I have to admit that I’ve always thought of Oahu as the least interesting of the Hawaiian islands, but a trip a couple of years ago with my mom and then 3 year old changed my mind, particularly for families visiting Hawaii with little kids. There’s a lot to love about Oahu!
Why Oahu is a Great Island to Visit with Little Kids
While the Big Island, Maui and Kauai are all wonderful, I think Oahu may just be the best Hawaiian island to visit with toddlers and preschoolers. Not only is it the easiest island to reach from the mainland (more than two dozen US cities have nonstop flights), it also has a number of sheltered beaches, paved paths with scenic views and opportunities for little ones to get up close and personal with wildlife. Plus when you’re traveling with toddlers there’s a real convenience to being in a major city like Honolulu with restaurants and convenience stores nearby. (I know I can’t be the only parent who has had to run out at midnight for medicine!)
Fun Things to Do on Oahu with Toddlers
Byodo-In Temple
This Buddhist temple that’s a replica of an ancient one in Japan seems to fly a little under the radar, but it’s probably my #1 recommendation for what to do on Oahu with toddlers and preschoolers. Little ones with delight in the pond filled with koi, turtles and ducks, as well as ample space to run around, while adults will enjoy the serene setting and the dramatic backdrop of the Ko’olau mountain range.
Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach)
Waikiki Beach might not conjure up the most family-friendly images, but there’s a section of it known as Kuhio Beach that’s sheltered from the waves thanks to a breakwater, and this area is great for little kids. It’s also adjacent to Queen’s Beach, a stretch of Waikiki with reasonably good snorkeling.
Laniakea Beach (aka “Turtle Beach”)
Sea turtles are Hawaii’s signature wildlife and you can see them on any island if you’re prepared to snorkel or scuba dive. But for little kids who may not be strong enough swimmers to snorkel in ocean surf, Oahu presents a unique opportunity to see these majestic animals from shore. Nearly every afternoon you can spot sea turtles on the sand at Lanikea Beach (popularly known as Turtle Beach, not to be confused with Turtle Bay) on Oahu’s north shore. For the best chance of a turtle sighting visit later in the day. The turtles like to come ashore after noon to bask in the more intense sun.
Papa’iloa Beach
We ended up at Papa’iloa Beach (which is right near Laniakea Beach) after an unsuccessful morning turtle venture to Laniakea, because a local told us we might see turtles here. We didn’t spot any turtles, but it turned out to be well worth a visit even without that because of the very pretty views and toddler-friendly tidepools, where we found crabs and sea cucumbers.
Ko Olina Lagoon
The four man-made Ko Olina lagoons (creatively named Ko Olina #1-4) are probably the most sheltered beaches on Oahu; the water here is like a lake, making it a great place for toddlers and young children who aren’t comfortable around waves. The snorkeling is also decent, if not spectacular. Arrive as early as possible; parking can be a real challenge after 8 am. Lagoon 4 has the most public parking spaces.
Honolulu City
While no one goes to Hawaii just for the cities, sometimes you need to take a break from long car excursions and Honolulu has lots to offer families in addition to Waikiki Beach. There’s the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium and the hop-on, hop-off Waikiki Trolley, all of which are toddler-friendly. And of course just walking along the city streets and checking out the shops and restaurants is fun.
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Oahu’s most famous hike may be Diamond Head, but if you’re looking for a great hike to do with toddlers or little kids, I recommend Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail which is a stroller-friendly paved path (although it’s steep and would be quite an arm workout for whoever is pushing the stroller!). If you’re going with slightly older kids who want to walk, you’ll still get nice views even if you don’t make it all the way to the top.
Where to Stay on Oahu with Little Kids
We stayed in a high-rise condo in Waikiki, which worked out really well. It was super convenient being just a few blocks from the beach and close to many good restaurants, and our balcony with great views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach was a beautiful place to relax during nap time.
And I did I mention the sunset views? Because the sunsets from this condo were incredible.
If staying in downtown Honolulu doesn’t appeal to you, I’d look at the area near the Ko Olina lagoons. The resort complex there has many options, including Disney’s Aulani resort.
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