Although the beach is always great, your family will be excited to know that there’s so much more to do on Oahu than just lounge in the sun. Whether your family is adventurous, artistic, or just likes looking around, you’ll find so many great things to do in Oahu during your week-long trip. Dive in!
Water, Water, Everywhere
First things first: the beach. You can’t miss it, and you wouldn’t want to. Oahu has some of the best beaches in Hawaii, whether you like big waves or calm water. Waikiki is the tourist mecca for a reason, and it’s well worth a stop, especially if you’d like to try a surfing lesson. It’s still one of the best places in the world to learn to ride the waves, and families will also enjoy a walk along the waterfront. Animal lovers won’t want to miss a stop at the Honolulu Zoo, and those interested in Hawaii’s marine life will cherish a visit to the small but excellent Waikiki Aquarium. Go say hello to their monk seal, then take a dip at nearby Kaimana Beach.
When you’re ready to head out of town, Kailua Beach on the windward side is one of our family favorite Oahu attractions for many reasons. The long stretch of white sand offers plenty of room for all, and active families will have fun renting kayaks and paddling out to Flat Island, a bird sanctuary just offshore. Don’t forget to stop afterward at Island Snow, President Obama’s favorite shave ice spot!
If you visit during the winter, a whale-watching cruise is a must. But even if you don’t, there’s always a lot of sea life to explore, countless things to do in Oahu, and tour offerings to take you out to see it. Brave families might even want to try shark diving, where you can swim with the huge ocean predators from the safety of a cage.
Fun in Town
If it happens to be a rainy day, or you’ve just had enough of the beach, you have many other options for Oahu attractions. Take a mini trip to Japan at Shirokiya Japan Village Walk, located at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Or head to Bishop Museum to learn more about your Hawaiian host culture. The Honolulu Museum of Art is also a fascinating spot for enjoying art from around the Pacific rim. Don’t forget to head mauka (up the mountains) at some point during your stay, to catch fantastic views of the city from scenic points like Punchbowl Cemetery or Diamond Head.
Have fun planning your family trip to Oahu! Be sure to book into a large vacation rental with Arrived Now!
