Honolulu, Oahu Family Attractions

Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer families many adventure activities from casual to challenging, limited only by your interests. Adventures will take you from seashore to mountaintop and provide cultural and educational experiences as you discover and explore Hawaii’s capital city. The following are among the best adventures in Honolulu. Some require admission fees, while others are free.

Historic Hawaii

USS Arizona and USS Missouri Battleship Memorials

The memorial is built over the hull of the battleship USS Arizona Memorial, sunk on Dec. 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor plunging the United States into World War II. Free admission includes a film on the attack, museum tour and boat ride out to the memorial. With all that this major historical site has to offer, there is bound to be something that appeals to kids of all ages.

1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu. Tel. 808-422-0561. Hours of visitors center: daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.nps.gov/usar

Adjacent to the USS Arizona at Ford Island is the famed “Mighty Mo,” the battleship USS Missouri, which might be of particular interest to boys going through their war phase. The surrender of Japan took place on the Missouri’s deck on Sept. 2, 1945. Visitors tour the main deck, admiral’s cabin, command center, control deck, battle stations, crew quarters and get a close-up look at the Mighty Mo’s famed 16-inch gun turrets. Admission fees required.

Battleship Missouri Memorial, Historic Ford Island. Tel. 877-MIGHTYMO (877-644-4896). Admission: $16 for adults, $8 for children 4 to 12. Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.ussmissouri.org

‘Iolani Palace

The ‘Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Built by King Kalakaua in 1879, it was home to Hawaii’s monarchs until Queen Liliuokalani was deposed in 1893. The ‘Iolani Barracks on the palace grounds housed the royal guards. Visitors see the throne room, private quarters, and displays of royal regalia, crowns, jewelry and other memorabilia of Hawaii’s monarchy—this is best left for children over 5 to peruse. Admission fees and reservations required.

 

• The interior of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

blipsman

Corner of King and Richard streets, next to the Hawaii State Capitol Building. Tel. 808-522-0823 or 808-522-0832. Admission for the guided tour: $20 adults,$5 children 5 to 12 (no children under 5 years old allowed on guided tour); self-guided tour: $6 adults, $5 children, children under 5 are free. Hours: Tue. to Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.iolanipalace.org

Historic Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour

This tour covers Honolulu’s early historic buildings and sites near the downtown center, which includes the oldest wood-frame western-style house still standing in Hawaii. The buildings and displays depict early American missionary life in the 1820s. Nearby is Kawaiahao Church, built in 1842 of coral stone blocks, and is one of the first permanent churches in Hawaii. King Lunalilo’s Tomb is in front of the church. Along King Street are Honolulu Hale (city hall), ‘Iolani Palace and Aliiolani Hale, the judiciary building (once the home of King Kamehameha V), with a fine statue of King Kamehameha the Great on the front lawn.

On nearby Beretania Street is the Hawaii State Capitol Building and Washington Place, the former home of Queen Liliuokalani and now the official residence of Hawaii’s governor. While interesting for parents and young teens, the endless walking and architecture touring might become tiresome for younger kids. Hawaii Capitol Cultural District Walking Tours are offered on the second Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; $20 per person.

Mission Houses Museum, 553 S. King St. Tel. 808-531-0481. www.missionhouses.org

Bishop Museum

Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s renowned museum with various galleries and collections showcasing the culture and natural history of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. There are superb displays of early pre-European-contact Hawaiiana, artifacts from across the Pacific Islands and special programs that educate and inform on island culture and heritage. This is a great way to encourage your kids to learn about the culture of Hawaii—just be careful not to exceed the attention span of little ones who might get antsy and eager to go play on the beach. Admission fees apply.

 

• A statue of King Kamehameha the Great sits in front of the Aliiolani Hale, home of the Hawaii State Supreme Court.

John Penisten

1525 Bernice St. Tel. 808-847-3511. Admission: $15.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under. Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.bishopmuseum.org

Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

This somber memorial to America’s war dead overlooks numerous graves of military veterans in a beautiful setting inside a volcanic crater above Honolulu. The names of thousands missing in action are inscribed on large monuments. Although many kids might not necessarily jump at the thought of visiting a graveyard, older teens might appreciate the history of the site. Exhibits and displays detail many famous battles and operations of World War II in the Pacific. Free.

2177 Puowaina Drive. Tel. 808-532-3720. www.hawaiistateparks.org

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