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Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii For Families
Oahu is full of surprises around every corner, and it’s perfect for families who love exploring together. From secret beaches to scenic hikes and fun cultural experiences, this island really has it all.
One of the best ways to save time and money while exploring the island is with the Go Oahu Pass. This all-in-one pass gave our family access to many top attractions and saved us a lot compared to buying individual tickets for each one.
Read more about it in this post: The Smart Way to See Oahu Without Overspending
Here’s a look at the best things to do in Oahu, some of which are included with the Go Oahu All-Inclusive pass and some can be explored on your own.
1. Hit the Beaches
Oahu is home to some of Hawaii’s most iconic beaches, including Waikiki, Lanikai, and Kailua. If your family loves surfing, the Go Oahu Pass includes surfboard rentals at select beaches.
2. Hike Family-Friendly Trails
There are so many hiking trails that are family-friendly and fun to do with kids. We hiked the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and loved it. It was a paved path with stunning coastal views, great for strollers and kids. If you stay in Waikiki and don’t have a rental car, the Go Oahu pass includes roundtrip transportation from Waikiki hotels to Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.
3. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must for families. You can explore authentic villages from across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti, and experience traditional dances, music, and crafts. We loved the Canoe Celebration as well as all of the shows and interactive experiences at each village. We even learned how to play a song on the ukuleles. Admission tickets to Polynesian Cultural Center are included in the Go Oahu all-inclusive pass.
4. Go on an Adventure at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a must-visit for families who love the outdoors. You can explore scenic landscapes that have been featured in movies like Jurassic Park, go horseback riding, take an ATV tour, or relax at Secret Island Beach.
The Go Oahu pass can only be used for select tours at Kualoa Ranch, such as the Half Day Secret Island Beach tour or the Ocean Voyage tour, and you can only pick one of them. Our family chose to spend half a day at Secret Island Beach and had so much fun. We rode a boat to reach the island, then spent time canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and relaxing at the secret beach.
5. Visit Pearl Harbor
Also with the Go Oahu pass, our family got to visit the historic sites at Pearl Harbor, such as the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Read more about Our Experience Visiting Pearl Harbor.
5. Explore Haleiwa and Oahu’s North Shore
Spend time in Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore for a more laid-back island vibe. This charming surf town is great for families, with local shops, food trucks, and some of the best shave ice on the island. We loved the garlic and spicy shrimp plates from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and of course Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.
6. Attend a Luau
Attending a luau is a fun and must-do experience when visiting Hawaii. From traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancing to fire knife performances and local dishes, a luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture in one evening. There are many great luau options, but our family picked and loved the Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park. It was included with our Go Oahu all-inclusive pass, we just had to make a reservation ahead of time because they filled up fast.
7. Check Out Dole’s Plantation
A visit to Dole Plantation is a fun stop for families, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You can stroll through the pineapple garden, ride the Pineapple Express Train, or get lost in the garden maze. Of course, no visit is complete without trying the famous pineapple soft serve, or the “Dole Whip”.
More Family Fun in Oahu
Oahu has so much to offer families, and this list only scratches the surface. With the Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass, there are even more experiences you can add to your trip, like snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching, boat cruises, bike rentals, museums, and scenic lookout tours. For us, the pass made it easy to experience more without stressing over costs. It was one of the best decisions we made for our family trip to Oahu.
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