What to Do in Honolulu for Families?

Honolulu is a vibrant city, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, boasting plenty of historical and cultural sites to explore, amazing outdoor activities to experience, and delicious local cuisine to sample. This paradise oasis provides the perfect combination of both urban and outdoor experiences to make Honolulu a great destination for the whole family. Here are a few top activities that everyone in the family can enjoy in Honolulu.

Explore Honolulu’s History & Culture

Honolulu is host to a wide range of museums with both historical and cultural significance, including the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, which is the largest museum in Hawaii. Families can explore the exhibits here to learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture. The Honolulu Museum of Art showcases artwork from a variety of cultures around the world, as well as Hawaiian artwork from some of the most famous Hawaiian artists. With free admission on Thursdays, this makes it an affordable outing for families looking for a cultural experience.

Experience Outdoor Adventures

From snorkeling with tropical fish, to taking a walk along the beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when visiting Honolulu. One popular place to explore is Diamond Head Crater, a volcanic crater that offers stunning views of the city and coast below. The hiking trail is easy enough for children to tackle, and families can spend an entire day exploring Diamond Head’s vast tunnels, bunkers, and scenic overlooks. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular pastimes in Honolulu due to its tranquil waters and abundance of islands. Leeward Coast Tours offer kayaking tours that are family-friendly, with experienced guides and high quality kayaks included in the package.

Experience Local Cuisine

No family vacation would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Honolulu has plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy. From homemade ice cream at Vernon’s Chuckwagon to the savory flavors of Hawaiian cuisine at Royal Hana Catering, there’s no shortage of excellent dining options in Honolulu. For an authentic dining experience, families can visit Meril & Louise, where they can watch live luau shows while they eat dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

No trip to Honolulu is complete without spending some time lounging at the beach. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day soaking up the sun on Waikiki Beach or an action-packed day filled with surfing lessons, windsurfing, or sandcastle building contests, there are plenty of beaches and shorelines for every kind of family activity in Honolulu.

Conclusion

Honolulu is definitely a great destination for families looking for a fun and exciting holiday. With its rich culture, outdoor activities, and delicious cuisine, everyone will find something they love to do while experiencing all of the wonders that Hawaii has to offer.

Insider’s Guide: What to Do in Honolulu for Families

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a tropical paradise and a perfect destination for families. It offers world-renowned beaches, plethora of activities, cultural experiences, and friendly locals. Here is an insider’s guide to the best things to do in Honolulu for families.

Attractions

1. Diamond Head State Monument: One of the most popular attractions, this iconic volcanic cone offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the coastline and Honolulu. The trail is 1.6 miles roundtrip and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

2. Waikiki Beach: Known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and surfing lessons nearby.

3. Honolulu Zoo: Located in Kapiolani Park, just a few blocks from Waikiki Beach, the Honolulu Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. It also offers a petting zoo and interactive exhibits for kids.

Dining

1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food: A local favorite, Helena’s specializes in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Their menu includes dishes like Kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, and poi – a staple food made from boiled and mashed taro.

2. Rainbow Drive-In: This drive-in offers a range of Hawaiian plate lunches including loco moco (hamburger patty, rice, fried egg, and gravy), teriyaki beef, and fried rice.

3. Ono Seafood: If you love seafood, head over to Ono Seafood for the freshest poke bowls in Honolulu. You can also order ahi poke, tako poke, and salmon poke.

Cultural Experiences

1. Polynesian Cultural Center: This living museum situated on the North Shore of Oahu showcases the culture, arts, and crafts of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands. You can experience traditional dances, music, and enjoy authentic Polynesian food.

2. Bishop Museum: Once known as the Hawaiian Museum, Bishop Museum offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s history and culture. It features the largest collection of Hawaiian artifacts including ancient weapons, textiles, and feather work.

3. Pearl Harbor: This historic site is a must-visit in Honolulu. You can take a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park to learn about the role of Pearl Harbor in World War II.

Local History

1. ‘Iolani Palace: The only royal palace in the U.S., ‘Iolani Palace was built in 1882 and was the residence of the Hawaiian monarchs until Hawaii became a republic in 1893. You can take a guided tour of the palace and see its ornate design and décor.

2. Mission Houses Museum: This museum tells the story of the American Protestant missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in 1820. You can explore the homes, gardens, and student exhibits from the first class of Punahou School.

Off-the-beaten-path

1. Koko Head Crater Trail: A great hiking spot for adventurous families, Koko Head Crater Trail offers a challenging climb up an old railroad track to the summit. The views from the top are awe-inspiring.

2. Lanikai Beach: Located on the windward side of Oahu, Lanikai beach is a hidden gem with calm turquoise waters and powdery white sand. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

3. Waimea Valley: Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enter the lush greenery of Waimea Valley. The valley is home to a botanical garden, a waterfall, and cultural demonstrations that showcase traditional Hawaiian practices and crafts.

Honolulu offers a diverse range of activities that cater to families of all ages. From hiking trails to sandy beaches, cultural experiences to local history, there is something for everyone. With the help of this insider’s guide, your family vacation to Honolulu will truly be an unforgettable one.