The biggest city in Hawaii has remained a prime destination for families for more than one reason. The iconic Waikiki beachfront has plenty of family-friendly accommodation, there are activities oriented for children, and above all Honolulu boasts of a completely safe environment for all.Five things to Do in Honolulu with family and useful information about where to find these places.This is a list of Things to Do in Honolulu.
Since you are having the entire family tag along, ensure you book Cheap flights to Hawaii well in advance. This can be huge savings for a family trip, as there are often excellent deals on airfares to Hawaii, which can help you splurge more later without exhausting your trip budget.
Related Read: Ideas To Make More Out Of Your Trip to Hawaii
If your kids are a bit older, you can opt for tours that are a bit away from the city as well. So grab a taxi, trolley, bus or just use your two legs to discover what Honolulu has to offer for families who have kids in tow.
Things to Do in Honolulu for Families
Take a trip to Wahiawa Botanical Garden
- 1396, California Ave, Wahiawa
- Hours: 9am to 4pm
- Entry: Free
Opened to the public in late 1950, the 27 acres of picturesque Wahiawa Botanical Garden is just the perfect place for the family to spend a morning in. Due to its strategic location at a higher altitude, the temperatures here remain decidedly cooler than the four other gardens of Honolulu. Friendly volunteers greet adults and children alike with brochures explaining the layout of the entire place.
The first thing to note is that there will be very few visitors at this time of the day, which will allow the kids to have a literally free run of the park. There are many spots to stop for a rest or a bite to eat sitting on the benches, so pack a picnic hamper. The older kids will love the plants, while the younger ones can peek into the bird guidebook to identify a few of the feathered friends flirting around.
Recommended Read: Places to visit in Hawaii
Swim like a mermaid
- Mermaid Republic
- Magic Island, Honolulu
- Entry: 79$
Have you ever dreamt of what it would be like to swim with tropical fish and other marine life like a mermaid? This 90 minutes fun tour for kids 3 years and up to adults offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view aquatic life up close in the ocean on a reef. All the fundamentals and information are given by the trained guides on wearing the mermaid suit and capturing the same on a free video or camera.
Once you are comfortable in your new dress, you are shown how to use the mermaid tail in waist-deep water in order to get used to the suit. You then enter the reef system and begin swimming like an actual mermaid, with every movement being filmed so that you can retain these memories forever.
Enjoy the best family eats
- Honolulu Burger Co.
- 1295, S.Beretania Street
If the family is looking for a comfort cuisine for a homely dinner or after late lunch after an afternoon matinee, then Teddy’s Bigger Burger outlet is your best bet. While the kiddies will simply dive into the grilled cheese sammies and sliders, the parents can pick from the large and lengthy menu, for the veg and non-options and the super salads.
Ever since the first burger was served, the joint has been getting rave reviews for its special patties topped with tomatoes and fresh lettuce and tangy sauces to dip the french fries in. There are many outlets throughout the city but none to beat Burger Co.
Related Post: The 4 Best Luxury Resorts in Hawaii
Visit Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
- Honolulu, Oahu, HI
- Timings: 6am to 9 pm. Tuesday closed.
- Entry:7.50$, kids 12& under free
Located inside a volcanic cone, the Hanauma Bay offers families a deep insight into the pristine marine ecosystem by way of an educational plan, started way back in the 1990’s. Said to be the best beach in the United States, volunteers here explain to the visitors about the different fish life found here and the conservation of the intricate reef system.
Every first-time person has to view a nine-minute documentary at the marine education center to get acquainted with the preservation and safety rules of the park. Hanauma Bay is a must for the whole family on the island itinerary, especially if you want to know more about the hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. A truly great experience for people of all ages
Do what the locals do
Before you plan your family holiday to Hawaii, remember to check out the website of the Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation for prices on events. Most of them will be free for kids are will come at a low cost to allow you to explore the island like a local. Get to taste the local vendors at the Community College Farmers Market at the Kapi’olani in order to sustain the products of local farmers
You just can’t leave the Hawaiian Islands without trying some of the shave ice recipes. Kids will adore the goddess of the softest mouth-melting combinations of fruit and cherry. There are some four-generation run outlets in Haleiwa Town which are fan favorites and need to be visited at least once during the trip.
Tip – To enjoy Hawaii like a local, ensure you first book the best Hawaiian Airlines Deals and you save that much more money to spend on attractions in Honolulu.
Embark on North Shore Shark Adventures
- Haleiwa, hi 9672
- Tickets: Adults 120$
- Children:3-13. 60$
There is nothing like sighting a shark at close quarters to pump up the adrenaline. Children as young as three can ride for free, and those over that age can actually enter the cage for this thrilling two-hour underwater adventure.
Tours generally begin at 7am, when guests are taken three miles out to sea. There is an excellent chance to witness a variety of marine life on the way like dolphins, green sea turtles, and the occasional humpback whale.
The whole family can jump into a metal cage and enjoy spending time with a swarm of sharks. Hotel transfers can be arranged for a nominal charge, so check on the website of your service provider for more details. Finally, do not forget to carry your underwater camera.
Families from all over America and from different parts of the world visit Honolulu, and it is easy to understand why. The city is a perfect blend of paradise and urban lifestyle, which families love. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend quality time in a place called paradise, even if it means having to couch-serve for a couple of days.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your flights to Hawaii now.
Recommended Post: 7 Maui Facts That you Should Know Before Visiting
