Top Things To Do In Hawaii For Children That Are Pure Fun

Planning a trip to Hawaii with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or overly complicated. With the right mix of adventure, education, and downtime, your family can enjoy everything from volcano hikes to dolphin encounters without burnout. I’ve taken my two little ones to Hawaii, and trust me, there are so many realistic things to do in Hawaii for children that balance excitement with ease.

Here’s a guide filled with tested ideas that work for toddlers through teens, and the parents tagging along, too.

Relax at Hawaii’s Kid-Friendly Beaches

Children play with floaties and sandcastles while parents relax under umbrellas at one of Hawaii’s most loved kid-friendly beaches—ideal for a relaxing family day.

Not all Hawaiian beaches are kid-friendly, but some are absolutely perfect for families, think soft sand, calm water, and lifeguards nearby. These are our top picks for low-stress beach days:

Lydgate Beach Park (Kauai): Enclosed lagoons that block waves and are patrolled by lifeguards.
Kailua Beach (Oahu): Calm and wide, great for sandcastles and gentle swims.
Baby Beach (Maui): Shallow, protected, and quiet, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.

💡 Parent Tip: Bring reef shoes, shade tents, and start your day early for better parking and gentler sun.

Swim With Dolphins at Sea Life Park (Oahu)

If your child has ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, Sea Life Park on Oahu is one of the best and safest ways to make that dream come true. This marine park provides structured, supervised interactions where kids (usually age 4+) can safely touch, swim, and even get a dolphin “kiss” under the guidance of trained staff.

Before the swim, there’s a short orientation to help little ones understand dolphin behavior and ocean safety. It’s a favorite because the park doesn’t just offer fun, it also teaches marine respect. In addition to dolphins, kids can get up close with stingrays and even observe rescued sea lions. This is one of those rare activities that balances entertainment, education, and unforgettable moments all in one.

Try a Banana Boat Ride for an Exciting Splash

Older kids (age 5+) looking for a thrill will love banana boat rides offered by Big Kahuna Watersports on Oahu. These inflatable rides are safe, fun, and a guaranteed laugh fest.

Here’s what makes it family-friendly:

Life jackets are provided for all riders
Rides are supervised and never too fast
Parents can ride with kids or watch from shore

Bonus: You’ll probably get wet, bring towels and a change of clothes!

Family Fun at the Honolulu Zoo With Kids

When the kids need a beach break or it’s an overcast day, Honolulu Zoo is a wonderful change of pace. Set in a lush, shady park at the foot of Diamond Head, the zoo features animals from tropical climates that feel at home in Hawaii’s warmth. The children’s area has interactive exhibits with animals like hedgehogs, tortoises, and goats that younger kids can safely observe up close.

The layout is easy to navigate with a stroller, and there are plenty of benches and snack stops for breaks. Pair it with a visit to Kapiʻolani Park next door and you’ve got a full, active morning in nature without the sand cleanup.

Fly Kites at Hawaii’s Open Coastal Parks

Kite flying in Hawaii isn’t just a simple activity; it’s magic with those ocean breezes and scenic backdrops. These parks are perfect for it:

Kapiʻolani Park (Oahu): Spacious, ocean-adjacent, and has vendors nearby.
Anini Beach Park (Kauai): Breezy, grassy, and right along the shoreline.

🎒 What to bring:

A blanket for lounging and watching the skies
Lightweight kite (local ABC Stores have great ones)
Snacks and sunscreen

Surf Lessons for Kids Starting at Just Age Five

Yes, your child can really learn to surf in Hawaii, and no, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Beaches like Waikiki (Oahu) and Kaanapali (Maui) have mellow waves and shallow entry points that are perfect for beginners. Goofy Foot Surf School on Maui is known for private, kid-focused lessons with instructors who specialize in building confidence.

Whether your child stands up for 2 seconds or 20, the experience alone is worth it, and they’ll be telling everyone back home they “surfed in Hawaii.” Surfing is one of the most memorable things to do in Hawaii for children, especially with soft-top boards, gentle instruction, and even the option for parent-child sessions that make it a bonding moment as much as an adventure.

Best Calm Snorkeling Beaches in Hawaii for Children

A joyful group of kids snorkeling in shallow, clear Hawaiian waters, surrounded by tropical fish and lush green cliffs—showcasing one of the best calm snorkeling beaches in Hawaii for children.

Snorkeling is such an accessible activity, even for younger children. Float vests, view boxes, and shallow coral areas make it easy for kids to safely observe marine life.

Best family-friendly snorkel spots:

Hanauma Bay (Oahu) – Lifeguarded, calm, and teeming with tropical fish
Kealakekua Bay (Big Island) – Tour-access only, but incredibly pristine
Kahaluu Beach Park (Big Island) – Easy access and often turtle sightings

🌊 Note: Remind kids not to touch fish or coral, as it helps protect marine ecosystems.

See Hawaii’s Marine Life Without Getting in the Water

Not every child wants to snorkel or swim, and that’s okay. Maui Ocean Center has giant aquariums and an immersive walk-through shark tunnel where kids can watch sea life from dry ground. The touch pools are perfect for toddlers, and older kids love the interactive exhibits. Over on Oahu, Waikiki Aquarium is smaller but still worth a stop, especially if you’re staying nearby.

For something extra memorable, take a ride on the Atlantis Submarine in Kona or Waikiki, it descends 100 feet beneath the ocean for a peek at underwater reefs and sunken ships, all while you sit safely inside.

Book a Whale Watching Cruise (Winter Only)

If you’re visiting between December and April, add whale watching to your itinerary. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters during these months and often breach right near boats.

Best islands for whale sightings:

Maui (especially Lahaina and Maʻalaea Harbor)
Big Island (Kona coast)
Oahu (via Haleiwa Harbor)

🧢 What to bring:

Motion sickness remedies, if needed
Hats and sunscreen
Binoculars

Kauai Ziplining and Jungle Tours for Brave Kids

For older kids and more adventurous families, Princeville Ranch’s Jungle Adventure Tour on Kauai is a standout. Designed for ages 5 and up, this 4.5-hour experience includes kayaking, hiking through lush trails, ziplining, and even swimming under a waterfall. It’s active and immersive, but well-paced for younger participants. Guides are friendly and experienced with kids, and safety gear is provided. If your kids are ready for something more rugged, this will be the trip highlight.

Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

For curious kids (and grown-ups), Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most fascinating places to visit.

Family-friendly experiences include:

Walking through the Nāhuku lava tube
Seeing steam vents and volcanic craters
Visiting the Jaggar Museum to learn about seismology
Eruption viewing from a safe distance

🎒 Start at the visitor center to pick up Junior Ranger booklets!

Whether your child is building sandcastles, spotting turtles, or ziplining through a jungle, Hawaii offers experiences that feel both magical and meaningful. You don’t need to overbook or overspend to give your kids a trip they’ll always remember. The real magic happens in those little in-between moments, floating in a lagoon, chasing a kite, or whispering “whoa” as a whale breaches.

So yes, pack your bags, plan a little, and let the islands do the rest. The best things to do in Hawaii for children are rooted in curiosity, connection, and that slow, sandy kind of joy we parents never forget either.