Things to Do in Oahu with Kids: Family Tours by Age

Oahu is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to visit with children. Flights are plentiful, Waikiki has calm beaches and plenty of family hotels, and most of the island’s best tours have child pricing and family-friendly options. The trick is matching each activity to your kids’ ages and energy levels. This guide groups the top things to do in Oahu with kids by type and notes the age rules that matter when you book.

Animal encounters

Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park on Oahu’s east coast is home to dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks and seabirds, and it is an easy full-day outing for families. On top of general admission, the park offers hands-on programs, each with a full day of park entry included:

• Dolphin Aloha: a 20-minute, dry-land meet-the-dolphins session, open to young children accompanied by an adult. A good first encounter for little ones.
• Dolphin Encounter: a waist-deep, shallow water interaction with the park’s bottlenose dolphins.
• Dolphin Exploration: a deep-water swim with the dolphins for ages 8 and up, with life vests provided.
• Hawaiian Reef Shark Snorkel: a guided 20-minute snorkel with whitetip reef sharks in a protected lagoon.

Sea Life Park is closed on Tuesdays. Read our Sea Life Park guide before you go.

Pony rides and horseback riding

At Gunstock Ranch on the north-east shore, Pony Rides for Kids are a 30-minute led ride for ages 2 and up. Parents walk alongside for free, and kids feed and pet the horses afterwards. From age 7, children can join the guided 1-hour scenic trail ride with the rest of the family. See our horseback riding guide for the ranch’s rules.

On the water (without the stress)

Turtle snorkeling tours

A turtle snorkeling trip is many kids’ favourite day of the holiday. Boats leave Waikiki, Kewalo Basin and Ko Olina for reefs where green sea turtles feed, with snorkel gear and instruction included. Most operators offer child pricing; for example, children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced rate on Hawaii Nautical tours, and infants under 4 sail for a token fee. Browse our turtle snorkeling tours.

Glass bottom boats and the Atlantis Submarine

If your kids are too young to snorkel or just don’t like putting their face in the water, see the reef while staying dry. Glass bottom boats cruise over shallow reefs at Waikiki and Ko Olina, and the Atlantis Submarine dives to around 100 feet off Waikiki (children must meet a minimum height of about 36 inches). Our submarine vs glass bottom boat comparison explains the differences.

Dolphin watch cruises

Larger catamarans on the west coast combine a dolphin watch with a snorkel stop, lunch and extras like water slides and paddleboards, which keeps kids busy for the whole trip. Read our dolphin guide to understand what you can and can’t do around wild dolphins.

The Lineup at Wai Kai

The Lineup at Wai Kai in Ewa Beach has a calm lagoon for paddling and a wave machine for surf lessons, plus cabanas and loungers for parents who want shade.

Adventure for older kids

Ziplines and adventure courses

At Coral Crater Adventure Park in Kapolei, children aged 6 to 12 can ride the 3-zipline course at a child rate, and the park also runs ground-level adventure courses. The Zip & Dip package adds admission to Wet ‘n’ Wild water park for a full day out.

Waterfall hikes

The guided Manoa Falls and Waimea Waterfall hike tours include transport from Waikiki, so you don’t need to find parking with tired kids. Waimea Valley’s paved path through botanical gardens is especially manageable for younger walkers. Our Oahu hiking guide compares the two.

Evening entertainment

A family luau

A luau is a great evening for all ages: hula, music, a Hawaiian feast and usually a fire-knife finale that kids remember for years. Most luaus price children separately from adults and let infants in free or for a small fee. For example, at Ka Moana Luau children 4 to 12 pay a lower rate than youth and adults, and lap infants under 4 are free. Compare luaus on our luau shows page.

Friday night fireworks

Fireworks go off over Waikiki on most Friday evenings. You can watch for free from the beach or book a fireworks cruise for a front-row seat from the water. Our fireworks cruise guide explains how to choose.

Tips for touring Oahu with kids

• Check the age, height and weight rules on each tour page before you book. They are enforced, and refunds are not usually given on the day.
• Book morning ocean tours when you can. Seas are often calmer, and kids are fresher.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, hats and plenty of water.
• Don’t over-schedule. One big activity a day, with beach time around it, works for most families.
• Many Hawaii Tickets For Less tours require 72 hours’ notice for a refund, so plan your must-do days early.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best age to take kids to Oahu?

Oahu works for all ages. Toddlers enjoy pony rides, glass bottom boats and Sea Life Park; school-age kids can snorkel, zipline and ride horses; teenagers can add shark cage tours, surf lessons and ATV rides.

Are there free things to do in Oahu with kids?

Yes. Waikiki Beach, the Friday night fireworks, Ala Moana Beach Park and watching turtles from a respectful distance at North Shore beaches are all free.

Do Oahu tours offer child prices?

Most do. Ocean tours, luaus and attractions usually list separate adult, child and infant rates, and the age bands vary by operator, so check the ticket options on each tour page.

Ready to plan? Browse all Oahu tours and activities at discounted prices, or call (808) 856-3500 for help building a family itinerary.