Family-friendly activities in Waikiki

The ultimate guide for a fun-filled stay at OUTRIGGER Waikiki

Waikiki is one of the best family vacation destinations in the world. Calm beaches, walkable attractions and hands-on cultural experiences make it easy to keep everyone smiling, from toddlers to teens. When you stay at an OUTRIGGER resort or hotel in Waikiki, many of the island’s best family-friendly activities are just steps from your room.

Here’s how to plan an unforgettable family vacation in Waikiki, with experiences designed for together time, discovery and pure island fun.

Start your day with views and fuel

Families staying in a club room or suite at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort or OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort can begin the morning at the Voyager 47 Club Lounge. Perched above Waikiki Beach, the lounge offers breakfast with sweeping ocean views, along with evening pupus and cocktails. It’s a relaxed way to start the day before heading out to explore.

Lounge on world-famous Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is ideal for families. The sand is soft, the water is warm and the waves are gentle enough for young swimmers. Set up for the morning, build sandcastles or float together in the shallows. If you want extra comfort, book a cabana at your resort pool or beach area and enjoy the shade.

Learn to surf together

Waikiki is one of the easiest places in the world to learn to surf. Families can book lessons with Faith Surf School or Gone Surfing, both offering instruction right on the beach. Friendly instructors start on land, then guide you into the water where long, rolling waves make it easier for beginners to stand up and ride.

For something truly unique, try outrigger canoe surfing. Paddle together as a team and catch a wave in a traditional Hawaiian canoe for an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and memorable.

Discover Hawaiian culture through hands-on activities

Each OUTRIGGER resort and hotel in Waikiki offers its own lineup of complimentary cultural activities. Led by local hosts, these experiences may include lei making, ukulele lessons or storytelling rooted in Hawaiian tradition. Kids love the creative, hands-on fun, while parents gain a deeper understanding of the place they’re visiting. Check with the front desk for the current schedule at your property.

Explore ocean life up close

Just a short walk from Waikiki Beach, the Waikiki Aquarium introduces families to colorful reef fish, coral ecosystems and native Hawaiian marine life. It’s an easy, educational stop that pairs perfectly with a beach day.

For a bigger ocean adventure, plan a snorkel trip to Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary where clear water and shallow reefs make it great for beginners.

Take in iconic Oahu landmarks

No family trip to Waikiki is complete without exploring Oahu’s most famous sights.

• Diamond Head Crater offers a family-friendly hike with panoramic views of Honolulu.

• Pearl Harbor provides a meaningful history lesson through memorials and exhibits.

• Honolulu Zoo, located near the beach, is an easy outing for younger kids.

Treat the kids and yourself

Stop by Duke’s Waikiki for a slice of the legendary Hula Pie, a macadamia nut ice cream dessert that generations of families rave about. For a morning pick-me-up or light lunch, Sunrise Shack serves tropical bowls, smoothies and bold bullet coffee.

End the day with music and fun

Evenings in Waikiki are lively and family friendly. Enjoy nightly live music at Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, where local musicians perform in an intimate setting. On Sundays, Duke’s on Sunday with Henry Kapono brings beachfront music and sunset views together.

Families can also catch a poolside movie every Saturday night at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel or enjoy live music and casual dining at Maui Brewing Co., the largest bar in Waikiki.

Why stay at an OUTRIGGER resort in Waikiki

Staying at an OUTRIGGER property puts your family steps from the beach, close to top attractions and surrounded by experiences designed for connection. From cultural programming and kids clubs to dining, live music and ocean adventures, everything you need for a seamless family vacation is right outside your door.

Book your next family vacation in Waikiki