Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park is a must-visit destination if you have older children. On the beach, they can try surfing or paddleboarding with the numerous lessons on offer. On the theme of sports, they can also play beach volleyball or tennis on the shore. This beach is very spacious, so perfect for large families who like to spread out or run around. There are also quite a few shady areas for younger children in case you're worried about sunburns! Ala Moana Beach Park is very close to a mall which has over 70 restaurants, in case you forget your picnic! Opposite to the beach, there is a massive grassy field which is nice to relax and enjoy a picnic on

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Ala Moana Mall

When you think of malls, you may not think family-friendly, but the Ala Moana Mall is an exception to this! Firstly, there are tons of amazing shops, stores, food courts, and boutiques. The mall has over 290 shops to browse and 70 restaurants to indulge in. Although these are great for couples and older children, it's the centre of the mall that is perfect for younger members of the family!

In the centre, there is an open area with fake grass, allowing parents to take a break after some stressful shopping. The grass is also right next to a Magnolia Bakery kiosk. Make sure you stop by this bakery for a quick coffee break and some pastries to refuel before continuing with the fun. There is also a Target located at this mall which has a play area located right outside! It was made for mothers! I highly suggest checking this place out.

Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach is a 45-minute drive outside the town. Kailua Beach is one of the most family-friendly locations in O’ahu and is very popular with local families. The beach is large and caters for large families, especially ones who want to play catch or kick a ball around. I have taken my boys here, and they loved every minute of it. If your family like to paddle in the sea, the waves aren't as dangerous as other beaches. It also makes it a must-see beach for paddleboarders. Near the beach is a grassy area, perfect for enjoying a BBQ with your family. There are a few downsides to this beach, the popularity being the biggest problem, especially as parking isn't accommodating for the crowds. I highly recommend going early in the morning to secure a decent parking spot.

Keiki & The Pineapple

This family-friendly location in O’ahu is something I found recently. Keiki & The Pineapple is the perfect combination of food and play. It is a concept play cafe, which allows parents to enjoy some coffee and relax while their children play. They have an outside seating area where they provide chalk and toys for kids to play around with. You can enjoy a nice coffee drink and some delicious treats, and your kids can stay happy in a safe environment. Keiki & The Pineapple has an indoor play area with a sitting room that is perfect for smaller kids. The food is delicious, and there are lots of toys provided. If your kids are struggling with the heat, you should bring them here! This location is a new favourite of mine, and I am excited to return with the boys!

Bishop Museum

Bishop Museum is a must-visit place for families. Although I am local, I go here all the time. My husband and I will go for dates, and my children enjoy playdates. You could even go alone! There are a ton of interactive activities for the kids. There is a planetarium and a science centre where you can create a volcanic eruption, perfect for science-loving kids. If you start to feel hungry, Bishop Museum has a lot of delicious food to tuck into. At the museum, there is an open lawn for your kids to run around. If all this fun is not enough to persuade you to visit, the museum is perfect for people who love culture and history. There is lots of information on Hawaiian culture and old traditions. If cultural immersion is what you're looking for, I highly recommend this family-friendly location on O’ahu.

Salt Kaka’ako

This is the first place I went to with my boys. Salt Kaka’ako is urban and a bit gentrified, but it is enjoyable, nevertheless. The Kaka’ako area, in general, is a great place to walk through. It has a nice park with grassy areas, a basketball court and stunning wall art for the perfect family photos. There are also some of the most amazing restaurants to try. I'd recommend using the outdoor seating to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Salt Kaka’ako is one of the top family-friendly locations on O’ahu as it is highly accommodating for different food palates. There a lot of food and drink options, helpful if you have fussy eaters in the family.

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is one of the best family-friendly locations on O’ahu. If your family are active, there is a beautiful hike trail with a stunning view. The hike isn't too difficult so kids and adults can both enjoy it. Diamond Head is very close to local eateries and the beach. It also has a lot of open areas for kids to run around. For me, I like to grab shave ice from the shaved ice stand they have there and enjoy it in the open grassy area after my hike. Diamond head is a well-rounded location and a must-visit when travelling to O’ahu.