There are so many things to wonderful things to do while you are in Oahu, Hawaii. There is the hopping area of Waikiki with shopping, dining, nightlife and of course the beach. You could spend your whole vacation right in this area. Or you could venture out and experience even more. But, what if you are with a whole group of people of all different ages. What are some good activities around the island of Oahu, Hawaii that everyone in your group of family or friends will enjoy? Read on and find out!
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center draws guest in and immerses them in the different cultures of the Polynesian Islands. You can wander through the villages of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. While you explore each village you can learn more about the culture through stories, hands-on workshops, dance, music, games and food.
Throughout the day you can learn a native dance, how to weave with leaves, or throw a spear. For those in your group who don’t want to be as active they can enjoy a listening to a talk about the history of the country, attend a marriage ceremony, watch a cooking demonstration, or sit and enjoy in the beautiful atmosphere. The whole area is very stroller and wheelchair friendly.
At night the Polynesian Cultural Center comes alive even more. The Ali’i Luau Buffet is a fun way to eat and enjoy a show. At the buffet, you will fill up on authentic Polynesian favorites. Then you will enjoy the family-friendly luau show. The audience participation brings some extra fun.
After this show, you can choose to attend the amazing Ha Breath of Life Show. It is truly an experience to behold with beautiful dancing, and music, exciting special effects, and heart-stopping, blazing, twirling fireknives.
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve
Kualoa Ranch is on the east side of the island of Oahu in a gorgeous tropical setting. The ranch is high up on the hillside with breathtaking views of the island and ocean. They strive to protect and enhance the land while providing recreational activities for guests. The tours provide Kualoa Ranch the opportunity to keep the land undeveloped for future generations.
Kualoa Ranch was the setting of parts of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World and of course, they have a tour to show you all the fun spots. They also have a tour of other famous Hollywood movie sights. They provide so many different ways to show you their beautiful land–jeep, ATV, horseback, electric mountain bike, bus, or zipline. And, if you don’t want to go on a tour then you can just have a delicious homecooked Hawaiian meal at Auntie Pat’s Cafe.
What makes Kualoa Ranch great for families is the wide variety of activities. Since they have so many different ways to tour there is something that will work for everyone. If you have family that are too young or don’t want all the bumping and jarring of the jeep or ATV tours they provide a nice bus option. Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Preserve is an excellent day trip activity for everyone to enjoy while you are vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Historic Sites
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the must-do Oahu activities. Through the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites you will get a fuller picture of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the military forces in the Pacific during WWII.
At the USS Arizona Memorial, you have the chance to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, December 7, 1941. For kids, there is a Junior Ranger program to help kids understand the significance of this memorial. There is also a movie and exhibits to enjoy.
Other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
In the area, but not run by the National Parks Service are some other historical sites that are very interesting. Tickets and transportation can be arranged at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
- Battleship Missouri Memorial–The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States. The Japanese signed their surrender onboard, ending WWII. They have tours or you can go at your own pace.
- USS Bowfin Submarine Museum–The USS Bowfin launched one year after the attack and was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. She is permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor and guests can take a tour through the submarine.
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum–This museum is housed in two hangars and the Ford Island Control Tower. The exhibits focus not only on the events of Pearl Harbor but also on the entire war in the Pacific. You will see a lot of aircraft used throughout the war, some even still have battle scars.
If you are traveling with very young children you can use a stroller in many places. The USS Missouri is stroller and wheelchair accessible. The USS Bowfin doesn’t allow children under 4 on the submarine, but they can enjoy the grounds while waiting for other family members to finish the tour (supervised of course).
If you have family members who aren’t as mobile there can be quite a bit of walking. They might want to stick to the USS Arizona and the hangar at the Aviation Museum with the exhibits (the hangar with more planes is fantastic but is pretty large). The USS Bowfin isn’t very large but the space is pretty cramped and the stairs are very steep. On the USS Missouri, they don’t have to visit every part. Just being on the battleship and seeing the scale is pretty awesome. There are elevators to some of the decks for wheelchair access.
There are so many different activities to choose while in Oahu, Hawaii. But these are such great ones that will appeal to just about everyone in your group of family or friends. You’re gonna love them!
Got questions about these or other Oahu activities? Contact me and let me get you some answers!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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