Best Free Family Sites To Visit In Honolulu Near Me

4worldlovers: Aloha and welcome to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation! We are responsible for the city parks all across the island of Oʻahu. From playgrounds to camp grounds, beach parks to botanical gardens, there is sure to be a facility near you. Enjoy a picnic at a regional park or lift some weights at a gym. Swim laps in a pool or ride the ramps at a skate park. It’s all yours!

4worldlovers: This tour showcases life and legacy of our last ruling King, who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” and was instrumental in the revitalization of Hawaiian culture during his reign in the late 1800s. The tour will feature historical accounts and personal items belonging to King Kalākaua to help guests better understand not only what Kalākaua achieved locally and globally, but how his tangible vision of ʻIolani Palace, continues to contribute to the Hawaiian way of life and his preservation of hula, history, and tradition.

Reproductions of the suit King Kalākaua wore at his coronation on February 12, 1883, and his masonic apron debuted at ʻIolani Palace on the king’s 185th birthday, Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Created by historic dress designer Iris Viacrusis, the Coronation Suit stands majestically in the Throne Room, while the Masonic Apron is on display in King’s Library on the second floor.

Garments worn by the alii seamlessly integrated Hawaiian culture into European style dress. The Fashion Fit for Royalty specialty tour highlights the wardrobe and jewelry of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. Visitors will experience royal fashion at the peak of Hawaii’s monarchy with a closer look at opulent gowns, elegant uniforms, and other precious objects that were worn at formal court occasions.

The Hawaii’s Royal Connection to Japan tour explores how the Hawaiian Kingdom established the relationship with the Asian nation, which continues to present day. This exclusive opportunity brings King Kalakaua’s 1881 journey to Japan to life. During this docent-led tour, guests will have access to restricted areas throughout the Palace for an up-close look at precious objects, learn about people in Kalakaua’s inner circle, and hear stories about the King’s efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the world stage.

During the White Glove Tour, guests will go beyond the stanchions during a private and intimate tour led by the Iolani Palace Historian. Get a closer look at many precious objects in the Throne Room, State Dining Room and King Kalakaua’s Library. Guests will hear stories of the monarchs and learn of their distinguished place in Hawaii’s history as well as their impact on the world. The tour concludes in the Palace attic where guests will slip on a keepsake pair of white gloves for the unique chance to view items in the Palace collection not on display to the general public. They’ll learn about the special care it takes to protect and preserve these precious cultural objects for future generations.

Take a never before seen tour of the Chamberlain’s office suite and other rooms with the new Chamberlain’s Tour. This specialty tour brings a new perspective of life at Iolani Palace through the eyes of the Royal Chamberlain and other members of the Palace staff. The Chamberlain answered directly to the King and Queen and his office revealed what it took to run the royal household. For the first time, guests will be able to step into the Chamberlain’s office and hear insightful and enchanting stories about the monarchs who once walked the halls.

Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom’s political and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and the only official royal residence in the United States, the Palace is one of the most recognizable buildings in Hawaii. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, Iolani Palace tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani walked the grand halls.

Just because our doors are closed doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the rich culture, history and insights of a Palace visit.

We encourage you to explore the Palace from a new perspective through our various digital resources.

Iolani Palace has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur, featuring original palace furnishings and artifacts that have been recovered, restored and replicated. Open to the public for guided tours, the first floor consists of the public reception areas – the Grand Hall, State Dining Room, Blue Room, and Throne Room – while the second floors showcase the private suites, including the King and Queen’s suites, Music Room, and the Imprisonment Room.

4worldlovers: Immerse yourself in Hawaiʻi’s rich culture and heritage at the premier natural and cultural history museum in the state.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Kāhuli Festival to celebrate the Year of the Kāhuli. This year’s festival theme will be focused on increasing capacity and building awareness.

Bishop Museum presents Playing With Light, an exhibit that combines LIGHT, a fundamental element in our everyday lives, and PLAY, a means to ignite the imagination, in this fun exploration into light technology. Come experience the exhibit before it opens to the public!


Kāhili Paʻa Lima are small hand-held kāhili that were carried by ali‘i or near them by special bearers in a display of respect.


In this two-full day workshop, Ola Ka No‘eau featured artist Kunāne Wooton will share insight on his woodworking process and wood inlay techniques and will guide you in making your own 3-4 foot board.

4worldlovers: Whether you're planning a visit for your family, birthday party, or a corporate function we’ve got special zoo experiences you’ll go wild over.

With your support so we can continue to make your zoo a place for laughing, learning and exploring for keiki, kupuna and everyone in between.

Mahalo for supporting the Honolulu Zoo. By becoming a member you're helping to support conservation efforts both here and around the world, enrichment for our animals, training for the Honolulu Zoo and Zoo Society staff, and so much more! Your kokua is greatly appreciated.

If you have further questions, please contact us at: membership@honzoosoc.org or by calling (808) 926-3191 ext. 153

4worldlovers: At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.


Learn how to make a reservation for the National Park Service facilitated USS Arizona Memorial Program with recreation.gov


Learn how to make a reservation for the National Park Service facilitated Ford Island Bus Tour with recreation.gov.


Using DNA & other technology, the remains of service members lost on the USS Oklahoma on Dec 7, 1941, are being identified & returned home.


Bags are not allowed at the park, but can be stored onsite. Find out more about our bag policy, medical concerns, and safety at the park.

4worldlovers:
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily – Last entry at 4:00pm. Gates Close at 6:00 pm


The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.


This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.


The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.


Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022) , plan accordingly.


The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

The park facilities on the crater floor of Diamond Head are fully accessible to those with disabilities. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Audio Tours Now Available! Click here to learn about our self-guided audio tour which focuses on the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery at Diamond Head.

The Division of State Parks constructed the Diamond Head interpretive kiosk in 2000 to provide visitor services and house exhibits about the history and resources of the crater. With visitors to the park exceeding 3,000 people per day, Diamond Head is one of the most popular and heavily visited destinations in the state. Visitors have been interested for years in purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia of their experience at the park. Through a collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks, the kiosk was renovated in 2014 to not only provide visitor services but offer a venue for purchasing items related to Diamond head. You may now purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise through PHP’s online store!

We now offer a docent program for those looking to volunteer at the park!

Be at least 18 years old (unless with parental permission, needs to sign liability form before working)

Be able to make the necessary time commitment. Most programs require at least a 3 or 6-month commitment.

To register as a volunteer or arrange a field trip please click here -> Volunteer Program

4worldlovers: Check out the exciting new stores and restaurants that are open and coming soon to Ala Moana Center.

Kama'aina can enjoy discounts throughout the Center at participating stores and restaurants.

Active military and veterans can enjoy exclusive savings throughout the Center in appreciation of their service.

Students and teachers with valid school IDs can score savings at select stores and restaurants throughout the Center.

Join us for a free hula show daily at 5pm on Centerstage!

Check out the Ala Moana Special Shopping & Dining Section in the Modern Luxury Hawai‘i magazine and read about the latest fashions, top trends, gift ideas and more!

The refreshing Hawaiian wind blows through Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping center. There are more than 350 shops and restaurants to explore, including multiple department stores, first-class boutiques and over 160 dining options. The center's retailers specialize in everything from casual wear to unique Hawaii surf gear and much more. Join us at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI for a shopping excursion in paradise, and don't forget to enjoy the hula performances.