Families fly from all over the world to visit Honolulu and it’s no secret why. You have the surf and sand at your fingertips. We’ve made your vacation planning a breeze with this list of kid-friendly attractions in Honolulu and our events calendar is loaded with even more events to give families a taste of the Hawaiian Islands. Aloha!

photo: Nhi H. via yelp

Manoa Falls 
The Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Honolulu area, mainly because it is easily accessible from Waikiki, either via car or city bus, and it is classified as an easy hike. A short drive out of Waikiki towards Manoa Valley and you can be surrounded by a tropical bamboo and rainforest. Many Oahu tour hiking tour operators take their guests here and it’s a great spot to bring the kids.

End of Manoa Road
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: hawaii.com

Magic Island Beach
Magic Island Beach is part of Ala Moana Beach Park, a popular Honolulu city beach, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Many local residents and visitors alike come to Ala Moana Beach Park and adjacent Magic Island to swim, bodyboard, surf, picnic or exercise.

1201 Ala Moana Blvd.
At the end of Ala Moana Beach Park
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: to-hawaii.com

Lyon Arboretum
The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is nestled in 193.5 acres of tropical rain forest at the top of the Manoa Valley watershed. Just five miles from the bustle of Waikiki, Lyon Arboretum serves as a cultural and scientific resource to urban O’ahu’s diverse communities. With over 5,000 taxa of tropical and sub-tropical plants to be found throughout our grounds, over seven miles of hiking trails, and an elevation gradient that starts at 450 feet and rises to 1850 feet above sea level, the Lyon Arboretum has much to offer to all.

3860 Manoa Rd.
University of Hawaii-Manoa
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: manoa.hawaii.edu

photo: drewga via pixabay

USS Arizona Memorial
This 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is a must-visit when you come to Honolulu. Learn all about the history of this area through guided tours and exhibits.

1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: nps.gov

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the “curved bay,” after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. In 2002 a marine education center was opened for visitors and part of the conservation plan requires first-time visitors to watch a 9 minute video before entering the park so they can learn about the marine life, preservation and safety rules for the park. All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral. Take a shuttle from your Waikiki hotel.

Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: hanaumabaystatepark.com

Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai’i and other Pacific island cultures.

1525 Bernice St.
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: bishopmuseum.org

Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park
This forested area on a cinder cone close to downtown Honolulu includes a lookout with sweeping view of southern O’ahu from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, including Honolulu and Manoa Valley. Picnic shelters are available.

Round Top Drive
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: dlnr.hawaii.gov

photo: Popat L. via yelp

Diamond Head State Monument 
Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

18th Ave.
Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Online: dlnr.hawaii.gov

Polynesian Cultural Center
Visit this spot to learn all the history of the Hawaiian Islands, sample some local food and learn some native games. Stay for a luau or take a circle island tour to learn even more.

55-370 Kamehameha
Hwy Laie, Hawaii
Online: polynesia.com

The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Honolulu
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Honolulu events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities.

—Kate Loweth

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