INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Hawaii with kids on Oahu. Updated 2019.
Planning to visit Hawaii with kids?
So are we. (Again, for the third time.)
Roam the Gnome, the boys and I are heading back in early 2020 for a 10 day trip exploring the island of Oahu, visiting Honolulu, Waikiki and the North Shore.
We’ve booked a magical stay for four nights at the Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii.
(I’ll give you my secrets on how to book a family vacation at Disney Aulani on a budget soon!)
As usual, we’ll be taking notes, sharing stories about our favourite experiences, and making short films about the best places to visit in Hawaii with kids.
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HAWAII ITINERARY – OAHU WITH KIDS
Correct at time of publication. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars.
We’re starting to compile our Hawaii itinerary to make sure we soak up all the Hawaii goodness on our trip.
So far, we’re planning to visit:
- the Honolulu zoo
- the Waikiki aquarium
- Diamond Head crater
- Laniakea Beach (alt. Turtle Beach) on the north shore to see the Hawaiian sea turtles in their natural habitat
WHERE TO STAY IN HAWAII WITH KIDS
DISNEY Aulani is our pick of the best Hawaii hotels for kids but we are definitely biased.
Come back soon for more Hawaii hotel reviews, plus ideas for Hawaii packages, Hawaii vacation deals, the best all inclusive resorts Hawaii style, and the best Hawaii hotels for families.
SHOPPING IN HAWAII
No.1: Target
We’ll catch the bus to Target for more Ryan’s World toys (at Jack’s request)
No.2: Ross Dress for Less
I can’t resist this bargain clothes shop. Hoping to find some summery dresses for cheap.
No.3: Ala Moana Center
We plan to spend a day browsing the Ala Moana shopping mall visiting these shops.
- The DISNEY store
- GAP to pick up my favorite jeans!!!
- Barnes and Noble booksellers
- Aesop
- Old Navy
- See’s Candies
- Alex and Ani – hoping to find a Disney bracelet
- Bloomingdales and Nordstrom
- Kiehls
- the LEGO store
- Aloha Confectionery for sweet souvenirs
- Animation Magic
- Anthropologie homewares
- Hilo Hattie for Hawaii souvenirs, and the Honolulu coffee co to pick up more souvenirs from Hawaii
We are going to visit Flip Flop Workshop to make our own pair of fancy colored flip flop thongs!
I’m excited to explore the Shirokiya Japan Village walk inside Ala Moana, a replica of a traditional Japanese town with a food court, shopping alleys, and event square.
MORE SHOPPING IN HAWAII for kids
No.1: Waikiki Beach Walk retailers
More shops to browse along the Waikiki Beach Walk
No.2: Macy’s
The quintessential American department store is a fave and we can’t wait to visit this Hawaii outpost.
No.3: Royal Hawaiian Center
Our number one goal is to buy a fresh flower lei at Aunty Bella’s Lei stand at the Royal Hawaiian center.
No.4: International Marketplace
Shop for Hawaiian souvenirs here too.
EATING IN HAWAII WITH KIDS
Where to eat in Hawaii?
- eat dinner at the International Market Place while watching a traditional hula dance show
- enjoy dinner at the Cheesecake Factory
- try an original chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-A for the first time (if the first Chick-fil-A in Hawaii is open in time)
- eat shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice (it’s on Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa)
- experience a Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center (to kill two birds with one stone)
- eat dole whip at the Dole plantation
- Brug Hokkaido Bakery at Ala Moana
- Ala Moana food court – Cheeseburger factory, Cinnabon,
- Eggs and Things for delicious breakfasts (find one at AlaMoana shops, and also in Waikiki)
- We have to visit Jack in the Box for burgers, chicken strips and donut holes. Our Jack would have it no other way!
FUN THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII WITH KIDS
There’s a bucketload of family friendly activities on Oahu.
Take a look at what you can do in Hawaii for kids.
No.1: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Play all day at the Children’s Discovery Center Hawaii
If you are in Hawaii with toddlers, don’t miss it.
No.2: Wet n Wild Hawaii
Ride the slides at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii
No.3: Hawaii Circle Island Tour
Take a circle tour of the island
No.4: Lanai Cat Sanctuary Hawaii
Spend time with the cats at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary
ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS IN HAWAII
There’s lots of Hawaii museums to explore.
- Pacific Aviation Museum
- Polynesian Cultural center
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Reflect on history at Pearl Harbour National Park
- Tour the Iolani palace to see the home of the former King.
BEACHES IN HAWAII
Where to swim in Hawaii with kids?
We adore the calm waters of Waikiki for kids. It may be packed with tourists, but that doesn’t detract from our enjoyment of this special place.
- Swim in the calm turquoise waters of Waikiki beach
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay nature preserve
- Learn to long board at Waikiki beach
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii
We are working hard to find the answers to both our and your Hawaii questions including:
- is Spring Break a good time for visiting Hawaii with kids?
- What is the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii with kids?
- What are some fun things to do with children in Hawaii?
- What are the best travel deals to Hawaii?
- What tips would you have to travel to Hawaii?
- What are the best places to go in Hawaii?
Check back again soon!
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