foliage and the dazzling colors of tropical fruit. Wander through the Pineapple Garden Maze of 11,400 colorful Hawaiian plants and 1.7 miles of paths, the world’s largest outdoor labyrinth. Tour the Pineapple Variety Garden, shop in the country store, or plant your own pineapple tree in the rich soil of the North Shore. Visit www.dole-plantation.com.
Hawaiian Luaus. Attend one of the many fun and festive luaus on Oahu. Enjoy an authentic Hawaiian feast with delicious food, Polynesian dance and entertainment, traditional Hawaiian games, canoe rides, hula lessons and lei making. Enjoy a taste of island culture and heritage at one of the many colorful luaus around Waikiki and Oahu, including the unforgettable Polynesian Cultural Center’s Alii Luau, Germaine’s Luau, held on a private beach on Barber’s Point east of Honolulu on the North Shore, and the Paradise Cove Luau on a gorgeous 12-acre beach on the leeward Oahu coast. Enjoy authentic Hawaii cuisine, mai tais, live music, and the Hula dance.Historic Honolulu. Take the family on a historic walking tour of Historic Honolulu in the heart of the city. Discover many of Hawaii’s most historic buildings including Iolani Palace, home to Hawaii’s last monarchs and the only palace on American soil, Hawaii State Capitol, Kamehameha I Statue, Mission Houses Museum, Old Federal Building and Kawaiahao Church, the first Christian church in Hawaii. All of historic Honolulu is within easy walking distance of downtown parking at Aloha Tower.
Waikiki Hotel. Waikiki offers endless tourist attractions and fun things to do in Waikiki, Hawaii for families – from surfing on Waikiki Beach to climbing Diamond Head. Escape to Park Shore Waikiki – a peaceful, family friendly Waikiki hotel retreat on Waikiki Beach.
