Things to Do with Your Family in Oahu, Hawaii

Use this guide to maximize your fun while on vacation in Oahu, Hawaii. Don't forget to pack the camera and preserve the memories!

Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 98615
1-808-923-9741 http://www.waquarium.org

The aquarium is home to over 2500 different animals, covering 420 species. Specializing in coral reef exhibits, such as shark reefs.

Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahula Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
1-808-971-7171 http://www.honoluluzoo.org

What better for a day of fun than a day at the zoo? At the Honolulu zoo visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and have a family picnic on the zoo grounds. The zoo has a Children's area and various activities scheduled throughout the year.

Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy #7
Waimanalo, HI
1-808-259-7933 http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Families with small children are offered an up close dolphin experience and older children and adults can swim with dolphins. There is also a show on penguins, the ability to play with sea lions, and more.

Atlantis Adventures
1600 Kapiolani Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
1-800-548-6262 http://www.atlantisadventures.com

Featured in National Geographic magazines, this submarine tour takes guests under the sea to get an up-close look at the marine life, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and other artificial reefs. Each guest gets an Atlantis Souvenir dive log to take home.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
400 Farrington Highway
Kapolei, HI 96707
1-808-674-9283 http://www.hawaiinwaters.com

Experience the thrill of water rides, slides, and more in Hawaii's water park. This park boasts it has been rated #1 Kamaaina's Family Attraction.

Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, HI
1-808-587-0300 http://www.hawaiistateparks.org

Diamond Head was once used by the military as a strategic location. Tourists and natives enjoy hiking to the Diamond Head for the breathtaking view. There is food and drink available at the end of the hike up.

Dole Pineapple Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway
Wahiawa, HI 96786
1-808-621-8408 http://www.dole-plantation.com

Journey through the world's largest maze listed in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records. Don't miss catching your ride on the Pineapple Express! Take a tour and learn about the history of James Dole and pineapples.

Polynesian Culture Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, HI 96762
1-800-367-7060 http://www.polynesia.com

Polynesian Cultural Center offers two IMAX films involving sea life. Leisure canoe tours are available. Enjoy watching a Canoe Pageant where you will see authentic traditional costumes and enjoy hearing about Pacific Island history and myths. Early evening offers a luau. The evening performances consist of dance, music, and storytelling which include over 100 performers.

The Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St
Honolulu, HI
1-808-847-3511 http://www.bishopmuseum.org

Interested in looking at artifacts from Hawaii? The Bishop Mueseum originated to display the royal heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, throughout the years it has gathered items relevant to Hawaii in general and tell the natural history of the islands. Photography is permitted here.

US Army Museum
Honolulu, HI
1-808-955-9555 http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org

US Army Museum is an excellent way to share history with the family. Learn about this branch of military and how important its role is to the US. Honoring those with high awards in this branch of service and showing memorabilia from early Hawaiian times through the Vietnam war.

Happy Trails
59-231 Pupukea Road
Northshore, Oahu
1-808-638-RIDE http://www.happytrailshawaii.com

This ranch is geared at families with children. Children at the age of six are allowed to ride their own horse. This activity will give you a close look at wildlife by riding natural trails. In addition, children will love the thrill of riding on a horse and will remember the day for years.

Pacific Aviation Museum
Hangar 37 on Ford Island, 319 Lexington Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96818
1-808-441-1000 http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

Travel by trolley to Ford Island, arrive in the lobby of a former seaplane that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. There is a movie available upon arrival which tells the history of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Wander around after the movie and look at pictures, memorabilia, and learn new facts about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Before leaving, become a WWII pilot in one of the six, interactive simulators available.

Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili Hwy
Kaneohe, HI 96744
1-808-239-8811

Built to commemorate the Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, this structure is an exact scaled replica of the 900 year old Fuji temple in Japan. Fans of Hawaii Five Oh and Magnum PI may have seen this location on the shows. More recently it has been filmed in an episode of the series Lost.

Hawaii's Plantation Village
94-695 Waipahu St
Waipahu, HI 96797
1-808-677-0110 http://www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org

The Plantation Village is an outdoor museum that showcases older Hawaii history of sugar-canes and plantation life. Guided tours are offered at the beginning of each hour.

National Memorial Cemetery
2177 Puowaina Dr
Honolulu, HI 96813-1729
1-808-532-3720 http://www.cem.va.gov

This is also called the Punchbowl cemetery. It is open daily and is a memorial for those that have given their lives in service to our country. While it is a bit sad for children, it is a great way to teach them the importance of respecting our nation's servicemen and women. Sign the guest book and leave a tribute of respect.

Children's Discovery Center
111 Ohe St
Honolulu, HI 96813
1-808-524-5437 http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org

Children will love playing and discovering in this hands on environment. The center strongly encourages the parents to play with their children throughout the exhibits. A section of the center teaches children about life in Hawaii and the history of the island. Toddlers have an entire zone dedicated to fun and discovery for little ones.

Waikiki Beach Walk
2375 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
1-808-921-6609 http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com

A variety of things can be found on the beach walk, from free hula lessons to learning how to play the Ukulele. In the evenings assorted concerts are performed. Shopping and dining are also available in this location.

Aloha Stadium
99-500 Salt Lake Blvd
1-808-486-6704 http://alohastadium.gov.org

The stadium offers a variety of sporting events and is also open three times a week for a swap meet. There are over 700 vendors offering handcrafts, unique art pieces, and exotic imports. Browse and look for the wonderful souvenirs of your vacation to take home with you.