25 Fun Things to Do With Kids In Waikiki, Oahu

Fun things to do with kids in Waikiki, Oahu

25 Fun Things to do with Kids in Waikiki, Oahu

1. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki beach is the best beach in the Waikiki area in Honolulu, Oahu. It is absolutely stunning and stretches for miles. When you are there you will find that it is perfect for kids because of the diversity of the beach and the things you can do in the area.

Waikiki beach has areas that are shallow and coved off for kids in front of the Marriot Waikiki. There are 2 main coves, one is a bit deeper for older children and the one on the right of the beach is shallow for younger kids, and babies. There are change rooms right beach front and areas that you can wash your feet off. The restaurants and stores  are nearby to have a quick lunch and even some stands that are beachfront that you can buy a cold drink from.

The beach has loads of fun things to do including surf lessons and rentals, snorkel spots, stand up paddle boarding and more. My kiddies just love to hop in the water and play with the soft sand at the beach. Don’t miss this beach when you are visiting Honolulu, it is one of the best beaches on Oahu for kids.

2. Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani park stretches all the way east to the diamond head mountain. They actually call it Kapiolani beach park. It is one of the most relaxing and quiet areas in the Waikiki area. We enjoyed setting up a blanket and letting the kids run around in the area. Every location in Kapiolani beach park has a view of the ocean as well as the lush mountain ranges around Waikiki.

There are some restaurants in the area, but a lot less than the busy Waikiki beach stretch. I found that the food was actually a bit cheaper here, probably because of the location.

On the weekend they have farmers markets in the area and food trucks set up. 

3. Waikiki Zoo

Waikiki Zoo is located in Kapiolani park, it is an open to air zoo and a great walk for parent and kids. The zoo is small enough that you can hit the zoo in the morning when it is cool out and still have a full day at the beach. The Waikiki zoo has around 50 different animals and several that are local to Hawaii. The kids will love it.

4. Surfing Waikiki

Waikiki is the easiest place on Oahu to access surf board rentals and surf lessons. The kids can even do the lessons as long as they can swim. You can do surf lessons at several locations right at Waikiki beach.

I checked on the cost today to do surf lessons and they said it was $125USD. Board rentals are $20 per hour. My son is 6 years old and is a strong swimmer, they recommended that I rent one of the larger boards and to go on the board with him.

Surfing at Waikiki beach with your kids can be done on the first surf break, it has smaller waves and it is in more shallow water, making it easier to get out to. Make sure your kids are wearing water shoes just in case their little feet hit the rocks or coral. Do not go out to the further surf breaks with your child as the waves are larger and there is a greater chance of injury from the rocks below if they fall off.

5. Build a sandcastle

My kids love to play with their toys at Waikiki beach and build awesome sand castles. The sand is pretty moist and this makes it easy to shape. I always let them bury me, they think it is hilarious. I always pretend that I cannot get out.

6. Fishing In Waikiki

There are a few really cool spots in Waikiki to teach your kids how to fish. I went to the walmart in the Waikiki mall and bout a $25 collapsible fishing rod, it comes with some bait and tackle.

The first spot I really like to fish is in the canal, it is located 4 blocks back from the main road in front of Waikiki beach. This spot has lots of areas that you can sit and even some shaded areas. I took y son out there this morning and he liked that the fish would  come right up to the surface of the water. There are little crabs there that might grab your line and your kids will think that is hilarious. You can fish using bread on your line and the fish will bite. The best time to fish here is 5-9 am. After that the shallow water here gets too warm for the fish and they stop biting. You will not catch a huge fish here, but you will get some easy catches.

The other cool spot is on the pier near the baby beaches. You can catch larger fish here if you have the right bait. You can sit at the edge of the pier and cast out. I recommend against using heavy weight is this area, because it is a coral reef and your bait will get caught. You can catch some really nice ocean fish here.

Here is a link to the rules and regulation of fishing in Oahu.

Waikiki beach day

7. Go for Shaved Ice Hawaiian style

OMG your going to love this stuff…I mean your kids are going to love it. Hawaiian shaved ice is so good. There are 2 styles of shaved ice, the real juice hawaiian shaved ice and the snow cone style shave ice. The snow cone style is cheaper and actually not shaved, it is still really good.

The real shaved ice can often have fruit in it and the ice is really shaved and soft. It melts in your mouth. Some places like ice monster in Waikiki will put fresh ingredient like mango in the shaved ice. It is a bit expensive starting at $7, but it is worth it. One of the best desserts you can get in Hawaii. I like it so much that yesterday I literally ate it twice in a day.

8. Shop for trinkets

There are little shops all over Waikiki selling souvenirs, hats and jewelry. Outside of the international marketplace there are also old remnants of the old international marketplace in the form of vendor stands selling their product. When you see it, you might find it a little weird, but it is cheap and you can negotiate.

My kids love this area, it makes us feel like we are in a different country. It actually reminds me a lot of Thailand or Malaysian markets the way it is set up. Most items in the market are under $15 and some are as cheap as $1!

9. Snorkelling In The kids beach

There are 2 kids beaches in Waikiki. They are still considered Waikiki beach, but they are coved areas where the government has made a rock wall to protect children and families from the waves. There are actually 2 cove areas, one that is deeper for older kids and the other that is shallow for young kids and infants.

This part of Waikiki beach also has less people than the busy main area. My son loves to snorkel around the rock wall because it is shallow, warm and there is no current here. You will not have to worry about your kids getting stung by coral or smashing into a reef. The visibility is good in this area even on a wavy day.

10. Waikiki Aquarium

I have taken my kids to the Waikiki aquarium multiple times and they love it. When you enter the aquarium, they take some green screen pictures of you and will give you the option to buy a cool picture. The entrance fees are reasonable around $20 for an adult. The aquarium is not huge and you can do this with your kids and still have a complete beach day.

There are tanks with local fish, jelly fish, eels and other sea life. Then the path you take will lead you outside where there are larger animals like turtles and seals. One of the things my kids found super cool were the interactive displays where you can touch the animals like sea stars, turtles and sea urchins. It is a really good learning experience for kids.

11. Chase the birds

The birds in Waikiki are not scared of people, they will get really close to you. My kids have fun chasing the birds. As a matter of fact as I write this, there is a bird walking at my feet. My daughter is chasing after the thing, and it is flying a foot away every times it moves almost as if it is playing with her.

There are some really beautiful birds around Honolulu in Hawaii. My kids love the finches because they are so small and cute.

12. Learn Hawaiian history

Along the boardwalk in from of Waikiki beach, there are many statues of famous historical Hawaiian figures. Like the kings of the past and the famous surfer and swimmer Duke. We took pictures around all of these statues and my son Rayden enjoyed learning about why the statues were erected for these people. I joked with him that when he becomes a famous Olympic swimmer he could too have a statue made in his honour.

13. Stand up paddle boarding

If the water is calm enough, you and your child can enjoy stand up paddle boarding on Waikiki beach. Don’t go out too far with your child if you are not a strong swimmer, you can fall off these boards if you loose your balance.

14. Watch a free Hula Show in Waikiki

Local schools perform free Hula shows right on Waikiki beach throughout the days at the centre of Waikiki beach. There is a huge tree there and an open area near the Duke statue. You can’t miss it. Free Hula shows are on Tuesdays from 4:30pm to 6pm and again on Saturdays from 6pm-7pm. The Saturday show is at the Royal Hawaiian centre (the mall right on the beach) and the Tuesday show is at the Waikiki beach walk. (the big tree in from of the beach.

If you want to take this a step further you can even sign up for Hula lessons in the park. This would be a fun activity for older kids.

15. Hilton Waikiki Fireworks

The Hilton right on Waikiki beach has a badass fireworks show every friday at 7:45pm. You can watch the show with your family at the beach or one of the ocean from restaurants around Waikiki. The absolute best view would be from your balcony if you are staying at the Hilton.

This is the closest my kids ever got to a live fireworks show and the reflections over the water make it even more spectacular.

16. Try New Foods

Hawaiian food is amazing and so is Japanese food. Waikiki is home to hundred of restaurants, and you will see when you get here that many of them are Japanese. The reason for this is that there are a lot of Japanese living here as well as people travelling here.

There is authentic Japanese restaurants all over the place. Our kids love eating tempura and I am trying to get them into some sushi. The also love the taste of Hawaiian BBQ with you can find all around Waikiki.

There is also a really unique type of hot dog that you can buy in Waikiki and it is Hawaiian style. It is called Hula dog and the restaurant is out of a food truck a few blocks off Waikiki beach.

17. Climb a Banyan tree

There are Banyan trees all over Waikiki and kids love to climb them. Most of these trees that are good for climbing are in Kapiolani Park. Banyan trees do not have many sharp edges, the branches are soft and round making it easy on their little hands. The way these trees grow is very unique, the branches grow into the ground and root themselves, so the trees grow very wide. One of the biggest banyan trees in Waikiki is actually located in the middle of the international market. They literally build a multi floor multi million dollar mall around the tree, they are beautiful and unique.

Climbing Banyan trees in Waikiki

18. Watch a Luau

Some of the hotels like the Hilton Waikiki and the Sheraton Waikiki offer Luau packages right at the hotel. These are private paid events and it cost around the same as going to the Polynesian cultural centre. The Polynesian cultural centre Luau is the best Luau on Oahu, but if you don’t eat to leave the resort then you should at least go to a hotel Luau, it is part of the Hawaiian experience and your kids will love it.

In a Waikiki Luau there will be a presentation of Hawaiian culture and a lot of acting and dancing, it is a full show. After the show there is a dinner and some Hawaiian drink. This is a pig roast event, so if you don’t want your kids to see that or if you are vegan there are definitely other ways to get the Hawaiian experience.

If you really don’t want your kids to see the pig roast at the Luau in Waikiki, you can see free Hawaiian shows at the royal Hawaiian centre every Wednesday and Saturday evening.

The show has Hawaiian dancing and they give out lei’s to the volunteers and kids!.

19. Hula Dog

Our kids loved Hula dog, it is a hot dogs stand in a food truck located on Kalakaua. They built up a really cute area here complete with a ice cream stand. The hula dogs are polish sausages in a purple tarot bun. There are hawaiian sauces you can put in it if you like. It is phenomenal.

The company is family owned and operated and they love kids! They will have freshly squeezed juice on ice for you and the pricing for all of this is very reasonable around $8.

It is the best hot dog in Waikiki!

20. Take a Catamaran boat ride and see spinner dolphins

There are several catamaran rides you can take right off the beach. If you plan on taking your kids on a boat ride in Waikiki, just stay clear of the big yellow boat, as that one is a booze cruise. There are 2 other white and blue boats that will pull up right onto Waikiki beach and pick up guests. It is very inexpensive and the tour takes around 2 hours in total. You kids will love it, we have seen spinner dolphins playing under the netted area we were sitting on in the catamaran.

You will also definitely see sea turtles from one of these cruises. They have an awesome sunset cruise you can go on for a nominal price.

21. Look for sea Turtles

My son and I love to swim out a bit closer to where the first surf break is on Waikiki beach and look for turtles. The sea turtles are very safe to take you kids around, they are like gentle giants. Just don’t touch them. There are loads of massive sea turtle swimming around Waikiki beach, and they are a sight to see.

It is actually pretty hard not to see one if you are snorkelling Waikiki.

One of the days we went out, I even had my 3 yr old daughter out with us and we saw 4 huge sea turtles!

22. Visit Dukes lagoon by the Hilton Waikiki

Dukes lagoon is a man made beach by the Hilton Waikiki. It is the perfect beach for kids and babies, as it is really clean and the water is totally still. There are never any waves here as it is not a part of the open ocean.

23. Hotel Pools

My kids don’t always want to get all sandy and salty, so we take beach breaks and hang at the hotel pools to cool off. The pools at the hotels in Waikiki are great for kids as they are usually salt water (way less than the ocean) and will give your kids some extra buoyancy in the water.

As a parent I love hanging out at the hotel pools because I can chill out and relax, there is food right there and I can have a drink while the kids play in the water.

24. Kids Clubs

Kids clubs are organized by the hotels. They are educational retreats for children and it gives parents a break. The kids will be in a secured, monitored room with lots of games and books and children their age.

My son absolutely loves kids clubs, they are his way of becoming more social on his vacations.

25. Hike Diamond head Crater

Diamond head crater has an easy side that you can easily hike with your kids. It is totally paved throughout the entire hike and has no dangerous slopes.

The diamond head crater is the mountain you will see right in Waikiki. You can get there by walking through Kapiolani park.

This will give you the best view and the best sunset view with kids in Waikiki.

Waikiki beach with kids

Common questions about taking Kids to Waikiki

Is Waikiki safe for kids?

Yes Waikiki is safe for kids, however there is a lot of traffic here and it is one of the most polluted area in the Hawaiian islands. There are also a lot of people in Waikiki and I don’t trust strangers. If you are walking around with your kids in Waikiki, then make sure you are holding their hands.

I am super paranoid so I go as far as making sure they are strapped in if they are in the stroller. If a person ever tried to grab them from the stroller they would be locked in.

Is Waikiki fun for kids?

Yes Waikiki can be really fun for kids, as I listed above. There are so many activities for kids to do in the area including surfing, snorkelling, hiking fishing and much more.

What is the most kid friendly Hawaiian Island?

The most kid friendly place in Hawaii is Kauai, it is just a slower pace than the rest of the Hawaiian islands and there are way less people. The snorkelling and hiking is better, there is less pollution and everything shuts down early.

When I am in Kauai I never feel like someone or something is going to happen. Waikiki is full of sketchy characters, escorts, pimps etc and if you are not careful, you can get caught up in this. I prefer my kids to be in a healthier environment.

What should my kids wear in Waikiki?

The entire time we were there last, our kids were in Swimming suits and their dry clothes over them. I recommend water shirts or rash guard to protect them from the hot sun. And for younger ones I recommend they use a sun hat. No long pants or long sleeve shirt as it will be hot.

What is the weather like in Waikiki?

The weather is very stable in Waikiki, I have been there 7 or 8 times and it is usually a stable 27 degrees celsius. It does not rain much in Waikiki and if it does it will not last long.

What do the Hawaiians call kids?

Hawaiians call kids Keikei.

Is Waikiki the best place to stay on Oahu for Kids?

No, I would say not. There is a lot to do, but there are much better and safer places for kids such as Ko Olina and Kahala resort.

What is the best hotel in Waikiki for kids?

The best hotel for kids in Waikiki would be the Kahala resort. It is much quieter there and they have a beautiful more private beach. They also have swimming with the dolphins and their own massive sea turtle.

The food there is great and the pool is amazing for children of all ages.

Waikiki Beach Kids area

The southernmost point of Waikiki beach has an area that is totally coved off for children it is very shallow and large boulders were placed in the water to stop the waves from coming in and knocking over your child. The location is close to restaurants and stores making it an easy, stress free day out with the kids.

Waikiki Beach Oahu

Hanauma bay state park

Is a beach area that is a great spot for kids to fall in love with snorkelling. It is shallow but there is an abundance of sea life here. The beach is also amazing! It used to be one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu. But now it is a shell of what it used to be.

Hanauma Bay Marine Park

Dole plantation

The dole plantation is awesome with kids. There is a train that takes you through the plantation, there is ice cream and of course tons of pineapple. It is also an educational experience for the kids!

Dole Plantation

Honolulu Zoo

Is close by everything and a fun day out. Located in Kapiolani park right in Waikiki. You can walk here and still have a beach day if you go here.

Honolulu Zoo

Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium

Waimea falls park

Is a small hike to a waterfall and is something you can do with a stroller. It is beautiful and short enough for the kids to not loose interest.

Waimea Falls

North shore drive and beach hop for the day

Sharks cove Hawaii North Shore

Walk and fish along the canal

It is the easiest fishing your kids can ever try. You can buy a rod at Walmart that folds down and you do not need a fishing license for this.

Alai Wai Canal

Shopping

There is a ton of new shopping centres in Waikiki. As well as outdoor markets

International Market

Dinner cruise with the family or whale watching tour

They have huge boats that don’t rock much making it safe for the kiddies

Hawaii Whale watching

If you need more information on things to do in the Waikiki, you can check out adventugo.com/blog. You can also get a custom itinerary from adventugo.com/travel-plans/.

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