Finding the kid friendly restaurants in Oahu with kids isn’t terribly difficult because just about all of them are laid back and family friendly! With the casual island culture, it might be easier to make a list of “where not to take your kids” because it would be shorter!
Its not hard to find an place with open air dining, even the malls are open air with large Banyan trees!
The welcoming and friendly vibe of Hawaii extends to its restaurants and everyone is welcome. However, I did my best to vet out restaurants that were:
- Highly recommended in several resources like Facebook, Yelp & Google
- Have a kid friendly food options
- Open air dining options
And because no one wants to drive across island for a single meal even for kid friendly restaurants, I’ve divided the list up by location. Where some restaurants fall on the edge of a region, I included them in both lists.
Kid Friendly Resturants by location:
- Waikiki & Honolulu
- Central
- Windward
- North Shore
- Leeward
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Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Oahu
Its hard to find place in Oahu that’s not kid friendly. The entire island culture is laid back and family friendly. It would probably be easier to make a list of places not to take small children!
That being said, not all places to eat with kids are created equal. There’s varying levels of places for kids to play or toddle around. Most places to eat with kids in Oahu do not have a designated place space or playground. But many places have open green space, or contained patio seating that makes it easy for small kids to stretch their legs and for mom & dad to eat in peace.
Places with Kids Play Area Oahu
The truth is most places to eat with kids in Oahu do not have a designated place space or playground. But many places have open green space, or contained patio seating that makes it easy for small kids to stretch their legs and for mom & dad to eat in peace.
Here are some restaurants with open space:
- Eggs & Things – Honolulu
- Restaurant 604 – Central/Pearl Harbor
- Haleiwa Joe’s – North Shore
- Mekiko Cantina – Leeward
- Eggs & Things – Leeward
- Monkey Pod – Leeward
Best Restaurants with Kids in Oahu By Location
Kid Friendly Restuarants Waikiki & Honolulu
Famous for a reason! Named for a famous surfer, “Duke Kahanamoku grew up swimming, surfing, canoeing and bodysurfing. In 1929, Duke rode a monster wave for 1 1/8 miles at Waikiki, likely the longest ride in modern times.”
The back of the restaurant is open air. Its super crowded so there’s no play space for little legs, but it is easy access to walk on the beach if someone needs a break. Its also loud enough out there no one will notice extra noise 🙂
If you can’t get a reservation, go in person about 2 hours before you want to eat and you should get in! The Mai Tais and Hawaiian Tea are fabulous!
- Crowded, too crowded to let young kids roam
- Opens to beach
- Loud – in a good way
This location of Maui Brewing Co. is very convienent to the resorts of Waikiki. They have a large open air space on the second floor of the International Market, directly across the street from Duke’s.
Their food is several steps up from ‘bar food.’ Their burgers, chicken sandwhich and street tacos are all really good and fancy for a brewery. Keiki menu is great too!
- Large, open air space
- Several table games
Removed from the bustle of the more touristy areas, but still in the city, Nico’s is located on a working pier right next to the fish market. It would super cool to hit up the fish market early one day and then eat at Nico’s.
- Live Music
- Open Air
- On the pier – lots of boats to watch
This is one of my favorites because it actually has an outdoor space kids and play! Located right next to the Pearl Harbor Museum, its the only quality option for food in the area! On the water, with grassy areas to run and fall without getting hurt.
The atmosphere is super casual with lots of drink specials and views of Ford Island and the Arizona Memorial.
- Water views
- Grassy Area to play
There’s actually several locations of Honolulu Burger Company. They use “locally sourced beef, pork & produce served as creative burgers in a simple, counter-serve location.” There’s even a map of where the buns and beef are sourced from online!
This is a nostalgic restaurant frequented by locals and beach combers. They offer fast food faves like chili dogs but the plate lunch with an entree and two scoops of rice its famous form
Helena’s is far off the beaten path of the tourist area. It describes itself as a “pared-down restaurant specializing in local classics such as kalua pork, lomi salmon & ribs.” Its super casual.
- No outdoor area
This breakfast joint features extravagant pancakes. Think towers of whip cream and fresh fruit!
- Outdoor seating.
This bakery has several locations, and multiples in Honolulu alone. Its a “bakery & diner since 1950, popular for its breakfasts, comfort food & coco puffs.”
This is more upscale than most casual restaurants, with no outdoor options.
Central Oahu Kid Friendly Restaurants
Restaurant 604 – A must if you’re visiting Pearl Harbor
This is one of my favorites because it actually has an outdoor space kids and play! Located right next to the Pearl Harbor Museum, its the only quality option for food in the area! On the water, with grassy areas to run and fall without getting hurt.
The atmosphere is super casual with lots of drink specials and views of Ford Island and the Arizona Memorial.
Green World Coffee Farm – coffee bar
Not a restaurant at all, but there’s very little in central Oahu so I included it! This is the very center of Oahu!
Plantation Tavern focuses on Hawaiian food from local growers.
Windward
Cinnamon’s – Kailua (breakfast & lunch)
This local breakfast spot has been around for 30 years! Their menu combines classic pancakes and crab cakes. Kid friendly for their baked goods and traditional breakfast foods. Hours are limited closing by 2p.
Maui Brewing Co has a full menu of burgers, fries and pizza. The keiki/kids menu includes smaller versions and mac & cheese. They have open air seating, live music and its dog friendly! And of course they have a full line up of their beverages.
Easy ‘Que is a Hawaiian take on traditional barbecue. They have pork, chicken, and beef with sides like mac & cheese and coleslaw. Super casual in a cute, walkable part of Kailua with many small shops. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Nico’s Kailua
Just like the Nico’s Pier 38, this is the Kailua location.
Paia Fish House
Based in Maui, this fish house speicializes in fresh catches. Their Ono burger is amazing! They get their fish fresh daily at the market and serve until its gone!
This cafe opened in 1932 and is an iconic establishment. They serve food all day from counterservice breakfast and lunch and a table service dinner menu starting at 5pm
The location in Kailua Town (There are TWO! The Market by the beach is the original from 1932 and does not have much seating) has two lanais – the back one being fenced in, but not quite toddler proof. They serve bagels, sandwhichs, muffins and juices perfect for small kids.
Kalapawai Cafe & Deli at Kailua Beach as a nice market of local Hawaiian goods.
North Shore Kid Friendly Restaurants
The North Shore is even more relaxed and easy going. Most options are food trucks with free ranging chickens – always entertaining! When it comes to small kids and food trucks, you’re on high alert the whole time because there’s no containment. But with older kids that can be trusted not to wander off, these options are great!
Breakfast burritos, pulled pork & milkshakes round out the menu at this funky, counter-serve joint.
Located more inland than other Haleiwa options.
Just start typing “Hale…” in Google Maps and Joe’s will pop up! This is the epitome of what I’m looking for in terms of family restuarants when it comes to space. They have a green lawn overlooking water and boats with tents for shade.
Its very casual but the food is upscale! They focus on seafood with land options. Keiki (kids) menu includes hamburgers, coconut shrimp and grilled chicken!
This is less restaurant, more food stand. They offer custom acai bowls and smoothies. Perfect for taking lunch to the park!
They also have coffee 😀
Shave ice truck down the street from Haleiwa Joe’s! Do both at once! (check their times though!)
Haleiwa is known for its corral of food trucks and garlic shrimp. There are multiple options in a small area. Check out Oahufoodtrucks.org to get a list of who is where and when – all over island!
Highly rated trucks: Geste
- Outdoor
- Casual
- Chickens to play with!
Less a food truck, but definitely a stand. They do have outdoor seating with free ranging chickens.
- outdoor seating
- window service
The Beach House is a great stop for lunch. Its right accross from the water on two sides with easy parking. They have a free parking lot and there’s plenty of street parking. When there’s a wait, walk down to Surf N Sea.
The menu is upscale, but the atmosphere is casual.
- Open Air seating
- Lanai (covered porch)
- Water views – especially from the deck!
- Green space to play – confined with shrubs – probably the only one on Oahu!
Not far from Haleiwa Joe’s, Haleiwa Beach House is a “casual stop for surf ‘n’ turf, pupu platters, colorful cocktails & a terrace with a view.”
Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken is a local Hawaiian chain. This is a “Storied yellow food truck doling out broiled chicken & fruit smoothies with a tropical flair.” A converted old school bus on the complete opposite end of the North Shore from Haleiwa.
The original chocolate -haupia cream pie this bakery offers “pies, cakes, breads & pastries, plus hot sandwiches & plate lunches.”
Lunch options are everything from garlic shrimp to steak, chicken and mahi! Way more than a bakery.
Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill – large portions
This “Unpretentious outpost with modern styling for cocktails & a mix of local, Asian & American dishes” is good for older kids, but don’t try to sit down with an active toddler.
Think small quarters, and cocktails with bacon clipped to the glass! Great vibe, but maybe not for every age.
Leeward Kid Friendly Restaurants
The Leeward side of Oahu is the western side where the climate is more dry and arrid. This includes Ko Olina, Ewa Beach & Kapolei. This is where the man made lagoons of KoOlina and the Aulani Disney resort are located.
Started in 1932, this small town deli and cafe opened the Kapolei location in 2017. Its a great counterservice joint for breakfast and lunch – soups, salads, juices, coffee, baked goods, and pizzas.
They also have a great assortment of Hawaiian made goods from tees to trucker hats and baby gear!
This is a Mexican restaurant just over the H1 from the Ko’Olina lagoons and resorts. Kids and tacos, they go well together!
- Outdoor seating
- Grassy patch perfect for free roaming and play.
Just across the street from Mekiko, this strip mall breakfast joint features extravagant pancakes. Think towers of whip cream and fresh fruit!
- Outdoor seating.
Monkey Pod – Happy hour pizzas & mai this
Highly rated and raved about, Monkey pod is just across the H1 from Ko’Olina lagoons. “Farm-to-table eatery & bar for Hawaiian food, beer & cocktails, served in a casual space.”
- Outdoor dining
- Grassy play space for littles
Mina’s is a “chic hotel bar & eatery for modern takes on traditional Hawaiian seafood, plus tropical cocktails” located in the Four Seasons Hotel at Ko’Olina. They’re known for their Spam Can Cocktail
This is an upscale restaurant experience with lush patio tables and views of the ocean.
- Outdoor seating
- Ocean views
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Oahu With Kids Wrap Up
You’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere you can’t take kids. That would be a much shorter list.
If you have toddlers and preschoolers, its a bit more difficult because most outdoor areas aren’t confined for a safe place to roam. But it does exist or you just have to be diligent.
Outdoor eating options are everywhere. Most restaurants have lanai (covered porch) seating options, and shade.
Don’t be worried about noise. Enjoy your trip and make the most of it!
Did you eat at any of these? Please let me know!
More Resources for Traveling to Hawaii with Kids
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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