![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Fun-family-activities-on-Oahu-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nClimb\u00a0Diamond Head State Monument<\/a><\/h3>\nThe views from the top of Diamond Head are breathtaking. If your kid uses Instagram, you can bet they\u2019ll share the photos of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific that they take up here. Diamond Head is the edge of a crater created by a volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago.<\/p>\n
The trail to the top is just under a mile long, and it’s not a hard hike, but it’s more than a stroll, too. If I can do it, anyone can, and there were people from a wide variety of abilities on the trail. It’s pretty uneven (not paved) and steep, ascending 560 feet. Early in the morning is a great time to go, because it is cooler and less crowded. Don\u2019t forget to take water with you.<\/p>\n
Ziplining<\/h3>\n
Trying something new as a family can be a fantastic bonding experience, and that’s exactly what we got at\u00a0CLIMBWorks Keana Farms<\/a>.\u00a0Kids must be 7 years old to zip solo, and all those participating must weigh under 270 pounds.<\/p>\nI have a fear of heights, and had never been ziplining before this trip. I’m glad that my teen saw me step out of my comfort zone, confront my fears and do something new and exciting.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/End7Bridge_gallery-1024x682-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOur group consisted of three families, all with teens. It’s definitely a popular family activity, and everyone agreed that it was a ton of fun.<\/p>\n
Hit the shrimp trucks & grab some shave ice, too!<\/h3>\n
If you’re on the North Shore for surfing or zip lining anyway, you won’t want to miss what will likely be the best shrimp you’ve ever had.\u00a0 Matsumoto Shave Ice<\/a> on the North Shore, an island favorite, is also delicious.<\/p>\n![\"Shave](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fullsizeoutput_23d2-1024x821.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSwim and stand under a waterfall at Waimea Falls<\/h3>\n
At Waimea Valley<\/a>, you wander through gardens and rain forest on a paved trail about three quarters of a mile and come to a beautiful 45-foot waterfall that cascades into a pond. Depending on conditions, which were fine the day we visits, you are welcome to swim in the pond (life jacket is required and I recommend bringing water shoes).<\/p>\nAlso, you can stand directly under the waterfall and you can even climb up a few of the rocks and jump in with the waterfall. I did it all (after zip lining, why not?), and it was exhilarating.<\/p>\n
![\"Waimea](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fullsizeoutput_1600-1024x1024.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nVisit Kualoa Ranch<\/a><\/h3>\nIf your tweens and teens loved the Jurassic Park films (and the Field Museum exhibit<\/a>), they will love the movie site tour at Kualoa Ranch, where \u201cJurassic Park,\u201d \u201cKong: Skull Island\u201d and many other movies and television shows like \u201cLost\u201d have been filmed. There are many different tours offered, some including ATV tours and horseback riding.<\/p>\nLearn to surf on the North Shore<\/h3>\n
Surfing is pretty synonymous with Hawaii, so why not give it a shot? One surf school that is great with beginners and offers family lessons is North Shore Surf Girls.<\/a>\u00a0The all-female surfing staff, many of whom are former champions in the sport, have a high success rate with almost every student making it up on their board in their first lesson.<\/p>\nGo\u00a0snorkeling<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019ve ever wondered what it\u2019s like to be inside an aquarium, head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve<\/a>. Located 10 miles east of Waikiki, is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. You can rent masks, fins and snorkels at the beach, or bring your own. Be on the look out for the humuhumu-nukunuku-a pua’a, the state fish of Hawaii and one that you may know how to pronounce if your kids were fans of \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d back in the day. Hanauma Bay is closed every Tuesday.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/snorkeling-in-oahu.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re on the leeward side of Oahu visiting Aulani, another option is the beaches of Ko Olina. Sea turtles often hang out at the beach at Paradise Cove. You can come face to face with them by snorkeling here (equipment rental is not available but you can buy some at the ABC store nearby) or just wave hello as they swim along the shore. Remember not to touch them, as that\u2019s prohibited by law.<\/p>\n
Take a ride on an outrigger canoe<\/h3>\n
Channel your inner Moana and see the island from a different perspective. We took a ride on one that left from the Aulani resort<\/a>, and it was spectacular. A pod of dolphins played all around the canoe and it was remarkable to see them so close. It’s possible I was a little more excited than my teen, but she still thought it was cool. (It’s possible I was a little over the top, but dolphins! They’re the best!)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fullsizeoutput_1610-1015x1024.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSpend some time on the beach<\/h3>\n
Hawaiian beaches are gorgeous, and there’s something to be said for taking sometime to enjoy them as a family. My daughter was happy to just be on the beach, and didn’t seem to mind that I was there with her. Those moments are pretty priceless.<\/p>\n
Visit Pearl Harbor<\/h3>\n
While this may not count as “fun,” it’s certainly meaningful and impactful. Reading about the attack on Pearl Harbor is one thing, but visiting the memorial in person gives teens a whole different perspective on this major event in U.S. history. That’s also true for adults.\u00a0We were all surprised by how much we took away from our trip to this hallowed site.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Pear-Harbor-USS-Arizona-Memorial.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are available 60 days in advance from recreation.gov<\/a> for $1.50. If you don\u2019t get tickets in advance, 1,300 free walk-in tickets are available daily at 7 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. They go quickly. There are also many tours available through providers. You can visit just the USS Arizona, or you can also tour the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum.<\/p>\nWhat fun family activities on Oahu would you add to the list?<\/p>\n
You May Also Like:<\/strong>\u00a0How the Luana Lounge at Aulani helps maximize your vacation time<\/a><\/p>\nPrior Post:\u00a0<\/strong>5 films for a Winter Olympics-themed family movie night<\/a><\/p>\nDon\u2019t miss a post! Please subscribe to Between Us Parents\u2019 completely safe, spam-free email list in the box in the top right corner of the page!<\/p>\n
Please like Between Us Parents on Facebook<\/a>. You can also find us on Pinterest<\/a> and\u00a0Twitter.<\/a><\/p>\n
I have a fear of heights, and had never been ziplining before this trip. I’m glad that my teen saw me step out of my comfort zone, confront my fears and do something new and exciting.<\/p>\n
Our group consisted of three families, all with teens. It’s definitely a popular family activity, and everyone agreed that it was a ton of fun.<\/p>\n If you’re on the North Shore for surfing or zip lining anyway, you won’t want to miss what will likely be the best shrimp you’ve ever had.\u00a0 Matsumoto Shave Ice<\/a> on the North Shore, an island favorite, is also delicious.<\/p>\n At Waimea Valley<\/a>, you wander through gardens and rain forest on a paved trail about three quarters of a mile and come to a beautiful 45-foot waterfall that cascades into a pond. Depending on conditions, which were fine the day we visits, you are welcome to swim in the pond (life jacket is required and I recommend bringing water shoes).<\/p>\n Also, you can stand directly under the waterfall and you can even climb up a few of the rocks and jump in with the waterfall. I did it all (after zip lining, why not?), and it was exhilarating.<\/p>\n If your tweens and teens loved the Jurassic Park films (and the Field Museum exhibit<\/a>), they will love the movie site tour at Kualoa Ranch, where \u201cJurassic Park,\u201d \u201cKong: Skull Island\u201d and many other movies and television shows like \u201cLost\u201d have been filmed. There are many different tours offered, some including ATV tours and horseback riding.<\/p>\n Surfing is pretty synonymous with Hawaii, so why not give it a shot? One surf school that is great with beginners and offers family lessons is North Shore Surf Girls.<\/a>\u00a0The all-female surfing staff, many of whom are former champions in the sport, have a high success rate with almost every student making it up on their board in their first lesson.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever wondered what it\u2019s like to be inside an aquarium, head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve<\/a>. Located 10 miles east of Waikiki, is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. You can rent masks, fins and snorkels at the beach, or bring your own. Be on the look out for the humuhumu-nukunuku-a pua’a, the state fish of Hawaii and one that you may know how to pronounce if your kids were fans of \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d back in the day. Hanauma Bay is closed every Tuesday.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on the leeward side of Oahu visiting Aulani, another option is the beaches of Ko Olina. Sea turtles often hang out at the beach at Paradise Cove. You can come face to face with them by snorkeling here (equipment rental is not available but you can buy some at the ABC store nearby) or just wave hello as they swim along the shore. Remember not to touch them, as that\u2019s prohibited by law.<\/p>\n Channel your inner Moana and see the island from a different perspective. We took a ride on one that left from the Aulani resort<\/a>, and it was spectacular. A pod of dolphins played all around the canoe and it was remarkable to see them so close. It’s possible I was a little more excited than my teen, but she still thought it was cool. (It’s possible I was a little over the top, but dolphins! They’re the best!)<\/p>\n Hawaiian beaches are gorgeous, and there’s something to be said for taking sometime to enjoy them as a family. My daughter was happy to just be on the beach, and didn’t seem to mind that I was there with her. Those moments are pretty priceless.<\/p>\n While this may not count as “fun,” it’s certainly meaningful and impactful. Reading about the attack on Pearl Harbor is one thing, but visiting the memorial in person gives teens a whole different perspective on this major event in U.S. history. That’s also true for adults.\u00a0We were all surprised by how much we took away from our trip to this hallowed site.<\/p>\n Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are available 60 days in advance from recreation.gov<\/a> for $1.50. If you don\u2019t get tickets in advance, 1,300 free walk-in tickets are available daily at 7 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. They go quickly. There are also many tours available through providers. You can visit just the USS Arizona, or you can also tour the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum.<\/p>\n What fun family activities on Oahu would you add to the list?<\/p>\n You May Also Like:<\/strong>\u00a0How the Luana Lounge at Aulani helps maximize your vacation time<\/a><\/p>\n Prior Post:\u00a0<\/strong>5 films for a Winter Olympics-themed family movie night<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a post! Please subscribe to Between Us Parents\u2019 completely safe, spam-free email list in the box in the top right corner of the page!<\/p>\n Please like Between Us Parents on Facebook<\/a>. You can also find us on Pinterest<\/a> and\u00a0Twitter.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nHit the shrimp trucks & grab some shave ice, too!<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nSwim and stand under a waterfall at Waimea Falls<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nVisit Kualoa Ranch<\/a><\/h3>\n
Learn to surf on the North Shore<\/h3>\n
Go\u00a0snorkeling<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nTake a ride on an outrigger canoe<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nSpend some time on the beach<\/h3>\n
Visit Pearl Harbor<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/betweenusparents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/9-Fun-Family-Activities-on-Oahu-614x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n