As Hawaii's first island developed for tourism, Oahu and its activities, sights and restaurants have learned to appeal to every member of the family.

For specific information on Family Travel Forum's best bets for activities in Oahu, read on! For general information on the Oahu Area and its attractions, visit the Hawai'i Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/464-2924).

Fun For the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7
Waimanalo, HI 96795
808/259-2500
This is Hawaii's only marine park, and it comes complete with sharks, eagle rays, thousands of reef fish, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea turtles. The kids should love the unusual variety of sea creatures, especially the Wolphin Kekaimalu -- the world's only cross between a dolphin and a whale -- and her baby Kawili.

Children's Discovery Center
111 Ohe Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808/524-5437
The Hawai'i Children's Discovery Center is a lively little universe of fun and knowledge for families. The 38,000-square-foot center has three floors of hands-on exhibits, as well as a wide-screen 360-degree theater.

Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808/971-7171
Visit the Zoo and your kids will get to see African lions, Indian elephants, and other exotic creatures (exotic for Hawaii, of course). Also, see some indigenous animals that are rare and quite intriguing to the eye. The zoo is a nice size for little ones who easily tire of walking around.

Fun For Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
11 Arizona Memorial Drive
Honolulu, HI 96818
808/423-1341
Children under age 4 are not allowed on this submarine, but it is quite interesting for older children. Climb aboard, and see what it is like to "live" in a real sub. The Bowfin Museum has many WWII-related artifacts which will catch the eye of any history buff in your family.

Surfing Lessons
Ask your hotel concierge to recommend a beginner's beach with smaller waves where your kids can learn how to surf. Each resort area has dozens of surf shops where you can purchase a lesson or two and rent the gear.

Fun For the Whole Family

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Oahu, Hawaii 96762
800-367-7060
The Polynesian Cultural Center is an excellent place for families looking to add some culture to their vacation.  PCC has entertained more than 34 million visitors since 1963, and does an incredible job of portraying a number of Polynesian cultures, those from the Central and South Pacific Ocean.  There are recreated villages, costumed villagers and incredible Polynesian food served at the Luau.  Special events every year highlight the Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and Maori cultures  Recently added is an incredible $3 million night show, “Ha, Breath of Life,” featuring more than 100 performers.

USS Arizona
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, HI 96818
808/422-0561
This moving memorial dedicated to the crew and battleship sunk by the Japanese during WWII should not be missed. The deck of the USS Arizona still lies under nearly 6 feet of water, and oil still spills from the engine room. Legend has it that the ship is weeping for its lost crew. The museum is equally powerful, creating a memorable experience for the whole family.

Waimea Falls Park
59-864 Kamehameha Highway
North Shore Waimea, Kauai, HI 96712
808/638-8511
Perfect for kids of all ages, and parents too - this park offers waterfalls, lush botanical gardens, cliff diving demonstrations, ancient Hawaiian hula performances, and kayaking. For your convenience, particularly if you have small children, take a narrated trolley ride through the park.

Kualoa Activity Club and Secret Island
49-560 Kamehameha Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744
808/237-8515
Whatever you don't find at Waimea Falls you will find here. Helicopter rides, snorkeling, jet skiing, horseback riding, and anything else you would ever want to do while in Hawaii. The Secret Island is where "Jurassic Park" was filmed, so be sure to check that out. The drawback -- all this fun is about two hours by car from Honolulu.

Family Restaurants

Jackie's Kitchen
Ala Moana Center, third floor
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu 96814
808/943-2426
Remember when Kung Fu movies were considered "chop sockey?" Well the art of martial arts filmmaking enjoys such popularity, that Hong Kong's "drunken master" Jackie Chan has taken his chop sockey recipes to his first restaurant in the US. In addition to clips from his action flicks on five big screens, lots of movie memorabilia, and a crash 'n burn soundtrack, Jackie's Kitchen turns out Asian favorites such as Shanghai Noon Noodles, Rush Hour Ribs and Twin Dragon Burgers on big family-style platters. Mr. Chan doesn't do his own stunts for nothing; he already owns and operates 40 other restaurants throughout Asia.

Oceanarium
Pacific Beach Hotel
2490 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
800/367-6060; 808/923-4511
Winner of Ilima's "Favorite Place to Take Out of Town Guests" award with good reason, this higher-priced but top value restaurant overlooks an indoor 280,000-gallon, three-story aquarium featuring 70 species of Indo-Pacific marinelife. You not only get a fish-eye view of the fish, but wait and feel your appetite grow when the hotel's specially trained divers enter the tank to feed your "neighbors." It's open daily from 6am to 10 pm and reservations are recommended (book your table to overlap with feeding times). Favorite meals include the prime rib and seafood buffet at supper and the bounteous Saturday and Sunday brunches.

Other favorites include the Zippy's chain for casual burgers and salads, and the buffet at the Outrigger Reef Hotel.