Things to Do in Honolulu with Kids - Family Fun Guide | OUTRIGGER
Discover exciting family things to do in Honolulu! From kid-friendly attractions to cultural experiences, plan your perfect Hawaiian vacation with Outrigger. Explore now!
Planning a family vacation to Honolulu means balancing beach time with activities that keep kids engaged and happy. While Waikiki Beach draws families with its gentle waves and lifeguards, Honolulu offers much more than sand and surf. From hands-on cultural experiences to wildlife encounters, the city provides diverse options for children of all ages.
Most family attractions cluster within a 20-minute drive of Waikiki hotels, making it easy to mix morning beach time with afternoon adventures. Whether you're traveling with toddlers who need gentle activities or teens seeking more excitement, these things to do in Honolulu with kids deliver memorable experiences without the stress of complicated logistics.
Beach activities perfect for young swimmers
Waikiki Beach remains the top choice for families, with its protected waters averaging 2-3 feet deep for the first 50 yards. Lifeguards patrol from 9am to 5:30pm daily, and the sandy bottom stays smooth without sharp rocks or coral. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, located between the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Fort DeRussy Beach Park, creates an even calmer swimming area with virtually no waves – ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers.
For surfing lessons, Faith Surf School and Gone Surfing Hawaii both specialize in teaching kids as young as 5. Group lessons run $75-100 per child for 2 hours, including board rental and instruction. The schools use special foam boards sized for children and stay in shallow water where kids can stand. Morning lessons between 8-10am typically have calmer conditions.
Beyond traditional surfing, outrigger canoe surfing offers a unique Hawaiian experience. Kids ride tandem with experienced paddlers on traditional six-person canoes, catching waves while seated safely in the boat. Sessions cost $40-50 per person and last 45 minutes, suitable for ages 4 and up.
Educational attractions that entertain
The Waikiki Aquarium showcases over 3,500 marine animals in exhibits designed for young visitors. The Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat lets kids watch these endangered mammals both above and below water through viewing windows. Touch tanks allow gentle interaction with sea cucumbers and hermit crabs under staff supervision. Admission costs $12 for adults, $5 for kids 4-12, free under 4. Plan 2 hours for a complete visit.
At the Honolulu Zoo, the 42-acre grounds house over 900 animals with a focus on tropical species. The Keiki Zoo provides a petting area with goats, chickens, and guinea pigs open 9am-2pm daily. The new playground near the entrance keeps younger kids engaged between animal exhibits. Entry runs $19 adults, $11 kids 3-12, free under 3. Arrive before 10am to see animals most active and beat the heat.
Bishop Museum offers hands-on science exhibits perfect for curious kids. The Science Adventure Center features a volcano simulation where children can create their own eruption, plus interactive displays about Hawaiian geology and astronomy. Special weekend programs include lei making and hula lessons for kids. Tickets cost $27.95 adults, $19.95 kids 4-17.
Top family activities by age group
- Coral Kids Club: Supervised activities including lei making, hula lessons, and beach games at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. (Ages 5-12 • 9am-4pm daily)
- Diamond Head Crater Hike: 0.8-mile trail to summit with panoramic views. Bring water and start early to avoid heat ($5 per person, $10 parking • Ages 6+ recommended • 2 hours round trip)
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: Protected bay with 400+ fish species. Mandatory 9-minute educational video before entry ($25 adults, free under 12 • Ages 8+ for snorkeling • 3-4 hours)
- Sunrise Shack: Local favorite for açaí bowls, bullet coffee, and healthy breakfast options ($12-18 per bowl • All ages • Quick breakfast stop)
Cultural experiences for family things to do in Honolulu
Free cultural activities at OUTRIGGER properties introduce kids to Hawaiian traditions without additional cost. Participate in lei making classes and learn basic stringing techniques with fresh flowers. Ukulele lessons let kids try Hawaii's signature instrument with loaner ukuleles provided. Hula demonstrations happen with instructors encouraging child participation.
For a deeper dive into Hawaiian history, Iolani Palace offers family tours of the former royal residence. The 60-minute guided tour costs $27 adults, $6 kids 5-12, and includes stories about Hawaii's monarchy told at a child-friendly pace. The basement gallery displays crown jewels and royal photographs that capture kids' imaginations.
Evening entertainment brings Hawaiian culture to life through music and dance. Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort features live Hawaiian music nightly 6-9pm with no cover charge. Families can order pupus (appetizers) while kids watch musicians play traditional and contemporary Hawaiian songs. On Sundays, Duke's Waikiki hosts Henry Kapono from 4-6pm on the Barefoot Bar stage – arrive early for good seats.
Money-saving tip: Many Waikiki hotels offer complimentary cultural activities for guests. Check your hotel's daily schedule for free hula lessons, lei making, and ukulele classes before booking paid experiences.
Unique Honolulu experiences worth the splurge
Cirque du Soleil's 'Auana show brings acrobatic storytelling to the Hawaii Convention Center. The 75-minute performance blends Hawaiian mythology with circus arts, suitable for kids 5 and older. Tickets start at $59 for adults, $42 for children, with matinee shows offering better prices than evening performances.
For a memorable family moment, OUTRIGGER properties offer vow renewal ceremonies on the beach. The 30-minute ceremony includes a Hawaiian officiant, fresh flower leis for the whole family, and commemorative certificate.
Saturday night movies by the pool at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel create a unique cinema experience. The free screenings start at 7:30pm with family-friendly films projected above the pool. Guests can watch from pool loungers or bring towels to sit on the deck.
Practical tips for Honolulu family adventures
Timing makes a significant difference when exploring Honolulu with kids. Beach activities work best before 11am when sand stays cooler and waves remain calmer. Popular attractions like Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay require advance reservations – book at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season. Many families underestimate Honolulu traffic; allow 45 minutes to reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki, even though it's only 11 miles.
Dining with kids becomes easier when you know the right spots. Dukes Waikiki welcomes families with a kids menu featuring local favorites like coconut shrimp and teriyaki chicken ($12-15 per entree). Save room for their famous Hula Pie – a massive ice cream dessert that easily serves 3-4 people for $15. For quick, healthy options, Sunrise Shack serves açaí bowls and smoothies with kid-friendly toppings like granola and fresh fruit.
Consider staying at properties with kitchen facilities to save on dining costs. Full kitchens allow for easy breakfasts and snack preparation, particularly helpful with young children who eat frequently. Several OUTRIGGER properties include kitchenettes or full kitchens in family suites.
Waikiki area family hotels at a glance
| Property | Best For | Key Family Features | Walk to Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort | Families with young kids | Coral Kids Club, cultural activities, beachfront | On the beach |
| OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort | Active families | Surf lessons, Duke's restaurant, Voyager 47 Club | On the beach |
| OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel | Families wanting convenience in location | Central location, pool, movie nights | 3-minute walk |
| OUTRIGGER Waikiki Paradise Hotel | Families wanting space | Larger rooms, pool, near shopping | 5-minute walk |
Common questions about things to do in Honolulu with kids
What's the best age for kids to enjoy Honolulu activities?
Most Honolulu attractions work well for ages 5 and up. Younger children (2-4) enjoy calm beaches like Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, the Honolulu Zoo's petting area, and pool time at hotels. Kids 5-7 can handle easy hikes like Diamond Head with breaks, participate in cultural activities, and try boogie boarding. Ages 8+ can snorkel at Hanauma Bay, take surf lessons, and manage longer excursions like Pearl Harbor tours.
How many days should we plan for a Honolulu family vacation?
Five to seven days allows families to experience Honolulu's highlights without rushing. Spend 2-3 days enjoying Waikiki Beach and pool time, 1 day for Pearl Harbor and downtown attractions like Iolani Palace, 1 day for Hanauma Bay snorkeling or North Shore exploration, and 1-2 days for activities like the zoo, aquarium, and Diamond Head. This pace includes downtime for naps and casual meals.
Is it worth renting a car with kids in Honolulu?
Families staying in Waikiki can manage without a car for beach and nearby activities. However, renting for 2-3 days makes sense for visiting Pearl Harbor ($20 Uber each way), Hanauma Bay, and North Shore beaches. Daily rental rates run $50-80 plus $30-40 for hotel parking. Many families rent mid-trip for specific excursions rather than the entire stay.
What should we pack for kids in Honolulu?
Essential items include reef-safe sunscreen (required at many beaches), rash guards for sun protection, water shoes for rocky areas, and a small first-aid kit. Pack light jackets for air-conditioned restaurants and evening beach walks. Most hotels sell forgotten items, but prices run high – a bottle of sunscreen costs $20-25 at resort shops versus $8-12 at ABC Stores.
Are Honolulu attractions crowded with kids during school breaks?
Peak family travel times (summer, winter break, spring break) see larger crowds at popular spots like Hanauma Bay and Pearl Harbor. Book these attractions 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Beaches stay manageable by arriving before 9am. Consider visiting the zoo and aquarium on weekday mornings when local schools are in session for smaller crowds.
Start planning your Honolulu family adventure
Ready to create lasting memories with your kids in Honolulu? OUTRIGGER's family-friendly resorts put you at the heart of Waikiki's best activities, from beach fun to cultural experiences. With supervised kids' programs, beachfront locations, and spacious accommodations, you'll have everything needed for an unforgettable Hawaiian family vacation.
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