Top Family-Friendly Activities in Honolulu, HI (What Kids Love!)
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The best things to do in Honolulu with kids are the Waikiki Aquarium, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Atlantis Submarine and the Diamond Head hike. With young kids, start at the Waikiki Aquarium, small enough to see in a morning without anyone getting overwhelmed, with monk seals and bright reef fish. Pearl Harbor is the one for school-age kids learning history, the submarine shows everyone a shipwreck and sea turtles without getting wet, and Diamond Head is a short, steep hike with the best view in the city.
Honolulu Family Activities At-A-Glance
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waikiki Aquarium | Toddlers | Local marine life | Toddlers | View Details → |
| Pearl Harbor | Education | Historic impact | School-aged | View Details → |
| Atlantis Submarine | Adventure | Underwater views | All ages | View Details → |
| Diamond Head | Outdoors | Panoramic views | School-aged | View Details → |
Waikiki Aquarium
This compact aquarium is perfectly sized for younger children to explore without getting overwhelmed. It offers a fascinating look at local marine life including monk seals and colorful reef fish.
- The Fun: Monk seals and bright reef fish up close in a small, easy space.
- Best Age Group: Ideal for toddlers who have limited attention spans and need a quick, engaging outing.
- Tip: Go in the morning, when it is less crowded and the seals are most active.
- Good to know: It is small, so plan on a couple of hours, not a whole day.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
This historic site offers an educational experience that is essential for school-aged children learning about history. The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is a somber and impactful experience for the whole family.
- The Fun: The boat ride offers an immersive way for kids to visualize history beyond their textbooks.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged children who have begun learning about 20th-century history.
- Tip: Reserve the boat tickets well ahead.
- Good to know: It is a memorial that asks for quiet, which is hard for very young children.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure
Take the family deep underwater to see shipwrecks and coral reefs without getting wet. It is a thrilling way for children to see sea turtles and sharks in their natural habitat from the safety of a submarine.
- The Fun: Kids love the thrill of being in a real submarine while spotting sea turtles and shipwrecks.
- Best Age Group: Suitable for all ages, though children must be able to climb down a ladder.
- Tip: Take an early tour, when the water is usually clearest.
- Good to know: The cabin is cramped for anyone who dislikes tight spaces.
Diamond Head State Monument
This iconic hike offers a manageable challenge for active families looking for the best views of Honolulu. The trail is well-maintained and provides a great sense of accomplishment for kids who reach the summit.
- The Fun: Reaching the summit gives kids a massive sense of pride and the best photo ops in the city.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged children with enough stamina to handle the incline and stairs.
- Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is nothing to buy once you start up the trail.
- Good to know: Out-of-state visitors need an entry reservation booked online, and the trail is very hot at midday, so book an early slot.
Where to Stay in Honolulu
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Honolulu has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Honolulu with Kids
Is it easy to get around Honolulu with kids?
Yes. Stay in Waikiki and much of this is a walk or a short trolley ride away. For the rest, use a rental car or rideshare.
Do I need to book these activities in advance?
For Pearl Harbor and the submarine, yes. Booking ahead saves waiting in long lines.
What is the best time of year to visit Honolulu with family?
Spring and fall, when the weather is still good and the crowds are smaller.
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