Top Oahu Activities for Families
Looking for the best hawaiian island family vacation? You’ll find it on the island of Oahu. There are so many things to do with kids in Oahu, like Turtle Bay Resort horseback riding and pink pancakes at the famous pink hotel. There are Oahu adventures for every age and interest. Teenagers are sure to love Haleiwa Town and Waikiki Beach while the Pineapple Plantation is perfect for younger travelers. Check out my favorites below to help you make the most of your Hawaii family vacation.
Take a Family Friendly Hike
Set out before sunset to hike Ka’iwa Ridge, also known as Lanikai Pillbox Trail for some of the best sunrise views in Oahu. The pillboxes are graffitied structures at the top of the ridge that were once used as observation stations during World War II. This moderate 1.6-mile round trip hike near Kailua, Oahu has panoramic views of Kailua Bay and Na Mokolu. The trailhead is easy to find, on a private cul de sac with very limited parking. The hike itself is a little bit challenging because of the slippery rocks and steep terrain. There are some areas where you have to climb up the rocks but also places to pull off and stop if you decide not to hike the entire trail. Overall the hike takes about an hour total and is well worth the views from the top.
Pro Tip – Go early to beat the heat and find parking. Wear shoes with treads. It is slippery, especially on the way down.
Kayak to Popoi`a Island Bird Sanctuary
Take a private or small group tour with Kailua Beach Adventures out to flat island (Popoia) to visit the nesting seabirds. This tour is for ages 13+ and over with moderate – high activity level depending on the wind and currents. Launch your kayak from the nearby state beach and kayak for about 30 minutes out to flat island where you’re guide will take you on an easy eco-hike before kayaking back to shore. You can also see Hawaiian green sea turtles along the way known as “honu”. The views of Koʻolau Mountain Range and dormant volcanoes in the background are really beautiful. There is also a great surf shop and hawaiian shaved ice store attached to the adventure shop. Cute swimsuits!
Pro Tip: Arrive a little early so that you can lock up your stuff as well as listen to the safety brief and the instructional lesson. You do need to be prepared to walk your kayak (on wheeled dolly) down to the oceanfront.
Take a ride on the Pineapple Express
No trip to Oahu is complete without a trip to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. You can purchase your tickets on site for either the train, maze, or garden tour. The pineapple train is the most popular activity. The total train ride is about 30 minutes and teaches you about all the different types of plants that grow on the plantation, and of course the pineapple. They take you through the process of the growth of the plants as well as how they ship them out to the grocery stores and shops. Make sure to try the dole whip in the shop as well as the other pineapple-flavored sweets. This is a great activity for you to do with both young and old kids.
Pro Tip – Plan for a bit of a line onto the train especially during peak times.
Explore Haleiwa Town
Haleiwa Town is a beachy, historic town on Oahu’s North Shore where you’ll find a variety of local boutiques, gift shops, surf shops, instagrammable photo stops, and more. Make sure to stop and visit “Kevin” the peacock and take a picture at Sweet As Ice Cream Shop. Some favorite stores include Mahina, North Shore Surf Shop,and San Lorenzo Bikini. Save room for snacks at Makua Banana Bread, Matsumoto Hawaiian Shaved Ice, and Haleiwa Bowls for a delicious acai bowl with yummy hawaiian fruits.
Soak up the Sun on Waikiki Beach
Start your Waikiki Beach day at the Royal Hawaiian for some pink pancakes under the cutest pink umbrellas. Afterwards, rent some beach chairs to check out the surfers and experience this world famous beach. The best way to wind down the day? Some NYC style shopping at Sephora, Billabong and every other luxury brand you can think of just steps from the beach!
Trail ride at Turtle Bay Resort
You don’t have to be a guest at the five star Turtle Bay resort to experience the onsite activities like horseback riding. Turtle Bay resort horseback riding offers everything from private trail rides to group excursions. The best part of this activity is discovering the secluded beaches along the trail. Grab lunch at the poolside restaurant afterwards to watch the surf school directly below.
Surf the North Shore
Fulfill your lifetime dreams of becoming a North Shore surfer at the Jamie O’ Brien Surf Experience. Basecamp is located at Turtle Bay resort but open to all. You’ll start by practicing on land learning how to get up on the board. From there your instructors will take you out to an easy accessible break where your guaranteed to get up and ride your first (of many) North Shore waves. If you’re lucky you’ll also get to meet a famous bonsai pipeline surfer too.:)
Get in the Aloha Spirit
Simply being on this island is enough to make everyone in the family smile. The best activity of all is just heading out for the day and discovering all the Hawaiian snacks, people, and sights along the way. To me, that’s the best kind of adventure.
I would love to hear your comments below.
Mahalo!
The Comments
Vanessa
Love, love it! Looks like you had a great time. Some good information for anyone going to Hawaii!!