The Ultimate Weekend on Oʻahu for Families
Bookmark these spots to create a memorable family weekend in the Gathering Place.
Known as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu boasts enough gorgeous beaches, picturesque hiking trails, award-winning restaurants and world-class museums to please everyone in your ʻohana. But with all of its thrilling activities, it’s difficult to narrow down what to do in a single weekend.
Here’s what it takes to create an exciting weekend on Oʻahu with your family.
Where to Stay:
Located about 27 miles west of Waikīkī in Ko ʻOlina, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is a popular choice among families for a weekend getaway. Here, you’ll feel the essence of Disney, from waffles and shave ice shaped like Mickey Mouse to ʻukulele versions of classic Disney songs. Plus, with three sprawling swimming pools, epic waterslides and multiple restaurants, you don’t even have to be a Disney fan to enjoy your stay.
If you’re looking to stay closer to town, Hilton Hawaiian Village sits on 22 acres in Waikīkī and boasts five pools and a waterslide—a rare find in this area. And with its convenient location, you’re never too far from the exciting activities of Hawai‘i’s visitor hub.
Friday Night
Watch a Fireworks Show
Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a fireworks show every Friday evening—and it’s become a Waikīkī tradition.
Photo: Getty Images/Naomi Rahim
Since 1988, Hilton Hawaiian Village has hosted a fireworks show every Friday evening—and by now it’s become a Waikīkī tradition. If you’re staying at the resort, there’s a few ways to watch the show. You can book an oceanfront stay in the Rainbow Tower for a front-row seat without having to leave your room. You can also watch the show from Bali Oceanfront, the resort’s signature restaurant, or attend the resort’s lūʻau on the Great Lawn and watch the sun go down from there. But no matter where you stay in Waikīkī, you can find a sandy spot on the beach to watch the fireworks lighting up the night sky.
READ MORE: The Best Places to Watch the Friday Fireworks Show in Waikīkī
Saturday Morning
Grab Breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things
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Whether you’re a traditionalist or love a sweet treat in the morning, Eggs ‘n Things has your family covered for breakfast. Here, you can fuel up on satisfying omelets and hearty breakfast burritos as well as mochi waffles and French toast made with Hawaiian sweet bread. Kids also have plenty to choose from: Keiki menu options range from fried rice and loco mocos to pancakes. You can visit Eggs ‘n Things in Waikīkī, Ko ʻOlina and Ala Moana.
Hit the Beach and Learn to Surf
Known as the birthplace of surfing, Waikīkī is a great place to learn to surf.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
With typically calm conditions throughout the year, lifeguards on watch and shops right across the street, Waikīkī Beach is a great spot to set up camp for the morning.
Known as the birthplace of surfing, it’s also a fitting place to learn to surf, with plenty of surf instructors to choose from. If you’ve never set foot on a surfboard, you might want to check out professional surfer and Oʻahu local Jamie O’Brien, who recently opened his School of Surf, which introduces beginners to the sport. Or you can catch waves with the whole family, in a canoe. Waikīkī Beach Services has been offering canoe surfing rides since 1955.
Saturday Afternoon
For Lunch, Make it a Picnic
Musubi is a popular lunch for local kids and a great meal to take to the beach or a park.
Photo: Grace Maeda
Musubi is a staple lunch for local kids and the easy meal takes some stress off of parents. Musubi Café Iyasume has three convenient locations in Waikīkī. You can pick up musubi to enjoy at the beach or set up a picnic at nearby Kapiʻolani Park.
Learn How Chocolate is Made
This charming family-run farm offers guided tours to teach guests how cacao is cultivated.
Photo: Alexander Deedy
Photo: Alexander Deedy
After a morning in Waikīki, venture to Oʻahu’s Windward Side to learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar at 21 Degrees Estate. The charming family-run farm offers guided tours to teach guests how cacao is cultivated. With chocolate and honey tastings, it’s a sweet activity for kids.
47-546 D Māpele Place, Kāneʻohe, 21degreesestate.com
READ MORE: Visit This Charming Cacao Farm in Windward Oʻahu
Saturday Evening
Feast at a Lūʻau
Aulani, A Disney Resort, hosts an exciting lūʻau that’s entertaining for kids and adults. Prior to dining, kids can participate in cultural activities including kapa printing, poi pounding and bracelet making. For dinner, guests can feast on all the lūʻau favorites like kālua pig, poi and haupia. Then just sit back and enjoy the show. The enchanting production features fascinating legends about the area and ancient Hawaiʻi.
92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive, Kapolei, disneyaulani.com/activities/luau
Saturday Morning
Get Lost in a Pineapple Maze
Dole Plantation’s pineapple garden maze stretches 3 acres with nearly 2.5 miles of walking paths.
Photo: Courtesy of Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation’s pineapple garden maze is one of the few permanent botanical mazes in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. (It was declared the world’s largest maze in 2008 but no longer holds the title.) The labyrinth of tropical flora stretches 3 acres with nearly 2.5 miles of walking paths. After navigating your way out of the maze, reward yourself with a refreshing Dole Soft Serve.
While you’re at Dole Plantation, you can also hop on the Pineapple Express Train Tour or take the Plantation Garden Tour to learn about the history of pineapple in the Islands.
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawā, doleplantation.com
