Episode #36: Oahu with Kids: North Shore, Ko Olina & Best Family Activities in Hawaii
Oahu with Kids: North Shore, Ko Olina, Beaches and Family-Friendly Activities
A Family Travel Guide Based on Our Trip with Young Kids
If you are planning a family trip to Hawaii, Oahu is one of the best islands to consider. It offers a mix of beautiful beaches, easy access to activities, cultural experiences, and options that work well for both younger and older kids.
We visited Oahu in 2021 with four kids while I was pregnant with our fifth. Our children were ages 7, 5, 3, and 22 months, so this was very much a trip designed around young children. It ended up being one of our favorite family vacations because it balanced adventure with simplicity.
While visiting Oahu, I was 22 weeks pregnant with our 5th baby while our youngest was 22 months.
In this post, I am sharing an overview of what we did, where we stayed, and helpful ideas to plan your own Oahu trip with kids.
Where to Stay in Oahu with Kids
We split our stay between two very different areas of the island, which gave us a well-rounded experience.
North Shore Airbnb
We started on the North Shore in a two-bedroom Airbnb near Kawela Bay. Having extra space made a big difference with young kids. It allowed us to slow down, cook simple meals, and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
This part of the island feels quieter and less touristy, which we really loved for the first half of the trip.
Ko Olina Resort
For the second half of our stay, we moved to Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. This resort was extremely family-friendly and a great fit for our stage of life.
The lagoons at Ko Olina are one of the biggest highlights. They are protected from large waves, making them ideal for younger kids who want to swim safely.
The resort also offers activities, easy beach access, and a more structured environment, which was a nice contrast to the North Shore.
Best Beaches We Visited
Oahu has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but these stood out for families with young kids.
Kawela Bay
This was one of our favorite beaches. It had calm water, soft sand, and natural shade from trees. It felt peaceful and was perfect for little kids to play safely.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
This beach offered a completely different kind of fun. The kids loved sliding down the sand hills on boogie boards. It felt like a natural playground and was one of the most memorable stops.
Pupukea Area
We also spent time exploring the Pupukea area, which has beautiful views and opportunities to explore the coastline.
Ko Olina Lagoons
The lagoons at Ko Olina were ideal for our younger kids. The water is calm and protected, which allows kids to swim and play without worrying about strong waves.
Favorite Experiences from Our Trip
Family Photos on the Beach
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was taking family photos on the beach. I found a local photographer through a Hawaii Facebook group, and the photos turned out beautifully.
Capturing your family in a place like Hawaii is something I always recommend if it fits within your budget.
Date Night with a Local Nanny
We arranged for a local Oahu nanny service to watch our kids at the Airbnb so we could go out for dinner. We had met and FaceTimed with them beforehand, which helped us feel comfortable.
We went to Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill, and it was such a special experience to have a few hours to reconnect as a couple.
If you are traveling with kids, even a short break like this can make a big difference.
Exploring Haleiwa
Haleiwa is a fun town on the North Shore with a laid-back atmosphere and great local shops.
We stopped at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, which is a must-try. It was delicious and a fun experience for the kids.
We also visited a small children’s shop called The Growing Keiki and bought a rainbow onesie for our baby. It became a meaningful keepsake once she was born.
Dole Plantation Stop
On our way to the south side of the island, we stopped at the Dole Plantation. The kids enjoyed trying different Dole Whip flavors and seeing how pineapples grow.
It is a simple and quick stop that works well with kids.
Leonard’s Bakery
We made a stop at Leonard’s Bakery to try malasadas, which are warm, fluffy pastries that are very popular in Hawaii.
They were worth the stop and a fun treat during the drive.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Honolulu
We took a boat tour in Honolulu with a glass bottom, which allowed the kids to see fish swimming below.
This was a great way to experience the ocean from a different perspective without needing to snorkel.
ABC Stores
We frequently stopped at ABC stores throughout the trip. These stores are very convenient and carry everything from snacks and drinks to souvenirs and essentials.
They are especially helpful when traveling with kids.
Pearl Harbor Considerations
We chose not to visit Pearl Harbor on this trip because we felt our kids were still too young to fully appreciate the experience.
However, it is a meaningful and educational site that is worth visiting when children are a bit older. We plan to include it on a future trip.
Other Family-Friendly Things to Do in Oahu
If you are planning your itinerary, here are additional activities to consider.
Diamond Head
This is one of the most iconic hikes on the island. It offers incredible views, but it is best done early in the morning, especially with kids.
Snorkeling
Some of the best snorkeling spots for families include:
Hanauma Bay, which is great for beginners
Shark’s Cove during calm summer months
Ko Olina lagoons for younger children
Polynesian Cultural Center
This is a great place to learn about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. You can explore during the day or attend a traditional luau.
Honolulu Zoo
A manageable and enjoyable zoo that works well for younger children.
Waikiki Aquarium
One of the oldest aquariums in the United States and a great option for a shorter outing.
Lanikai Beach
Known for its beauty and calm waters, this is another great beach for families.
Kualoa Ranch
Offers tours, movie site experiences, and outdoor adventures that are better suited for older kids.
Tips for Visiting Oahu with Kids
Choose accommodations that give you space and flexibility
Balance beach time with planned activities
Plan for slower days with young children
Take advantage of local food stops and simple experiences
Consider a split stay to experience different parts of the island
Final Thoughts
Oahu is a destination that offers a little bit of everything for families. You can relax on calm beaches, explore different regions of the island, enjoy local food, and create meaningful experiences together.
Traveling with young kids may require a slower pace and more flexibility, but it is absolutely worth it. Many of the most memorable moments come from simple experiences like playing on the beach, sharing a treat, or watching your kids explore somewhere new.
More Hawaii Travel Resources
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, you may also enjoy:
You can also check out my Maui travel guide for more detailed planning tips.
Want More Family Travel Tips
If you are looking for ways to make traveling with kids easier, you can grab my free guide:
101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling with Kids
You can find the link in the show notes or request it on Instagram.
Until next time, savor the moments and make memories that last a lifetime.
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