Top 10 Family Activities for Oahu Travel

Hawaii travel is on almost everyone’s bucket list But it is so common for people to fear the cost of a Hawaii vacation. While it is true that Hawaii can be expensive, you want to have a Certified Hawaii Travel Specialists on your side to guide you through making great resort, activity and dining choices. This week, we are going to feature all of the top activities that you can enjoy with your family by island.  Some of these activities are even free! So if you are looking for the top activities to keep your whole family engaged, be sure to follow us daily.

With Oahu being know as the “gathering place” it is no wonder that families all over consider Oahu for their first pick for family travel to Hawaii. From hiking to shopping there is something for everyone in Oahu.

World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor is an important part of this national monument devoted to sites pertaining to World War II history in three states. Guided and audio tours are available to such memorable sites as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The music, song, dance, costumes, architecture and crafts of seven Polynesian cultures, including Hawaiian, are the focus of this attraction on the North Shore. Along with replicated “villages” pertaining to these cultures, there are nightly shows. Kids will especially enjoy the many activities available in the villages, including learning ancient forms of bowling and checkers, coconut cracking and getting a Maori tattoo (washable).

Waikiki Aquarium/Honolulu Zoo

These two attractions just at the eastern end of Waikiki can easily be visited in the same day. The Waikiki Aquarium, across from Kapiolani Park and bordering a living coral reef, is filled with marine life exhibits, including green sea turtles and the rare Peppermint Angel fish. Located in Kapiolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo is home to over 900 tropical animals, including Komodo dragons and orangutans.

Sea Life Park Hawaii

Visitors can interact with the denizens of this marine mammal park located north of Hanauma Bay, including chances to swim with dolphins, sea lions and rays and feed sea turtles. There’s also an aquarium, show venue, bird sanctuary and habitats for penguins and the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.

Kuhio Beach Hula Performance

These free, early evening performances are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound in central Waikiki. Opening with torchlighting and a traditional blowing of the conch shell, they feature performances by some of the finest hula troupes in Hawaii.

Dole Pineapple Maze

The history of pineapple farming in Hawaii is presented in various exhibits at the Dole Pineapple. Visitors can also walk through the giant Pineapple Maze, planted with over 12,000 exotic plants and trees.

The Bishop Museum and Planetarium

The Bishop Museum is renowned for its massive collection of artifacts and natural specimens pertaining to Hawaii and the Pacific. Another highlight of the museum is the J. Watumull Planetarium’s The Sky Tonight, an engaging show about constellations in the Hawaii night sky.

Waimea Valley

Once the domain of kahuna nui (high priests), this is a lush tropical environment with vast botanical collections and archaeological sites that is most fully appreciated on guided hikes led by cultural experts.

First Friday in Chinatown

Among Honolulu’s intriguing neighborhoods is one of the oldest Chinatown in the U.S., a bustling 14-block enclave near the central business district. Chinatown and the surrounding area is even more fun to explore during First Friday, an evening festival held on the first Friday of every month with live music, street entertainment and open art studios.

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*travel tips provided by agents.gohawaii.com