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20 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Honolulu for a Fun and Cultural Experience

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse culture. It’s also a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of kid-friendly activities that are both fun and educational. From exploring the natural wonders of the island to immersing in the local traditions, there are plenty of opportunities for children to have a memorable experience in Honolulu.

In this article, we will explore 20 kid-friendly things to do in Honolulu that combine fun and cultural enrichment, ensuring that your family’s visit to this tropical paradise is both enjoyable and enriching.

1. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial

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The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see attraction for families visiting Honolulu. The memorial honours the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbour and provides a glimpse into the history of World War II. Visitors can take a boat ride to the memorial and explore the exhibits and artefacts on display, such as the bell tower, anchor, and the hull of the USS Arizona, which can be seen rising from the water.

2. Explore the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 900 animals from around the world, including endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal and the Kauai elephant shark. The zoo offers various animal exhibits, educational programmes, and events throughout the year, such as keeper talks and animal demonstrations.

But it’s not just about looking at animals. The zoo wants to teach people about taking care of wildlife. They have fun programmes for everyone, young and old, to learn about things like why it’s important to protect animals and keep nature in balance. All year round, the zoo hosts events that make your visit even more interesting. You can listen to zookeepers talk about their work and see demonstrations that show how smart and cool animals are. Whether you’re checking out the animal displays, joining educational activities, or attending special events, the zoo is all about keeping animals safe and teaching everyone why it matters.

3. Take a hike to Diamond Head

Vards Uzvards, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Diamond Head is a volcanic crater that offers stunning views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for kids of all ages, with a well-maintained trail and scenic views along the way.

Once at the summit, kids can enjoy the panoramic views of the island and take memorable photos. The crater’s unique landscape also offers a geological lesson for kids, as they can learn about the volcanic activity that shaped the island and the formation of the crater.

4. Visit the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum is a world-renowned museum that showcases the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific. Kids can learn about the traditions and customs of the native Hawaiian people, explore exhibits on natural history and science, and see artefacts from ancient civilizations.

The museum also features a planetarium and an outdoor gallery of Hawaiian art, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience. The Bishop Museum is committed to education and outreach, offering various programs and events, such as the Museum Makerspace, where kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, and art through hands-on activities.

5. Go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay

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Hanauma Bay is a protected marine sanctuary that offers some of the best snorkelling in Hawaii. Kids can see a variety of colourful fish and other marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, such as green sea turtles, eels, and schools of vibrant fish.

Snorkelling tours are available for families, and guides can help kids identify the different species they encounter. The marine life in Hanauma Bay is just one example of the diverse ecosystems and species found in Hawaii, making it an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about ocean conservation and environmental issues.

6. Take a surf lesson

Hawaii is known for its world-class surfing, and there’s no better place to learn than in Honolulu. Kids can take a surf lesson from a local instructor and experience the thrill of catching a wave.

The calm waters of Waikiki make it an ideal place for beginners to learn and practice their surfing skills. In addition to surfing, kids can also participate in other water activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, which offer a great way to explore the island’s beautiful coastline.

7. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium

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The Waikiki Aquarium is home to over 3,500 marine animals and plants from around the world, including endangered species like the Laysan duck and the green sea turtle. The aquarium offers various exhibits, such as the Living Reef Exhibit, the Tropical Pacific Gallery, and the Coastline Exhibit, showcasing marine life from around the world.

The aquarium also offers educational programs, like the Waikiki Aquarium School Program, which teaches kids about marine conservation and environmental issues. The aquarium is also home to the Pacific Voyager Sphere, an interactive exhibit that allows kids to explore the ocean depths and learn about marine life and oceanography.

8. Take a sunset cruise

A sunset cruise is a great way to see the beauty of Honolulu from the water. Kids can enjoy the views and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, while also spotting wildlife like dolphins, whales, and sea birds along the way. Some cruises also offer opportunities to snorkel with dolphins, providing an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.

The cruises often include delicious food, such as fresh fruit, salads, and other appetizers, making it a fun and relaxing way to end the day. Additionally, many sunset cruises feature live music and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. The calm waters of the Pacific provide a smooth and comfortable ride, ensuring that kids can relax and take in the stunning views of the Honolulu coastline. Whether it’s a romantic evening for parents or a fun adventure for the whole family, a sunset cruise is a memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii

10.Visit the Iolani Palace

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The Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States and offers a glimpse into the history of Hawaii’s monarchy. Kids can explore the palace and learn about the traditions and customs of the Hawaiian royal family, such as hula dancing and lei making.

The palace also features beautiful gardens, like the Queen’s Summer Palace Garden, which showcases the lush greenery and vibrant flowers of Hawaii. The Iolani Palace is committed to preserving the history and culture of Hawaii, offering various programs and events, such as the Iolani Palace Historical Tour, which provides an in-depth look at the palace’s history and significance.

11. Go on a dolphin or whale-watching tour

Honolulu is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins and whales. Kids can take a boat tour and see these majestic creatures up close, such as the playful dolphins and the magnificent humpback whales.

Some tours also offer opportunities to snorkel with dolphins, providing an unforgettable experience for animal lovers. The tours often include knowledgeable guides who can provide information about the marine life and the importance of marine conservation.

12. Visit the Children’s Discovery Center

The Children’s Discovery Center is a world-class interactive children’s museum designed to inspire all ages to discover, explore, and share. This hands-on museum offers over 30 exhibits and activities for kids of all ages, focusing on learning about the world through science, technology, and the arts. One of the center’s highlights is the Discovery Loop, where kids can crawl, climb, and slide through various exhibits, engaging in hands-on exploration that inspires learning.

Additionally, the Art Studio provides a creative space for children to express themselves and create their own works of art. The center’s educational philosophy is based on an inquiry-based approach that invites children to explore concepts by investigating, creating, and collaboratively solving problems as a group, nurturing their interests in a compassionate environment

13. Take a cultural tour

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Honolulu is rich in culture and history, and there are many tours available that offer a glimpse into the traditions and customs of the native Hawaiian people. Kids can learn about hula dancing, lei making, and other cultural practices, as well as visit historical sites like the Iolani Palace and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

14. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is home to over 50,000 works of art from around the world, including pieces from renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Kids can explore the galleries and see everything from ancient artefacts to contemporary art, and participate in family-friendly programs like ArtVentures, where they can create their own artwork inspired by the museum’s collections.

15. Go on a horseback riding adventure

Kids can experience the beauty of the island on a horseback riding adventure. There are various trails to choose from, such as the Koko Head Trail and the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, offering scenic rides through the mountains and valleys of Honolulu. Some companies also offer sunset rides and private lessons for a more personalized experience.

16. Visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

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The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is home to a collection of historic aircraft and exhibits that showcase the history of aviation in Hawaii. Kids can learn about the pioneers of flight and see some of the most iconic planes in history, such as the North American P-51 and the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The museum also offers various programs and events, like the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Teen Intern Program, which provides hands-on experience in aviation and aerospace.

17. Take a trip to the North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu is known for its world-class surfing and beautiful beaches. Kids can enjoy the waves and explore the small towns and villages that dot the coastline, such as Haleiwa and Waialua.

The North Shore is also home to various attractions, like the Dole Plantation, where kids can learn about the history of pineapple farming in Hawaii, and the Polynesian Cultural Center, which offers a glimpse into the traditions and customs of the Polynesian people.

18. Visit the Kualoa Ranch

The Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location on the windward coast of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. It offers a variety of outdoor activities for kids and families, making it an ideal destination for a fun and adventurous day out.

One of the ranch’s highlights is the jungle expedition, where kids can embark on an open-air trolley tour and learn about the many Kualoa farming operations. They can explore the tropical fruit and flower gardens of Moli’i, the ancient fishpond, and the aquaculture operation along the shores.  Additionally, the ranch offers various tours, such as the ATV Adventure Tour, the Ocean Voyage Adventure, the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, the 2-Hour Horseback Walking Tour, and the Jungle Expedition Tour, providing a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Honolulu. 

19. Go on a submarine tour

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Kids can explore the underwater world of Honolulu on a submarine tour. The tours offer a unique perspective on the marine life and coral reefs that surround the island, such as the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, which features a self-guided tour of a World War II submarine, and the Atlantis Submarines, which offers a 48-passenger submarine that dives to depths of up to 100 feet.

20. Visit the Honolulu Botanical Gardens

The Honolulu Botanical Gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers from around the world, such as the Lyon Arboretum, which features over 5,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Kids can explore the gardens and learn about the different species of plants and their importance to the environment, as well as participate in educational programs and events, like the Children’s Garden Workshop.

Honolulu offers a wealth of activities for kids and families, providing a perfect blend of fun and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re exploring the natural wonders of the island, immersing in the local traditions, or enjoying the many resort activities, there are plenty of opportunities for children to have a memorable experience in this tropical paradise.