Top 10 Unique and Toddler-Friendly Activities for Your Family Trip to O‘ahu
During a visit to O‘ahu when our child was three years old, my partner and I would often turn to each other and say, “That kid is living her best life.” Who wouldn’t be, when enjoying visits to the beach multiple times a week, warm weather, lush scenery, diverse culture, delicious food and treats, and the beautiful outdoors? O‘ahu is a wonderful destination for the whole family, for all these reasons. For us, visiting O‘ahu with our toddler in tow was a way to gain fresh perspective about the island; pre-parenthood we’d had the privilege of visiting the island a handful of times each, so we’d already covered many of the must-sees on our list. Everything we now do with our toddler is the cherry on top!
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- Our Values
- Top Recommended Family-Friendly Activities
- Places You Can Skip
- Wishlist for our Next Visit
Top Recommended Activities for Young Families
Our Values
When traveling we tend to avoid kid-centered activities, like the zoo or children’s museums, unless the adults are REALLY excited about those particular places. We’ve tried to prioritize spaces and destinations that are one-of-a-kind and which we feel are truly unique to the area.
That said, here’s what we suggest to keep you and your littles occupied on O‘ahu:
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island
- Free
- 2+ Hours
This is one of our go-to beaches on the island. It is much less-crowded than Waikiki (which we typically avoid at all costs) but still has awesome views and is in close proximity to shops and restaurants. The waters are perfectly gentle for little ones. Take out your stand up paddleboard and say hi to the turtles swimming in the reef! Paddleboarding towards Diamond Head at Ala Moana Beach Park
Ko Olina
We love the Ko Olina lagoons. These public lagoons on the west/Leeward side of the island are protected from the surf, so they are perfect spots for letting your toddler run loose to wade in the water or play in the sand.
There are four lagoons, each numbered and flanked by a resort (Disney’s Aulani–see our recommendation and parking pro-tip below–is adjacent to Lagoon 1). These are technically public beaches, with some free (albeit sparse) parking available; on multiple occasions we waited upwards of 30 minutes to get a spot. Lagoon 4 is the furthest from the Ko Olina gated entrance but has the largest parking lot and some additional open green space.
There are also plenty of shops and eateries located in the nearby Ko Olina resorts. You may even catch a glimpse of a passing Hawaiian Railway train!
The only downside is that the lagoons can be quite a trek from Honolulu. We recommend staying at one of the resorts in Ko Olina or in a nearby town, or having a car. From Waikiki, the one-way Lyft ride costs ~$70+ (we know from experience!).
Nānākuli Overlook & Makapuʻu Lighthouse
This 2.2-mile loop trail was a doable hike for our three-year-old, with a view of the overlook to greet us when we reached the top. We visited with friends and their one-year-old, who they hiked with in a baby carrier. Contact Camp Palehua in advance to reserve your visit.
This 2.5-mile hike is completely paved, but at-times steep and windy as you stroll up the hill. Our three-year-old did a decent job walking for a spell to look out at the ocean, but we also didn’t mind rolling her along in her stroller. Along the trail you’ll catch glimpses of the lighthouse and the Windward coast. If you’re lucky, you might even see some whales.
Hanauma Bay
- $25/person, ages 13+; $3 parking
- 3+ hours
This is one of our go-to beaches on the island. It is much less-crowded than Waikiki (which we typically avoid at all costs) but still has awesome views and is in close proximity to shops and restaurants. The waters are perfectly gentle for little ones. Take out your stand up paddleboard and say hi to the turtles swimming in the reef! Paddleboarding towards Diamond Head at Ala Moana Beach Park
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
- Free
- 2+ Hours
Our visit to the botanical gardens in Kaneohe was as wondrous for me as it was for our little one. All around us was lush greenery, waterfalls flowing down the mountainsides, cool mist enveloping the mountains, and a plethora of flowers and trees.
We had fun having our own mini photo session on a hill from which we could see the hillsides and multiple mini-waterfalls behind us. Plus, the drive down the H3 is one of my favorites, ever, so be sure not to miss it!
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island
Great for plant- and nature-lovers
- Free
- 3+ Hours
This is one of our go-to beaches on the island. It is much less-crowded than Waikiki (which we typically avoid at all costs) but still has awesome views and is in close proximity to shops and restaurants. The waters are perfectly gentle for little ones. Take out your stand up paddleboard and say hi to the turtles swimming in the reef! Paddleboarding towards Diamond Head at Ala Moana Beach Park
Farmers Markets
Great for locally made treats and wares
- Free
- 1+ Hours
I always love visiting farmers markets on our travels, as it’s a great way to buy local all in one place! Most markets that we’ve visited on O‘ahu have similar wares and vendors, but there are some that are unique to each market.
We’ve enjoyed the markets at Kapiolani Community College, Kaka’ako, and Windward Mall, as well as the Kailua Night Market. Find one that fits your schedule and location!
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Great for buying trinkets, aloha shirts and dresses, and snacks
- $2/person ages 12+
- 2+ Hours
In another category of markets is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and flea market. Open Wednesdays and weekends until 3 p.m., the market provides affordable options for shopping and souvenirs.
We always come away with snacks and sweets from Ono Giant Shrimp Chips and Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks; aloha shirts; and matching bright colored island-print dresses.
I recognize that many of the wares sold at the flea market are imported from China and the Philippines. So while I understand the desire for cheap goods, I also want to acknowledge that most offerings are not locally made. Just something to keep in mind, but I’ll spare you my lectures and thoughts on globalization, for now.
Enjoy live music
Great for chill vibes and naptimes 
There are so many amazing artists and musicians that perform on O‘ahu. Check the schedule at Duke’s and Hula Grill at the Outrigger Waikiki or Halekulani’s House Without a Key to catch some tunes during a meal with beach views. We’ve also enjoyed going to Maui Brewing Co. for the live music and the coconut porter.
For a more upscale adults-night-out, catch a show at Blue Note Hawaii.
Disney’s Aulani
If your kids and family are even remotely into Disney, visiting the empire’s Aulani Resort & Spa can be a magical experience. Even if you don’t stay at the $500++/night resort or attend a pricey character breakfast, you can still get a taste of resort-life by eating at one of the hotel restaurants or simply walking through the hotel on your way to the public Ko Olina lagoons.
Our friend’s pro tip: You can avail of free or discounted self-parking in the Aulani garage when you make a single purchase at the resort. So buy some food or cocktails from one of Aulani’s restaurants or snack shacks to get your parking validated, then beach it up!
On your way through the resort you’ll pass by statues and regalia that are all part of the Disney experience and may even catch a sighting of Mickey Mouse!
Hawaiian Railway Society & Museum ($10-$15/person ages 2+)
Great for getting a feel of the city, walking, and community activities
- $10-$15/person, ages 2+
- 3-4 hours
On Wednesdays and weekends the Hawaiian Railway Society’s open-air train takes riders on a scenic and guided ride from Ewa Beach to Electric Beach Park and back. The ticketed ride on the historic railway (established in the late 1800s) takes less than a couple hours total, and a little longer on Saturdays when the train makes a pit stop at Ko Olina where you can purchase ice cream, coffee, or snacks from one of the nearby shops.
If you have a moment, check out Hawai‘i’s only operating railroad museum. Our kiddo enjoyed checking out the large locomotives on display and watching the miniature trains whiz past.
Much as we had fun riding and checking out the miniature trains, we were even MORE excited to watch the train passing by when we were in Ko Olina later that day!
Wishlist for our Next Visit
- Would love to try camping at the Botanical Gardens or one of the other campsites on the island
- Visit Waimea Valley
- Visit Polynesian Cultural Center
- Go to a luau
- Catch some turtle sightings
Places You Can Skip
- The activities at Kualoa Ranch are not very kid-friendly, particularly for kids under 5. The one toddler-friendly option is to spend the day at Kualoa Ranch’s “Secret Beach,” though at $50 per person for admission, it doesn’t seem worth it in our book. What with all the other beaches there are to visit on the island…
- Maili Pillbox Hike (we’ll tell you why in another post…!)
Final Thoughts
Every trip has its highlights, surprises, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re exploring a new city, relaxing in nature, or discovering local attractions, the memories you create together are what make the experience truly special.
Traveling with kids may require a little extra planning and flexibility, but seeing a destination through their eyes often makes the journey even more rewarding. From favorite activities to unexpected moments, every adventure becomes part of your family’s story.
No matter where your travels take you next, embrace the experience, enjoy the small moments, and make time for the things that matter most—being together and creating lasting memories.
Have you visited this destination? What was your favorite part of the trip?Share in the comments below.
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