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Best Oahu Kids Activities for Toddlers in Hawaii

Are you looking for awesome Oahu kids activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Keep scrolling for some of the things to do on Oahu with kids ages 3 and younger.

I know there are a lot of blog posts about the best things to do in Oahu with kids. But, today I wanted to focus on Oahu kids activities that are open to toddlers and preschoolers.

It can be super stressful traveling with toddlers and finding family activities on Oahu that allow little kids can be tricky.

Thankfully, there are tons of things to do with kids in Oahu for all ages. Yes, even kids who are 2 years old or 3 years old.

So, I’ve pulled together a list of some awesome things to do on Oahu with toddlers that are totally worth booking! And I’ve even included links for discounted tickets to save you money.

I suggest adding a few of these to your Oahu itinerary and spacing them out so you have plenty of time to relax.

Let’s keep scrolling to check out all the best things to do with toddlers in Oahu!

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

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16 Best Oahu Kids Activities Worth Booking

If you’re bringing toddlers to Oahu, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these kid-friendly Oahu activities and attractions.

1. Toa Luau in North Shore Oahu

This is hands down the best luau on Oahu for kids. There are tons of cool crafts and activities perfect for even your youngest family members.

Toa Luau is on of the top Oahu kids activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Image of a Samoan performer helping with a Kava Ceremony.
Toa Luau on Oahu.

The food is really tasty, the show is fantastic, and because it’s a very intimate North Shore luau, there isn’t a bad seat anywhere. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 4 and younger are totally free. Plus, each ticket comes with free admission to Waimea Valley (where you can swim in a waterfall)! Check out our guide to Waimea Valley with kids.

2. Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat

One of the coolest Honolulu activities for kids is riding in a glass-bottom boat in Waikiki. It’s such an easy way to see Hawaiian sea life without getting wet!

It’s a 90-minute cruise around Waikiki that’s perfect for families. Plus, it’s super affordable. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 2 and younger are completely free. And you’re more than welcome to bring your own food and drink on board (which is always a bonus with kids)!

3. Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Snorkel Boat Trip

The Kaneohe Sandbar is a popular place for families because it’s an easy Oahu swimming spot. This Captain Bob’s boat ride will take you to this kid friendly Oahu beach.

Kaneohe Sandbar is a popular place to swim on Oahu
Grab your favorite pool floatie and soak in all the gorgeous scenery at Kaneohe Sandbar.

After you play on the beach for a bit, you’ll head enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch and then hop into the water to go snorkeling. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 2 and younger are free and it’s fun for kids of all ages. Plus, there’s a shower so you can rinse off all the saltwater before heading back.

4. Polynesian Cultural Center

One of our favorite things to do in Oahu with kids is explore the Polynesian Cultural Center in North Shore Oahu. It’s an incredible place for kids to learn how to dance, play music, taste food, and experience Polynesian culture.

Laie, Oahu, Hawaii, USA. - January 09, 2020: Polynesian Cultural Center. Monumental gate into the park with brown giant aboriginal statues. People and green vegetation under blue sky.
Polynesian Cultural Center in North Shore Oahu.

There are lots of packages to choose from depending on how long you want to spend there. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 3 and younger are free. I’ve taken my kids since they were 6 months old and it’s always been a fun time.

5. Swimming with Dolphins on Oahu

If your family wants to swim with dolphins in Hawaii, this is a great option for kids of all ages. It’s a private dolphin swim for up to 6 people at Dolphin Quest.

The Kahala Resort and Spa on Oahu
Photo credit: The Kahala Resort & Spa

Because it’s private, it’s a little pricier than other options. But, it’s also one of the few opportunities younger kids have to swim with dolphins in Oahu. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids of all ages can participate, but there needs to be at least one adult per child as part of the group.

6. Oahu Circle Island Tour

If you’re not renting a car on Oahu, you’ll probably want to book some sort of tour to see more of the island (besides your resort).

Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii, USA. - January 09, 2020: Welcome building, entrance to Dole pineapple plantation, museum and shop. Yellow wall, red roof, green, red and yellow vegetation under light blue sky.
Dole Plantation on Oahu

This Oahu circle island tour is a great way to see the highlights, like Dole Plantation, Pali Lookout, and North Shore Oahu. And they will pick you up from Waikiki resorts, Ko Olina, and Disney’s Aulani. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 2 and younger are free. It’s perfect for a first trip to Oahu with kids.

7. Bishop Museum & Planetarium

Looking for something to do on Oahu with kids when it’s raining or you’ve had too much sun? Head over to the Bishop Museum, which is one of the best things to do with kids in Honolulu.

Bishop Museum is one of the top kid-friendly Oahu attractions for families
The Bishop Museum features Hawaiian history/culture and so much more. Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Not only do they have lots of cool Hawaiian cultural exhibits, but there’s also a neat planetarium that is usually a hit with toddlers. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 3 and younger are free. And it’s also stroller-friendly, so it’s something you can do during nap time if you want a quiet place to walk around. Read our full guide to Bishop Museum HERE.

8. Hanauma Bay Snorkeling & Shuttle

One of the most popular family activities in Oahu Hawaii is snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. In fact, it’s such an Oahu attraction that you have to get tickets to go there.

Snorkelling at the coral reef of Hanauma Bay, a former volcanic crater, now a national reserve
Hanauma Bay on Oahu.

The reason so many families love visiting Hanauma Bay is that the water is super calm and it’s a great place to see lots of tropical fish. Check latest rates and more information.

This Oahu snorkeling trip is for kids at least 2 years old and they pay a discounted rate.

9. Manoa Falls Hiking Trip

In terms of kid friendly Oahu hikes, it doesn’t get much easier than this Oahu waterfall hike to Manoa Falls. And it’s simply gorgeous!

Manoa Falls is a kid friendly hike on Oahu. Image of water runs down Manoa Falls waterfall  surrounded by trees on Oahu, Hawaii.
Manoa Falls on Oahu.

This is actually a self-guided tour, but you’re paying for the shuttle from your Waikiki resort. It’s great for families not renting a car. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids under 2 years old will need to be carried during the hike, but kids ages 2 and older are able to fully participate.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.

10. Wet ‘n’ Wild Oahu Water Park

If you’re looking for a cool water park in Hawaii, Wet ‘n’ Wild is your best option. They have more than 25 attractions, including a lazy river that’s perfect for toddlers.

It’s one of the top kid friendly activities in Oahu. And it’s great for families staying at vacation rental homes or hotels without a pool. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 2 and younger are free. It’s really great for families with kids of all ages and abilities.

11. Oahu Pony Rides

Something that a lot of people don’t realize is that Hawaii has a strong cowboy culture. Cowboys are called paniolos in Hawaii.

One of the best Oahu kids activities is horseback riding. Image of a little kid on a pony.
Try riding a pony on Oahu.

Head up to North Shore Oahu for one of the most kid friendly horseback riding tours out there. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids as young as 2 years old can participate. And they can feed/pet the horse after their ride. This is one of the best things to do in Oahu with toddlers and preschoolers.

12. Atlantis Submarine Tour

A lot of things to see on Oahu are actually underwater. So, this Waikiki submarine ride is a fun way to explore the Pacific Ocean with kids.

Atlantis Submarine kid-friendly Waikiki tour
Photo credit: Atlantis Submarine

During this 2 hour tour, you’ll take a boat out to the submarine and then go below the surface to see all kinds of coral and tropical fish. Check latest rates and more information.

This Oahu activity is open to kids of all ages. And there are options throughout the day, so it’s easy to fit in your Oahu itinerary. Read our top tips for the Waikiki Atlantis Submarine with kids HERE.

13. Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour

One of the top Oahu attractions is Kualoa Ranch, but most of their tours are geared for older kids.

50 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii with your Family featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Kualoa Ranch on Oahu
Kualoa Ranch on Oahu.

Thankfully, kids of all ages can participate in this Hollywood movie sites tour. It’s fun to do as a family or split up and do while the rest of the family goes ziplining or ATV riding. Check latest rates and more information.

Infants will need to sit on laps, but otherwise, it’s a fun thing to do on Oahu with toddlers and preschoolers. And it’s one of the top tourist spots in Oahu. Read my full Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour review HERE.

14. Pearl Harbor Tour

The most popular attraction on Oahu is Pearl Harbor. But, it’s not really geared for little kids. So, I’m including this half day tour for families that want to visit this historic site with toddlers.

You can visit Pearl Harbor for free
USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

During this 5 hour tour, you’ll actually do some sightseeing through Honolulu on your way to Pearl Harbor. And then, you’ll mainly just see the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids ages 2 and younger are free. This is a great entry tour for them and plan on coming back when they are a bit older to do the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and check out the USS Battleship Missouri.

15. Waikiki Catamaran Cruise

If you’re looking for an affordable Waikiki boat trip, this is the perfect one for your family.

It’s just 90 minutes in the afternoon, so it won’t take up your entire day. And it’s located right at the Outrigger Reef Hotel in Waikiki. Check latest rates and more information.

Kids of all ages can participate and they have a cash bar. It’s definitely a great thing to do on Oahu on a budget.

16. Sea Life Park

Another fun thing to do on Oahu with kids is hanging out at Sea Life Park. You can actually take the Waikiki Trolley from Waikiki to Sea Life Park if you want to make it a full adventure.

Sea Life Park in Oahu review featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Sea Life Park is a top Oahu attraction for kids
Photo credit: Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park has lots of hands-on experiences with animals you can register for ahead of time. But, it’s fun just walking around and enjoying the touch pools and the playground. They even have on-site dining.

Check out my Ultimate Guide to Exploring Sea Life Park in Hawaii.

Oahu with Toddlers FAQs

What are the best Oahu family resorts?

There are tons of kid friendly Oahu resorts that are so much fun for families. A few of our favorites include Disney’s Aulani Resort, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

Is it worth visiting Oahu with toddlers?

Absolutely! There are things to do on Oahu with kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers. Some of the top Honolulu toddler activities include the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Bishop Museum, the Waikiki Trolley, and more!

Should I bring my toddler to a luau on Oahu?

Most luaus on Oahu are extremely kid friendly and perfect for families with toddlers. I suggest booking your Oahu luau later in your trip so your toddler can stay awake long enough for the show. It’s handy to bring a stroller if you think your toddler might fall asleep at some point.

Oahu with Toddlers Wrap Up

Hopefully, by now you have some epic family things to do in Oahu Hawaii for your next vacation. I also suggest grabbing shave ice on your way back to your hotel. And save time to play at Waikiki Beach.

And these are just some of the things to do in Oahu with a toddler. I’ve also got a full post about traveling to Hawaii with a toddler that might give you some more ideas. And I can help you find a vacation babysitter in Hawaii if you want an adult-only adventure.

Looking for more Oahu with kids resources? Find out the best Waikiki activities for kids, Toa Luau review, cutest Hawaiian toys, best kid friendly Oahu resorts, and the best Oahu beaches for kids.

P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!