VISITING Honolulu · The Gathering Place

Visiting Honolulu with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

If you’re staying in Waikīkī, the zoo and aquarium are a short walk apart along Kapiʻolani Park. The Children’s Discovery Center and the Bishop Museum are a short drive away.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1Waikīkī, by Kapiʻolani Park
Honolulu Zoo
Open daily 10 to 4.
See it in the guide
#2Kakaʻako, 111 Ohe St.
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Closed Mondays.
$15 eachUnder 1Indoor
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in Honolulu

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGHonolulu ZooOpens at 10 every day · Waikīkī, by Kapiʻolani Park
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPWaikīkī AquariumNext door along Kapiʻolani Park · Waikīkī, 2777 Kalakaua Ave. · $5 kids, $12 adults
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGHawaii Children’s Discovery CenterOpens at 10 on weekends · Kakaʻako, 111 Ohe St. · $15 per person
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPBishop MuseumOpen until 5 every day · Kalihi, 1525 Bernice St.
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

WKWaikīkī (Diamond Head end)Walking distance to the zoo and aquarium.Near Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium
KKKakaʻako and Ala MoanaClose to the Children’s Discovery Center.Near Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Getting around
Waikīkī is walkable, but you’ll want a car or TheBus for most other outings.
Parking
Zoo parking on Kapahulu Avenue is $1.50 an hour. The Waikīkī Shell lot on Monsarrat Avenue is free.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in Honolulu

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in HonoluluBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in HonoluluDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting Honolulu with toddlers: the FAQ

Is Honolulu kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Honolulu guide lists 5 places we checked for little kids, plus 1 free place and 3 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 1 library system. This week’s list has 16 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Honolulu and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay with a toddler?

The Diamond Head end of Waikīkī puts you near the zoo, the aquarium and Kapiʻolani Park.

What if it rains?

Try the Children’s Discovery Center, the Bishop Museum or a library storytime.

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