1. Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i, O‘ahu
For waterpark thrills, Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i in Kapolei is a top pick. Spread over 12 hectares, it features wave pools, waterslides, splash zones and lazy rivers – there’s something for every age group. Families can also try mini-golf there or head to the nearby Coral Crater Adventure Park for ziplining, ATV tours and an aerial challenge course for more high-adrenaline fun.
2. Honolulu Zoo, O‘ahu
Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to Honolulu Zoo, nestled between Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) and Waikīkī. Home to more than 900 animals, the zoo features species from around the world, including lions, elephants, orangutans, lemurs and meerkats. For those keen to see wildlife in its natural habitat, consider booking a Honolulu day cruise to spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even humpback whales during the migration season (December to May).
3. Waikīkī Fireworks, O‘ahu
For a magical evening, don’t miss the Friday night fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort. The display begins at 7.45pm or 8pm, depending on the time of year. It’s a dazzling end to the week and perfect for enjoying beachside with the family.
4. Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm, Maui
In Upcountry Maui, the Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm invites kids to roam through rows of fragrant purple lavender blooms. There’s also a boutique selling lavender-based products, from skincare to chocolates. Nearby Surfing Goat Dairy also offers tours where families can meet goats and learn how cheese is made.
5. Maui Ocean Center, Maui
Maui Ocean Center, referred to as the aquarium of Hawai‘i, offers an up-close look at the vibrant marine life of the Pacific. It hosts the world’s largest collection of live Pacific corals and more than 60 exhibits, including a 16-metre-long walkthrough tunnel, a sea turtle lagoon and a touch pool filled with sea stars and urchins. It’s both educational and awe-inspiring.
6. Kids’ clubs
Some Hawai‘i resorts offer well-equipped kids’ clubs for children aged five to 12. These programs include engaging cultural and educational activities such as lei-making, hula dancing and ‘ukulele lessons. It’s a great way for children to learn about Hawaiian culture while parents enjoy some downtime.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center, O‘ahu
Just over an hour from Waikīkī on O‘ahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a deep dive into the diverse cultures of Polynesia. With six traditional village experiences, canoe rides, crafts and performances, there’s plenty to do and see. Stay for the evening show, HĀ: Breath of Life, which tells a captivating story through music and dance.
8. Pearl Harbor, O‘ahu
A visit to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites offers families a powerful and age-appropriate way to connect with history. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, kids can learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor through short films, exhibits and a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Older children, in particular, will find it moving and memorable, while the surrounding museums – like the Battleship Missouri Memorial – add hands-on context to this pivotal moment in time.
9. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, island of Hawai‘i
Island of Hawai‘i is home to five volcanoes, including two of the world’s most active. A visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park introduces kids to lava tubes, steam vents, craters, deserts and rainforests. Children can also join ranger-led activities and explore trails or rainforest walks.
10. Dole Plantation, O‘ahu
For all things pineapple, head to the Dole Plantation in Wahiawā, a 45-minute drive from Waikīkī. A ride on the Pineapple Express train is a fun way to explore the grounds, while the giant pineapple-shaped garden maze offers a playful challenge. After the tour, enjoy lunch at the Plantation Grille. Be sure to try the famous Dole Whip – a dairy-free pineapple soft serve that’s become a local favourite.
11. Submarine Adventures, O‘ahu, Maui and island of Hawai‘i
Families can explore beneath the waves without getting wet aboard a glass-bottom boat or on a real submarine. Atlantis Adventures offers an eco-friendly, 48-passenger sub that dives up to 30 metres to reveal coral reefs, tropical fish and even shipwrecks. It’s a unique way to discover Hawai‘i’s marine life.
12. Mountain Tubing, Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i is the only Hawaiian island where families can go mountain tubing through old irrigation canals and tunnels dug in the 1800s. Equipped with headlamps, kids aged five and up can float through lush rainforest scenery. Ziplining is another popular option on the island, while Waimea Canyon – often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – offers unforgettable hiking and biking trails.
