10 UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY ADVENTURES TO ENJOY ON OAHU

Family adventures are always special, aren’t they? Choosing the right destination is key to making a family holiday even more special and memorable. If you’re looking for places to travel to with your family, a Hawaiian getaway is a top-notch idea.

Little explorers in your family can enjoy the laid-back charm of this island just as much as the older kids and elders in your family. Oahu in Hawaii offers a full package, with its mountain trails, cultural gems, beaches, cuisine, and more.

You can go to Pearl Harbor for a glimpse into the region’s history on an adventure-packed day, or grab breakfast at Sunrise Shack on a lazy morning. A stroll along the shores of Waikiki Beach can be a terrific start to your mornings in Oahu.

If family fun is on your mind, jumping onto a plane bound for Hawaii with your loved ones is one of the best decisions you will make this year. Let’s look at ten unforgettable family adventures you can enjoy on the beautiful island of Oahu.

1. Dole Plantation

With the Pineapple Express Train Tour, Pineapple Garden Maze, and Plantation Garden Tour, among the many other things to do here at Dole Plantation, your kids will simply love the tropical journey. It’s a sweet start to your trip, where your family will get the chance to learn all about Hawaii’s pineapple history.

Your family can move around the plantation, enjoying it at their own pace. While you take pictures to capture all that your family does, such as your kids feeding the koi fish and sampling the various pineapple varieties, you can rest assured that this trip is both fun and educational. If there’s one exciting way to understand Oahu’s agricultural heritage, it’s a visit to Dole Plantation.

Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (daily)
Entry Fee: Free (train rides and other activities must be purchased inside separately)

2. Atlantis Submarines

In Hawaii, Atlantis operates four submarines, with one located on the island of Oahu. It’s called ‘The Atlantis Submarine Experience’ for a reason! This tour allows you to see the colorful marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, plant life, and sunken ships, with your family while sitting inside a submarine. It’s a divine experience that’s also futuristic.

This is the best way to enjoy an ocean expedition without needing snorkel gear; it’s suitable for both adults and big kids. If you’ve finalized Oahu as your destination for your family vacation, look for an all-inclusive package offered by reputable names in the industry, like Malama Tours.

Booking popular tours allows you to connect with like-minded families and double your holiday cheer! If you’re visiting in the winter months, book your tickets well in advance, as the seats fill up quickly.

Timing: Departures start from 9 am
Entry Fee: Starts from around $140 for adults and $65 for children; may change based on the tour operator and package

3. Waikiki Aquarium

Curious young minds will enjoy spending time at the Waikiki Aquarium. It’s a peek into Hawaii’s underwater world, where kids will be captivated by colorful coral reefs, monk seals, tropical fish, jellyfish, and more. If your children don’t like science or geography (or both), this is the place to make them fall in love with it through sensory experiences.

A visit as engaging as this one must be accompanied by some good food! You can order smoothies or acai bowls for your family at nearby restaurants or eateries.

Timing: Open between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm daily
Entry Fee: $12 for adults; $5 for children aged between 5 and 12; $5 for seniors

4. Honolulu Zoo

When you hear your children squeal at the huge animals visible from a distance, you’ll know you are getting close to Honolulu Zoo. Located in Waikiki, this 42-acre zoo also has lawns and picnic spots. Families find the engaging nature of the zoo incredible, as the children run around admiring elephants, giraffes, African dwarf clawed frogs, fennec foxes, and more.

A short ride away from the zoo is Ala Moana Beach Park, so a dip in the beach after a visit to the zoo is almost guaranteed.

Timing: 10 am to 3 pm (Zoo grounds close at 4 pm)
Entry Fee: $21 for adults (13 years and older); $13 for children 3 to 12 years (with an accompanying adult); free entry for toddlers aged 2 years and under

5. Bishop Museum

What better place than a museum to learn about Hawaii’s culture, traditions, history, and science? It’s one of the best indoor adventures you can enjoy with your family in Hawaii. A visit to the museum allows you to explore Hawaiian heritage and see rich exhibits before heading to the planetarium.

Pair this visit with a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and you’re all set for a day filled with viewing cultural marvels.

Timing: 9 am to 4 pm
Entry Fee: General admission: $38.95 for adults; $35.95 for senior citizens; $30.95 for children (4 to 17)

6. YMCA Camp Erdman

For some traditional beach camping with your family, visit the YMCA Camp Erdman. It’s the perfect place for campfires, beach walks, family games, painting, swimming, and laughter without the distraction of screens. Whichever package you choose, this is one of the thrilling adventures in Hawaii that brings everyone together.

If you’re looking to reconnect with your family after a long time, a retreat at YMCA Camp Erdman makes conversations easy.

Timing: Program-specific timing
Entry Fee: Program-specific fees

7. Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii

When is a water park not fun, especially when children travel with you? Visit Ohau’s largest water park, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, and you’ll see there’s no better place to beat the Hawaiian heat. Pools, slides, water games, and more are fun for children of all ages.

You can plan a full day’s activities at the water park, especially if you’re staying near Ala Moana Center, a well-known shopping mall in Honolulu. The distance between these places is around 22 miles.

Timing: Check the official website for a color-coded monthly calendar for specific days and times
Entry Fee: $66.99 for a general ticket; $54.99 for a junior/senior ticket

8. Ice Palace

If you’re worried that your children will miss ice skating on their holiday to Oahu, you likely haven’t heard about Ice Palace. It is located about 14 miles from Waikiki, and you can enjoy a lovely day with your family, gliding and laughing on the ice rink. An occasional tumble, if any, just adds to the fun. It’s the perfect activity for families on a hot afternoon in Oahu.

Timing: Public skate hours are listed on the official website
Entry Fee: $16 per skater

9. Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s in Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, offers arcade games and tasty bites, and if your family enjoys games, this is the place to relax in the evening after a sunny beach day. While parents sit and talk over dinner, children can play interactive games like Top Gun: Maverick, Pac-Man Rollers, Big Bass Wheel, Super Bikes 3, and more.

If you’ve spent time exploring iconic film sites like Kualoa Ranch, where both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World were filmed, Dave & Buster’s is a great place to end the day on a high note.

Timing: 7 am to Midnight on Sundays, 11 am to Midnight on Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 am to 1 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 am to 1 am on Saturdays
Entry Fee: The Eat and Play Combo costs $19. You can purchase Power Cards or bring gift cards to play games. Please note that specials are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the details at the location.

10. Touch Grass Oahu

Staying away from electronic gadgets is the whole point of a family holiday, right? Touch Grass Oahu lets you do that. It’s a true local experience, where you can enjoy family-friendly events and celebrate Hawaii’s natural beauty.

You can go walking or hiking in the nearby areas, like Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, and reach the historic lighthouse that many have admired for years. Activities at Touch Grass Oahu are peaceful, in contrast to high-energy events like horseback riding or jungle expeditions at Kualoa Ranch.

Timing: Please check the specific day and event timings.
Entry Fee: For details on rental charges, please check the website or contact Windward Equipment Rentals.

Conclusion

Have you observed how thrilling and soothing experiences are hard to find in one destination? But Oahu does precisely that; it offers beaches, nature trails, hikes, and shady trees to help you relax and rejuvenate. It also features cultural spots and museums that showcase the essence of Hawaiian culture to tourists.

If you’re ready to plan your trip, seeking expert advice can be incredibly helpful. Malama Tours can help you plan a trip that’s exciting and full of amazing Hawaiian discoveries. Contact us to learn more about our Oahu packages, and our team will be happy to share an itinerary that enhances the joy of spending time together as a family on a Hawaii vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best Oahu activities for families with young kids?

Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and Dole Plantation are among the top places to plan the best Oahu activities for families with young kids. With plenty of shade, short walks become fun, and there’s a lot to see and learn here that your children will appreciate.

Where can families snorkel safely around Oahu?

Hanauma Bay is among the best places for families to snorkel safely in Oahu. The calm waters and good visibility make it a top spot for snorkeling. Plus, you can easily find snorkel gear rentals here.

What easy hikes are suitable for families in Oahu?

The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a favorite among families visiting the island because it’s a scenic, well-maintained trail that even small children can enjoy. It’s a refreshing change after a day at the beach.

How much does a family-friendly luau cost in Oahu?

A typical family-friendly luau costs between $120 and $180 per adult. Sometimes, discounts are available for kids. Compare various packages for your chosen activity to find the best deal.

Which family attractions in Oahu are educational and fun?

The Bishop Museum and Polynesian Cultural Center top the list of family attractions in Oahu that are educational and fun.

Posted in: