8 Amazing Things to Do With Kids

Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis Adventures Submarine

Dive 100 Feet Deep in a Submarine

This isn’t your theme park Finding Nemo ride—it’s the real deal. Climb aboard the Atlantis XIV, the world’s largest hi-tech passenger submarine, and descend below the surface of Waikīkī’s clear waters. While you cruise the ocean bottom, spot sunken ships and airplanes, reef sharks, Hawaiian green sea turtles and maybe even a real “Nemo,” a.k.a. clownfish. From now through May 31, 2025, keiki ride free with each paying adult on afternoon dives.

$99 kama‘āina, Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Rd., (808) 973-9811, atlantisadventures.com, @atlantishawaii

SEE ALSO: 43 Amazing Things to Do

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Channel Your Inner Firefighter

At the Honolulu Fire Museum, free monthly tours are led by active firefighters on the third Saturday of each month. You’ll find out what a day is like for these community heroes, see historic fire engines (yes, they used to be red!) and learn important fire safety tips. A highlight of the experience is dressing up in the full uniform and tactical gear—coat, pants, helmet and all!

620 South St., (808) 723-7139, eventbrite.com, @honolulufiredepartment

Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley

Swim in a Waterfall

Explore cultural and natural wonders in the lush rainforest of Waimea Valley on the North Shore. Take a dip (safely) in the waterfall with lifejackets and lifeguards watching over you. Warning: the water is cold! Kids can also earn a Ho‘okipa Cultural Ambassador Certificate and pin by visiting three cultural sites—Hale Hō‘ike, Kauhale and Kahua Pā‘ani—in the valley. Admission is free for kama‘āina on Thursday afternoon, free keiki on Wednesdays and 50% off for kama‘āina on the third Sunday of the month.

$10 kama‘āina admission, $6 kama‘āina keiki ages 4–12, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., (808) 638-7766, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Learn to Play ‘Ukulele

Let your kids try a new hobby without any financial commitment! With your Hawai‘i public library card, borrow a brightly colored ‘ukulele for three weeks from your local branch. Then log in to ArtistWorks for free, virtual classes with master musicians to help you get the hang of it.

25 branches on O‘ahu, (808) 586-3500, librarieshawaii.org, @hsplshigov

Photo: Courtesy of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Fly a Fighter Jet Simulator

Future pilots can live out their Top Gun dreams at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. You and your wingman will take the controls of the Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulator located in an authentic World War II-era hangar. Engage in a virtual air battle where you’ll dodge, dip and even loop upside-down.

$20.99 kama‘āina adult admission, $10.99 kama‘āina child, plus $10.99 additional per person for the simulator, 319 Lexington Blvd., (808) 441-1000, pearlharboraviationmuseum.org, @pearharboraviationmuseum

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Hike to Keiki Cove

Stroll along the scenic coastline east of The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay to discover a pint-sized swimming hole perfect for kids. The protected cove offers calm water for dipping and soft white sand for building sandcastles. Expect a 7- to 12-minute walk each way from the public parking lot at Turtle Bay Resort (look for stalls marked “beach access”).

57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, turtlebayresort.com, @ritzcarltonoahuturtlebay

Photos: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Opera Theatre

Go Backstage at the Opera

Get a glimpse at what it takes to put on a professional production at Hawai‘i Opera Theatre’s Family Day. Try on costumes, play with props, go on a backstage tour and listen to opera singers perform. And it’s all free! Save the date for the next Family Day highlighting The Magic Flute on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Free, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., (808) 596-7372, hawaiiopera.org, @hawaiioperatheatre

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Athletics

Train With the Rainbow Warriors and Wāhine

Hone your sports skills with help from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa star athletes and renowned coaches at their summer camps and year-round workshops. Imagine sprinting to first base at the Les Murakami Stadium or making a three-pointer on the court in the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. Five-day summer camps and one-day workshops range from $35 to $300.

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, hawaiiathleticscamps.com, @hawaiiathletics