Oʻahu with Kids: Surf, Sand & So Much Aloha

Hike to Waimea Falls: This is such a fun little “hike” with kids—honestly, it’s more of a leisurely walk through a lush botanical garden. The path is paved the whole way, making it stroller-friendly, and if you’d rather relax, you can even take a tram up. At the end, you’re rewarded with a beautiful waterfall where you can swim right up to the base. The water is cool and refreshing, and life jackets are provided, so even the younger kids can enjoy it safely.

Fia Fia Luau: This is my all-time favorite luau of all the ones I’ve been to on any island. The atmosphere is so welcoming, the Chief who leads the evening is absolutely fantastic, and the show is lively and interactive. The food has something for everyone—from traditional Hawaiian dishes to kid-friendly favorites—and when we took pictures at the end, they even placed beautiful fresh flower headbands on our girls’ heads and let them keep them. It was such a special touch.

Dole Plantation: Some people will tell you this stop is “touristy”—and maybe it is—but my kids loved every minute of it. There’s a fun little train ride through the pineapple fields, the world’s largest pineapple maze, and of course, the famous Dole Whip (which is worth the trip all on its own). For younger kids, it’s a total win, and even teenagers who might roll their eyes at the train will still devour that creamy pineapple goodness. It is always important to note the complicated connections to slavery, labor exploitation, and colonialism when visiting these sites.

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial: If you’re visiting O‘ahu, this is a must. It’s a moving, educational, and important stop that gives you a deeper appreciation for the island’s history. Plan ahead for your tickets, and if you have younger kids, consider pairing it with something lighter afterward since it can be emotionally heavy.

North Shore Adventures: We love turning a trip to the North Shore into a mini food tour. First stop: shrimp trucks (Giovanni’s is the classic), maybe some shave ice from Matsumoto’s, and a quick stop at one of the roadside fruit stands. Lunch is usually either at the food trucks or Seven Brothers, and then it’s off to the beach. Waimea Bay is gorgeous, Sunset Beach lives up to its name, and Sharks Cove often has turtles hanging out in the shallows—a huge hit with the kids.

Hanauma Bay: Absolutely stunning snorkeling in a protected marine reserve. The water is crystal clear, and the fish are plentiful and colorful. You do have to reserve your spot ahead of time, and they’re strict about conservation rules, but it’s 100% worth the effort.

Ko Olina Lagoons: We spend most of our beach days here when we stay in Ko Olina. The four man-made lagoons are totally sheltered from the waves, making them ideal for kids to swim, float, and play without worry. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and the sunsets here are gorgeous—it’s basically a built-in beach paradise.

AquaVenture at Wai Kai Lagoon. This thrilling on-the-water obstacle course offers endless splashin’ fun for families. Think slides, monkey bars, balance beams, and more, all floating on a 52-acre lagoon. It’s a full-on aquatic playground designed for ages 4 and up, with a special Keiki Course just for little ones.

Roy’s: I have to eat at Roy’s every single time I visit O‘ahu. I usually switch up my entrée, but my kids are loyal to the hibachi salmon—and honestly, I can’t blame them. It’s that good. The real star of the meal, though, is dessert. Their molten chocolate soufflé is pure heaven in baked form. Trust me: don’t leave without it.

Seven Brothers: We have a Seven Brothers location back home, so my kids were already obsessed before we came to Hawai‘i—but somehow, it tastes even better here. If you’ve never been, this place is a must. Their burgers are incredible (and I’m not even usually a burger person), but the coconut shrimp is my personal favorite.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Yes, the line gets long. Yes, it’s worth it. Giovanni’s is famous for a reason, and biting into their buttery, garlicky shrimp is basically a North Shore rite of passage. Go for the experience and stay for the flavor—you won’t regret it.

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice: No trip to O‘ahu is complete without shave ice, and Matsumoto’s in Hale‘iwa is the most famous spot to get it. The portions are huge, the flavors are endless, and you can even add ice cream or condensed milk on top (which I highly recommend). My kids loved picking their own rainbow of flavors, and honestly, it’s just the perfect way to cool off after a North Shore beach day.

Ted’s Bakery: If you’re headed up to the North Shore, this is worth a detour. Their Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie is famous—layers of chocolate and coconut cream topped with whipped cream. It’s rich, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable. Grab a slice to go and enjoy it on the beach for the ultimate Hawai‘i moment.

Longboards: This beachside spot at our resort is one of our go-to favorites. The ocean views and tropical drinks set the vibe, and the kids’ menu makes it an easy win for families. My personal obsession? The Island Spiced Chicken Wings. Sometimes I skip the entrée altogether and just load up on those wings with a salad.

Monkeypod Kitchen: Monkeypod has a relaxed vibe but seriously delicious food. The Kalua Pork and Pineapple Pizza is my go-to, but the menu is big with plenty of variety. Their cocktails and appetizers are just as good as the mains, making it a perfect stop for either lunch or dinner.

Leonard’s Bakery: Leonard’s malasadas (Portuguese-style donuts) are legendary—pillowy, sugar-dusted, and best eaten hot and fresh. They have a location in Honolulu and a malasada truck in Waipahu, so you’ve got options. Either way, this is one O‘ahu treat you simply can’t skip.