Oahu Family Vacation Ideas

Diamond Head is a great Oahu family vacation idea and the world’s most famous volcanic crater. You can’t visit Oahu without hiking to the top of Hawaii’s most famous mountain. The trail is fairly easy and can be accomplished by everyone in the family. It’s 1 ½ miles to the rim including two sets of stairs. One has 99 steps and the other has 76 steps. Bring a flashlight because you will pass through a 225-foot long unlit tunnel. The hike is well worth it as you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the island and ocean around you.

Iolani Palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. Built in 1882, it the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs. Restored in the 1970’s it is now a National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Stop in and take a tour to learn about Hawaiian heritage and history. On Fridays you can enjoy free concerts by The Royal Hawaiian Band.

Ala Moana Beach Park is a great Oahu family vacation spot. Have a picnic. Or make use of the jogging and biking paths in the 100 acre park. Next door is Waikiki Beach where you can spend the day swimming and boogieboarding. Then relax in the park and enjoy the picnic areas and take in a famous Hawaii sunset. About 1/4 mile from the Ala Moana Shopping center is the Kewalo Basin Harbor - one of Hawaii's great vacation spots for para-sailing, snorkeling and SCUBA diving.

Waimea Falls Park in north Oahu, is an 1,800 acre historic nature park. Native Hawaiian dancers perform recreations of life on the island 300 years ago. Cliff divers show off acrobatic skills at the park’s 45-foot tall waterfall. Below the falls you can swim or wade. Take off on a self-guided nature hike. The kid’s can let loose in the play area at Jungle Trek.

Back in southeast Oahu the family can enjoy the marine park Sea Life Park. It’s home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins and even a cross between a whale and a dolphin called a wholphin. The kid’s will love the 300,000 gallon Hawaiian Reef Tank, home to more than 2,000 marine species native to Hawaii’s waters …like reef fish, sharks, eels, turtles. The Hawaii Ocean Theater has an educational and fun show featuring penguins, sea lions and dolphins.

Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park may be the highlight of your Oahu vacation. It is a popular Oahu family vacation idea for it’s excellent swimming and snorkeling. This is due to the coral reefs that create a warm water shelter for the exotic native fish to thrive. Snorkeling here will unveil this colorful aquatic world in all its beauty. The water is clear and the fish are tame so even if you choose not to snorkel you can still see the fish from the shore. The family will also enjoy the hiking trails and picnic areas.

Bishop Museum, in downtown Honolulu, features excellent exhibits of natural and cultural Hawaii. Learn about the stars at the Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium. The Maritime Center has exhibits on the history of surfing and canoe racing, along with a rare Humpback Whale skeleton.