Here are some of the best family activities near Aulani, the Disney resort, in Oahu.

Welcome to the beautiful island of Oahu! We are so happy to have you visiting our shores, and our beautiful West Coast. Your kids are so lucky that you brought them here ( #ParentOfTheYear ).

As lovely and fun as the Aulani is, sometimes it is necessary to hop off the resort and see some local action. So what to do? You may be far from the tourist hub of Waikiki, but there are plenty of family activities near Aulani that you can make the most of while you’re here. Here are our favorites!

1. Snorkel (Tour) Oahu

Yes, yes, YES you can take your kids snorkeling! As long as they are able to swim, this is a great option for the whole family! If there is one thing that the West Coast of Oahu has no lack of, it’s beautiful beaches. My personal favorite is Electric Beach, which is home to an artificial reef and a turtle car wash. It’s magical.

Hawaii Eco Divers hosts guided snorkeling tours all around the island, if you want an educated and trained guide!

If you are more of an independent adventurer, not a problem! On a separate blog post, we outlined the best beaches for snorkeling near Aulani (I know it says scuba diving, but they non-wreck dives are great for snorkeling too…although you could take your kids scuba diving if you wanted! But that’s another story.)

2. Luau’s – Of Course!

Hawaii is home to incredible, beautiful, and breathtaking luaus. Of course, the best ones are those that are historically accurate and educational – especially if you’re bringing the kiddos! Respect and honor the Hawaiian culture by enjoying this fabulous experience with authenticity.

Some of our favorite, educational luaus include Paradise Cove (0.4 miles away) and the Polynesian Cultural Center (40 miles away, but a really beautiful drive!). Both of these experiences include interactive and educational opportunities that everyone will have fun with!

3. Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is a fun and interaction activity about 30 minutes off the Aulani grounds. The space has loads of educational and fun activities. Read all about them on the Dole Plantation website. You and your kids can climb through mazes, ride trains, and learn fascinating history all while enjoying a delicious pineapple slushie. What’s not to love?

4. The Iolani Palace

I hear you, Pearl Harbor is an amazing show of modern history. But the Iolani Palace will tell you a much lesser known history. This is the history of the Nation of Hawaii, and the final years of their monarchy before becoming an American state. The palace is a beautiful reconstruction of the authentic palace as it was in the late 1800’s. You and your children will learn history they may never be told, and exactly in the place it happened!

This is a trek away, all the way in Honolulu. Don’t worry, Lyft and Uber are very popular on the island! You would be able to take those, or the public transit, into the city on any day.

No matter what you decided to do, you and your family will love your time on Oahu. Enjoy it to its fullest!