Family Friendly Guide to Oahu, HawaiiFrom the best kid-friendly hotels to pristine and safe beaches for the littles, this is your all-inclusive guide to traveling to Oahu with children. Authorscaptainandclark
DestinationsO‘ahuItinerary

Stay

The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
Located in the heart of all the action in Waikiki, this hotel is a great place for kiddos. It's walking distance to kid-friendly restaurants and an easy trek to Waikiki beach. The rooms come with a welcome basket with flip flops and treats. The pool is calm and the onsite and cafe make it easy for parents who need a quick bite.
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OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
You can't go wrong with an OUTRIGGER hotel. This location is at the end of the Waikiki strip and has everything you could need (including a Monkeypod Kitchen onsite!). There is a small beach for sunbathing and swimming with little-to-no waves for the littles. The rooms are comfortable and there are many shops onsite if you need to grabs snacks, towels, or sunscreen.
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Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Disney's Aulani is a great place to treat your family to a memorable vacation. You can encounter Disney characters, swim in the protected lagoon, and have all the mickey-shaped shave ice that your heart desires. This is on the higher end of the spectrum, so I would reserve it for special occassions. The Ko'Olina area offers dining nearby and four different lagoons to choose from.
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The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
The aptly named "Pink Palace" is a wonderful place to stay if you want easy access to Waikiki beach. This historic property has an onsite pool, delicious dining, and is a great place to stay if you want to hunker down in Waikiki.
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
The Moana Surfriders is another historic property located steps from Waikiki beach. The rooms are well appointed and there are numerous shops and restaurants within easy walking distance.
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Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club
Located in Ko'Olina, this property is steps from the 4th lagoon (arguably our favorite). You can wake up in the morning and be at the beach within minutes. You can walk or drive to the nearby shops and restaurants.
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Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki will always have a place close to my heart. It's where my son started crawling! The rooms are spacious and there is so much to do onsite. Waikiki beach is steps away and this is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Waikiki.
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Play

Byodo-In Temple
Nestled behind the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, this non-practicing Buddhist temple is a replica of its sister temple in Japan. You can buy a bag of food to feed the fishes and birds for good karma. Our family loves to walk around the property and see how many animals we can spot. The giftshop onsite also has snacks and trinkets to bring home.
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Kualoa Ranch
There's so much to do at Kualoa Ranch. Older kids will be able to go horseback riding, while the younger kiddos can enjoy movie tours, beach tours, and spending time exploring the property. Our son is obsessed with Jurassic Park and said that the Jurassic Park tour was the highlight of our trip. Book early online to make sure there's room for your family.
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Lanikai Beach
Lanikai is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The white sand is oh-so soft and the surf is great for novice boogie boarders. Bring a picnic and make the day of it.
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Ko Olina Lagoon 4
This is hands-down one of my favorite beaches to take small children. The lagoon is protected with little-to-no waves. There isn't a ton of shade though, so come prepared with a pop-up tent or an umbrella for the littles.
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Waikīkī Beach
Waikiki Beach is a popular places for visitors as it offers smooth water (perfect for learning how to surf) and iconic views of Diamond Head crater. Some areas are incredibly shallow, allowing you to wade far out. The sand is soft and you're steps away from dining and shops.
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Eat

Matsumoto Shave Ice
Matsumoto's is one of my family's favorite shave ice places on the island. You have to visit when you're in Haleiwa. You can experienment with flavors but my go-to is the tropical with ice cream on the bottom. It's a 10/10.
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Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens
Enjoy a delicious meal with some of the best views of the ko'olau mountain range. Haleiwa Joe's is known for their humongous prime ribs but they also boast a great kid-friendly menu. Pro tip: They do not take reservations. Arrive 10-15 minutes before opening to make sure you get seated quickly. Ask for rail seating if you want an unobstructed view.
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Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua
3 words: guava chiffon pancakes. That's it. That's why I will always trek across the island to dine at Cinnamons. There's almost always a wait but the line moves quickly. The menu is extensive and you're sure to find something for even the pickiest eaters.
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Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
There are a few Monkeypod Kitchens on the island. The food is fresh and delicious and you can often find live music. My favorite is their signature mai tai with lilikoi foam!
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Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
It feels absolutely blasphemous to say this, but I think Ululani's shave ice is superior to Matsumoto's. The texture is so soft and smooth and the flavors are elite. Definitely try both and make your mind up for yourself!
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Zippy's Waiau
Zippy's is a local fast food chain where you can find sweet treats and diner-style menu items. Now, hear me out. Zippy's chili with rice and mac salad has a chokehold on me and I was ALWAYS stop at Zippy's while on the island. The menu is very kid-friendly and the baked goods are great!
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Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
Tanioka's is a local haunt that offers ono kine grindz like an assortment of musubi, poke, and more. We always make a stop while on the island. These bites are perfect to take to the beach.
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