Family Night Out: 8 Things to Do on O‘ahu
Check out these excuses to stay up past bedtime.
When you pack up after a day at the beach, what’s next? Despite the misconception that there’s nothing to do for a family night in Hawai‘i (especially with kids in tow), we’re proving you wrong with this list of nocturnal delights that will enchant grown-ups and keiki alike. Whether you have sports enthusiasts, art aficionados or animal lovers in the family, get your glow on with these ideas for illuminated fun after sunset.
SEE ALSO: 40 Amazing Things to Do
Photo: Courtesy of ‘Aiea Bowl
Cosmic Bowling
This classic family activity gets a modern twist at ‘Aiea Bowl. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy all-day cosmic bowling with a video game-like scoring system, automatic bumpers and ramps for keiki, as well as bowling balls as light as 6 pounds. The vibe is electric with rainbow lights, Top 40 and K-pop music and vibrant wall art by local artists like Kamea Hadar. Fuel up with an order of Tasty Chicken and Lemon Crunch Cake from fan-favorite eatery The Alley Restaurant.
Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $60/hr/lane, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $45/hr/lane, Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $60/hr/lane, 10 p.m. to midnight $45/hr/lane, 99-115 ‘Aiea Heights Dr., ‘Aiea, (808) 488-6854, aieabowl.com, @aieabowl
Photo: Courtesy of Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i
Dive ’n’ Movie
Watch a family-favorite flick floating in Wet ’n’ Wild’s 400,000-gallon wave pool as the sun sets. Upcoming evening screenings include Wakanda Forever on Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. and Wish on March 16 at 5 p.m. Plus, take advantage of the late extended park hours on these dates so you can slip and slide under the stars.
Free with admission or 2024 Season Pass, Wet ’n’ Wild, 400 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei, (808) 674-9283, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Theater and Musicals: Winter Lineup
Photo: Courtesy of Cosmic Drive
Cosmic Golf
Think: a dark driving range with glowing golf balls and targets that sound off when you hit them. It’s the closest thing O‘ahu has to Top Golf, and families love the chill atmosphere with music, food trucks and even hot chocolate! Golf clubs are provided, and you keep score on your phone via an app. Formerly at Olomana Golf Links, Cosmic Drive has moved to Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club one weekend a month. The February dates are already sold out, but stay tuned for March availability and more later this year.
Cosmic Drive at Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club, 91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd., ‘Ewa Beach, (808) 427-3996, cosmicdrivehi.com, @cosmicdrivehi
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: The Best Mini Golf Courses for Families on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum After Hours
Plan to pau hana at the museum the second Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Feb. 9 event focuses on the featured exhibition Project Banaba by Katerina Teaiwa commemorating the history of Banaba Island, part of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean. Families will enjoy performances of traditional Kiribati dances as well as a new coloring book created by Mana Comics. As always, explore the galleries, catch a planetarium show and picnic on the Great Lawn with a variety of local food trucks.
$10 pre-sale online, $15 general admission, free with same-day museum admission and for Bishop Museum Members, $3 parking per vehicle, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, (808) 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Roller Skating
Disco fever is alive at Kiha Public Skate with retro-colored rental skates, dancing lights and groovy music on weekend afternoons and evenings (Sunday night skating is reserved for adults). First-timers can borrow “walkers” for balance assistance and join a learn-to-skate class on Saturdays at 3 p.m.
$10 per session, $5 for rental skates, 1057 Ōpakapaka St., Kapolei, (808) 682-5442, kihapublicskate.com, @official_kiha_public_skate
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Roller Skating at Kiha Public Skate
Gymnastics Open Gym
Cartwheel, jump and tumble at Hawai‘i Academy’s Fun Nights every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parents and keiki ages 6 and up can participate in mini lessons, explore the trampoline, balance beam and rings together and practice favorite tricks. Or opt to drop off your children and enjoy a much-needed date night!
$10/hr, 1314 Mo‘onui St., Kalihi, (808) 842-5642, hawaiiacademy.com
Photo: Credit Ham McAulton
Stargazing in Waikīkī
Count constellations, get giddy over double stars and spot Jupiter through a jumbo 7-ft. telescope on the rooftop of the International Market Place parking structure or Royal Hawaiian Center. An experienced local astronomer will guide you through the galaxies with facts, space stories, Polynesian legends and more. February highlights include seeing Orion and the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades star cluster and Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.
Free at the Royal Hawaiian Center, $30 per person at International Market Place, keiki under 5 free, Stargazers of Hawai‘i, (808) 291-6230, stargazersofhawaii.com, @stargazersofhawaii
SEE ALSO: 8 Things To Do in Waikīkī
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Twilight Tour at the Honolulu Zoo
Feel like a zoo VIP with exclusive access when the gates are closed, active animals and cooler temperatures during this 2-hour guided tour available on Saturday evenings. You’ll get to see animals eating dinner, learn about their nighttime rituals and spot species that normally hide during the day. But heads-up—the beloved keiki playground is off-limits during this tour!
$25 kama‘āina adult, $20 kama‘āina keiki 12 and under, keiki 2 and under free, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, (808) 926-3191, honoluluzoo.org, @thehonoluluzoo
SEE ALSO: Our Family Guide: Twilight Tours at the Honolulu Zoo
