Finding the best restaurants in Oahu with kids isn’t terribly difficult because just about all of them are laid back and family friendly! It might be easier to make a list of “where not to take your kids” because it would be shorter!
Its hard to find a restaurant that isn’t open air, even in the resort district where the mall has giant Banyan trees growing in it!
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
- Had more than a coloring page for kids like a place space, outdoor area, or similar.
And because no one wants to drive across island for a single meal just to get the best restaurant in Oahu with kids if you don’t have to, I’ve divided the list up by location. Where some restaurants fall on the edge of a region, I included them in both lists.
Best Restaurants with Kids in Oahu By Location:
Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?
Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!
Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.
This is your one shot. Take it!
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Places to Eat with Kids 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
- Halewei Joe’s – North Shore
- Mekiko Cantina – Leeward
- Eggs & Things – Leeward
- Monkey Pod – Leeward
Best Restaurants with Kids in Oahu By Location
Honolulu/Waikiki
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
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 a food truck famous for its malasadas, a Portuguese doughnut. There are several locations. Please do yourself a favor and watch this IG Reel about it! Its a Hawaiian staple and tourist favorite.
- Food Truck
- Several locations
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
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 establishment has been around for 30 years! Their menu combines classic pancakes and crab cakes.
This a vegetarian option… if you need it. Nothing particularly kid friendly here unless you need this specialty!
North Shore
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
- Lanai (covered porch)
- Water views
- Green space to play – confined with shrubs
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.”
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 Haleweia.
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
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.
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
Best 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 find joy in chaos. The louder, the better!
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!
