Top Things to Do in Honolulu

Honolulu (on the island of Oʻahu) is where world-class beaches, dramatic volcanic ridges, and living Hawaiian culture all share one compact, easy-to-navigate city. If you’re planning a family trip—whether your crew loves snorkeling, history, hikes with views, or shave ice after the beach—this guide lays out the top things to do in Honolulu with kids (and grandparents), plus practical tips and plug-and-play day plans.

Who this is for: Curious families who want real substance, not fluff. Every stop below is vetted for value, logistics, and age-friendliness.

Start on Waikīkī: gentle waves and Interesting history

Waikīkī Beach is more than just a pretty shoreline—it’s where surfing went global, thanks in large part to Native Hawaiian Olympic champion Duke Kahanamoku, widely celebrated as the “father of modern surfing.” You’ll find his statue along Kalākaua Avenue, and his story is a great way to introduce kids to Hawaiʻi’s watersports heritage and aloha spirit.

Why it works for families

• The south-facing waves are typically mellow, perfect for first-time surf lessons or boogie boarding.
• Lifeguarded segments, beachside showers, and easy access to snacks and restrooms.
• Strollers roll easily on the beachfront promenades.

Smart safety note: Box jellyfish sometimes visit south-shore beaches on a predictable cycle 8–10 days after the full moon. Check the Waikīkī Aquarium’s box-jelly calendar and ask lifeguards before swimming on those dates.

Quick add-ons nearby

• Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon (at the west end of Waikīkī): calm water for toddlers.
• Kapiʻolani Park: shade, playgrounds, and picnic lawns under ironwood and monkeypod trees.

Climb a crater: Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) for views everyone remembers

Honolulu’s classic hike is the Diamond Head State Monument trail: a short, steady climb into a 300,000-year-old tuff cone with a knockout panorama of Waikīkī, downtown, and the Koʻolau mountains.

What to know (important):

• As of 2025, out-of-state visitors must reserve entry (and parking, if driving) in advance; tickets open up to 30 days ahead. Fees: $5 per person (non-resident entry) and $10 per vehicle. Last entry is 4:30 p.m.; gates close at 6:00 p.m.
• Bring water, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes. Portions are steep with stairs and limited shade.
• Kid tip: Make it a scavenger hunt—count switchbacks, spot bunkers, and look for the lighthouse far below.

Snorkel a living classroom: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay is a protected volcanic bay and one of the island’s best places for family snorkeling with lifeguards and education built in.

Plan it right (this matters):

• Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Non-residents must reserve online two days in advance (opens at 7:00 a.m. HST). Entry: $25 per non-resident (ages 13+); parking $3 (first-come). You’ll watch a short marine-life orientation video before heading down.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaiʻi bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate). Mineral formulas with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safe bet.
• Be a wildlife hero: If you encounter spinner dolphins, remember the federal rule—do not swim with or approach within 50 yards (applies to people, vessels, canoes, SUPs, and drones). Teach kids to enjoy wildlife at a respectful distance.

Beach day beyond Waikīkī: Kailua & Lanikai

On the windward side, Kailua Beach and adjacent Lanikai offer powdery sand and turquoise water. They’re postcard-perfect—and, on weekends and holidays, very popular.

Parking & access reality check: The City has moved to ban or significantly restrict parking along the Lanikai loop to curb gridlock; plan to park at Kailua Beach Park and walk, bike, or use a drop-off. Don’t block driveways or hydrants, and obey all posted signs—tickets here are real.

Mokulua islets (“the Mokes”): Many families kayak to Moku Nui on calm mornings. Landing is restricted to a small beach on the southwest corner; the interior is off-limits to protect nesting seabirds, and Moku Iki is off-limits entirely. Rules can tighten during wildlife nesting or monk-seal pupping. When in doubt, don’t land—circle by water and enjoy the view.

Alternative hike with a view: The Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge) trail offers wide-angle views over Kailua Beach and the Mokes—best attempted early, with water and grippy shoes. (Trailhead parking is not available; be mindful in residential areas.)

Two can’t-miss coastal walks: Makapuʻu Lighthouse & Halona Blowhole

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail (in Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline) is paved and rewards with big ocean vistas and, in winter, potential whale spouts. Bring hats; it’s sunny and can be windy.

Near Hanauma, the Halona Blowhole Lookout lets kids watch surf shoot through an ancient lava tube. It’s a viewpoint—don’t climb down onto the ledges.

A high-reward challenge: Koko Crater Railway (“Koko Head Stairs”)

Older kids (and fit adults) may love the Koko Crater Railway—a steep, stair-style ascent up historic rail ties with sweeping views from the top. Honolulu restored and reopened the trail on July 10, 2025 after safety work; go early for shade, bring plenty of water, and step aside for faster climbers.

Step into history: Pearl Harbor & the USS Arizona Memorial

A visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial is powerful and age-appropriate when framed as a story of remembrance and peace.

Logistics that save time:

• The park is free, but the boat program to the USS Arizona Memorial requires a $1 non-refundable reservation via Recreation.gov (tickets sell quickly).
• Parking at the Visitor Center is $7/day. Bags aren’t allowed inside, but an on-site storage facility operates for a fee.

Plan 2–3 hours for the visitor center exhibits and the memorial program (older kids often have thoughtful questions—build that time in).

Hawaiian royalty, downtown views, and a harbor icon

ʻIolani Palace – The only royal palace in the United States, and a superb, hands-on way to learn about Hawaiʻi’s monarchy and Queen Liliʻuokalani. Tickets vary by tour type (e.g., self-guided audio vs. docent-led), with adult pricing shown on the official site; check current rates and hours before you go.

Aloha Tower – A historic lighthouse and a symbol of welcome to Honolulu Harbor. Note: the observation deck is currently closed; you can still explore the waterfront marketplace area for harbor views.

Museums for rainy days (and curious minds)

Bishop Museum – The premier museum of Hawaiian and Pacific natural & cultural history. Exhibits are engaging for school-age kids; plan 2–3 hours. Check current admission and hours before visiting.

Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) – Calm courtyards, family guides, and world-class collections in a size that won’t overwhelm. Look for drop-in tours included with admission on select days.

Waterfalls you can (and cannot) visit

Mānoa Falls Trail – A short rainforest walk (about 1.6 miles roundtrip) to a 150-foot waterfall. Trails can be muddy; wear closed-toe shoes, and don’t swim (leptospirosis risk). Parking is managed near the trailhead.

Waimea Valley – On the North Shore, a botanical/cultural park with a paved path to Waimea Falls, where lifeguards may allow swimming when conditions are safe (life vests provided/required). Check current hours and admission before you go.

Sacred Falls (Kaliuwaʻa) – Do not hike here. The state park has been closed since a fatal 1999 rockfall; enforcement has increased and penalties are steep. You can glimpse the falls only on permitted helicopter tours.

Scenic drive with history: Pali Highway to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

A short climb out of Honolulu delivers you to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout with sweeping views of the windward coast. Parking for non-residents is $7 per vehicle (bring a card), and the wind can be fierce—hold onto your hats.

Calm lagoons for little swimmers: Ko Olina

If you’re traveling with toddlers or very new swimmers, the four man-made Ko Olina lagoons on Oʻahu’s leeward side are protected from surf and usually calm like giant tide pools. Public shoreline access is available; arrive early for parking.

Culture in a garden valley: Byodo-In Temple

Tucked into the Valley of the Temples on the windward side, Byodo-In Temple is a serene replica of a 1,000-year-old temple in Uji, Japan—dedicated here in 1968. Feed the koi, ring the bell, and enjoy the quiet. Check the temple’s site for current hours.

Ranch day: Jurassic views and hands-on fun at Kualoa

Kualoa Ranch is a one-stop, full-day playground set between dramatic green ridges and bright blue Kāneʻohe Bay. Family-friendly options include the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, Secret Island Beach time with kayaks/SUPs, gentle UTV rides (ages 5+ as passengers), and farm/culture tours. Book early; many of the best time slots sell out.

North Shore side-trip: surf season and waterfalls

If you’re visiting November through March, the North Shore hosts big-wave surf—spectacular to watch from the sand but not for beginners. In summer, the same beaches can be glassy-calm. Check conditions with lifeguards, and remember: when in doubt, don’t go out.

On the same loop, add Waimea Valley (above) and a casual food stop (see the food section below).

Family-friendly food to try (and where)

You’ll eat well here without fancy reservations. These categories work with kids and picky eaters:

• Plate lunch (kālua pork, chicken katsu, hamburger steak with rice & mac salad)
• Fresh poke bowls (raw ahi or salmon on rice; ask for mild sauces for kids)
• Noodles (ramen, saimin, and udon shops abound)
• Hawaiian classics (lūʻau stew, lau lau, poi—ask for samples where offered)
• Treats: shave ice, malasadas (Portuguese-style doughnuts), Dole Whip near plantation stops

Neighborhood pointers:

• Waikīkī & Ala Moana for volume and variety (fast to fancy).
• Kakaʻako (brewpubs, food halls, murals) for relaxed evenings.
• Haleʻiwa on the North Shore for shrimp trucks and shave ice after the beach.
• Kapahulu/Kaimukī for local favorites and bakeries.

(Pro tip: go early for malasadas and mid-afternoon for shave ice to avoid lines.)

Seasonal & specialty experiences

• Sunset sail or dinner cruise off Waikīkī—gentle seas and city-meets-volcano views.
• Outrigger canoe surf ride from Waikīkī beachboys—short, thrilling, and surprisingly smooth.
• Helicopter flights—an unforgettable way to see Sacred Falls (legal only by air) and the island’s ridges in one go.
• Lūʻau night—many resorts host them; Toa Lūʻau at Waimea Valley pairs culture with the waterfall gardens (check dates and inclusions).

Practical travel tips (your sanity savers)

1. Transportation
   A rental car offers the most flexibility for families, especially for windward and North Shore days. For in-town days, Honolulu’s bus (TheBus) and Biki bike share are easy, and rideshares are plentiful. Combine: drive for island loops, go car-free for central Honolulu.

2. Reservations & fees that catch visitors off guard

• Diamond Head – Advance reservation for out-of-state visitors; $5 pp + $10 parking; last entry 4:30 p.m.
• Hanauma Bay – Closed Mon/Tue; online reservations two days ahead (7 a.m. HST release); $25 entry; $3 parking.
• USS Arizona Memorial – $1 reservation via Recreation.gov; $7/day parking at the Visitor Center.

3. Ocean safety & wildlife respect

• Check conditions with lifeguards (Hawaiʻi’s beaches change day-to-day).
• On south-shore jellyfish days (8–10 days after the full moon), choose a different beach or skip ocean time.
• Stay 50 yards from spinner dolphins (federal rule), and never chase turtles, seals, or seabirds.
• Never turn your back on shorebreak; when in doubt, don’t go out.

4. Culture matters
   A few words go far: mahalo (thank you), ʻohana (family), kuleana (responsibility). Be considerate in residential areas (e.g., Lanikai); obey no-parking zones.

5. Sun & reef care
   Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen (Hawaiʻi bans the sale of oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens) and rash guards; never stand on coral.

Suggested family itineraries

Day 1 — Waikīkī & Diamond Head

• Morning: Diamond Head hike (reserved entry), then malasadas on the way back.
  Go State Parks Hawaii
• Afternoon: Waikīkī beach time—boogie boards or a family surf lesson.
• Evening: Stroll Kalākaua Avenue for dinner and a sunset walk.

Day 2 — Windward Wonders

• Morning: Drive the Pali Highway to Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout (quick stop, $7 parking). Continue to Kailua Beach; rent kayaks or simply play in the shorebreak.
• Optional: Early hike up Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise; be mindful of parking restrictions.
• Afternoon: Byodo-In Temple for a quiet cultural pause.

Day 3 — Snorkel & Southeast Coast

• Morning: Hanauma Bay snorkel (reserved entry; closed Mon/Tue).
• Midday: Halona Blowhole lookout; lunch in Hawaiʻi Kai.
• Afternoon: Makapuʻu Lighthouse paved walk; lookout over windward beaches.

Day 4 — History & Art

• Morning: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center + USS Arizona Memorial (reserved program).
• Afternoon: ʻIolani Palace tour, then a treat in Chinatown/Kakaʻako; or choose Bishop Museum if your kids love hands-on science and culture.

Day 5 — North Shore Loop

• Morning: Drive H-2 → Haleʻiwa; grab breakfast, continue to Waimea Valley (swim if allowed).
• Afternoon: Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline (winter) or swim calm summer water at Sharks Cove/Waimea Bay (check lifeguards).
• Evening: Back to town via the east coast for golden-hour views.

(With toddlers or nap schedules, swap in Ko Olina lagoons as a dedicated calm-water day.)

Hidden-gem detours (if you have extra time)

• Kāneʻohe Sandbar (Ahu o Laka) by permitted boat charter; no alcohol on major three-day summer holiday weekends; go with a reputable operator and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
• Ala Moana Beach Park—huge in-town beach with calm water for little ones on non-jellyfish days (see calendar).
• Kualoa Secret Island—half-day of mellow paddling, hammocks, and bay views included with your ticket.

Best times to visit (with kids in mind)

• Spring (April–May) and fall (Sept–early Nov) often mean fewer crowds, pleasant temps, and lower hotel rates.
• Winter (Nov–Mar) brings North Shore big waves (better for watching than swimming) and occasional rain squalls—museum days shine.
• Summer (June–Aug) offers calmer oceans on the North Shore and long daylight—great for beach days and evening strolls.

Crowd-beating habits: Reserve timed entries, start early, and plan lunches at off-peak times or in shaded parks with takeout.

Quick packing list for families

• Sun gear: mineral sunscreen, long-sleeve rash guards, hats, sunglasses
• Water shoes (for rocky entries), light rain jackets (windward showers happen)
• Compact first-aid kit, reusable water bottles, snacks for between stops
• Dry bag for phones on boat/kayak days

Responsible travel = better trip

Honolulu is a living home, not a theme park. Your family can make a positive impact by:

• Respecting kapu (closed) areas and heeding trail/ocean closures—e.g., Sacred Falls remains closed for safety; don’t follow social-media “shortcuts.”
• Using reef-safe sun protection and never standing on coral.
• Giving wildlife space (50 yards from spinner dolphins) and packing out all trash.
• Parking legally, especially in beach neighborhoods like Lanikai.

Finally

Honolulu makes it easy to please every age: one morning you’re snorkeling a protected bay; that afternoon you’re standing inside a royal palace; by sunset you’re walking a warm, lantern-lit beach. Use the plans above, adjust for your family’s pace, and you’ll come home with stories—not stress.