Honolulu isn’t just a tropical paradise, it’s also a city with many opportunities. Families from all over the world come here to experience the best of both worlds. You get the breathtaking landscape filled with wildlife, as well as the vibrant city’s cultural exchanges.
It’s a small but packed island and the options can be overwhelming. You also have to consider the whole family’s preferences. But don’t worry, we’ve narrowed down the best family-friendly things to do in Honolulu for a fun-filled trip!
Beach activities and watersports
Take a surfing class at Waikiki Beach
Get stoked while you learn to ride the waves
What’s a trip to Honolulu without spending time at the world-famous Waikiki Beach? This bay of white sand and clear waters is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Hawaii’s scenery.
Taking Waikiki surf lessons is a popular activity here! There’s no need to be intimidated, since this is a beginner-friendly class for all ages, and the teachers are very helpful. Sessions are usually personalized and done in groups, so this is one of the best Waikiki activities for families.
This usually takes 2 hours, which is enough time. You’ll be surprised to see your family already riding the waves of Hawaii!
Play or lounge at a private beach
Find fun and relaxing activities at a private beach
If you’re looking for multiple Honolulu activities for families within a day, we recommend the Kualoa Ranch Secret Island beach experience.
You get a stretch of private beach with access to water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as fun sports like volleyball and table tennis. If you just want to relax, you can lie down on a hammock and enjoy the view.
Kuala Ranch is very convenient because there are tour guides that can show you around the grounds. Plus, there are changing rooms and showers you can use when you want to freshen up after your swim.
Educational and interactive opportunities
Get to know about local culture and watch a thrilling show
Get to know the people that make up the heart of Hawaii
If you want to get to know more about the South Pacific culture, we recommend your family to go to the Hawaiian Polynesian Cultural Center. This is a one-of-a-kind family thing to do in Honolulu where you can interact with the indigenous people of Hawaii.
You’ll make stops at the villages, where the locals are more than happy to teach you about their culture. Learn how to weave leaves, ride canoes, and try their local dishes!
Cap off your trip with cultural performances, including the famous Hā Breath of Life! It’s known as Hawaii’s #1 show, with its mix of traditional performance art and modern special effects. It’s quite the spectacle!
Learn about and interact with Hawaii’s marine life
Sea Life Park Hawaii is always a hit with the kids | Photo by Sbraden92 on Wikimedia Commons
One of the best family-friendly activities in Honolulu is visiting the Sea Life Park Hawaii, where your family will see Hawaii’s marine life up close.
Learn all about dolphins, penguins, and other local animals through engaging talks and feeding demonstrations. It will be very immersive! Plus you get to support a sustainable park that champions education and conservation of wildlife.
It’s really one of the best family things to do in Honolulu where fun and learning come hand in hand. And it’s always a hit with the whole family!
Nature and outdoor adventures
Wander through the filming location of 200 movies
Take your family to Jurassic World
Explore the outdoors and give in to movie nostalgia. The Kualoa Ranch Hollywood movie sites tour will take you to the iconic valley where over 200 movies and tv shows have been shot since the 1950s!
Ride aboard a vintage bus and see the inspiring scenery of Ka’a’awa Valley. You’ll see set pieces like the Jurassic Park fallen tree, the boneyard from King Kong, and Godzilla’s footprints. This is an exciting family thing to do in Honolulu, especially when your family has watched many of these films together!
Plus, the guides will teach you about local culture and even take you to an old WW2 bunk built into a mountain!
Swim with sea turtles
Swim alongside sea turtles | Photo by Vlad & Marina Butsky on Wikimedia Commons
Go beyond the bay for a Waikiki turtle, snorkel, and sail experience! This is one of the most unforgettable family things to do in Honolulu! Here, you’ll snorkel as you see marine life up-close in the wild.
Swim beside sea turtles, spot schools of tropical fish, and get the chance to see whales (whale season is from December to April). You also have the option to eat lunch on the boat with Waikiki and Diamond Head as your view.
It’ll be a safe trip with the boat fully-equipped with snorkeling gear and lifevests. Plus, the crew members are all lifeguard-certified. It’s also eco-friendly, just make sure to follow the regulations on what not to bring.
Hacks before you start your trip
Get ready for a luau
You can do many of these activities and more under one ticket: the Klook Pass Hawaii (O'ahu Island). With 22 choices available, it will be an easy way to access these attractions. And it’s always good to get a USA eSIM to stay connected for easy navigation around the islands!
Put some reef-safe sunscreen on, and don’t forget to bring your swimwear! Are you ready to say, “aloha?”
FAQs for family-friendly things to do in Honolulu
Is Honolulu a good place for kids?
Yes, there are many Honolulu things to do with family, especially with the shallow beaches and green parks where kids can be active. There’s also a lot of opportunity to learn at the zoos and cultural centers. Plus, there’s plenty of food for the whole family to enjoy!
What to do in Waikiki with my family?
Aside from the activities we listed above, the Honolulu Zoo is a popular place for families to learn about Hawaii’s native species and wildlife from around the world. The Hālona Blowhole and the Diamond Head Lookout are beautiful landscapes many travelers check out as well.
Is Honolulu family friendly?
Yes! Aside from the various activities catered to families, ohana runs deep. We all know how it goes, “ohana means family.” But this extends beyond blood relations, putting value in community. So Honolulu has a very welcoming and safe atmosphere.
Is it better to go to Maui or Honolulu with kids?
It’ll depend on what you’re going for! While Honolulu has relaxing beaches, it’s a busy city with a population of over 1 million, with various activities to do. Meanwhile, Maui is a slower-paced island of over 160 thousand people and wider landscapes for you to enjoy.
Which part of Hawaii is best for families?
Honolulu takes the crown for accessibility and variety. Aside from activities, there are different accommodations to choose from, from condos with kitchens to luxury resorts. Plus, there are many direct flights from major cities, so that’s less hassle for the kids.
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Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
