Oahu

A 4.8-mile loop trail through a forest of eucalyptus, Norfolk pines, and native plants with views of Pearl Harbor and the south shore. The trail is mostly shaded which makes it one of the more comfortable hikes on Oahu even on warm days. Kids enjoy the variety of terrain and the WWII airplane wreckage along the trail adds historical interest. The loop format means no backtracking. The trailhead is inside Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area which has picnic areas and a campground for extending the visit.

A stunning replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple nestled at the base of the Koolau Mountains. Kids love feeding the hundreds of koi fish in the pond and ringing the large brass peace bell. The temple and grounds are serene and beautiful with the dramatic green cliffs rising directly behind. Wild peacocks roam the grounds adding color and excitement. The whole visit takes about an hour and pairs perfectly with a stop at the nearby botanical garden. It is one of the most photogenic spots on the island.

The most iconic hike on Oahu and probably all of Hawaii. The 1.6-mile round trip trail climbs inside the crater of this famous volcanic tuff cone to the summit for panoramic views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and the Koolau Mountains. Kids love the tunnel, bunker, and steep staircase near the top that add adventure to the climb. The trail is paved but steep in sections. Reservations are required and the earlier you go the better to beat the heat and crowds.

A unique snorkeling spot where warm water discharged from a nearby power plant attracts an incredible diversity of marine life. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, eagle rays, and dense schools of fish are regularly seen in the warm outflow channel. The visibility is good and the marine life density is higher than almost anywhere else on Oahu. The entry is over rocks and there are no lifeguards so this is best for experienced swimmer families. When conditions are calm, the snorkeling is genuinely world-class and free.

A protected marine bay set inside a volcanic crater with the best easy snorkeling on Oahu. The reef is teeming with colorful fish that swim right up to you in shallow water. Kids are mesmerized from the moment they put their face in. A mandatory short educational video before entry teaches kids about reef conservation which makes the experience more meaningful. The beach is sandy with a gentle slope into calm turquoise water. Arrive early because the parking lot fills fast and the preserve caps daily visitors.

A stunning 400-acre botanical garden set against the dramatic backdrop of the Koolau Mountains. The garden is free and has wide paved roads perfect for strollers along with trails through collections of tropical plants from around the world. Kids enjoy the catch-and-release fishing lake and the visitor center has nature activities. The mountain views from inside the garden are among the most photographed on Oahu. A campground within the garden offers free weekend camping with a permit, which is one of the best-kept secrets on the island.

Consistently rated one of the best beaches in America with soft white sand, turquoise water, and a gentle shore break that is perfect for kids. The water is warm and clear year-round and the beach stretches for 2.5 miles so you can always find space. Kayak rentals are available for paddling to the Mokulua Islands offshore. The park has restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and shady trees for picnics. Windsurfers and kiteboarders add entertainment for watching. The whole vibe is relaxed and family-friendly.

The last beach at the end of the road on Oahu west side with a wild, remote feel that is rare on the island. The long sandy beach is backed by the Waianae Mountains and rarely crowded. Summer brings calm water suitable for swimming and snorkeling while winter waves are for watching only. The Ka ena Point trail starts nearby for families who want to hike to the actual westernmost tip of Oahu where albatross and monk seals are sometimes spotted. The sunset from here is the last one on Oahu every day.

Four man-made crescent-shaped lagoons with calm, protected water that is the safest ocean swimming on Oahu for young kids. The lagoons have sandy bottoms, gentle slopes into the water, and are sheltered from waves and currents. Toddlers can splash in ankle-deep water while older kids snorkel along the rock walls. Each lagoon has restrooms, showers, and some shade. Sea turtles frequently visit the lagoons which is always a thrill. Lagoons 1 and 4 are the least crowded.

A staircase of 1048 old railway ties straight up the side of Koko Crater to the rim at 1208 feet. This is essentially a giant outdoor stairmaster and kids who are up for the challenge love the sense of accomplishment at the top. The views from the rim are panoramic covering Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and the east side of Oahu. The climb is relentless with no shade so start early and bring lots of water. There is a gap in the ties about two-thirds up where a bridge once stood that requires some scrambling.

A 4000-acre private nature reserve on the windward coast that has been the backdrop for Jurassic Park, Lost, and dozens of other films. Kids lose their minds when they see the valley where the dinosaurs roamed. Activities include horseback riding, ATV tours, zip lines, a movie site tour, and a jungle expedition. The scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping with dramatic mountain ridges and the ocean in the background. Multiple tour packages let you mix activities for a full day. This is one of those experiences kids never forget.

The most reliable spot on Oahu to see Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the sand or swimming in the shallow water. Volunteers are often present to educate visitors and ensure people maintain the required 10-foot distance from the turtles. Kids are thrilled to see these gentle creatures up close on the sand. The beach itself is rocky and not ideal for swimming but the turtle viewing alone makes it worth the stop. Located on the scenic North Shore drive between Haleiwa and the Dole Plantation. The best viewing is usually in the afternoon.

A short but steep 1.8-mile round trip hike to WWII military pillboxes (bunkers) on a ridge above Lanikai Beach with some of the most stunning views on Oahu. The turquoise water below with the Mokulua Islands in the foreground is postcard-perfect. Kids love exploring the old concrete bunkers covered in colorful graffiti art. The trail is steep and rocky in spots so good shoes are important. Sunrise from the first pillbox is legendary but the views are incredible at any time of day.

Boat tours along the leeward coast offer some of the best wild dolphin and sea turtle encounters in Hawaii. Spinner dolphins frequently swim alongside and under the boats in pods of dozens. Several operators also stop at snorkeling reefs where sea turtles are almost guaranteed. The leeward coast is drier and calmer than other parts of Oahu making for comfortable boat conditions. Seeing dolphins leap and spin in the wild is one of those magical moments that stays with kids forever. Choose operators who follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.

A paved 2-mile round trip trail along dramatic sea cliffs to a historic lighthouse with whale watching opportunities in winter. The trail is wide and paved making it one of the most accessible coastal hikes on Oahu. Kids love the clifftop views of the crashing waves below and spotting humpback whales from November through April. The lighthouse itself is photogenic and two lookout platforms provide different angles of the coastline. Strollers can handle the paved path though it is steep in a few spots.

A beautiful beachfront campground on the North Shore with a long sandy beach, calm water, and a small offshore island you can wade to at low tide. Goat Island (Mokuauia) is accessible by wading across the shallow channel and kids think it is the coolest thing ever to walk to their own island. The beach is quiet and uncrowded compared to town. Tent camping is available right behind the tree line. Cabins and yurts are also an option for families who want more comfort. This is beach camping at its finest.

A lush rainforest hike just 15 minutes from Waikiki that ends at a beautiful 150-foot waterfall. The 1.6-mile round trip trail winds through a tropical jungle with massive banyan trees, bamboo groves, and wild ginger. Kids feel like they have entered a movie set and in fact many films have been shot here. The trail can be muddy so sturdy shoes are essential. The waterfall at the end drops into a rocky pool surrounded by greenery. Swimming in the pool is discouraged due to bacteria but the view is stunning.

A jungle hike through lush windward forest to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimmable pool at the base. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and crosses streams and roots through dense tropical vegetation. The waterfall drops about 20 feet into a clear pool where local families swim and jump from the rocks. The trail can be muddy and slippery so this is best for kids who are comfortable on rough terrain. The swimming hole at the end makes all the mud worthwhile.

Despite the name, this rocky cove on the North Shore is one of the best tide pool and snorkeling spots for families on Oahu. In calm summer conditions the water is clear and full of tropical fish, sea turtles, and interesting rock formations. The tide pools on the outer edges fascinate younger kids who can find sea urchins, crabs, and small fish. The name comes from the shape of the rocks, not from actual sharks. Waves in winter make it unsafe so this is strictly a summer destination.

Learning to surf in Hawaii is a bucket-list family experience and the North Shore in summer has perfect beginner waves. Multiple certified surf schools operate out of Haleiwa Beach Park with patient instructors who get kids standing on their first lesson. The summer waves are small and gentle, nothing like the giant winter swells the North Shore is famous for. Most kids are riding waves within the first hour and the pride on their faces is priceless. Group lessons are the best value and typically last 2 hours.