With the large variety of experiences for children on Oahu, both parents and kids are able to enjoy their own vacations. From surfing lessons to learning about Oahu’s rich cultural history at world-class museums, there are exciting offers that were especially created with kids in mind. With mom and dad around or not, these fun-filled programs will be sure to keep the kids entertained. Below are some highlights of activities designed exclusively for kids.
The Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo offers several exciting “day camps” allowing children of various ages to explore the many aspects of the zoo and its animals. The camps engage keiki using games, crafts, discussions, walk-abouts and technology, appropriate to each age group. With a changing weekly schedule, children can explore a variety of topics from animal anatomy to the methods of scientific research in studying animals.
(808) 971-7171 or www.honoluluzoo.org
Sea Life Park Hawaii
Ever wondered what it’s like to be an animal trainer? With a paying adult, kids 8 to 12 can feed and snorkel with stingrays; hug, kiss and watch a dolphin perform tricks; get up-close to adorable penguins and sea lions; and have the exclusive opportunity to see a wholphin, a hybrid cross between a whale and a dolphin.
(808) 259-2500 or www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
Dolphin Quest
Daily Dolphin Quest programs at the Kahala Hotel & Resort offer an array of activities with dolphin education as the focal point. Each child is provided an opportunity to interact with these amazing animals in the comfort of the shallow waters through touching, feeding, and game playing. Other educational programs are available through Dolphin Quest.
(808) 739-8918 or www.dolphinquest.com
Waikiki Aquarium
Whether by day or night, inside or outside, the Waikiki Aquarium makes learning about the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific fun and exciting. The Waikiki Aquarium offers a variety of classes and programs including nighttime excursions.
(808) 923-9741 or www.waikikiaquarium.org
Honolulu Museum of Art
Hawaii’s premier art institution brings parents and children together with dedicated art classes. The special courses allows preschool-age children and their parents take on projects in painting, printmaking, clay and more. All supplies are included with the class.
(808) 532-8700 or www.honolulumuseum.org
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument has created the Keiki Ranger Activity Book (for ages 3-6) and Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt (for ages 7-12). The activity books, which can be downloaded online, allow children to make meaningful connections to history and what happened that fateful day on December 7, 1941. Upon completion of the activity book, an official Junior Ranger Badge is awarded.
(808) 422-3300 or www.nps.gov/valr/
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center encourages children to explore, discover, imagine, and dream. It provides a world-class environment that is interactive, participatory, and designed to inspire children to reach new heights of learning and discovery.
(808) 524-KIDS or www.discoverycenterhwaii.org
Dole Plantation
At the Dole Plantation, families can learn about Oahu’s agricultural history and contemporary landscape through exciting and educational activities. Ride the Pineapple Express, a vintage-style train that takes guests through working agricultural lands with spectacular views. Then, spend the rest of the day tackling the Pineapple Garden Maze, a more than two-acre botanical maze named the largest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records.
(808) 621-8408 or www.dole-plantation.com
Hawaii Nature Center
The Hawaii Nature Center is a resource center to help people of all ages to appreciate and respect the outdoors. It provides locals and visitors with opportunities to connect with Hawaii’s unique natural environment through hands-on, educational programs, and is especially dedicated to educating children.
(808) 955-0100 or www.hawaiinaturecenter.org
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii offers a variety of age-appropriate slides and attractions, making it the perfect place to enjoy safe, secure and extreme fun under the sun. The park, which is located in the city of Kapolei, about 30 minutes from Waikiki, is Hawaii’s only water park.
(808) 674-9283 or www.wetnwildhawaii.com
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoomaluhia is a 400 acre botanical garden that features rare and endangered plants from Hawaii, Polynesia, Malaysia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The garden offers a wealth of environmental experiences and educational programs that families will enjoy, including a 32 acre lake, walking trails, picnic areas, onsite campground, crafts, cloud-watching, and other activities.
(808) 522-7060 or www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg.html
Hotels & Resorts Children’s Programs
Aston Hotels & Resorts Hawaii – “Stay, Play, & Eat Free”
The new Aston Hotels & Resorts’ Kids – “Stay, Play & Eat Free” program offers children ages 12 and under free activities, meals and merchandise (when accompanied by a paying adult) to top family attractions, restaurants and Hawaii retailers. All families with children 12 and under will receive an “Aston Aloha Book” upon arrival. Participating vendors include the USS Bowfin Submarine, Hilo Hattie, and more.
(877) 997-6667 or www.astonhotels.com
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel – Camp Hyatt
Camp Hyatt offers a variety of activities to keep your keiki busy while having loads of fun. Campers explore island flora, fauna, culture and geography both on property and on field trips to the Waikiki Aquarium or Honolulu Zoo.
(808) 923-1234 or www.waikiki.hyatt.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village – Camp Penguin
Hilton Hawaiian Village’s year-round children’s program, Camp Penguin, is offered daily for keiki, ages 5 to 12. Once children register, they can experience educational and recreational activities, all with a Hawaiian focus. Activities include arts, crafts, nature walks, wildlife feedings, fishing, and visits to Bishop Museum, Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo.
(808) 949-4321 or www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
The Kahala Hotel and Resort – The Kahala Keiki Club
The Keiki Club at the Kahala Hotel and Resort takes advantage of the area’s natural wonders and Hawaii’s unique customs to provide an education and entertaining program for kids ages 5 to 12. Full-day or half-day program options are available and include activities such as hula dancing, snorkeling, lei making, crabbing, bamboo pole fishing and more.
(808) 739-8888 or www.kahalaresort.com
Resource
Hawaii Tourism Authority / Oahu Visitor's Bureau / July 1, 2015
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