Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even when you’re going as far as Hawaii. In fact, with proper planning, you may find it’s more fun to visit a new destination with little ones!
Whether you’re watching the wonder and awe light up in their eyes at their first airplane ride or seeing them excitedly experience something you never got to as a kid, there’s magic in every part of sharing unique adventures with your family.
If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned or if you’re just starting to research locations, you’ll quickly realize there’s a lot of information to wade through. That’s where our ultimate mom resource for planning travel to Oahu comes in!
In this article, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travel to Oahu, top ideas for family-friendly activities, and tips for how to enjoy the island without breaking the bank! Check out all the details below and get ready to enjoy a vacation they’ll remember forever.
Is Oahu a Kid-Friendly Vacation Destination?
As the most visited Hawaiian Island, Oahu is definitely a kid-friendly destination! There’s so much to learn and do here that there’s never a dull moment.
Kids will love experiencing the Hawaiian culture at a local luau, making leis at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, taking a hula lesson, visiting the Dole plantation, and so much more! With everything from educational activities to thrilling outdoor fun, it’s the perfect spot for the young and the young at heart.
Family-Friendly Beaches in Oahu
While the waves are exciting to see on the North Shore, you’ll find the best beaches for your family are likely to be closer to Honolulu or the southern parts of the island. Here are our top picks:
Waikiki Beach – Arguably the most popular beach on Oahu, Waikiki is great for families. You can take a surf lesson, snorkel, go for a swim, or just relax on the warm sand.
Hanauma Bay – the ultimate snorkeling destination when you travel to Oahu. As a protected area, the number of visitors is limited each day, so make sure to reserve your visit before you show up.
Ala Moana Beach Park – This mile-long stretch of sand is a man-made feat that transformed a once marshy area into one of the most pristine swimming areas in Honolulu. Newly renovated facilities and amenities include shaded picnic areas, lifeguards, paved walkways, and BBQ grills to name a few!
Ko Olina Lagoons – Gorgeous beaches connect these four lagoons and offer a quiet place for your family to relax during your Oahu vacation. Here, you won’t find loud music, fishing, fires, or many bustling distractions. It’s a great place to enjoy calm, shallow water and the beautiful Hawaiian scenery.
Kailua Beach Park – 30 minutes from Waikiki, this stunning beach has lifeguards, free parking, picnic tables, grills, and freshwater showers so you can rinse off the sand and salt before getting back in your rental car!
What Are the Best Kid-Friendly Activities on Oahu?
If you’re staying in Honolulu, the largest city in Hawaii, there will be plenty of incredible kid-friendly popular attractions right outside your door! Here are some of our favorites:
Kualoa Ranch – Just a short drive from Honolulu, Kualoa Ranch offers a magical location filled with exciting things to do the whole family will love. Take an ATV movie tour and ride past Jurassic Park filming sites, or go horseback riding along the beach. There are even e-bike tours, and zipline rides that let you get a bird’s-eye view of the island.
Honolulu Zoo – Located between Diamond Head and Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, the Honolulu Zoo is a great kid-friendly thing to do when you travel to Oahu. Let your littles say hello to elephants, turtles, fennec foxes, and all kinds of other creatures as you explore interesting habitats and learn all about conservation.
Polynesian Cultural Center – Here, you can visit a marketplace and search for made-in-Hawaii keepsakes, enjoy a hula show or luau, catch a local festival or music event, and learn all about the cultures that make up Polynesia beyond Hawaii. If you’re visiting with homeschoolers, this makes an excellent educational vacation field trip!
Pearl Harbor – Keep the history theme going with a visit to Pearl Harbor. This historic site is something everyone should see when they travel to Oahu. There are several popular tours, so you can book the one that’s best for your children and their age range.
Iolani Palace – This historic palace was home to the last of Hawaii’s reigning monarchs. Here, your family will learn all about the sovereign people of Hawaii and the flourishing society and culture that existed long before it became part of the United States.
Family Surf Lesson – Booking a family surf lesson is a kid-friendly activity everyone will love. Plus, you can continue to practice your skills during your entire vacation! Sparky’s Surf School is one of the best on the island, so be sure to check out their offerings on Waikiki Beach.
Tips for Saving Money When Traveling to Oahu with Kids
There are several ways to save money when you travel to Oahu. For starters, when you arrive at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), you’ll want to rent a car. With 11 car rental companies to choose from, you’ll be able to find something that can easily transport all your family members and your gear. This will save you tons when it comes to transportation around the island.
Next is food. Food on the island can be extremely expensive, especially when it comes to imported goods. One of the best ways to do Oahu on a budget is to book a vacation rental with a fully equipped kitchen. That way, you can visit a local grocery store and make a lot of your meals at home. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll save when you can whip up quick breakfasts and easy lunches instead of spending $20 on an omelet.
When you do go out, making sure to snag happy hour savings will be a tremendous help. Not only can you enjoy a tasty mai tai, but many happy hours offer discounted food menus too.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Travel to Oahu with Kids?
It’s always a great time to visit Oahu, thanks to the mild year-round temperatures, but different seasons do offer different perks.
If you visit from December – April, you’ll be here for whale-watching season. Nothing quite compares to catching a glimpse of a majestic humpback whale breach against a pink and orange Oahu sunset sky. Plus, visiting during the holiday season can put a fun island twist on typical traditions.
In the spring and fall, there will be fewer tourists, so even in busy places like Honolulu, you may enjoy fewer crowds and better prices on things like vacation rentals. Plus, the weather in spring ushers in fresh blooms and even more spectacular scenery.
Summer will certainly be the busiest time to visit, but it also means that no matter what you want to do while you’re here, you can make it happen.
Where to Stay When You Travel to Oahu with Kids?
When it comes to choosing where you’ll stay when you travel to Oahu, you have to decide what kind of vacation you want. If you’re looking for slow-paced days and lots of time outdoors, the Windward (eastern) side of the island may be for you. However, this part of the island does tend to see more rain and cooler temps thanks to the trade winds.
If your idea of a great vacation involves lots of things to do, plenty of shopping, great restaurants, and options for places to stay, the Leeward (western) side will be just what you need.
Regardless of where you find yourself on Oahu, one thing is certain: you’re going to have an incredible vacation that makes you want to return again and again. If you try one spot this time, stay in a different part of the island the next time you visit!
Book Your Family Friendly Travel to Oahu Today!
Featured Property: Ilikai Tower 1144
Now that you have an itinerary full of travel tips and ideas for things to do, the only thing left is to choose where you’ll stay when you travel to Oahu!
At Marina Hawaii Vacations, we have condos in some of the most popular towers in downtown Honolulu. Outfitted with fully-equipped kitchens, resort pools, easy lagoon access for baby beach days, and so much more, you’ll have everything your family needs right at your fingertips.
Plus, when you book your stay directly with us instead of a third party like Airbnb or VRBO, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got your vacation for the best price. Unlike online travel agencies, booking directly with the property manager saves you from paying commission fees, hidden taxes, and bogus surcharges. At Marina Hawaii Vacations, we think that money could be better spent enjoying things on the island with your family.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out our available Honolulu vacation rentals and book your stay with us today! We can’t wait to welcome you to our Hawaiian paradise when you travel to Oahu!