Our Memories Exploring Oahu with a Baby

I am always grateful to live on such a beautiful island and to call Hawaii home. Exploring Oahu with a Baby has made beaches, hikes, and everyday adventures here feel even more meaningful and special.

These are some of my favorite memories as a new mom exploring Oahu with a baby. If you’re traveling to Oahu soon with your family, I hope our adventures can inspire you to make some memories of your own!

1. Newborn Photo Shoot at Sandy’s

We did a fun newborn family photo shoot at Sandy Beach when M was almost a month old. He was a big baby so not quite “newborn” vibes, but the photos turned out great and it was a lot of fun. I was pretty much gushing over how cute he was the entire time.

Sandy’s is a popular spot for photo shoots on Oahu, probably because of the great sunsets and dynamic beach setting. I love the mossy rocks, the tiny sand dunes, and the big waves. While it’s not a good swimming beach for kids or beginners due to the waves, it’s still a great beach to relax at (and take photos).

Getting sand on your newborn baby is nothing like watching your toddler eat sand. 😅 I remember trying to gently clean each tiny grain of sand off of him. It was a perfect “first beach day”.

2. Hiking at Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

When M was about 6 weeks old, I was ready for his first hike. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail immediately came to mind since it’s a paved trail; I knew it would be stroller friendly.

He didn’t quite make it all the way to the top before he started getting fussy, so we turned back early. But it was still a beautiful day for his first hike.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is perfect for panoramic island pictures, and sometimes you can even see whales during whale season. They seem to like to hang out around here. It’s also a great place to watch sunrise if you’re a morning person.

3. Ala Moana Park (Magic Island)

Magic Island at Ala Moana is another great spot for families and kids. There are paved paths, plenty of trees for shade, and great views.

At the end of the park is Magic Island Lagoon, a wonderful beach to swim at with your baby. It’s shallow and protected by a large seawall.

If you’re in Oahu on a Friday, Magic Island is the perfect place to watch the Friday night fireworks. You can get an unobstructed view, plus it’s far enough away that it’s not too loud for baby ears. M was awestruck the first time he saw the fireworks!

The only downside is it can be pretty crowded. On any given day, you’ll find people doing Zumba classes, wedding photos, and birthday parties (M’s first birthday party was here!) at Ala Moana Park. To avoid crowds, weekdays are better, and try to avoid leaving after sunset as it gets super congested.

4. First Costco Trip in Hawaii Kai

Don’t ask me why I felt the need to document M’s first trip to Costco, I just do, OK?

Did you know that the busiest Costco in the world is in Iwilei on Oahu? I avoid this Costco like the plague. Besides being too busy, it’s also not in a great area, and there was even a bomb threat there once.

We drive out to Hawaii Kai, even though it’s a bit further, for a better experience. The one in Kapolei is also fine if you’re staying near Ko Olina.

5. Camping at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on the windward side is easily one of my favorite spots on the island. You can even camp at one of 3 camping sites in this 400 acre park. It’s closed to the public after 4pm, so campers get the whole place to themselves!

I first went there with M and his grandparents when he was only a couple months old. I was still sore from my c-section, so a baby carrier was out of the question. As far as the trails go, I found out it’s not very stroller friendly unless you have one of those “off-roading” types.

Plus, the mosquitos were really bad on the small part of the trail that is paved. That’s why I’d recommend a baby carrier to truly enjoy the trails (and don’t forget the bug spray!).

If you’re not into hiking, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a great place for a scenic drive or a serene picnic. I always feel at peace with nature when I’m there.

6. Experiencing the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie

The Polynesian Cultural Center was more fun than I expected! I think it’s a great pick for families, and I had a good time with M when he was 2 months old, but I think it would be even better when he is older.

There are a ton of performances and activities to participate in, and we had to step out a couple times to soothe our little one. That being said, he lasted for a half day plus lunch, so we were happy. I look forward to going back soon!

7. Walking around Lyon Arboretum in Mānoa

The Lyon Arboretum is a seriously underrated 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden in Mānoa. This is another park that is not very stroller friendly. The first time we visited, B ended up carrying the stroller while I carried M.

However, do not let that stop you from visiting. The park is simply gorgeous, and with a baby carrier, it’s a great place for families with babies. Again, don’t forget the bug spray! Last time I visited the gift shop, they sold natural DEET-free bug spray in case you forget.

8. Hiking at Koko Crater Botanical Garden

This time we did not even attempt the stroller – we knew in advance that this was not a stroller friendly activity. I used the Tush Baby carrier for this hike, which ended up being a mistake. The Tush Baby is not an ergonomic carrier, and it caused me a lot of back pain. After this hike, I bought an Ergobaby carrier that I liked much better.

Luckily, I didn’t feel the pain until later, so the actual hike was extremely enjoyable! The best time to go is when the plumerias are blooming, which peaks in summer. Just be aware that it can get hot! Thankfully, there are ample opportunities to rest in the shade.

9. Looking for Fish at Waikīkī Aquarium

We first visited the Waikīkī Aquarium when M was about 4 months old and he was NOT interested LOL. In fact, it wasn’t until about a year later that he started showing interest.

So, if you’re visiting Oahu with a baby, I’d recommend skipping the aquarium. I have a season pass now, because it’s a “get the toddler out of the house” activity, but it’s honestly the smallest and least impressive aquarium I’ve ever been to.

10. Hiking at Mānoa Falls

Mānoa Falls is one of the best hikes for families on Oahu. It’s an easy hike with a big payoff (150 ft waterfall!) Every time I go, I always see lots of families with kids.

It used to be very muddy, but they’ve put rocks on the trail to make it safer. At around 9 months old, M loved doing hikes in his Ergobaby carrier, usually full of giggles!

There are some bugs on this trail, so bring bug spray. You’ll also have to pay a small fee for parking.

11. ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas

For M’s first Christmas, we went to ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas at the convention center. I remember it being pretty expensive, like more expensive than TeamLabs in Japan but not as cool. That’s not to say that I didn’t have fun.

12. Sailing to the Kaneohe Sandbar

Sailing is my favorite thing to do in Hawaii. While I won’t be taking him on an interisland sail quite yet, M has been on quite a few cruises. We even anchored overnight at the sandbar for his first ever sail. Since then, he’s been on an Army Duck Boat ride in the Dells and whale watching in Maui.

So don’t be scared to take your baby on a boat! Just make sure you have a Coast Guard approved life vest that fits.

13. Crawling around the Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is the perfect activity for pre-walking babies. Parents can enjoy themselves.

It’s a bit more hectic with toddlers, but still manageable. The museum has lots of open air spaces and safe areas for babies to crawl around.

14. Kids City

Kids City is one of those huge overstimulating indoor playgrounds for kids. We have been to both Keiki Kingdom and Kids City. Kids City feels a little calmer and cleaner while Keiki Kingdom is usually loud. If your kid is anything like mine, you can pay $20 to watch them put plastic balls into a tube for one hour.

It’s definitely a great place for kids birthday parties or if you’re just trying to kill time and wear out your kiddos before a flight.

15. Petting the Goats at the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo has become one of my favorite things to do with M. When he was only a few months old, he wasn’t very interested in anything, and he couldn’t really see the animals. But unlike the aquarium, the zoo is actually enjoyable for parents even if your little one doesn’t get it yet.

Most of the zoo is in the sun, so it usually gets hot. Bring water and hats.

We have a season pass now. They have a great playground right outside the keiki zoo. We usually end there after petting the goats! It’s 100% stroller friendly, and the parking is cheap.

16. Walking around Foster Botanical Garden

The Foster Botanical Garden probably won’t make any top lists of things to do on Oahu for tourists. But, if you’re looking for a hidden escape from the city, this is a good spot. There are some stairs and uneven paths, so not 100% stroller friendly but definitely doable.

17. Going Down Slides at Wet n Wild Waterpark in Kapolei

I used to think, “why would you need a waterpark in Hawaii when you have the ocean?”. But now I get it. Slides are fun. We have the season pass for Wet n Wild because it’s fun for the whole family. As a bonus, the food there is actually pretty decent.

18. Feeding Goats at Sweet Land Farm in Waialua

While not as nice as the goat farm on Maui, visiting Sweet Land Farm with M was super fun. Goats are M’s favorite animal, so of course we had to take him on a goat farm tour! There’s a lot of talking at the beginning of the tour, but you eventually get to visit all the goats and even feed them as well!

After the tour you can purchase fresh goat cheese and crackers to enjoy. I highly recommend this farm tour to families with children of all ages. Parents will have fun too!

Thanks for the Memories, Oahu

I am so grateful for each and every one of these experiences, and I can’t wait for what comes next. Watching little ones grow up on the island and exploring together is the best!

If you’re visiting Oahu soon and are wondering what to do on Oahu with a baby, I hope you have some ideas now. Mahalo!