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HONOLULU, HAWAII, USA
Hawaii with kids is on the radar for most travellers; if you have not been yet, I am sure it will be high on the priority list in the future. We have been a couple of times (with and without children), and it does cater to every age. [updated 2025]
Whether you are planning a low-key holiday, a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation, Oahu ticks all the boxes. Can you think of a better way to ring in the new year? Then by watching the fireworks over Waikiki beach! Here is the rundown on things to do in Honolulu with kids.
Things to know before you go to Hawaii with kids
Visa
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Getting to Hawaii with kids
Coming from Australia, we flew QANTAS as it is part of One World but returned on Jetstar (as it was the only day that suited us getting home).
We were pleasantly surprised by how much more room you have on the flight, as our experience with Jetstar in the past has been small planes, small legroom, and no in-flight entertainment (yes, budget airline standard travelling), but it was not the case which was great!
I find on a budget airline during the day makes a massive difference because sleeping on a plane with limited space makes the flight an unenjoyable experience.
When we flew from New York, we flew Delta; to Honolulu as we had points left over. It was much further than we had expected, and flying overnight (even on their version of a premium economy) was uncomfortable.
However, if you are planning to fly from Singapore, be prepared! There are currently no direct flights. However, there are plenty of airlines to choose from because of this.
Car hire in Hawaii with kids
We initially hired a car from the airport, pre-booking online with Discover Cars as we were only spending a day there before heading to New York. Hiring a car from the airport worked well because we could not check our luggage in because the counter was not open 12 hours before the flight.
We also realised that there are no longer airport lockers at the airport. Hence, catching public transport was not an option; getting a seven-seater Tarago-style vehicle worked well because we could leave everything in the car while we spent the day in Waikiki.
Hiring a jeep for the day when we finally returned to the island after our comfortable trip, we booked at the Marriot hotel desk and picked up a vehicle the next day! An easy and affordable way to explore the island on your own.
Accommodation in Hawaii with kids
We stayed at the Aston Waikiki Circle, a great location (on top of Eggs and things); however, the accommodation was pretty basic. On the other hand, our view was right opposite Waikiki which was fantastic.
We did try Eggs and things one morning because every morning we walked out of the hotel, there was a long line outside (it was very basic but very affordable).
Things to do in Hawaii with kids
Paradise Cove Luau
You can not go to Hawaii and not to a Luau; it would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower; it just would not be right! We have been to Paradise CoveHonolulu twice, which does not disappoint; we booked online (if you want to be closer to the stage and fresh flowers rather than a shell lei, then go VIP).
I know it is very touristy, but sometimes you need to be a tourist to tick it off the bucket list, don’t you? Besides, spending time in Hawaii with kids is their ultimate vacation.
But there are other options, such as Ka Moana Luau and Queens Luau
PEARL HARBOR
Pearl Harbor was always on our priority list when you are in Hawaii with kids. We often asked the kids to pick one thing to do or see in each place we visited, and for my 18-year-old history buff, this was high on his bucket list (having been to Hiroshima and lived in Japan, this was just as important to visit).
We booked a tour because the local tour guide suggested that we would have to arrive early either and hope that we are allocated a free ticket (which runs out pretty quickly) or book online (which were all booked out well in advance). So booking a city tour, including Pearl Harbor Honolulu, was the safest bet.
NORTH SHORE
For most, when you think of Hawaii, you think of big waving surfing on Ohau’s North Shore. We hired a jeep and headed to Waimea Bay for some sightseeing. We decided to stop at a few beaches along the way and were not disappointed.
The water was gorgeous, bright, crisp and less crowded than that of Waikiki. We stopped by the food trucks in Shark’s Cove and ate lunch along the way. We spent the afternoon shopping at the outlets (at our leisure).
DIAMOND HEAD
If you are anything like us, we love to get out and explore where we are staying. So we decided to walk to Diamond Head from Waikiki, Honolulu (it is not very far, and the scenery along the way is worth it).
The streets leading up to Diamond Hill are gorgeous, and the houses and quaint; it is worth a look. It is great to do with or without the family tagging along, and if you want a great photo opportunity, then this is it.
WAIKIKI BEACH
The best thing to do when you are in Hawaii with kids is to make a day of heading to the beach and doing nothing but swimming and relaxing is a must. Waikiki Honolulu is a little overcrowded in and around The Duke Kahanamoku Statue. But anywhere along the beach is worth parking yourself for the day.
You can hire banana chairs and umbrellas on the beach, buy them at any ABC store along the way or borrow them from your hotel (Aston Circle lets you use any of their beach supplies, from surfboards to beach umbrellas).
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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