Welcome to our exclusive family-friendly guide, perfect for those planning an unforgettable trip to Oahu, Hawaii! Each spot on this list has been carefully chosen with families in mind, ensuring convenience, enjoyment, and authentic island vibes. As ...
Sections
4
Beaches
Hikes
Luaus
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
With all beaches in Hawaii, I always recommend locking your doors and not keeping any valuables in the car, even if they are hidden.
Gorgeous, powdery white sand. Downside: parking is not good.
Lanikai Beach
Great if you are staying in Waikiki. Parking is free on the street near Kapiolani Park and in one lot. Other metered parking on the beach side of Kapiolani Park.
Waikiki
Windward side of the island. Parking is free but hit or miss because of the lot size.
Kahala Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Iconic location - Visitors require reservations to visit, parking is a standard $3, visitor fee is $25/person. Kamaaina free.
Hanauma Bay
Decent parking, but be careful of the surf. The waves aren't forgiving. Great for body and boogie boarding.
Sandy Beach
Located below Makapuu light house, this beach is beautiful and great for families. Parking can get busy.
Kaupō Beach Park
This beach is great for parking and there is a lot of space on the beach.
Waimanalo Beach
Not necessarily a beach but a great place to visit if you have a boat or can rent a ride out there.
Kaneohe Sandbar
There is a beach and it can be nice if the weather is good. The park is a place many photographers take photos for the backdrop of the mountain range. If the tide is low, one can swim to China Man's Hat Island.
Kualoa Regional Park
A beach with spacious grounds and plentiful parking. There is also camping here.
Mālaekahana Beach
Beautiful beach right off the main road. Be careful during the winter when the waves are huge, but great for surf competitions.
Sunset Beach Park
Great for snorkeling and looking at tide pools. There is a small sandy beach called Three tables there for little ones. Party can fill up fast so make sure to get there early.
Shark's Cove - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Iconic rock that a lot of people will jump off of. The parking lot is small so make sure to go early. The beach has a steep drop off from when you enter the water. Not ideal for little children to play in.
Waimea Bay Beach
This beach is a lot cleaner than the one in Haleiwa. Parking is limited to the street and can be hit or miss. There is a playground with basketball courts which is nice for those who want to make a whole day out of it.
ʻĀweoweo Beach Park
End of the road beach, and very secluded. Parking is usually good. The waves can be high depending on the time of year so make sure to check before going.
Keawa'ula Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Beautiful lagoon beaches near the Aulani and Four Seasons. If you are driving there, there is a parking lot but it's small and limited.
Lagoons - Ko Olina
Hikes
These hikes are of varying difficulties. A few can be done with small kids, even strollers (Makapuu). Most are for children who like to hike and enjoy the challenge.
Entry and parking reservations are required for visitors. It is a pretty easy hike (1.6 miles round trip) and about 2 hours long. If you dont want to do the straight upward stairs, there is a round about part to the left.
Division of State Parks | Diamond Head State Monument
1.6 mile hike in the heart of Manoa Valley. The view is a 150 waterfall. Parking is ok depending on the day. There is a lot of moisture in the valley so make sure to bring bug spray and watch the weather (it can get muddy).
Manoa Falls
Beautiful hike, especially at sun rise. The path is paved the whole way. Parking in the lot at the base of trail is limited but people will park up on the highway.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
The view overlooks the beautiful Kailua and Lanikai Beaches. Parking is on the street so very limited. This is a great hike for older kids and amazing at sunrise.
Parking lot is large and free. There are some places that can get a bit muddy. The entire trail is 4.5 miles and has a moderate difficulty. Great for older kids.
ʻAiea Loop Trailhead
Straight incline of railroad tracks. Great for older kids. The parking lot is large and free. Beautiful views of Hawaii Kai and Haunama Bay
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Luaus
If you are visiting Hawaii, I always recommend seeing at least one luau because there you will get to enjoy some Hawaiian food where you might not eating out and about. Some of these luau's are located at hotels in Waikiki so you might not even need ...
If you ever visit Hawaii, make sure to hit up at least one outdoor luau.
Germaine's Luau
On the west side of Oahu, but with a gorgeous sunset view
Paradise Cove Luau
They do this luau in the middle of a shopping plaza. It's an interesting set up to say the least.
Queens Waikiki Luau
Located at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this luau takes place right along the beach allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views of Waikiki.
Ahaaina Luau
Best value but requires a military or other armed services ID
Hale Koa Luau
Luau located at Sea Life Park
Aloha Kai Lu'au | Sea Life Park Hawaii
Located indoor, this luau offers dinner and a show.
Rock-A-Hula
This luau is located inside Waimea Valley and one of a few luau's that offer seating at 12:30 pm.
Toa Luau
This luau is located at Hawaii Country Club in Waipahu.
Mauka Warriors Luau
This luau is located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott.
Paina Waikiki Luau
Located on the lawn at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotels. Friday has fireworks shows.
Waikiki Starlight Luau
They offer immersive cultural experiences along with a luau.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Located above the beautiful Manoa Valley, this estate overlooks Honolulu.
Experience Nutridge
Outdoor Activities
A gorgeous Valley that offers nature attractions for kids and adults.
Waimea Valley
Fun for the whole family
Bishop Museum
Buddhist temple located on the windward side of Oahu that offers a tranquil experience
Byodo-In Temple
A piece of Hawaii history to learn about.
Iolani Palace
Visit Pearl Harbor and explore the USS Arizona memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the USS Bowfin.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
A beautiful, and quite vast, botanical garden that you could spend all day exploring
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Get the Dole Whip ice cream!
Dole Plantation
Many great outdoor activities are offered here like UTV Raptor tour, bus tours, horseback riding, electric bicycles, zipline, and catamaran voyage.
Kualoa Ranch
A great immersive way to learn about Polynesia through their villages, luau, and evening show
Polynesian Cultural Center
Make sure to grab a cup of food for the turtles from the gift shop.
Sea Life Park Hawaii
Beautiful sunset cruise available on the Star of Honolulu
Star of Honolulu
Check out the list for the top 10 sunset cruises on Oahu
THE TOP 10 Oahu Sunset Cruises & Sails (Prices from $57) - Viator
Underwater adventure that leaves right from Waikiki.
Atlantis Submarines Waikiki
A fun way to explore Oahu
Waikiki Trolley | Honolulu Hop-On Hop Off Sightseeing Tours
A small aquarium located in Waikiki
Waikiki Aquarium
Zipline and mini golf!
Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline | Bayview Mini Golf & Zipline - Oahu
