Things to Do with Kids in Honolulu: A Guide for When “Relaxing Beach Vacation” Actually Means “Keeping Tiny Humans Entertained 24/7”

Let’s be honest. When people say “Hawaiian vacation,” you picture breezy cocktails, soft white sand, and the occasional sea turtle cameo while a ukulele strums in the background. But once you factor in kids, that image shifts dramatically into a whirlwind of sunscreen mishaps, snack crises, and at least one sibling squabble before breakfast. A beach getaway with kids isn’t a spa day, it’s a family-wide adventure with extra laundry.

And yet, Honolulu might just be the exception. This sun-soaked city doesn’t make you choose between keeping the kids busy and actually enjoying your vacation. In fact, it’s one of the best places to plan a family trip where “things to do in Honolulu with kids” isn’t just a hopeful Pinterest search—it’s a full itinerary of fun, ease, and a surprising number of wins for both children and adults.

Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, chasing tweens, or planning a trip before the teens fully retreat into their AirPods, Honolulu delivers with museums, farms, luaus, beaches, and dining that are 100% family friendly. From Diamond Head to Ko Olina, from downtown historical sites to the North Shore, here’s what to do in Honolulu with kids without losing your patience or your budget.

Museums and Cultural Stops That Are Actually Fun for Kids

Honolulu’s museum scene is surprisingly perfect for families: engaging, air-conditioned, and full of the kind of interactivity that sneaks learning into playtime. These aren’t the kinds of places where kids are expected to whisper and keep their hands to themselves.

Instead, you’ll find exhibits built for crawling, touching, climbing, and laughing—basically everything most parents are usually trying to prevent in public. It’s one of the best ways to combine cultural experiences with family friendly attractions that actually keep your kids entertained.

Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Located in Kaka‘ako, this massive museum is an indoor wonderland built for hands-on learning and imaginative chaos. Kids can role-play in pint-sized cities, climb through anatomy models, and explore exhibits about cultures around the world. It’s a go-to for families looking for things to do in Honolulu with kids on a too-hot or too-rainy day.

Bonus: the entire space is open to the public and designed with young explorers in mind.

Bishop Museum

This historic landmark in Kalihi blends Hawaiian culture and science in a way that feels exciting, not educational. The Science Adventure Center is a crowd-pleaser with its lava flow simulator and underwater tunnel. There’s enough here to keep kids occupied for hours, and you’ll leave feeling like you all actually learned something.

Capitol Modern (Hawai‘i State Art Museum)

Free and located in downtown Honolulu, this art museum is a surprising hit with kids thanks to its outdoor sculpture garden and First Friday events. These monthly nights include live music, food vendors, and art activities in a setting that feels like a casual community block party. A great stop when you’re near the city’s historical sites like ʻIolani Palace.

Where to See Animals and Explore Nature Without Meltdowns

From petting goats to watching sharks get fed, Honolulu’s animal encounters are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You don’t need to drive for hours or commit to a full-day safari to experience hands-on nature here. These spots let kids explore, interact, and learn at their own pace—while parents enjoy the fact that everyone is safely outdoors and too distracted to ask for screen time. They also provide a nice contrast to beach days, adding texture and variety to your Honolulu itinerary.

Honolulu Zoo

Smack in the middle of Waikīkī, the zoo is perfect for families looking for things to do with kids in Honolulu without traveling far. It’s walkable, stroller-friendly, and manageable in a half-day visit. You’ll find elephants, giraffes, monkeys, and a shaded playground where parents can rest while kids burn energy.

‘Alohilani Oceanarium

This three-story saltwater aquarium inside the ‘Alohilani Resort might be one of Honolulu’s best-kept secrets. It’s open to the public and often hosts seasonal events like underwater pumpkin carving. A must-see if you’re nearby or need an indoor plan that still feels special.

Keiki and Plow

Located just a short drive from Ko Olina, this organic farm lets kids play in mud kitchens, feed chickens, and harvest produce. It’s messy, educational, and oddly calming. A perfect mid-trip excursion, especially if you’re heading toward the North Shore or wrapping a day at the beach.

Best Kid-Friendly Beaches and Parks for Maximum Burn-Off-Energy Time

Not all beaches are created equal when you’re traveling with little ones. Some are beautiful but not exactly toddler-safe, while others are so remote they require more logistics than you want on vacation.

These picks hit the mark with calm waters, restrooms, nearby food, and local families doing the exact same thing—trying to let their kids run wild without requiring a full-blown search-and-rescue. They’re some of the most beloved open to the public spaces in Honolulu for a reason.

Ala Moana Regional Park

This massive waterfront park near downtown is beloved by locals and ideal for visiting families. With a reef-protected swimming area, multiple playgrounds, and plenty of open space, it’s one of the top family friendly things to do in Honolulu with kids—especially if you want to swim without waves or avoid the crowds of Waikīkī.

Kuhio Beach

Also known as “The Ponds,” this protected section of Waikīkī Beach is ideal for beginners and cautious swimmers. Shallow, calm, and easily accessible from most hotels, it’s a parent’s dream beach day: minimal gear, maximum chill.

Kahanamoku Beach

Located near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this beach has a breakwater that forms a safe, shallow lagoon. It’s perfect for toddlers and early swimmers, and the nearby walking paths and food options make it easy to stay all day.

Paki Playground and Kolowalu Park

For non-beach days, these shaded green spaces offer a quieter side of Honolulu. Paki Playground, near Diamond Head, pairs perfectly with a morning hike or lunch picnic. Kolowalu Park in Ward Village has newer equipment, fewer tourists, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.

Libraries That Are Indoor Gold Mines of Enrichment and Air Conditioning

When the sun’s too strong or the kids need a reset, these libraries deliver cool air, free events, and enough activities to keep things fun and educational.

They’re also a great option for families who want to feel like they’ve done “something cultural” without the pressure of long exhibits or ticket lines. Plus, they offer a chance to connect with local community programs, which often means discovering fun seasonal events you wouldn’t have found on a tourist brochure.

Waikīkī-Kapahulu Public Library

This centrally located branch offers weekly programs like storytime, crafts, and LEGO-building afternoons. It’s a quiet oasis for over-stimulated kids and a perfect detour when you need to change gears for an hour or two.

Kaimukī Public Library

Home to one of the island’s most beloved Family Storytimes, this branch adds bubbles and music to the mix. There’s also a playground next door and plenty of nearby cafés if you want to make it a full outing.

Family Dining That’s Tasty, Easygoing, and Actually Fun

Between beach time and sightseeing, meals should be easy, flavorful, and low-pressure. You want options that welcome sandy feet, spilled juice, and occasional toddler meltdowns—ideally while still serving something you’d actually want to eat.

These restaurants strike the perfect balance of casual and delicious, offering plenty of local flair without the fear of judgment over sticky fingers or extra napkin requests. Bonus: most of them are conveniently located near major attractions or kid-friendly hotels, so no extra car ride required.

Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Located inside the Aston Waikīkī Beach Hotel, Tiki’s brings live music, island comfort food, and an upbeat atmosphere. The kids’ menu comes with souvenir cups, and parents can enjoy mai tais with an ocean view. Everyone leaves happy.

Barefoot Beach Café

Right on the sand at Queen’s Surf Beach, this toes-in-the-sand café serves plate lunches, burgers, and smoothies with sunset views and live music some evenings. Great for casual dinners after a long beach day.

GOOFY Café & Dine

A surf-themed spot near Ala Moana that serves huge pancakes, smoothie bowls, and fresh local fare. Perfect for breakfast or brunch before a day of exploring spots like Kualoa Ranch or Turtle Bay Resort.

Nighttime Entertainment That Doesn’t Involve Screentime or Tantrums

After dinner, swap screens for fire dancers and island music. Honolulu’s nighttime entertainment options include some of the most family friendly shows in Hawai‘i and unlike certain bedtime-busting activities, these actually keep kids engaged.

It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring, letting little ones soak in a bit of island culture while you relax knowing they’ll likely sleep like rocks afterward. Many shows also offer kid pricing and dinner packages, making them easy to build into your budget.

Rock-A-Hula

This Waikīkī-based variety show features hula, fire dancing, and Elvis impersonators in one energetic performance. Great for older kids and tweens looking for something flashier than storytime but not too grown-up.

Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise

This sunset cruise includes a buffet or multi-course dinner, live Polynesian entertainment, and stunning coastline views. It’s one of the few things to do in Honolulu with kids after dark that feels both festive and manageable. Great for a last-night-on-the-island celebration.

Queens Waikīkī Luau

Located at the International Market Place, this centrally located luau features buffet-style dining and an intimate performance setup. It’s one of the most accessible options if you’re staying in Waikīkī and want a low-lift evening activity.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an unforgettable show in Honolulu, Cirque du Soleil Auana also offers a vibrant experience perfect for both kids and adults.

Plan Your Honolulu Trip With Confidence (and Maybe a Few Chicken Nuggets)

When it comes to family vacations, Honolulu hits that magical sweet spot between island adventure and logistical ease. With top-rated attractions like Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo, and Kualoa Ranch, plus incredible family friendly shows and beach activities, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Honolulu with kids. And thanks to a wide range of hotels, from oceanfront resorts to budget-friendly suites, it’s easy to find deals that work for your crew (and your wallet).

Whether you’re building your itinerary around cultural sites, beach time, or just trying to find the best shave ice within walking distance, Tripster makes planning your Honolulu trip simple.

You can bundle hotels, attractions, and activities into customizable packages, score insider deals on tours and luaus, and even book tickets to the most popular family friendly shows—all in one place.

If you’re visiting several attractions, the Go City Oahu pass is a great way to keep costs down while giving your kids access to everything from luaus to aquariums to adventure parks.

Less stress, more sunsets, that’s the Tripster way.

Things To Do in Honolulu with Kids FAQs