12 Best Things to Do with Kids in Honolulu, Hawaii

There are many great things you can do with kids in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Here are our favorites.

Visit the Waikiki Aquarium

The Waikiki Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Honolulu.

It is located on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is adjacent to Waikiki Beach. The aquarium was founded in 1904 and is the second oldest public aquarium in the United States. The Waikiki Aquarium features a variety of exhibits on marine life, including a coral reef tank, a shark tank, and a jellyfish exhibit.

The aquarium also has a touch pool where visitors can interact with stingrays and other sea creatures.

Take a surf lesson

One of the best things about Honolulu is that there are plenty of surfing lessons available for kids!

Surf lessons typically last around two hours and include a bit of instruction on land before heading into the water. Many lessons will also teach kids about wave safety and etiquette.

Visit the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is a great place to take kids near Honolulu.

It is home to over 950 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species. The zoo offers educational programs, tours, and events for families and kids of all ages.

Go to the Waikiki Beach

The Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii and is located near Honolulu.

It is a great place for families to visit as there are many activities to do such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and snorkeling. The beach is also close to many restaurants and shops so you can easily find something to eat or drink.

Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorials

The Pearl Harbor Memorials are a great place to visit as a family near Honolulu.

There are several memorials to visit, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Each memorial has its own unique story to tell about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the role that Hawaii played in WWII. The visitor center also has a museum with exhibits on the history of Pearl Harbor and the attack.

Explore Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay is a family-friendly nature preserve located in Honolulu.

The preserve is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, fish, and coral. Visitors can explore the bay by swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. There are also a number of hiking trails located within the preserve.

Take a submarine tour of the USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor.

Visitors can take a submarine tour of the memorial, which is located on the sunken USS Arizona battleship. The submarine tour allows visitors to see the shipwreck and learn about the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

Visit the Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is the former royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

It is now a museum open to the public. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about Hawaiian history and culture. The palace is located near Honolulu.

Take a plantation tour at the Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is a historic site in Honolulu that offers tours of its grounds and facilities.

The plantation was founded in 1851 by King Kamehameha III as a way to provide work for Native Hawaiians. It later became one of the largest pineapple plantations in the world, producing over 20 million cans of pineapple annually. Today, the plantation is open to the public for tours and events.

Visitors can learn about the history of the plantation and see how pineapples are grown and processed. The plantation also has a gift shop and a cafe where visitors can purchase Hawaiian food and souvenirs.

Take a hula lesson

The best place to take a hula lesson with kids in Honolulu is at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The center offers a variety of hula classes for both children and adults. In addition to hula lessons, the center also offers a variety of other activities that teach about Hawaiian culture and history.

Go on a whale watching tour

There are many whale watching tour operators in Honolulu.

Most of them offer similar tours that last around 2-3 hours and take you out into the open ocean to see whales. The best time to see whales is during the winter months when they come to Hawaii to mate and give birth.

Visit the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum is a great place to take kids in Honolulu.

There are a variety of exhibits and activities that will keep them entertained and engaged. The museum is also located in a beautiful setting, which makes it a great place to explore with kids.