Spending Easter Weekend in Waikiki

Easter on the beach in Waikiki

Waikiki on the island of Oahu is a family-friendly destination year-round, but there is something special about spending a holiday at the beach with your loved ones. From outdoor activities to traditional Hawaiian cultural events, Waikiki and the Honolulu area has something for everyone during the Easter holiday, which usually falls in early April. Check out these top family-friendly activities in Waikiki Beach during Easter to get a start on your vacation planning.

Enjoy a Family Easter brunch

Get all dressed up for Easter brunch in one of Waikiki’s upscale restaurants. Orchids offers casual elegance, with beautiful ocean views and amazing food. Or for a fresh and local focused menu, head to 100 Sails for an elevated brunch experience. Families in search of a more casual brunch will enjoy Tiki’s Bar & Grill or Cinnamons Waikiki.

Easter Egg Hunt, Crafts & More!

For a unique outing, head to Waimea Valley for a family Easter event, where there will be an outdoor brunch, an egg hunt, and crafts with Hawaiian flair. Head to Royal Hawaiian Center for an Easter celebration including free photos with the Easter Bunny. Local food growers Sun Farm Hawaii are also offering an egg hunt and tour of their working farm.

Learn about Hawaiian Culture

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to learn about traditional Hawaiian culture, as well as other Pacific islands. For history buffs, the Iolani Palace will be a delightful way to understand the history of the islands and the historic monarchy.

Experience a Luau

Have fun while learning about traditional Hawaiian culture during an entertaining night filled with food, music, dancing and games. For a classic luau experience, head to Paradise Cove, which is known to be one of the best on the island. For more of a variety show luau, Rock-A-Hula is a favorite among visitors.

Spend a Day on the Beach

Waikiki Beach can easily fill up a whole day with fun in the sun. Relax on the sand while admiring the view of the iconic Diamond Head, or play in the gentle waves. Waikiki is the perfect place to learn how to boogie board or surf, with lots of rental companies located right on the boardwalk. The pristine blue waters and white sandy beach in Waikiki also make a stunning backdrop for family pictures. 

See the Animals

Take time to explore the wide variety of exotic animals at the Honolulu Zoo, with guided tours and a petting zoo experience. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium to explore a mix of Hawaiian and tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and more. For a special Easter experience, head to Easter Extravaganza at Sea Life Park, where the kids can encounter marine animals while they hunt for eggs.

Visit the Dole plantation

This interactive museum showcases the history of Dole pineapples grown in Hawaii. Informational exhibits, a train tour and a garden maze are all part of what makes this one of the most popular stops for families visiting Oahu. And you can’t miss the plantation country store, offering a wide assortment of gifts, food and refreshments, including the famous Dole soft serve, worth a trip in itself!

Go for a Horseback Ride

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and escape to the North Shore of Oahu, where you can ride horses through the breathtaking scenery. A trail ride through Kualoa Ranch is perfect for kids 10 years and older, and transportation to and from Waikiki is included. 

Go for a Family Hike

Check out Diamond Head State Monument, where you can take a hike to the top of the iconic extinct volcano for some stunning views and a family-friendly adventure. A short drive from Waikiki, spend some time exploring the spectacular coral reef and abundance of wildlife found in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – snorkelers will have a field day.

Go Whale Watching

Hop on a boat tour departing from Waikiki Beach and experience close-up encounters with humpback whales. The best. time to see whales on Oahu is March-November, so Easter is a perfect time of year for this. Local favorite Star of Honolulu offers whale watching, as well as sunset cruises and Polynesian dinner shows.

With so much to do as a family in Waikiki during Easter time, it’s no wonder why families love to travel here this time of year! Whether your family is looking for an educational experience or just some relaxing fun together, there are plenty of activities to choose from. So get ready to make some lasting memories during Easter and book your Waikiki Beach vacation rental today!