Top 9 Things To Do In Lanikai Beach with Kids - Tripping.com

The serene, calm environment of Lanikai Beach, Hawaii, is a popular vacation destination for families. Located just a half hour from Honolulu and Waikiki, Lanikai Beach features lush greenery and a slow pace for families seeking to spend time together and enjoy the beauty of the island. From beach parks with miles of powdery white sand to busy farmer’s markets with homegrown vegetables and fruits, Lanikai Beach offers families a slice of heaven without the crowded traffic found at larger Hawaiian islands. Enhance your next vacation with these nine activities to keep your little ones entertained and enthralled while in Lanikai Beach. There are also many Lanikai Beach vacation rentals to choose from.

1. Hike the Lanikai Pillboxes

If you have a family of nature enthusiasts, then hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Hike and Ka’iwa Ridge Trail should be at the top of your to-do list while vacationing in Hawaii. View Lanikai Beach from the steepest area, and enjoy seeing some of the area’s historical landmarks, as you’ll be greeted by concrete bunkers constructed between World War I and World War II at the top of the trail. In the distance, you and the kids should be able to see the Makapuu Lighthouse, the Koolau Mountains, and Chinaman’s Hat while hiking.

2. Visit the Kailua Farmers Market

When you need fresh, homegrown veggies and fruits for your meals, take the kids to the Kailua Farmers Market. Browse through the stands, greet the local vendors, and purchase everything from fresh produce to candied macadamia nuts. You can also grab some island coffee beans to enjoy on serene mornings when you’re relaxing on the balcony of your vacation rental. This farmer’s market also offers live music on select evenings and themed food throughout the week.

3. Kayak the Blue Waters

Spend a day splashing in the water with your little ones when you rent kayaks or canoes from Kailua Beach Adventures or We Go! Island Canoe. Have a tour guide help you and your kids navigate the waters, or get all the gear you need to go at it alone. These outfitters offer a complete line of snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking equipment along with the safety equipment you need to stay safe while on the water. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir of your trip on your way out.

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4. Trek Up to Maunawili Falls Trail

Prepare for a muddy adventure your kids will remember with a hike to Maunawili Falls Trail. This 2.5-mile trail may be muddy on the way, but it’s worth the trip, especially when you reach the deep pool and Maunawili Falls at the top of the mountain. Hiking boots are recommended for this hike that leads you through winding paths saturated with lush greenery.

5. Birdwatch at the Kawai Nui Marsh

See native birds and even the endangered Hawaiian stilt when exploring the 830 acres of Kawai Nui Marsh. These protected wetlands are the largest within Hawaii and house aquatic creatures and fish for your children to observe. Bike or walk the flat terrain, and enjoy viewing the turtles and ducks as they trek along with you as you explore this popular marsh.

6. Go Scuba Diving

When your family is seeking an underwater adventure, take a literal approach with a scuba diving excursion near your Lanikai Beach vacation rental. Rent all the equipment you need at Oahu Diving or Aaron’s Dive Shop. In addition to gear, you can sign up for instructional sessions, family diving workshops, and underwater adventures. Bring along a waterproof camera to capture the aquatic creatures and shipwrecked structures deep in the water.

7. Attend a Luau

A live concert and show are just what you need on those breezy evenings in Hawaii, and a luau delivers. Take the kids to Oahu for a gourmet meal, entertaining show, and interactive activities. Many luaus in the area offer dance lessons, exhibits with fire, and even a chance to get up on stage to take part in the performance. Chief’s Luau is one of the most popular attractions, but the area features several luaus, most of which are near vacation rental communities. Reserve tickets ahead of time to make sure you get a seat for the main event.

8. Spend a Day at Bellows Field Beach

Roam where blue waters and white powdery sand meet when you take the kids to Bellows Field Beach. While there, you can dip your toes in the water, build sandcastles, and search for sea critters and seashells. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beach, as there are multiple pavilions on-site. After lunch, get back into the water with your little ones.

9. Tour the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Learn more about eco-systems and Hawaiian marine life with a visit to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Oahu, just 30 minutes from your Lanikai Beach vacation rental. Located in the East Honolulu neighborhood, this nature preserve offers stunning views of the bay. With opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore the sandy beach and bay, your kids won’t want to leave this preserve. When you’ve had your fill of the hiking trails and the water adventures, stop by one of the food vendors or restaurants to wind down once the sun sets.