Top 10 Oahu Activities for Families

Reserve your spot on the Kualoa ATV tour and take control of a multi-passenger Raptor UTV to traverse the famed Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch. This family-friendly adventure offers an exciting off-road experience through some of Oahu’s most breathtaking landscapes, featured in numerous blockbuster movies. The 2-hour tour includes a safety briefing and the chance to navigate dirt roads, dusty trails, and seasonal streams, making it a must-do when visiting Oahu.

Aboard a spacious catamaran that accommodates up to 65 guests, you’ll head to a private sandbar where you can indulge in a Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch, play water volleyball, or simply soak up the sun. The adventure continues with a snorkeling session in Kaneohe Bay’s crystal-clear waters, where colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles abound.

Spanning 42 acres, this open-air park invites you to explore six island villages that represent Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, the Marquesas, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Tahiti. Your visit also includes the Gateway Buffet Dinner, where you can savor a variety of Polynesian-inspired dishes, and culminates in the acclaimed “Ha: Breath of Life” luau show, a spectacular evening of Polynesian dance, music, and a mesmerizing fire knife routine.

Experience an exhilarating tandem parasailing adventure in Oahu, Honolulu, where you can fly up to 1,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean alongside Waikiki Beach. Hawaiian Parasail offers innovative take-off and landing techniques that allow for either a completely dry experience or a playful dip in the water. This activity is perfect for everyone, from groups and families to couples on a romantic getaway, accommodating up to 15 people per trip.

Enjoy a hassle-free visit with a direct pick-up and skip-the-line entry. In a small group of no more than six people, you’ll have a safe and personal snorkeling adventure in the bay’s calm, protected waters. An expert guide will lead you to the best spots to observe tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and other marine life. Hanauma Bay, with its tranquil waters and rich 35,000-year-old geological history, offers an unmatched snorkeling experience, making it an essential Hawaiian excursion.

Dive into the crystalline waters of Waikiki with the Atlantis Submarine tour. This air-conditioned submarine provides an unparalleled adventure as you glide past Hawaiian green sea turtles, vibrant tropical fish, and even reef sharks in their natural habitats. Ideal for families and those who prefer not to snorkel or scuba dive, the tour includes a scenic boat ride with views of Diamond Head and a 45-50 minute submarine journey where you’ll encounter an array of marine life and sunken vessels.

Dolphin Quest, with over 27 years of expertise, provides a variety of engaging dolphin interaction programs in Hawaii, allowing you to get up close and personal with these incredible marine mammals. Rest assured, Dolphin Quest prioritizes exemplary animal care, scientific research, and environmental stewardship, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for both guests and dolphins alike. Consider the kid-friendly options or book a private dolphin swim for a more intimate encounter.

Explore the rich history of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii’s most visited site, with a guided tour that takes you from the tragic attack at the USS Arizona Memorial to the triumphant end of WWII aboard the USS Battleship Missouri. Stand where the surrender documents were signed on the decks of the “Mighty MO”. Following your time at Pearl Harbor, the tour continues through Downtown Honolulu and the poignant Punchbowl Cemetery, also known as the “Hill of Sacrifice.”

As you enter the cage, curious Galapagos and Sandbar sharks emerge from the depths, offering a close-up encounter. Led by a crew of experts with deep knowledge of shark behavior, ocean life, and conservation, this tour is not only thrilling but educational, highlighting the role of sharks in Hawaiian culture and mythology. With a maximum of six divers per cage, enjoy an intimate and safe experience, suitable for children five years and older.

Step into the Victorian era with Waikiki’s Magical Mystery Show. Begin your experience in the Museum of Curiosities, where a magician will captivate you with tricks and tales of Hawaii’s historical ties to England’s parlor performances. Then, move into the main theater where two world-class magicians will continue your journey through a spellbinding performance that combines awe-inspiring magic with laughter and vintage charm. This intimate and family-friendly show ensures a great view and an engaging experience for all, making it a top-rated Oahu evening activity.