Oahu Attractions

The husband of Bernice Pauahi Bishop (the last descendant of King Kamehameha) established the Bishop Museum and filled it with valuable Hawaiian artifacts. You'll marvel at the feathered royal cape of the King himself, portraits of the Hawaiian Monarchy and some of their personal effects, an authentic grass hut, royal jewelry, and a conch shell that's more than 600 years old. Devote at least two hours to this priceless collection of Hawaiian artifacts.

Open Wednesday through Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and December 25.

Sitting smack in the middle of Waikiki, The Honolulu Zoo benefits from balmy tropical weather perfect for exhibiting and breeding rare tropical birds. The winding paths are lush, and a great view of Diamond Head sits in the background. The zoo's 12-acre African Savanna is home to lions, tigers, hippos, black rhinos, crocodiles (seen through underwater glass), giraffes, and African land and water birds. A troop of chimpanzees keep kids and adults roaring with their antics. The orangutan habitat will introduce you to Rusti and his companion, Violet. (Rusti has a fascinating rescue story with a happily ever after ending. Be sure to ask.)

The zoo prides itself on its special programs such as Snooze in the Zoo, Breakfast with a Keeper and the Junior Zoo Keeper program. The Zoo Summer Concert Series occurs every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Kids love the Keiki ("children" in Hawaiian) Zoo. The kids can pet a bevvy of domestic animals including dwarf goats and potbellied pigs, give a pony a bubble bath, milk a cow, stand in the middle of a pond of Koi fish or giggle at the guinea pigs.

Best time to visit the zoo: early, when it first opens. The zoo is closed December 25. Rates: $12 per adult, $2 per kids ages 4 to 12. Kids ages 3 and under can enter for free.

Catch the Hula Show at Kuhio Beach Park, which runs along Kalakaua Avenue from Kaiulani to Kapahulu avenues.

This is a beautiful hour-long show, which takes place on a gorgeous beach at sunset in Oahu. Entertainment includes hula performances, Hawaiian music and torch lighting. Now this is living! Catch the show every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday night, weather permitting, at sunset (6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., depending on the season).

Visit the only royal palace on American soil -- and the sad site where Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch, was imprisoned as her reign came to an end. The palace was built in 1882, complete with modern conveniences like electricity and telephone lines. Don't miss the King and Queen's thrones, ornate bedrooms, and royal jewelry. Both the King and Queen were gifted musicians, and the Queen's most famous manuscript, Aloha Oe (which translates to "a fond farewell, until we meet again"), written in her own handwriting, lives on in the Iolani Palace. Both guided and self-guided tours are available, and reservations are required.

Open: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided tours take place every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. through 11:15 a.m.; self-guided audio tours take place from 11:45 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Guided tours cost $12 per person.

Families have different criteria for beach fun from, say, hard-core surfers. If you're hankering to see the mammoth waves on the North Shore or want to hear about the best scuba diving on the island, consult an Oahu guide like "Oahu Revealed" by Doughty and Friedman. The beaches included in our list parallel "parent criteria." How close are the bathrooms? Will the surf scare my kids? Is there food anywhere? Is there anything to entertain the kids besides me?

One extra aside, because we care: It's important to understand that Oahu is out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Even in the calmest of waters -- and even if the beach has a lifeguard -- never turn your back on the ocean or take your eyes away from your child. Sadly, there's a reason that Hawaii ranks at the top of the list for drownings in the U.S.

Ala Moana Beach Park
A reef protects the tranquil waters of this beautiful, wildly popular beach, creating an ideal place for families to make memories. Behind the beach is a giant lawn for frisbee, volleyball or just plain running around. Visit midweek or early in the day to avoid the crowds. There are lifeguards, rest rooms, showers, picnic areas and phones.

Kuhio Beach Park
This is a classic Hawaiian beach -- and it's perfect for families. Expect gentle water, beautiful sand and happy people. The beach offers lifeguards, rest rooms, showers, picnic areas, rental stands for beach chairs, snorkels and more.

Turtle Beach/Laniakea Beach
Turtles cruise in droves to this beach, where the locals, concerned for the honu's ("turtle" in Hawaiian) safety, have begun a "Show Turtles Aloha" campaign. You'll see red rope around a turtle, signifying that we should all give the honu a little breathing room and keep a respectful distance. Still, you'll be within mere feet of these gentle creatures. A visit here is truly the experience of a lifetime. (And the photos of your kids with the turtles make for unique holiday cards!)

Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach, possibly the most famous beach in the world, was once the playground for generations of Hawaiian royalty. Waikiki Beach is a paradise for extroverted people who love action. Here you'll find canoes, boats, body surfers, snorkelers, kids crunching through shave ice and maybe even a celeb or two. This is an insanely fun, wonderful beach.

Hanauma Bay
Trekking out early in the morning is a smart way to beat the midday crowd and be the first to get up close and personal with the bay's half-million super friendly fish. Take a short walk out to the edge of the reef and you'll find a naturally occurring "toilet bowl," where the water rushes in and out giving the people inside the "bowl" a thrilling ride. This is probably too rough for little kids, but it's a blast for teens and adults.

Food and equipment rental stands are also on site. Arrive early to find parking, as the number of visitors allowed per day is limited. Thursday evening lectures, Saturday morning field trips and Saturday night Hanauma Bay by Starlight events are held weekly.

Cost: $5; parking $1; mask, snorkel, and fin rental $6; tram from parking lot $1.50 round trip.

Open Wednesday through Monday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call for changing hours and conditions. Closed Tuesdays.

Ko Olina Resort Lagoons
On the west side of Oahu, the four crystal clear lagoons at the Ko Olina Resort are absolutely incredible for snorkeling. The kids will love the mild waters and brightly colored fish. And there's no need to be a guest at the resort to enjoy the sparkling waters.

Electric Beach
Electric Beach is located one mile west of Ko Olina Resort across from the electric plant outside of the Resort, is a little-known major draw for tropical fish fans. The hot water coming from the plant raises the ocean temp, creating a toasty playground for the fish.

Queen's Surf
This quiet stretch of beach has clear waters for viewing fish and turtles. The Queen's Surf isn't Hanauma Bay with its sheer numbers of fish, but it's a quiet, beautiful beach for viewing sea life.

Go back in time and visit the cultures of eight Polynesian islands. View authentic huts, elaborate dance performances, spear throwing shows, fishing and more. The sprawling center encourages interaction -- so you may find yourself playing drums, learning the hula or attempting to make music from poi balls. Many say that the center's luau is the absolute best on the island bar none. The Polynesian Center is located clear across Oahu from Waikiki in the small town of La'ie, but it's a worthwhile trek. The Center offers various packages, but ticket prices start at $45 per adult and $35 per child. Find special deals by ordering online.

In the last moment of peace in America, Oahu awoke on another beautiful Hawaiian morning. Some were driving to work (this being Sunday, plenty of military personnel reported to their posts); others were enjoying their first cup of coffee. And then the torpedoes rained down on Pearl Harbor, launching America into WW II. "December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy," said President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Don't miss this poignant piece of American history, on which people mourn the 2,402 who died on that fateful day.

Over 4,000 people a day visit the USS Arizona still in it's watery home, which is clearly visible from the memorial above. A 23-minute documentary film about the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor precedes a boat trip to the site. Your family will never forget the experience of standing on the Arizona Memorial and seeing the wall of names; it's particularly poignant to watch as visitors toss lei's into the water in memory of those who died.

To help your children understand the significance of the Pearl Harbor attack, learn together by reading aloud "A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor." This is appropriate for kids ages 12 and over and mature fifth graders.

Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1. Free. First-come, first-served. Expect some wait time on crowded days. Plan for a three-hour delay during summer months.

The USS Missouri Battleship, the very ship where the Japanese signed their surrender agreement, sits near the USS Arizona. The USS Bowfin, a naval submarine, is also located near the USS Arizona and is often referred to as the Pearl Harbor Avenger because it sunk 44 enemy ships. Both are open for daily tours and offer a rich glimpse into the power and might of the American Navy during WWII. (Kids ages 4 and under are not allowed on the submarine.)

This is a small aquarium that will keep the kids entertained. See over 3,000 marine animals including octopuses, clownfish, blue tangs (both better known as "Nemo" and "Dory"), a special octopus who, if in the mood, will perform by opening an available jar, sea jellies and more. The aquarium is located in Queen Kapiolani Park at the foot of beautiful Diamond Head.