5 Activity Ideas for the Family in Beautiful Oahu

Oahu is a beautiful place with crystal-clear waters and lush green hills. Whether you're visiting for the first time or are a long-time resident, finding outside activities that don't involve sitting on the beach all day can be challenging. The following are recommendations for exciting activities to do with your family in Oahu.

1. Learn To Sail an Outrigger Canoe

It's one of the oldest ways to move on water, but it's now an exciting activity for the whole family. You could start with a sailing lesson before renting a smaller outrigger canoe for a day's itinerary of exploring some of the island's best beaches. Some great places to try are Lanikai Beach, located on Oahu's southern shore, and Kalama Beach, located in the Kailua-Kona area.

2. Visit the Historical Sites of Waimea Valley

Many of Oahu's towns are in valleys, and Waimea Valley is a prime example. The valley is located near Kailua-Kona, and its main town is Kawaihae. There are several attractions in the valley itself, including churches, cemeteries, parks, and hiking trails. A popular hike is to the top of Mt. Ka'ala, which has a panoramic view of the valley.

3. Helicopter Rides

If you love the idea of seeing the island from above, try a helicopter ride in Waikiki. Many companies offer different flights around Oahu. Find one that fits your budget and will take you through the best places. Most of these flights are limited to 12 minutes, but they provide spectacular views of the island's most popular attractions.

4. Kites at Kailua-Kona

You can find dozens of kites flying in Kona, commonly flown on weekends and afternoons. The sky is filled with colorful images until nightfall when they all come crashing down to earth. To see these beautiful kites in flight, visit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held every fall.

5. Shop Local at the Farmers Market

The Fort Weaver Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon at Fort Weaver State Recreation Area. The market offers a wide variety of locally grown produce and products, including flowers, baked goods, jams and jellies, seafood, and more.

Other Alternatives

There are more activities that you can do with your family in Oahu. Some of the most interesting include:

Trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located near Hilo on the Big Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Oahu, and it features a variety of activities, including dancing lessons and cultural performances, in addition to its beautiful exhibits.

Visiting Pearl Harbor

Located just 26 miles northwest of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor was first settled by Japanese immigrants in 1893. Today, it's a place of national pride, and it's well worth taking your time in history. Be sure to stop at the USS Arizona Memorial for a quiet reflection on this tragic day in 1941.

Exploring the Island of Molokai

In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established on Molokai by an American company from Hawaii. Today, you can visit these historic plantations that bring back memories of days gone. You can also see the boundary of the formerly leper colony area outside Hilo.

Visiting Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a fantastic sight for many who visit Hawaii. Formed by the Wailua River, it's a beautiful spot to relax and take a break from the busyness of Oahu.

Hiking the Manoa Falls

The Manoa Falls hike is an easy but sometimes slippery one that can take around 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The destination is the beautiful Manoa Falls, which drops 224 feet over a moss-covered rock face.

Visiting the Waikiki Aquarium

One of the oldest aquariums in Hawaii, Waikiki Aquarium, was established in 1904 and is located along Kalakaua Avenue. Like most aquariums, it features exhibits that teach visitors about the ocean. To keep the experience exciting, explore other nearby activities, such as watching surfers or snorkeling at Waikiki Beach.

Arts Center of Hawaii

Located in Kailua-Kona, the Arts Center of Hawaii offers a variety of classes for both children and adults. They have painting programs for all ages, jewelry-making classes, and more. You must be six or older for children's classes, although some are available for younger kids.

Oahu is a great place to visit any time of the year. From surfing to snorkeling and scuba diving, there are tons of fun things to do with your family when visiting this Hawaiian island.