Best of Waikiki for Families – Make the Most of Your Hawaii Vacation

TL;DR

Waikīkī is more than surfboards and sunsets—it’s a playground for families. From hikes and hidden beaches to noodle shops, pirate ships, and malasadas, this local’s guide shares the best things to do in Waikīkī for families who want to mix a little adventure with their beach time.

For the love of Waikiki

Many people dream of Waikiki with it’s clear blue water, rolling surf and umbrella laden cocktails. You can easily spend a week people watching, playing in the water, shopping and eating all the food – so many desserts and so little time. Parking is pricey and car rentals have skyrocketed in the past years so most opt to go car-less. If you’re stuck in the city and feeling little stir-crazy or if you simply want to experience more I put together a list of the best of Waikiki for families.

Easy Hikes and Outdoor Adventures Near Waikīkī

If you’re in the mood to escape Waikīkī for a change of scenery, there are several nearby hiking trails. Even if you don’t have a car you can take the bus or rideshare to get you there.

• Manoa Falls Trail – Experience the rainforest with a canopy covered stroll along the stream culminating in a waterfall. It’s a 1.7 mile hike to get to the waterfall and back, but the path is wide and well-marked. Expect to pay a parking fee and go early or late to avoid crowds.
• Diamond Head – Make your way to the top of this icon crater for stunning Waikiki views. They created a reservation system to limit crowds so plan this one in advance by snagging your spot from the park here. P.S. it can get super hot so try to go early or late.
• Waahila Ridge – Escape the beaten path with this steep ridge hike or take your pick from an extensive trail system at the back of Makiki Valley just beyond Waikiki.

Alternatives to Waikiki Beach

The bright, clear waters and perfect waves of Waikiki are not to be missed but if you’re looking for alternatives you might consider these nearby options for the best of Waikiki for families.

• Magic island – A bustling park and perfect little crescent beach sit at the top of Ala Moana Beach Park. A great spot for a swim and picnic with sunset views of Diamond Head and the Waianae Mountains. If you happen to visit on a Friday evening, you might luck out with a bonus fireworks show at the Hilton.
• Diamond Head – This quintessential hike inside a volcanic crater with views of Waikiki and beyond can’t be missed. Don’t forget to make reservations!
• Diamond Head Beach Park – If you’re a surfer looking to escape the crowds at Waikiki or have a curious kid who loves tidepools, this narrow rocky beach is a fun change of pace.
• Wailalae Beach Park – You can escape the crowds for a stroll along this palm tree lined beach in the upscale neighborhood of Kahala. The water is usually calm and clear but the beach is narrow so it’s best at low tide. It’s spot I love for sunset family photos.

💡 Local Tip: You don’t need a car to explore Waikīkī! Walk, rent a Biki bike, or hop on TheBus to reach hikes, beaches, and food spots all over town.

Take to the Seas

There are lots of different flavors here depending on your interests. You can dive (or snuba), snorkel at turtle town (can get very crowded but an easy way to see turtles and take in Waikiki views), take a sunset sail, a whale watch tour (better from the north or leeward shores from Dec-May), charter a fishing boat, a submarine, see Waikiki from above by para-sail or you can … take a pirate ship.

Pirate ship adventure. If you’re not a snorkeling kind of family, this is a great way to get out on the water and keep the family entertained.

For Animal Lovers

If you’re an animal lover you might want to check out the Honolulu Zoo or the Waikiki Aquarium. Both are small and … perfectly fine. No, really, I like them both quite a bit and have spent countless hours at both. However, if you’re visiting and short on time you may want to skip them. Especially if you have access to a nice zoo or aquarium.

Want More Ideas? Consider these for the best of Waikiki for Families

Best places to eat while you’re in Waikiki

Waikiki is packed with with food options from hole-in-the-wall delights to Michelin star restaurants. Here are a few personal favorites.

• Marugame Udon. Comfort food! A popular spot for freshly made udon noodles and tempura. It’s affordable and consistently delicious.
• Musubi Cafe Iyasume. Musubis are a local staple. Sample various types of musubi (rice balls) and other Japanese snacks at this cozy spot.
• Basalt. Something a little fancy. Offering a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine with a farm-to-table approach. Their cocktails are also fantastic.
• Leonard’s Malasadas. How many malasadas are too many? That’s really the only question you need to answer here. And maybe what filling you like. P.S. The answer is dobash.

Best of Waikiki for Families – Something different

• Ala Moana Mall. I’m not much of a shopper but this mall has a lot to offer. Not only is there great food but it’s lovely to stroll around the covered outdoor mall and people watch. There are often live performances at the main stage and you can find an arcade, bowling alley, and pups of war if you have energy to burn on a rainy day. You can even catch a trolley there from Waikiki.
• Rent a bike. Grab a Biki bike and make your own a tour up to Kapiolani Park, around Diamond Head, along the Ala wai canal and all the way to Ala Moana Beach Park.
• Family photos! No need to leave Waikiki. I’ll come to you for a fun day making memories so you can take home beautiful images. Some of my favorite family photo sessions near Waikiki are at this tropical park in nearby Nuuanu, this quiet beach in Kahala and iconic Magic Island.
• If you’re lucky enough to have a car you can find more ideas for the best day ever here.

FAQs

What can families do in Waikīkī besides the beach?

So much! Families can hike Diamond Head or Manoa Falls, explore Magic Island, rent bikes, or hop on a sunset sail. Waikīkī’s charm is how easy it is to mix adventure and relaxation—even without a car.

Is Waikīkī good for kids?

Yes! Waikīkī is very family-friendly, with calm beaches, stroller-accessible parks, and endless food options for picky eaters. You’ll find aquariums, entertainment and gentle surf perfect for little swimmers.

Do you need a car to explore Waikīkī?

Not at all. Most attractions in Waikīkī are walkable or reachable by Biki bike, bus, or rideshare. If you want to venture farther, you can easily rent a car for a day or two.

Where can we eat in Waikīkī that kids will love?

Families love Marugame Udon for noodles, Musubi Café Iyasume for fun snacks, and Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas. For something special, Basalt offers modern Hawaiian dishes adults will love too.

What are the best family-friendly hikes near Waikīkī?

Try Diamond Head for iconic views, Manoa Falls for an easy rainforest walk, or Waʻahila Ridge for a quiet local favorite. All are close to town and great for families. Checkout out our family’s roundup here.

Waikīkī: The Perfect Mix of Play, Sun & Memories

Whether you’re walking, biking, or sailing your way through Oʻahu’s most famous neighborhood, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Waikīkī. If you’d like to capture the magic while you’re here, reach out to plan a Waikīkī family photo session—I’ll help you make beautiful memories to take home.