5 Family Things to Do in Honolulu [#1 Is What Kids Love Most]
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When kids love something, it shows up in their behavior first… not words.
They ask to do it again. Not once—again and again.
They stay engaged without losing interest. No complaints. No “I’m bored.”
And when it’s time to leave, what happens? If kids stall, or, like mine, negotiate, or say “just five more minutes,” you’ve found a winning activity.
The First Thing Families Do Together in Honolulu
Ask 10 families what they plan to do first in Honolulu, and eight or nine will say the same thing: “We’re getting in the water.”
Kids don’t hesitate. Parents don’t debate it. Even grans and granddads—who might usually stay dry—end up ankle-deep, then waist-deep, then smiling… and before long, they’re fully in, swimming with everyone else.
Ultimately, water-based activities make up the majority of family things to do in Honolulu, often taking up 60–70% of what families actually do during their stay.
So which activity sits at #1 for families on the water? You already know… it’s snorkeling.
1. Deluxe Snorkel & Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
It’s rare to find something that works for everyone in a family. Usually, your 6-year-old wants one thing, your 13-year-old wants something else, and you’re just trying to keep everyone happy.
But every now and then, you land on an activity where no one argues… and no one checks their phone.
That’s exactly what happens with Living Ocean’s snorkeling cruise.
Itinerary-wise, this tour heads out along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head.
As the boat moves along the coast, you’ll be able to spot turtles, dolphins, and, during certain months, even whales.
Then the boat will anchor at a quieter reef, away from the crowded areas, where the water is clear and full of life. This is where you get around 90 minutes in the water, which gives everyone enough time to settle in and enjoy the ocean.
And it’s not just snorkeling. There’s a waterslide, a floating lily pad, and a trampoline—so even the kids who don’t want to stay in the water the whole time still have something to do. Meanwhile, the boat will stay steady, thanks to a built-in stabilizer, which makes a difference when you’ve got a mix of ages on board.
The full cruise runs about 2.5 hours, with multiple departure times, so it fits easily into your day without taking it over.
2. Luau Dinner with Hawaiian Show by Queens Waikiki Luau
A luau brings together the one thing every family already agrees on—eating together.
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast with live performances, where food, music, and storytelling all happen at a restaurant.
Kids stay engaged because there’s constant excitement—music, dancing, fire performances. And adults stay interested because there’s storytelling, history, and a sense of place.
That said, Queen’s Waikiki Luau follows a clear program: a traditional welcome, followed by the meal, then the show.
The food is served buffet-style, which works well for families. Everyone can choose what they like without needing to order from a menu. Then the performances begin—hula, Polynesian dancing, and fire knife segments that keep kids’ attention locked in.
You’ll sit together, eat together, and watch something that holds everyone’s attention at the same time… which, for a family, is harder to achieve than it sounds.
3. Honolulu Zoo
What holds a child’s attention for more than a few minutes? Animals do.
Visiting the zoo in Honolulu is an easy win for parents. It’s affordable. And according to research, 80–90% of kids stay engaged when animals are involved. There’s always something to look at, something moving, and something unexpected happening.
With that in mind, the Waikiki zoo is about 42 acres with over 1,200 animals and gets over 750,000 visitors per year.
What makes the Honolulu Zoo interesting is the mix of animals they have. You’ll see African savanna animals like giraffes and zebras, then turn a corner and find reptiles, birds, and island species.
Yes—there is a cost, and yes—there’s food available. Adults pay $21, and kids pay $13. Children two and under are free. There is also a café inside where you can buy food and drinks.
So for a family of four, you’re looking at roughly $60–$70 total, which is relatively low compared to other family things to do in Honolulu.
4. Waikiki Sunset Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
Any activity on the water works well for kids—but adults enjoy it just as much. Kids stay busy. And adults slow down.
You can book a sunset cruise at any point in your trip. Midway through, when everyone needs a reset. Or right at the end—when you want something that feels like a proper close. Both work. But most people leave it toward the end.
That said, sunset cruises are among the most booked water activities in Waikiki—thousands of guests each month. Boats leave daily. Often more than once.
What makes it popular isn’t just the sunset. It’s the combination of open water, the city behind you, and the light changing minute by minute.
When you do go, choose a well-rated yet affordable tour operator. Living Ocean is the one most people settle on… and then recommend afterward.
5. Hollywood Movie Sites by Kualoa Ranch
Do you know one kid who hasn’t seen Jurassic Park? Not the newer versions—the original. The one that made dinosaurs feel real.
Most kids have seen it. And if they haven’t, they’ve at least heard of it. That’s exactly why Kualoa Ranch works so well for families. This is where parts of Jurassic Park were filmed. So when kids arrive, it becomes, “Wait… this is where it happened?”
How popular is Kualoa Ranch? The adventure park sees roughly 300,000+ visitors per year. That’s not a small attraction. Families, couples, groups—it pulls everyone in. If you had to estimate, a large portion of those visitors—easily 60%+—are there because of the film connection. Besides Jurassic Park, over 200 movies and TV productions have been filmed here, including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, 50 First Dates, and Godzilla.
Price-wise, the most popular tours at Kualoa sit around $50–$150 per person, depending on what you choose. So yes, it’s not the cheapest option when it comes to family things to do in Honolulu. But it’s also not something kids lose interest in halfway through.
Family Things to Do in Honolulu FAQs
What are kid-friendly things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Family things to do in Honolulu usually include snorkeling, visiting the Honolulu zoo, a sunset cruise, and exploring the Kualoa Ranch.
Are there free things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Yes. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu cost nothing at all. You can relax on Waikiki Beach, watch the sunset over the Pacific, hike Diamond Head (small entry fee for non-residents), or explore Kuhio Beach and its evening hula shows.
What are the best evening activities in Honolulu?
Popular evening things to do in Waikiki include beachfront dining, live music along the strip, and the Friday night fireworks display. Likewise, fun family things to do in Honolulu include sunset cruises and luaus, which are traditional Hawaiian feasts.
Do you need a car for things to do in Waikiki?
Not necessarily. Many things to do in Waikiki are within walking distance of major hotels. For activities outside the immediate area—like North Shore tours or Pearl Harbor—shuttles are widely available.
What outdoor activities are popular for families in Honolulu?
Outdoor family things to do in Honolulu include surfing lessons, snorkeling tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking Diamond Head, and boat cruises along the coastline.
