Top 15 Activities for Kids on Oahu

From Dolphin Quest to Pacific Avation Museum.
Image of activities for kids
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Oahu has a plethora of activities for kids if you know where to look. Beaches are an obvious option, but there are also other fun things to do for children of all ages.

1. Dolphin Quest

Image of Dolphin Quest.
Photo courtesy of Dolphin Quest.

When you’re on Oahu, swimming with the dolphins is a must. The Kahala Hotel & Resort gives families that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Its educational programs of varying durations allow kids to interact with dolphins in a 26,000 square foot lagoon.

2. Kualoa Ranch

Image of Kualoa Ranch
Photo: Hawaii.com member Karolina c.

There are multiple things to do here from horseback riding to going on a movie site tour.

3. Pacific Aviation Museum

Image of Pacific Aviation Museum
Photo: Courtesy Pacific Aviation Museum

If you’re looking for an educational activity that’s unique to Hawaii, the Pacific Aviation Museum delivers with flight simulators, aircrafts, and historical footage depicting the infamous December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

4. Shave Ice

Image of Shave Ice
Photo: Matsumoto Shave Ice.

There’s nothing better than an icy snow cone or shave ice as the locals call it. Make a trip of it by trying various renditions from Island Snow in Kailua to Matsumoto Shave Ice in North Shore.

5. Luau

Image of Luau
Photo courtesy of Amir Zakeri.

A luau is full of family fun and is a must-do for those who desire the complete Hawaiian experience.

6. Hanauma Bay State Park

Image of Aerial view of Hanauma Bay
Aerial view of Hanauma Bay. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Titus.

Snorkel with tropical fishes, sea turtles, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

7. Bishop Museum

Image of Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson.

The Bishop Museum offers a slice of Hawaiian history and culture with rotating exhibits especially for kids.

8. Children’s Discovery Center

Image of Children’s Discovery Center
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.

An interactive center with educational activities and exhibits for kids, it’s a perfect indoor option for a rainy day.

9. Honolulu Zoo

Image of Honolulu Zoo
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

This 42-acre zoo centered in Waikiki showcases native plants and animals that will be a big hit with the whole family.

10. Waikiki Aquarium

Image of Waikiki Aquarium
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

It’s air-conditioned, near the zoo, and gives kids a chance to interact and experience Hawaiian marine life.

11. Beaches

Image of Exploring Ko Olina.
Exploring Ko Olina. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) / Linda Ching.

Oahu has some of the best beaches for kids. The Lagoons at Ko Olina, Lanikai and Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon are just a few beaches with calm ocean conditions that make it safe for families.

12. Parks

Image of Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are perfect places for kids to frolic and explore. Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden has guided nature hikes, and fishing on the weekend.

13. Sea Life Park

Image of Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park. Photo: Hawaii.com member Timmy I.

Interact with marine animals, watch a dolphin show, take in the exhibits and do it all in a beautiful Hawaiian setting at Sea Life Park.

14. Hawaiian Railway Society Train Rides

Image of Hawaiian Railway Society Train Rides
Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Railway Society.

Ride aboard a 90-minute narrated train ride on a historic railroad in Ewa.

15. Byodo-In Temple

Image of Byodo-In Temple
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Chuck Painter.

This memorial park in Kaneohe features a replica of an ancient Japanese temple, peacocks, and koi fishponds.

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