Family-Friendly Oʻahu: Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium

When planning a family trip to Oʻahu, parents often ask: What are the best things to do with kids in Waikīkī? Two must-see attractions are right in the heart of Honolulu — the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikīkī Aquarium. Both are walkable from most Waikīkī hotels, making them some of the most convenient and fun activities for keiki and parents alike.

Nestled at the edge of Kapiʻolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo in the United States founded by a monarch. Established on royal lands set aside by King Kalākaua, today it’s home to over 900 animals from around the world, along with unique species native to Hawaiʻi.

Why Families Love It:

• African Savanna: See zebras, giraffes, rhinos and lions in open-air habitats.

• Keiki Zoo: Hands-on fun where kids can pet goats, feed chickens and interact with farm animals.

• Family-Friendly Programs: Daily keeper talks and twilight tours offer interactive learning opportunities.

With stroller-friendly paths, shaded picnic areas and snack stands, the Honolulu Zoo is one of the top family-friendly Honolulu attractions where parents can relax while keiki explore.

Just a 10-minute walk from the zoo, the Waikīkī Aquarium immerses families in the colorful marine life of the Pacific. Opened in 1904, it’s the second-oldest public aquarium in the U.S. and specializes in showcasing Hawaiian reef ecosystems.

Highlights for Keiki:

• Living Coral Reefs: Stunning tanks filled with tropical fish found only in Hawaiʻi.

• Hawaiian Monk Seals: Watch endangered monk seals swim and play up close.

• Interactive Tide Pools: A keiki favorite — children can gently touch sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more.

Compact and air-conditioned, the aquarium is an especially good choice for families with toddlers who may tire easily.

• Do Both in One Day: Visit the Honolulu Zoo in the cooler morning, then head to the Waikīkī Aquarium in the afternoon.

• Pack Smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and reusable water bottles are essentials. Both spots have shaded areas for breaks and picnics.

• Easy Access: No car required — both attractions are walkable from most Waikīkī hotels, making them among the easiest things to do with kids in Waikīkī.

Why These Are Must-See Family Activities in Oʻahu

The Honolulu Zoo and the Waikīkī Aquarium are more than just attractions — they’re opportunities for kids to learn about wildlife on land and sea while having fun. Whether your keiki is feeding goats, spotting giraffes or marveling at Hawaiian monk seals, these stops deliver memories for the whole family.

For parents planning a trip, this duo belongs at the top of your list of best activities for families in Oʻahu. Convenient, educational and engaging, they prove that family-friendly Honolulu adventures can be both fun and easy.