Home to the iconic Waikiki beach, Oahu is a tropical wonderland and paradise for families. It’s also a great place to get kids to try new tastes, as Mhairri Woodall recently discovered.
The picture-perfect island also offers a world-class dining scene, featuring everything from casual beachfront cafes to celebrity chef-run restaurants. Better still, most of the top culinary establishments are family friendly. From the laid-back historic North Shore, to the bustling metropolis of Honolulu, here are five family-friendly restaurants on Oahu that will impress every member of your party.
Kai Market, Sheraton Waikiki Resort, Oahu
Live entertainment and an over-the-top gourmet spread are hallmarks of Kai Market’s dinner buffet at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort.
Visit on a Thursday evening to experience the interactive oxtail soup station, as this hugely popular dish is a must try while on Oahu. The rich broth is perfectly prepared and presented with traditional toppings, including boiled peanuts, cilantro and chili.
Other favorites include Chinatown roasted duck, prime rib, Chinese steamed fresh fish, an assortment of poke and prawns served ‘shrimp-truck-style’.
Kids will enjoy plenty of savoury options as well as the build-your-own sundae station.
Beachhouse, Moana Surfrider, Waikiki
Sup by the shore at Moana Surfrider’s Beachhouse restaurant in Waikiki. Reserve your table in advance and request a window seat in the Victorian dining room to watch the morning surfers ride the waves.
If you’d prefer to sit al fresco, grab a table on the wraparound veranda that overlooks the hotel’s sprawling Indian banyan tree. Order a la carte or indulge in the impressive buffet spread.
Kids will love the array of fresh tropical fruit, pastries, pancakes and cereal, while adults will appreciate the omelette station and variety of savoury, sweet and Asian dishes.
After brunch, take some time to explore the historic property that was built to be Waikiki’s first hotel when it opened as the Moana in 1911.
Toa Lua, Waimea Falls, Oahu
If attending a luau tops your Oahu to do list, Toa in Waimea Valley is a brilliantly entertaining option for families.
Before the main event begins, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture through hands-on demonstrations, including coconut cutting, poi preparation and traditional games. Although it’s a simple spread when compared to some of Hawaii’s larger – more commercial – luaus, the buffet dinner of kalua pork and huli-huli chicken, is delicious.
After dinner, relax and enjoy the live music, vocal and dance performances celebrating Polynesian culture. The bonus? Tickets also include access to the park’s picturesque gardens and falls, so plan to arrive early to explore and swim.