Our Family-Friendly Guide to San Diego
A Honolulu mom shares a kid-friendly itinerary for your winter or spring break trip to San Diego.
Author: Laura Dornbush
Live Theater Shows for Families This Fall on O‘ahu
Get your tickets for these kid-friendly stage shows before they sell out.
Mom Talk: Q&A with News Anchor Yunji de Nies
The TV personality from Hawai‘i Island shares how she strives for balance on and off the screen.
Mom Talk: Q&A With Pamela Strode of Strode Montessori
The founder of the first Montessori daycare and preschool on O‘ahu shares tips for a smooth back-to-school transition.
We Tried It: Hi Honey Farm Tour
Dress up as a beekeeper, hunt for the queen bee, watch newborn bees hatch, and taste 10+ local honeys at a lush farm on the North Shore.
Best Spots for a Family Picnic in Honolulu
Dine alfresco with your ‘ohana all year long at these idyllic picnic spots on O‘ahu.
Hawai‘i State Public Library System’s Summer Reading Challenge
Here’s all you need to know about the annual reading program and kick-off event, plus some insider advice from a librarian.
Mom Talk: Q&A With April Hail of Keiki Kaukau
This Hawai‘i-based toy tycoon shares how she finds balance and keeps the stress of mom life in perspective.
We Tried It: Summer Sunflower Event at Waimānalo Country Farms
Soak in the beauty of Hawai‘i, take cheerful Insta-worthy family photos and sip fresh-squeezed lemonade at this family-run farm in Waimānalo.
We Tried It: Bowling at Lucky Strike
Bowl, play and snack at this luxe, high-tech bowling alley, arcade and dining hot spot at Ala Moana Center.
9 Unique Local Treats and Gifts to Thank Our Teachers
Support local and show appreciation for our school teachers with these sweet surprises during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8–12.
We Tried It: HONOLULU Family Keiki Krafts Presented by City Mill
Get creative and hands-on at these free monthly keiki workshops that are fun for the whole family.
We Tried It: DIY Lei for Lei Day
What: DIY your own plumeria lei Who: Ideal for ages 4 and up. Our group included my 6-year-old son and our friends, sisters ages 4, 7 and 9. Where: Find plumeria blooms in your neighborhood or buy loose blooms from a…
Playgrounds With Swings on O‘ahu
We’ve got the scoop on the location of your keiki’s favorite playground attraction, albeit few and far between.
Outdoorsy Birthday Party Ideas on O‘ahu
We’ve rounded up four out-of-the-box, into-nature O‘ahu party venues for kids that will entertain your keiki while keeping it easy for parents.
We Tried It: Roller Skating at Kiha Public Skate
What: A roller skating class and open-skate session Who: A group of 6-year-old friends Where: A warehouse in Kapolei When: A Saturday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A fter…
Mom Talk: Q&A With Merchandise Maven Tiana Gamble
This girl mom and bikini boss dishes about how starting a side hustle turned into owning three thriving businesses.
We Tried It: The Magical Mystery Show! at Hilton Waikīkī Beach Hotel
Be dazzled and amazed by the world’s best magicians and learn a few tricks of your own at this Waikīkī parlor.
Girl Scout Cookie Season in Hawai‘i is Here!
Pre-order your favorite Thin Mints, Samoas, and Trefoils or find a cookie booth near you. Plus, you can try a brand-new cookie, too.
We Tried It: iTrampoline
Let your keiki bounce off the walls (literally) on 10,000 sq. ft. of trampolines at this larger-than-life jump and play space.
We Tried It: Ice Palace Hawai‘i
After 2.5 years, you can once again skate, glide and sip hot chocolate for a wintery outing right here on O‘ahu.
Best Local Hot Cocoa to Keep Keiki Cozy
A holiday must-have, hot chocolate takes on many fun forms at these spots across O‘ahu.
We Tried It: Backyard Adventures Exhibit at Bishop Museum
Dress up like a bug, try out animal night vision and play video games to investigate the science found all around your backyard.
Mom Talk: Q&A With Two Kailua Moms and Owners of Snow Bound Outfitters
These Canadian transplants and keiki gear experts help O‘ahu parents prep for snowy adventures.
We Tried It: Hōkūlani Imaginarium at Windward Community College
Blast off to space from this high-tech, immersive planetarium offering kid-friendly shows.
We Tried It: Storybook Station (with boys!)
Find out what two little boys thought about makeovers at this imagination wonderland at Windward Mall.
First Look: Hawai‘i Opera Theatre’s “The Secret Garden”
Introduce keiki to a new musical genre through a beloved children’s classic at Blaisdell Concert Hall.
4 Trending STEAM Birthday Parties on O‘ahu
Science- and math-themed celebrations, but make it fun (and easy on parents)!
5 Inspiring Places for Family Art Adventures in Honolulu
Amp up the excitement for art appreciation with these hands-on, larger-than-life outings across O‘ahu.
First Look: Jurassic Empire at Hawai‘i Convention Center
Meet more than 50 fierce dinosaurs, dig for fossils, ride on a T-Rex and don virtual reality googles to immerse yourself in a prehistoric era at this two-day-only exhibit.
Playground Guide: Wilson Community Park in Kāhala
With climbing nets and a futuristic-looking slide, here’s the perfect spot to unleash your keiki’s inner superhero.
How Small Explorers Can Discover Hawai‘i, the Big Island
Follow this family-friendly itinerary on Hawai‘i Island to leave a big impact on little travelers.
Best of HONOLULU 2022
From best Korean fried chicken to banh mi, the best way to get into pickleball to best beach blanket, we pulled together the top food, fitness, shopping, services and family-friendly picks.
We Tried It: Oreo Café at IT’SUGAR
Brace yourself for sugar highs to the max and whimsical fun at this Oreo-themed treat shop where everything is over the top.
Keiki-Friendly Kaua‘i: An Island-Hop Adventure on the Garden Isle
Follow this O‘ahu family’s jam-packed four-day itinerary exploring food, farms and fun towns.
Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Honolulu for June 23–29, 2022
Picnic in the park with the symphony, pick sweet summer corn, attend a concert in the company of wild animals and more!
Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Honolulu for May 26–June 1, 2022
Chee-hoo from the top of the Century Wheel, stargaze on a rooftop, eat poke, take your family to the movies and more!
We Tried It: MadSci Lab at Ala Moana Center
Make slime, learn to code and print a 3D creation at this community science discovery space at the O‘ahu mall.
4 Days on Maui: A Family Trip Itinerary
Follow a local mom’s guide for summer vacation fun on the Valley Isle.
Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Honolulu for April 28–May 4, 2022
Watch soaring daredevils, swim with mermaids, bust a move in a break dance contest and more!
Playground Guide: Pākī Community Park in Waikīkī
Swing to high heights at this shady park to enjoy Diamond Head views and catch a glimpse of giraffes peeking over the fence at the zoo.
We Tried It: Hawaiʻi-Made Sensory Subscription Kits
Keep keiki’s hands busy with soft and squishy surprises, cool crafts and superpowered STEM projects—all created by O‘ahu moms.
HONOLULU Family Easter Recipe: Easter Hot Cross Buns
Keep keiki’s hands busy by kneading, rolling and customizing these traditional treats.
We Tried It: Outdoor Parkour Class
Ninja warriors-in-the-making learn to focus and channel their energy at an outdoor mobile gym on O‘ahu.
Our Family Guide: Twilight Tours at the Honolulu Zoo
Feel like a zoo VIP with exclusive access, active animals and cooler temperatures at this after-hours program.
We Tried It: Horseback Riding at North Shore Stables
Learn the ins and outs of horsemanship and animal care at this new keiki-friendly outfit in Waialua.
Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Hawai‘i for Feb. 24–March 2, 2022
Sing like a Hawaiian animal, get your hands dirty in a lush valley, watch Moana set sail, zip through the darkness 40 feet above ground, and celebrate Malsasada Day.
Hawai‘i Family Restaurant Review: The Cutlery
A chic Kaimukī barbershop, bar and restaurant caters to kids with haircuts and cheddar grilled cheese.
Our Family Guide: Waimea Valley on O‘ahu
Explore a jungle, swim beneath a waterfall and get hands-on with some Hawaiian cultural activities.
