Visiting Waikiki 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.
My 9-year-old asks about Diamond Head before we even book our flights.
My youngest wants to know if we’re getting Hula Pie.
And both of them will fight over who gets to sit on top of the trolley.
After 40+ trips to Hawaii (yes, I’ve actually counted), I know exactly which Waikiki activities are worth your time and which ones you can skip.
I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Expert, I’ve been dancing hula for 20+ years, and I’ve dragged my own kids through enough activities to know what actually works.
So here’s my honest list. The stuff my kids ask to do again. The things I’d tell my best friend to book.
And the real logistics nobody else tells you about.
Why Waikiki Doesn’t Suck (Even Though Everyone Says It Does)
Look, I know Waikiki has a reputation. Too touristy. Too crowded. Too many ABC Stores.
But here’s what nobody tells you: Waikiki is the EASIEST place to vacation with kids in Hawaii.
You can walk everywhere. The beaches have lifeguards. Your hotel is five minutes away when someone has a meltdown.
And when your picky eater refuses everything, there’s a McDonald’s on Kalakaua Avenue. (Don’t judge me.)
I actually recommend Waikiki for most families, especially first-timers. Yeah, it’s busy. But busy means convenient.
If you want my full Oahu itinerary with daily plans and restaurant recommendations, grab my Oahu Travel Guide.
And if you’re totally overwhelmed, I do personalized consultations where we build a trip that actually works for your family.
1. Hike Diamond Head (But Go Early or You’ll Hate It)
My oldest and I hiked Diamond Head on our last trip at 6am.
We watched the sunrise from the summit and it was one of those perfect mom-and-son moments that makes me forget about how expensive Hawaii is.
But here’s the thing: timing is EVERYTHING.
Go at 10am and you’ll be miserable. It’s hot, crowded, and you’ll spend half the hike stuck behind slow-moving tourists on the narrow sections.
Go at 6am and it’s cool, manageable, and absolutely gorgeous.
You need reservations. Like, actually need them. I tried to show up without one once and got turned away. Book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead up to 30 days in advance.
Cost is $5 per person (kids under 3 free) plus $10 for parking. The parking lot inside the crater is tiny, so either arrive right at your reservation time or prepare to circle.
The hike is 1.6 miles round trip. There are steep stairs. There’s a dark tunnel (use your phone flashlight).
My 9-year-old handled it fine. My friend’s 6-year-old did it but needed help on the stairs.
If you don’t have a car, book a shuttle through Viator that includes your reservation and transportation.
Bring way more water than you think you need.
2. Get Your Photo with Duke (Because It’s Required)
Every single Waikiki trip, we take a selfie with the Duke Kahanamoku statue. It’s our thing now.
The statue is right on Waikiki Beach near the Moana Surfrider. Duke was a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic gold medalist, and people drape leis over the statue to honor him.
It’s free. It takes 30 seconds. And it’s genuinely one of the most iconic photo spots in Hawaii.
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Midday is a zoo.
If you want actual good family photos (not just awkward selfies), book a Flytographer session. Save $20 with my link.
They’ll meet you at Duke’s statue, Waikiki Beach, or anywhere else and take amazing photos while you actually enjoy the moment instead of trying to get everyone to look at the camera.
3. Order Hula Pie at Duke’s (Then Immediately Regret Eating So Much)
Duke’s Waikiki is right on the beach, the food is solid, and the Hula Pie is absolutely ridiculous.
It’s a mountain of macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, covered in hot fudge and whipped cream. My kids love trying to finish it. We never do.
The restaurant has great ocean views. You can make reservations on OpenTable or just walk up to the bar area for faster seating.
Go around 3pm if you just want dessert. It’s less crowded than dinner time.
4. Take Surf Lessons (Even If You’re Scared)
Waikiki is literally the birthplace of modern surfing. The waves are gentle. The water is warm. And every surf instructor here has taught thousands of terrified beginners.
My youngest caught her first wave at 6 years old. She was so proud she talked about it for weeks.
Most surf schools offer group lessons for around $75 per person or private lessons for $150-200. Group lessons are fine for kids who are comfortable in water. Private lessons are better if your kid needs more attention.
I have a whole post on the best Oahu surf schools for kids if you want details on specific companies.
Book through Viator or Get Your Guide so you can read reviews first.
Pro tip: Morning lessons are less crowded than afternoon.
5. Watch Rock-A-Hula (The Showmanship Will Blow You Away)
I took my son to Rock-A-Hula on our last trip and honestly didn’t expect much. I thought it would be cheesy.
I was so wrong.
The showmanship is INCREDIBLE. Elvis and Michael Jackson tribute artists, hula dancers, fire knife performers. My son sat still for the entire 80-minute show, which never happens.
It’s at the Royal Hawaiian Center, so you can literally walk there from most Waikiki hotels.
Tickets are $86-$99 for adults, $51-$59 for kids (free for kids under 3). You can add a luau buffet, but we just did the show and it was perfect.
Book through Viator or Get Your Guide.
This is one of those things that sounds super touristy but is actually really well done.
6. Catch the Free Hula Show at Kuhio Beach
Every Saturday at 6:30pm (weather permitting), there’s a free hula show right on Kuhio Beach near the Duke statue.
You get traditional hula dancing, live music, and torch lighting at sunset. Bring a beach towel to sit on.
It’s crowded but it’s also one of those magic Waikiki moments. Hula on the beach at sunset. For free. Hard to beat.
Show up by 6pm to get a decent spot.
7. Ride the Waikiki Trolley (My Youngest’s Favorite Thing)
The Waikiki Trolley is my youngest’s obsession. He loves sitting on the open-air top deck watching everything go by.
We’ve used it to get around Waikiki, but my favorite is taking the Green Line all the way to Sea Life Park. It turns transportation into an adventure.
There are four lines: Pink (Waikiki and Ala Moana), Red (Downtown Honolulu), Blue (Coastal route), and Green (Diamond Head and Kahala).
Passes are around $45 for one day or $65 for four days. Kids under 4 ride free.
I have a full Waikiki Trolley review if you want to know which lines are worth it.
Buy passes through Viator or their website.
8. Go Parasailing (If You’re Brave Enough)
I haven’t done this yet because I’m scared of heights. But it’s on our list.
You take off from a boat and fly up to 600, 800, or 1,000 feet above the ocean. Views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, the whole coastline. You can stay dry or request a water dip.
Kids need to be at least 5 years old and 50 pounds. Prices are around $65-90 depending on height.
Book through Viator or Hawaii Activities and read reviews first.
9. Try Sunset Yoga on the Beach
This one sounds cheesy but it’s actually really nice.
Classes happen right on the sand near the Waikiki Aquarium around 5:30-6:30pm depending on sunset. It’s gentle stretching with ocean views and wave sounds.
They’re designed for all levels. Kids 8+ usually do fine.
Classes cost around $25-30. Bring your own towel or rent a mat for a couple bucks.
Book through Viator.
Fair warning: You’ll have sand in places sand shouldn’t be.
10. Book a Mermaid Photo Shoot at Magic Island
My friend’s daughter found out about this and hasn’t stopped asking about it since.
You go to Magic Island Lagoon, pick out a mermaid tail, and swim around while a photographer takes photos and videos. It’s part photo shoot, part imagination come to life.
The lagoon is calm and shallow, so it works even for kids who aren’t strong swimmers.
Sessions are about 1.5-2 hours and cost around $89. All photos and videos included.
Book through Viator or Hawaii Activities.
This is happening on our next trip. No question.
11. Just Hang Out on Waikiki Beach (Seriously)
Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing.
Waikiki Beach has lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, and food trucks nearby. The water is calm. The sand is soft. Your kids can play in the waves for hours.
Some days we pack in three activities. Other days we just hang at the beach and get shave ice from one of the stands.
There’s no prize for cramming everything in.
Getting Help with Your Waikiki Trip
Planning Hawaii shouldn’t feel like a second job.
If you’re overwhelmed, I do personalized Hawaii consultations where we talk through your family’s needs and build a custom itinerary.
Or grab my Oahu Travel Guide for day-by-day plans and restaurant recommendations.
You can also get my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Oahu. I walk you through everything step by step.
And if you want to hear me talk through Waikiki tips, check out my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy.
More Oahu Stuff
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out kayaking on Oahu, Haleiwa town, or the best shave ice on Oahu.
Need a rental car? I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental using my referral code.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and snacks. You’re going to have a great time.