Staying in Waikiki, Oahu for your next Hawaiian vacation? Scroll to find out the best things to do in Waikiki with kids that will keep your whole family entertained!
This post on the best things to do in Waikiki with kids was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning your Oahu family vacation and wondering what to do in Waikiki?
I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 years old, and after 40+ trips as a professional tourist, I can tell you that Waikiki is hands-down one of the easiest places to vacation with kids.
You’ve got everything right there. Amazing beaches, incredible restaurants, cultural experiences that don’t feel forced, and activities for every age.
My own kids have been coming here since they were babies, and they’ve got their favorites that they ask about before we even land at HNL.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary, complete with daily schedules and kid-friendly activities? Check out my Oahu Travel Guide.
Why Waikiki Is Perfect for Families
Real talk: Waikiki gets a bad rap from some people who think it’s too touristy. But as a Hawaii travel expert who specializes in family travel, I actually recommend it for most families. Especially if it’s your first time to Hawaii.
Everything is walkable. You don’t need a rental car if you don’t want one. There are free hula shows, gorgeous beaches, and restaurants where you can actually get your picky eater to try something new.
Plus, it’s just 20 minutes from Honolulu Airport, which matters a lot when you’re traveling with tired kids.
Best Things to Do in Waikiki with Kids
1. Get Your Photo at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
This is a Waikiki tradition in our family. Every single trip, we get a selfie with Duke.
The statue sits right on Waikiki Beach, and you’ll usually see it draped with beautiful leis that people have left. Duke was a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic gold medalist, and honestly, it’s just one of those iconic Waikiki photo spots that feels special.
My kids know that visiting Duke means we’ve officially arrived in Hawaii. It’s become our little ritual.
2. Share a Massive Slice of Hula Pie at Duke’s Waikiki
Speaking of traditions, if you only do one dessert in Waikiki, make it Hula Pie at Duke’s Waikiki.
This thing is absolutely massive. We’re talking macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust with hot fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. My kids love that we share one slice because it feels like a challenge to finish it.
Duke’s has beautiful ocean views, and the atmosphere is super laid-back. You can come in straight from the beach. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but honestly, we usually just pop in for Hula Pie and call it a win.
Pro tip: The slice is $13 and easily feeds 3-4 people. Don’t try to order one per person unless you want to be in a food coma.
3. Hike Diamond Head at Sunrise
This is hands down one of my favorite Oahu memories. On our last trip, my oldest son and I woke up crazy early and hiked Diamond Head right at sunrise.
The views were absolutely incredible. Watching the sun come up over Waikiki while we stood at the summit? That’s the kind of moment that makes family travel worth all the airport stress.
Here’s what you need to know for 2026: You have to book reservations in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead. It costs $5 per person for non-residents (kids under 3 are free), plus $10 for parking if you drive.
The hike is 1.6 miles round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. There are steep stairs and a dark tunnel, so bring a flashlight. Kids as young as 5 can usually handle it, though you’ll probably need to help younger ones on the stairs.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can book a shuttle tour that includes your Diamond Head reservation and transportation from Waikiki.
It’s definitely one of the best kid-friendly hikes on Oahu.
4. Ride the Waikiki Trolley
My youngest son is obsessed with the Waikiki Trolley. There’s something about riding on an open-air double-decker bus that just makes him happy.
The Waikiki Trolley has four different lines that go to different parts of Oahu.
The Blue Line takes you along the coast to Sea Life Park. The Green Line goes to Diamond Head. The Red Line covers historic Honolulu. And the Pink Line is perfect for shopping at Ala Moana Center.
For families, I recommend getting the All-Line Pass. The 1-Day Pass is around $62 and includes a free bonus day, so you actually get two days. The 4-Day Pass is about $74. Kids 3-11 have discounted tickets, and kids under 3 ride free.
We usually take the Blue Line because the coastal views are spectacular, and my kids love stopping at different beaches along the way.
If you’re staying in Waikiki without a rental car, the trolley is honestly the easiest way to get around. Read my full Waikiki Trolley review for more details.
5. See the Rock-A-Hula Show
On our last Oahu trip, we took my son to the Rock-A-Hula show, and I was genuinely surprised by how much he loved it. This is a kid who has a hard time sitting still, but he was completely glued to the stage for the entire 80-minute performance.
The show features Elvis and Michael Jackson tribute artists, hula dancers, and fire knife performers. It’s high-energy and honestly just really fun. The production quality is on par with Las Vegas shows.
Adult tickets are around $85, kids’ tickets are $50 (free for kids 2 and under). You can add a luau buffet if you want, but we just did the show.
The theater is at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, so it’s super easy to get to. Shows start around 7:40pm and run Tuesday through Sunday (they’re dark on Mondays).
Book your Rock-A-Hula tickets here.
I’ve also got a full Rock-A-Hula review if you want more details about what to expect.
6. Grab Musubi for Breakfast
This is a must-do for our family. We always hit up Musubi Cafe Iyasume for breakfast at least once during our trip.
They have a ridiculous number of musubi flavors. We’re talking spam (obviously), teriyaki chicken, fried shrimp, eel, salmon, and probably 20 more options. My kids love picking out a few different kinds to try.
The main Waikiki location is at 2427 Kuhio Ave in the Pacific Monarch Hotel, and they’re open 6:30am to 9pm daily. But they also have locations at Waikiki Beach Walk and inside Ala Moana Center.
We usually grab our musubi and take them back to our lanai for breakfast, or we’ll eat them at the beach. They’re super affordable (around $3-4 each) and filling.
7. Spend Hours at Ala Moana Center
When we travel with my teen nieces and nephews, they could literally spend an entire day at Ala Moana Center.
It’s the world’s largest open-air shopping center with 350+ stores. You’ve got everything from high-end luxury brands to local Hawaii boutiques. The food court has tons of options, including some really good and affordable local food.
Ala Moana is open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-9pm and Sunday 10am-7pm. Best part? There’s a free hula show every day at 5pm on Centerstage. On Sundays, they also have a kids’ hula show at 1pm.
You can take the Waikiki Trolley’s Pink Line directly there, or it’s a quick Uber ride from Waikiki.
8. Watch the Free Kuhio Beach Hula Show
One of the best free things to do in Waikiki is the hula show at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound. It’s right by the beach, and it starts with the traditional blowing of the conch shell and tiki torch lighting.
The show runs for about an hour every Tuesday and Saturday evening at 6:30pm (6pm from September through February). It’s perfect for families with babies and toddlers who might not be able to sit through a full luau.
Bring a beach blanket or chairs and get there early to grab a good spot. The setting is beautiful, right on the beach with Diamond Head in the background.
9. Take Surfing Lessons on Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. The waves are gentle and perfect for beginners.
There are tons of surf schools right on the beach offering lessons for kids. Most accept kids as young as 5 or 6, and the instructors are really patient.
You can book surf lessons here that include all the equipment (surfboard and rash guard) and pick you up right from your hotel.
10. Ride the Atlantis Submarine
If you want to do something truly unique, the Atlantis Submarine tour is incredible.
You actually board a real submarine and go 100 feet under the ocean’s surface. A diver swims around outside and brings sea creatures up to the windows so you can see them up close. My kids saw tropical fish, sea turtles, and even a reef shark.
It’s about 40 minutes underwater, and honestly, it feels like you’re in a movie. The submarine holds around 40 people, so it’s not cramped.
Kids need to be at least 36 inches tall. Tickets are around $140 for adults and $70 for kids.
Book your Atlantis Submarine tour here.
11. Go Snorkeling in Waikiki
If you want to snorkel on Oahu but don’t want to drive to Hanauma Bay, there are great snorkeling tours that leave right from Waikiki.
The best ones take you out on a boat to spots where you can snorkel with sea turtles. The water is super clear, and the tours include all your snorkel gear and safety vests.
Most tours are around 2 hours and are perfect for kids ages 5 and up.
Book a Waikiki snorkeling tour here.
12. Just Spend the Day at Waikiki Beach
Honestly, sometimes the best thing to do in Waikiki is nothing at all.
Waikiki Beach is one of the best beaches on Oahu for families. The water is calm and clear. The sand is soft. You’ve got lifeguards. And there are usually food vendors nearby if you get hungry.
My kids can spend hours just playing in the water and building sandcastles. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Where to Stay in Waikiki with Kids
If you’re looking for hotels, I’ve got detailed reviews of the best kid-friendly Waikiki resorts.
My top picks:
Hilton Hawaiian Village – This resort has everything. Kids’ programs, a private lagoon, multiple pools, and tons of restaurants. It’s like a mini city. Read my full review.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa – Perfect location right on the beach, and they have amazing kids’ activities like lei making and ukulele lessons. Read my full review.
Planning Your Waikiki Trip
Do You Need a Rental Car in Waikiki?
Nope! You really don’t need a car if you’re staying in Waikiki. Everything is walkable, the trolley can get you to major attractions, and Uber is everywhere.
That said, if you want to explore other parts of Oahu (like the North Shore or windward side), you might want to rent a car for a day or two. You don’t need it for your entire trip though.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Waikiki?
To avoid crowds, come during the shoulder seasons (mid-April through June or September through mid-December). The weather is still gorgeous, and you’ll miss most of the school vacation rush.
Want more Oahu planning tips? I’ve got free email courses that walk you through everything:
- Free 7-Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Oahu
- Free 5-Day Email Course: How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
- Free 5-Day Email Course: How to Save Money in Hawaii
Capture Your Family Memories
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They make it super easy, and honestly, it’s the only way I guarantee I’m actually in some photos.
You can save $20 when you book through this link. Totally worth it.
Listen to My Podcast
I cover all things Oahu on my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. Check out these episodes:
Need Help Planning?
Look, I get it. Planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming. That’s literally why I became a Hawaii travel consultant.
I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times. I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Expert. And I love helping families plan trips that actually work for them (not just what the guidebooks say).
Book a consultation and let’s chat about your perfect Oahu vacation.
More Oahu Activities
Looking for more things to do? Check out:
- 101 Best Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
- Best Oahu Hikes for Kids
- Ultimate Guide to Turtle Beach
- Best Things to Do in Haleiwa
Waikiki really is one of the best places to vacation with kids in Hawaii. The combination of easy logistics, gorgeous beaches, and tons of activities makes it perfect for families. And honestly? After 40+ trips, I’m still not tired of it.
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
Looking for more kid-friendly Oahu activities? Go kayaking on the ocean, play at Turtle Beach, go on an easy Oahu hike, train dolphins at Sea Life Park, how to get to Waikiki from HNL, best coffee in Waikiki, explore the Honolulu Museum of Art, best things to do on Oahu with kids, spend the day in Haleiwa, or find the best shave ice on Oahu.
