Hawaii is one of those places that feels like paradise the moment you step off the plane. The warm ocean breeze, the scent of tropical flowers in the air, and of course, the stunning beaches make it an ideal spot for a Waikiki family vacation.
Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island and is home to the capital city of Honolulu and the world famous Waikiki Beach. It’s a place we find ourselves returning to time and time again with our kids especially because it is easy to get to with non-stop flights from Toronto during the winter months.
There are so many Waikiki kid friendly activities for families. It’s exciting, packed with things to do, and offers easy access to some of the best experiences on the island. If you enjoy a vacation that keeps you on the go, with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and activities for the whole family, this is the place for you.
The beach itself stretches two miles, so even though Waikiki is a popular destination, there is always a place to spread out on the soft, golden sand and enjoy the view of Diamond Head in the distance.
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Where to Stay in Waikiki
With so many hotels in Waikiki, you’ll find plenty of options at different price points. However, Waikiki isn’t really a place known for budget accommodations. That being said, we’ve stayed at a few great spots that were worth every penny:
The Pacific Monarch Hotel is a great 3-star option just three blocks from the beach. It’s clean and comfortable, with a rooftop pool and hot tub that we loved unwinding in after a long day of exploring. The rooms are spacious, and the kitchen area was a huge plus for us, as we could grab groceries and make breakfast before heading out for the day.
If you want to be right on the beach, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is a gorgeous 4-star hotel that delivers the ultimate beachfront experience. It has a large pool and stunning ocean views, but beachfront luxury does come at a higher price.
For something a little more central, Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel is another great option. It’s only a couple of blocks from the beach and just one block from the International Marketplace. It has a pool and comfortable standard-size rooms—perfect if you’re looking for a balance of convenience and affordability.
Things to Do in Waikiki with Kids
There is no shortage of family friendly activities in Waikiki. Whether you want to hit the beach, explore the culture, or try some amazing food, there’s something for everyone.
One of our favorite activities is to hike Diamond Head. This volcanic crater offers one of the best views on the island. The hike itself is about 1.6 miles round trip, and while it’s steep in parts, it’s absolutely doable with kids.
Definitely plan to start early before the sun gets too hot. The view at the top is breathtaking, with amazing views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks!
Another must-visit spot is Pearl Harbor. It’s an incredible place to learn about history, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that will engage your kids. There are many free areas of Pearl Harbor and also paid parts. Visiting The USS Arizona Memorial is a powerful experience that you can buy tickets for.
As a bonus, Pearl Harbor is a national park, so kids can participate in the Junior Ranger Program, completing an activity book to earn a badge and certificate. To get there you will need to either take a bus, taxi, book a tour or rent a car as it’s about a 30 minute drive from Waikiki.
Of course, you can’t come to Waikiki without spending time at Waikiki Beach. The long stretch of shoreline offers different experiences depending on where you settle in. If you have toddlers or younger kids, Kuhio Beach Park is a great option because a break wall creates calm, shallow water for swimming.
If your kids are older and a little more adventurous, you might want to consider booking a surfing lesson. Waikiki is one of the best places in the world to learn! We did surfing lessons with our 6 and 8 year olds and they did awesome! All 4 of us loved the experience. You can book a surf lesson on Get Your Guide Here that kids as young as 5 can enjoy!
Right in the middle of the beach near Uluniu Avenue, you can find the famous Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. He is known as the father of surfing, is 9 feet tall and holds lai’s in each arm. In this same area of the beach you will find other works of art like “The Stones of Life”. There are public washrooms. You can also catch the free Kuhio Beach Hula show, check their website for the schedule. Waikiki is also known for their Banyan Trees, check out a huge one right at Kuhio Beach!
Food is also a huge part of the Hawaiian experience, and we always make a point to try some local favorites. We tried Spam musubi which is a slice of grilled spam on rice, wrapped in seaweed. It definitely sounds unusual, and only my husband liked it, so you’ll have to let me know what you think! Poke bowls are fresh and flavorful, perfect for a beachside lunch. And you can’t visit Hawaii without having shave ice! A fluffy, ice-based treat with sweet syrups in all kinds of tropical flavors. One thing we all loved was Malasadas, a style of donuts, which are another delicious treat worth seeking out.
For a change of pace, we love taking a walk through the International Marketplace. This open-air shopping center is a great place to find souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, and just soak in the atmosphere. It’s beautifully designed with lush greenery and a treehouse-like feel, making it fun for kids to explore. If you are there on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday evening be sure to catch the free O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show.
If you’re traveling with little ones who love animals, a visit to the Honolulu Zoo is always a hit. Located right in Waikiki, this zoo is home to over 900 animals, including tropical birds, tigers, and even Komodo dragons. It’s not a huge zoo, which makes it perfect for a leisurely visit with kids without feeling overwhelmed.
Another activity we absolutely loved doing was Paradise Cove Luau. It is about 45 minutes from Waikiki. It’s actually where Will and I had our wedding reception dinner! It’s a whole afternoon of fun games, and participating in and learning about Hawaiian culture. You end the evening with a traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian show of singers and dancers while enjoying a delicious meal. This activity is pricey but definitely worth it.
There are also so many tours around the island that you can take right from Waikiki. From snorkelling to glass bottom tour boats. Parasailing to Jurassic Park Jeep tours. It all depends on the ages of your kids and your interests. But there is something for everyone!
Waikiki is an amazing destination for families. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and endless activities, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this part of Hawaii. Whether you spend your days lounging on the beach, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or indulging in delicious island treats, there’s so many things to do in Waikiki with family.
If you’ve been to Waikiki with kids, I’d love to hear about your favorite activities in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip soon, feel free to ask any questions. I’m always happy to guide fellow travelers to make the most of their Hawaiian adventure.
If you are looking to explore the rest of the island, check out this blog post with things to do in Oahu with family which includes a 7 day itinerary.