Family Activities on Oahu: 15 Best Things to Do in Oahu with Kids

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There are so many exciting family activities on Oahu to choose from! Oahu, Hawaii is one of the top family-friendly Hawaiian Islands. If you’re looking for things to do in Oahu with kids, keep reading!

This post about family activities on Oahu was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

There are tons of wonderful family activities on Oahu! Whether you’re relaxing on Waikiki Beach or visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you’ll find kid-friendly activities for the whole family.

There’s both boutique and high-end shopping. And Oahu has an amazing food scene, with everything from food trucks and shave ice stands to Michelin-star restaurants.

And for adventure-seekers, there are hikes with incredible views, boat excursions, ATV tours, zip lines, and more!

There are also a few museums you can visit with kids on Oahu. Or check out the Honolulu Zoo or the Waikiki Aquarium. Plus, Oahu is the place to find the only palace in Hawaii!

So, if you are heading to Oahu with kids, here are my top 15 family activities on Oahu to add to your vacation itinerary!

Top 15 Things to Do on Oahu with Kids

1. Attend the Toa Luau in Waimea Valley

If you ask me what my favorite Oahu luau is, I always urge families to get tickets for Toa Luau up on the North Shore.

I’ve been a professional hula dancer for 20+ years and have attended countless luaus. This is the first one that really impressed me.

First of all, it’s much more intimate for kids than other Oahu luaus. Get there early so your family can fully participate in all the hands-on activities.

They also do a traditional kava ceremony and you’ll have the opportunity to taste a special drink that will make you feel a bit numb. It’s what warriors drank before battle!

Plus, it’s family owned and operated. Even the little kids help out!

And your luau ticket includes admission to Waimea Valley, where your family can learn more about Hawaiian culture and swim at a waterfall!

Book your Toa Luau tickets here.

Insider tip: Plan enough time to explore Waimea Valley before the luau and bring a change of clothes.

2. Visit the Dole Plantation

Hawaii is still known for the pineapple plantations and the Dole Plantation is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oahu with kids.

They have a little train ride that runs through the fields and a not-scary pineapple maze where kids can do a scavenger hunt.

There are also kitschy photo ops and self-guided tours.

But, for the sake of complete transparency, my main reason for including Dole Plantation is simply that you can get DOLE WHIP!

They serve it in a cup, in a cone, and even with toppings!

3. Have Breakfast with Mickey Mouse

Did you know you can enjoy a character breakfast or dinner at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa without staying there?

Kids will get a kick out of seeing Mickey Mouse and some of his pals in their Hawaiian attire! The food is delicious, and you’ll get your fill of Mickey Mouse waffles!

You’ll get free valet parking during your meal, too!

The best part about the Aulani character breakfast is Aunty’s entertainment. Between the songs, parades, and hula dancing, your kids will be fully occupied so you can sit back and enjoy your meal!

It’s a great way to get a touch of Disney on your Hawaiian vacation! And if you want to stay a few nights there, you can find deals on Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa here.

Insider tip: While you are more than welcome to walk around the property before or after breakfast, your kids might not understand why they can’t play in the pool or take photos with the characters around the property. So, take that into consideration if you think your kids might get frustrated.

4. Go on a Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise

Hawaii is known for its incredible tropical sea life. One of our favorite animals to see are Hawaiian sea turtles!

I’m not much of a snorkeler, but my husband and kids love swimming in Hawaii and doing snorkel cruises.

We haven’t tried this one yet, but I’m including it on this list of best family activities on Oahu because it’s perfect if you’re in Oahu with kids.

It’s just 3 hours long, includes food and drinks, and there’s a free shuttle from Waikiki.

And in the off-chance that you don’t see green sea turtles during this cruise, they will re-book you for free!

I like that this Oahu snorkel cruise doesn’t take up your whole day and that it’s family-friendly.

Book your Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise here.

5. Ride the Hawaiian Railway Society Train

The Hawaiian Railway Society Train is on our list of things we want to do in Oahu with kids.

It sounds perfect for my two little boys! They always get a kick out of the Kauai train ride.

The Hawaiian Railway Society is an educational, non-profit organization. They’re dedicated to saving, restoring and protecting Hawaii’s railroading history.

They have the only historic railroad on the island of Oahu and the only operating railroad museum in the state.

I’d suggest their 3 PM ride on the weekends. That’s when the train stops at Two Scoops in Ko`olina and you can buy ice cream to eat on the ride back! Yum!

Oahu Train Ride Fares

ADULTS: $18
CHILDREN 2-12: $13
SENIORS OVER 62: $13

What’s extra cool is that since they’re a non-profit, your fare will go toward keeping this train running for other families.

Plus, they have an entire toy train museum that the kids will love!

6. See a Free Luau at Ala Moana Center

Not far from Waikiki Beach is Ala Moana Center. It’s known for being the world’s largest shopping center. (provigil)

But it’s on my list of things to do in Oahu with kids for a different reason: Ala Moana Center has some of the best free hula shows on Oahu!

The Ala Moana Hula Show is a free, 20-minute cultural production featuring both traditional and modern hula dancing.

This free hula show runs Monday through Saturday at 1 PM at the Centerstage.

On Sundays, families will love the Ala Moana Center Keiki Hula Show featuring children at 1 PM at the Centerstage.

They also have a new children’s play area. It’s for kids ages 3-12 and features a 20-foot play structure for kids to climb and explore.

Ala Moana Center also does a great job with holiday celebrations like Chinese New Year and Christmas. Plus, kids can feed koi fish!

Insider tip: They also have strollers available, in case your kids get tired.

7. Take Surf Lessons on Kailua Beach

I think surfing may be the quintessential Oahu activity!

Oahu is a great place to surf, with a variety of beaches with conditions that work for different experience levels.

We’ve done surfing lessons on Oahu with kids, and they had a blast! The tricky thing is to find one that isn’t just for teens.

Thankfully, I found a company that will do Oahu surf lessons for your entire family, including little kids.

They provide shuttle service and all the gear. And you’ll have at least 2 instructors with you (their ratio is 1 instructor for every 2-3 family members).

Plus, they will take photos and videos so you can relax and just enjoy the experience!

Book your family surf lessons here.

Insider tip: They also offer private lessons for kids if you don’t want to participate yourself.

8. Explore the Bishop Museum

If museums are your family’s idea of fun Oahu activities, you don’t want to miss the Bishop Museum!

They have lots of galleries highlighting Hawaiian culture and history. But they also have a bunch of kid-friendly planetarium shows and a volcano demo with lava!

Plus, you can take the trolley from Waikiki, which is another fun thing for kids.

Get your discount Bishop Museum tickets here.

9. Go on an Adventure at Kualoa Ranch

If you’re looking for a place to explore with jaw-dropping views, head to Kualoa Ranch.

I attended a wedding here several years ago. It’s no wonder why this is one of the top wedding sites in Hawaii!

Everywhere you turn there is a stunning view of either lush mountains or blue ocean. It’s a great spot to do professional family photographs or snap a few selfies.

But they also host an array of family-friendly Oahu activities.

For families with kids of all ages, your best bet is this Kualoa Ranch Experience Package. It includes a yummy lunch, exploring places from Jurrasic Park, and learning about an ancient Hawaiian fishpond.

They also offer a one-hour movie tour where you can sit in a vintage bus while spotting filming site for Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I., Lost, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and more!

For families with kids ages 3 and older, this Jungle Expedition Tour looks super fun!

Families with kids ages 5 and older might want to do a UTV Tour. You can drive yourself all over Kualoa Ranch to see movie sites and the gorgeous Ka’a’awa Valley.

Kids 10 and older will probably beg to do this cool horseback ride around the Ranch.

And they have a zipline experience for teens ages 13 and older.

10. Spend the Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center on North Shore Oahu has been one of my favorite kid-friendly Oahu activities since I was a kid myself!

It’s located all the way up in Laie and it’s one of the top attractions on Oahu. You can take a shuttle bus from Waikiki or drive yourself.

The Polynesian Cultural Center has mock villages set up representing the island that have influenced Hawaiian culture.

The villages you’ll find at the center are Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and Tonga.

And they have people from those islands who are there doing presentations throughout the day.

My kids have learned how to weave lauhala, dance with Maori poi balls, cook breadfruit, and make fire using a coconut husk. It’s pretty cool!

A lot of people wonder if you need a full day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I’d say yes because each village offers entertainment and hands-on activities.

Plus, there’s the canoe pageant and several places to get snacks and treats. They also have their luau and the Ha: Breath of Life Show.

While I enjoy their luau, Ha: Breath of Life is truly impressive. If your family likes Disney’s Moana, you will LOVE this theatrical show!

Book your discount Polynesian Cultural Center tickets.

Insider tip: If you really want to maximize your time, take a few moments to look at the schedule as soon as you arrive and plan out your day based on the activities in each village. You should be able to go from one activity to the next if you have a plan!

Read more about my review of the Polynesian Cultural Center for families.

11. Wander the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a favorite spot to visit in Oahu for my family.

Plus, my husband and I are nuts about airplanes. I mean, we got married at the Museum of Flight in Seattle!

Oh, and kids under 4 years are free!

They set up the displays at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum so expertly that it will feel like you are part of the exhibit.

Just visiting Pearl Harbor and touring the USS Arizona Memorial, it can be difficult for kids to grasp the history of World War II.

What I appreciate about the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is that it brings history to life for kids who might not “get it.”

Insider tip: Ask about a docent tour. You’ll hear so many fascinating stories about Pearl Harbor!

12. Make Memories at Sea Life Park

A lot of families ask me where they can swim with sharks on Oahu. I usually point them to the Hawaiian Sea Life Park.

Oahu has amazing animal parks where you can see local wildlife, including Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo. But Sea Life Park is on a whole other level!

Sea Life Park is a popular destination for families who want to get up close and personal with marine animals. It’s located about 30 minutes from Waikiki.

They have a bunch of programs where you can swim with dolphins, sea lions, learn about penguins, and even pet a Manta Ray.

And they even host their own luau that comes with free tickets to the park!

13. Take an Atlantis Submarine Tour

We did a similar submarine tour on Maui. If your kids can’t go snorkeling or scuba diving, this is a great way to show kids marine life!

Kids love seeing tropical fish from the comfort of the Atlantis submarine.

I like that this tour is short and it’s an easy activity to do with little kids. Divers will bring sea life up to the window so your kids can get a closer look.

It’s not too long of an activity, so chances are your kids will stay engaged the entire time! And no one gets wet!

Book your discount Atlantis Submarine Adventure tickets.

Insider tip: Make sure your kids aren’t afraid of divers before you book!

14. Go on a Waikiki Walking Tour + Hula Show and Fireworks

We are big fans of walking tours wherever we travel, including the Hawaiian Islands!

Waikiki is a walkable city, and a tour is an excellent way to see such a vibrant area of Oahu.

Within walking distance, there are tons of interesting historical facts, landmarks, and amazing photo opportunities.

This would be a great way to orient your family early in your trip, so you know your way around. Plus, you could get tips from your guide on the best places to eat and where to see free hula shows!

This walking tour is only about 1 mile, so easy for younger kids.

And I love that this budget-friendly tour of Waikiki ends with a hula show and fireworks! What a great way for kids to experience Oahu!

Book your Waikiki Walking Tour here.

15. Book a Flytographer Photo Shoot

Yes, I am including a photo shoot in my list of fun family activities on Oahu!

Flytographer is a website where you can choose which Oahu photographer that you’d like to work with based on their style. We’ve always picked ones that are great with kids!

My family usually laughs a lot during our photo shoots and we’re always in a gorgeous location.

We like to do a mix of family portraits (perfect for holiday cards) as well as lots of candid photos of our family enjoying our Hawaiian vacation.

The kids can be as silly as they want, and we love ending our shoot with them eating yummy treats!

Use CODE7872 or follow this link to get $25 off your Flytographer photo shoot.

Make Memories with the Best Family Activities on Oahu

And there you have it! My top 15 family activities on Oahu. If I missed your favorite things to do in Oahu with kids, let me know in the comments!

Looking for more family-friendly things to do on the Hawaiian Islands? Check out these posts!

A Kid-Friendly Guide to Kauai

25 Things to Do in the Big Island with Kids

The Ultimate Guide to Kauai with Kids