Best of HONOLULU Family 2024
From a bakery for keiki treats to party entertainment, cat café to luxe picnics, we pulled together the top places to play, shop, eat, learn and more for the whole ‘ohana.
PLAY
— BEST! —
Play Space/Attraction: Indoor
(Reader Pick)
After taking over the former Foodland on South Beretania Street last year, Keiki Kingdom transformed the space into a childhood dreamland, and word quickly spread among parents and kids. The hot attractions include a “sandbox” of multicolor beads, a wickedly fast drop-slide, a foam cannon and a cute critter carousel. The technicolor playground has continued to awe and impress by adding new-to-the-market thrills, including a cotton candy vending machine that swirls custom shapes and a life-size human claw machine. Our readers love that staff members take cleaning seriously and are even trained in CPR and first aid. Bottom line: It’s the perfect activity for rainy days and is guaranteed to tucker out even the most high-energy kiddos.
1460 S. Beretania St., (808) 515-3454, keikikingdom.com, @keikikingdom
— BEST! —
Public Playground
Pākī Community Park is an oasis nestled under several massive monkeypod trees at the edge of Kapi‘olani Park, with views of Lē‘ahi. A favorite of parents and kids alike, you’re likely to meet new friends at the always busy park. Families feel at home here, enjoying picnics, flying kites and even hosting birthday parties with bounce houses on the large lawn. Attractions include a play structure and four highly coveted swings. If you swing high enough, you might just catch a glimpse of giraffes peeking over the fence at the Honolulu Zoo.
3503 Lē‘ahi Ave.
— BEST! —
Cat Café
If your kids have been wanting a pet, but you’re not ready to add another family member, head to Cat Café Moff. The Japanese company has three locations on O‘ahu (Ala Moana Center, International Market Place and Pearlridge) where you can cuddle and interact with exotic breeds, including Persians, Scottish folds, British shorthairs and ragdolls. Unlike other cat cafés that offer adoption, these felines are permanent residents of the café. A cute perk at the newest location at Ala Moana is beverages adorned with adorable cat latte art.
Multiple locations, moff-usa.com
— BEST! —
Place to Experience Cultural Activities
(Reader Pick)
It’s easy to see why our readers selected Bishop Museum in this category with its continuously rotating exhibitions, planetarium shows and pop-up programming. There’s always something new, educational and entertaining at the museum. Families particularly enjoy the monthly After Hours event, with hands-on keiki activities and live performances. The kids can run and play on the Great Lawn while you enjoy a picnic with food from local vendors.
1525 Bernice St., (808) 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
SHOP
— BEST! —
Kid-Centric Shopping Center
Ka Makana Ali‘i in West O‘ahu is home to family-friendly eats, movie theaters, a toy store, arcades and more. Highlights include a drift racing center where kids can play out the Mario Kart video game in real life; the My Slime Playroom, where they can make custom ooze; and a soft-serve ice cream bar that mixes in favorite cereals. We love the open-air architectural design of the mall, which allows for sun time. Tip: Join the Makana Kids Club to receive invitations to exclusive events with fun games, activities and crafts for keiki under 10 years old.
91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, (808) 628-4800, kamakanaalii.com, @kamakanaalii
— BEST! —
Shop for Budding Readers
Fans of the annual Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i pop-up book sale don’t have to wait to snatch fresh reading material. Since 2021, Village Books & Music at Ward Centre has featured a selection of more than 1,000 used books; CDs; DVDs; video games; comics; and even Pogs, the popular milk cap game from the 1990s. Head to the store’s back corner for a surprisingly large selection of keiki books. Be prepared to hunt the shelves, and with patience, you’ll be rewarded. The fun part is you never know what you’re going to find—a nostalgic children’s classic, a fan-favorite young adult series or the latest graphic novel (think: Dog Man). Be sure to check back often as the inventory is restocked daily. We love the affordable prices, too (most kids books cost $1–$3). And the best part? All sales support Hawai‘i’s 51 public libraries.
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 536-4174, friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org, @hawaiilibraryfriends
— BEST! —
Boutique for Cool Kids
Up & Riding is a surf and skate shop focused on kids. It sells everything keiki need for fun under the sun whether that means surfing, skateboarding or hanging out at the beach. The staff is knowledgeable about kid-sized equipment and can fit them properly for boards, helmets and wetsuits. Find popular brands like Quiksilver, Roxy and Billabong, along with local designer apparel by Alikaleo Park, Coco Moon Hawai‘i, Of One Sea, Olitas The Brand and more. It’s also our go-to spot for keiki gifts, from puzzles to water bottles to books.
Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 447-9987, @upandriding
EAT
— BEST! —
Food Truck Worth Chasing Around the Island
Mahalo to Moloka‘i Hot Bread for bringing luscious loaves of the Friendly Isle’s legendary Kanemitsu Bakery to O‘ahu. In fact, the truck is most likely coming to a neighborhood near you. Check the calendar posted online to discover its daily whereabouts. The food truck’s steady lineup of customers is proof that we can’t get enough of these pillowy, 1-pound plain boules ($8) made with the same recipe since 1935. You can also order the bread stuffed with fillings, like the fan-favorite strawberry cream cheese, ube cheesecake or cinnamon butter, all $15. Online ordering is also available, with pickup near the airport. DoorDash and Uber Eats will also deliver the bread.
— BEST! —
Restaurant for the Whole Family
Dining at Nico’s Pier 38 is a breeze with kids in tow, and it’s dog-friendly, too. Enjoy fresh fish sourced from the Honolulu Fish Auction in a casual alfresco setting. There’s also a kids menu with nonseafood options, including cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and buttered pasta. The whole family can enjoy the daily live music and watch the fishing boats docked nearby. For a date night, head to the second floor to Nico’s sister restaurant Upstairs at Pier 38, where you can indulge in seafood and steak prepared using chef Nico Chaize’s rustic French techniques.
1129 N. Nimitz Highway, (808) 540-1377, nicospier38.com, @nicospier38
— BEST! —
Bakery for Keiki Treats
(Reader Pick)
Everyone in the family has a go-to favorite at Liliha Bakery. Whether yours is the signature Coco Puff, chewy Poi Mochi Donut or melt-in-your-mouth Chantilly Cake, the iconic sweets are not just a must-have at potlucks and celebrations, but a tradition cherished through generations. With more than 150 types of pastries, pies and breads at its five locations, the bakery has been satisfying O‘ahu’s sweet tooth since 1950. In fact, some bakers have been there for 40 years using the same from-scratch recipes with local flavors like guava, haupia and liliko‘i. Keiki favorites include the rainbow cake, oversized cupcakes piled high with frosting and decorated sugar cookies. And yes, they can even add your child’s favorite Paw Patrol or Pokémon character to a custom birthday cake.
Multiple locations, lilihabakery.com, @lilihabakery
LEARN
— BEST! —
Performing Arts Education
For decades, Honolulu Theatre for Youth has shared its deep love of drama with keiki through multiple touchpoints: a packed season of public performances and school trips to Tenney Theatre, resources and professional development for teachers, workshops led by top-notch instructors and a popular summer camp program. What’s particularly noteworthy is how HTY reflects Hawai‘i in its storytelling. “The productions highlight all the wonderful cultures that make up our Islands, and it’s awesome for kids to be able to see themselves reflected on the stage,” says Yunji de Nies, an HTY board member and mom of two.
229 Queen Emma Square, (808) 839-9885, htyweb.org, @honolulutheatreforyouth
— BEST! —
Community Center for Families
With a water park, gym, game room, classes, worship services and even a preschool, there’s something for everyone in the family at Kroc Center Hawai‘i. The membership-based community center is the largest of its kind in Hawai‘i and offers programming and resources for all generations, from keiki to kūpuna. Sign up for a hula class, join the Scrabble club or enroll your kids in swim lessons. Plus, the babysitting service allows parents time to try a new hobby, enjoy a workout or attend an educational seminar. Another bonus: ample parking.
91-3257 Kualaka‘i Parkway, ‘Ewa Beach, (808) 682-5505, kroccenterhawaii.org, @kroccenterhi
— BEST! —
Tutoring
(Reader Pick)
Our readers have voted Tutor Doctor Hawai‘i as their favorite for the past three years. Parents rave about the results, while students love their teachers. The learning center at Mānoa Marketplace specializes in one-on-one academic support, private school readiness programs and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) camps during school breaks. “Our mission is to help every student build confidence and succeed in the classroom and beyond, all while having fun,” says Judi Yagi, the center’s managing partner.
2752 Woodlawn Drive, 5-204A, (808) 439-6777, tutordoctorhawaii.com, @tutor_doctor_hi
— BEST! —
Place to Play Drums
Percussion runs in the family at Chuck James Music School. Founder Chuck James started a drum studio in the 1970s, which grew into a music school offering instruction on piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, voice and more. Now his son, Justin, heads up the company, which has four locations on O‘ahu: at Stadium Mall and in Kaimukī, Wahiawā and Waipahu. We love the affordable flat rate of $40 per lesson and the transparent teacher profiles posted online.
Multiple locations, chuckjamesmusicschool.com, @chuckjamesmusicschool
SERVICES
— BEST! —
Party Entertainment
Party planning can be daunting, so consider leaving it up to Magical Touch Hawai‘i, whose owner, Noomi Pollak Lipetz, a mom of three daughters, knows how to make birthday dreams come true. “I love planning and organizing and have a strong passion towards making people happy and satisfied,” she says. She founded the company in 2014, and now offers various services, including balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, henna, glitter and airbrush tattoos, caricature drawings and more. Online reviews have commended the company for its quick responses, ability to book last-minute events and overall professionalism.
(808) 688-4555, partyentertainment-hawaii.com, @magicaltouchhawaii
— BEST! —
Party Treats
Doreen Rodrigues brings the darling to bridal showers, baby lūa‘u, birthday parties, teacher gifts—you name it. She’s the talk of the town (and a viral sensation on Instagram) for her custom-dipped and decorated Oreos. Launched in 2020, Dipped by Doreen has expanded its offerings to include hot cocoa cups, cake pops, crispy rice cereal treats and pretzel rods. “After my business of 30 years flopped during COVID, I needed something to keep me busy and happy,” she says. “Now, I get to be part of my customers’ celebrations and make them smile.” Follow her on Instagram to find out what she’s dipping next and to place a custom order.
— BEST! —
Family Florist
What started as a mom-and-pop business in 1946 has grown into Watanabe Floral, Hawai‘i’s largest retail florist. It is our community’s go-to for life celebrations, including Mother’s Day arrangements, graduation lei and seasonal flowers. You may have even received a rose from Watanabe Floral while racing in the Great Aloha Run, a tradition that started more than 15 years ago. Kids especially love visiting the showroom to admire the latest over-the-top seasonal display, as well as feel a blast of cold as they enter the walk-in refrigerator packed with precious blooms.
1618 N. Nimitz Highway, (808) 832-9360, watanabefloral.com, @watanabefloral
— BEST! —
Luxe Keiki Picnics
Wesley Sargent takes kids birthday parties and adds some chic. Her business, Wesley Sargent Designs, launched in 2020, back when the safest places to gather were outdoors. Since then, she’s been crafting special spaces for outdoor celebrations. Choose from various party themes—tea, arts and crafts, slime or superhero—and she’ll handle the supplies and super cute setup. Imagine a whimsical fairy garden or an adventurous pirate cove complete with canvas tents, bohemian throw pillows and balloon garlands. “Each party is thoughtfully designed to inspire, entertain and create lasting memories,” Sargent says.
REST OF THE BEST
Play
Best Amusement Center
Winner: Kids City Hawai‘i
Multiple locations, kidscityhawaii.com, @kidscityhawaii
Finalist: Dave & Buster’s
1030 Auahi St., (808) 589-2215, daveandbusters.com, @dnbhonolulu
Best Annual Pass Value
Winner: Wet ’N’ Wild Hawai‘i
400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, (808) 674-9283, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii
Finalist: Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 926-3191, honoluluzoo.org, @thehonoluluzoo
Best Family-Affordable Getaway
Winner: ‘Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali‘inui Drive, Kapolei, (866) 443-4763, disneyaulani.com, @disneyaulani
Finalist: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort
2005 Kālia Road, (808) 949-4321, hiltonhawaiianvillage.com, @hiltonhawaiianvillage
Best Mini Golf Course
Winner: Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline
45-285 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 247-6464, bayviewminiputt.com, @bayviewminiputt
Finalist: Glow Putt Mini Golf
46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 235-6600, glowputtminigolf.com, @glowputtminigolf
Best Pau Hana with Kids
Winner: Dave & Buster’s
1030 Auahi St., (808) 589-2215, daveandbusters.com, @dnbhonolulu
Finalist: Lanikai Brewing Co.
167 Hāmākua Drive, Kailua, lanikaibrewing.com, @lanikaibrewing
Best Place to Experience Cultural Activities
Finalist: Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lā‘ie, (800) 367-7060, polynesia.com, @polynesianculturalctr
Best Play Space/Attraction: Indoor
Finalist: Storybook Station
Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 428-9698, storybookstationhawaii.com, @storybookhawaii
Best Play Space/Attraction: Outdoor
Winner: Wai Kai
91-1621 Keone‘ula Blvd., ‘Ewa Beach, (808) 515-7873, atthelineup.com, @waikailineup
Finalist: Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 926-3191, honoluluzoo.org, @thehonoluluzoo
Shop
Best Back-to-School Shopping
Winner: Target
Multiple locations, target.com, @target
Finalist: Fisher Hawai‘i
Multiple locations, fisherhawaiieducator.net, @fisherhawaii
Best Local Brand for Kids Clothes
Winner: Coco Moon Hawai‘i
cocomoonhawaii.com, @coco_moon_hawaii
Finalist: T&C Surf Designs
Multiple locations, tcsurf.com, @tcsurfshop
Best Place for Kids Furniture
Winner: Target
Multiple locations, target.com, @target
Finalist: Flexa Furniture Hawai‘i
885 Queen St., Unit B, (808) 955-4434, flexahawaii.com, @flexashop_hawaii
Best Place to Get Educational Toys
Winner: Thinker Toys
Multiple locations, thinkertoyshawaii.com, @thinkercircle
Finalist: Target
Multiple locations, target.com, @target
Best Shopping Center for Families
Winner: Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 955-9517, alamoanacenter.com, @alamoanacenter
Finalist: Kāhala Mall
4211 Wai‘alae Ave., kahalamallcenter.com, @kahalamall
Best Teacher Gifts
Winner: Starbucks
Multiple locations, starbucks.com, @sbuxhawaii
Finalist: Eden in Love
edeninlove.com, @edeninloveboutique
Eat
Best Bakery for Keiki Treats
Finalist: Brug Bakery
Multiple locations, brugbakery.com, @brugbakery
Best Bento
Winner: Zippy’s
Multiple locations, zippys.com, @zippys
Finalist: K’s Bento-Ya
94-164 ‘Awalau St., #1, Waipahu, (808) 671-0160
Best Breakfast Restaurant
Winner: Egghead Café
1210 Dillingham Blvd., #8, (808) 888-2211, eggheadhonolulu.com, @egghead_cafe
Finalist: Café Kaila
2919 Kapi‘olani Blvd., (808) 732-3330, cafe-kaila-hawaii.com, @cafekaila
Best Family-Style Caterer
Winner: Ige’s Catering Service
910 Māpunapuna St., (808) 831-0050, igescateringservice.com
Finalist: Side Street Inn
Multiple locations, sidestreetinn.com, @sidestreetinn
Best Ice Cream Shop
Winner: Via Gelato
1142 12th Ave., (808) 732-2800, viagelatohawaii.com, @viagelatohawaii
Finalist: Baskin-Robbins
Multiple locations, baskinrobbins.com, @baskinrobbins
Best Item to Sell for a Fundraiser
Winner: Zippy’s
Multiple locations, zippys.com, @zippys
Finalist: The Cookie Corner
Multiple locations, cookiecorner.com, @cookiecornerhawaii
Best Kid-Friendly Brunch
Winner: Egghead Café
1210 Dillingham Blvd., #8, (808) 888-2211, eggheadhonolulu.com, @egghead_cafe
Finalist: Plumeria Beach House
The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8760, kahalaresort.com
Best Kid-Friendly Burger
Winner: McDonald’s
Multiple locations, mcdonalds.com, @mcdonaldshawaii
Finalist: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Multiple locations, teddysbb.com, @teddysburgers
Best Kids-Eat-Free Deal
Winner: Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant
Multiple locations, gyotakuhawaii.com, @gyotakuhawaii
Finalist: Big City Diner
Multiple locations, bigcitydinerhawaii.com, @bigcitydiner
Best Place for Potluck Pickups
Winner: Zippy’s
Multiple locations, zippys.com, @zippys
Finalist: Mililani Restaurant
95-221 Kīpapa Drive, Mililani, (808) 625-2000, mililanirest.com, @mililanirestaurant
Best Place to Buy a Healthy Snack Your Kids Will Love
Winner: Whole Foods Market
Multiple locations, wholefoodsmarket.com, @wholefoods
Finalist: Jamba Juice
Multiple locations, jambahawaii.com, @jambahawaii
Best Place to Get a Birthday Cake
Winner: Liliha Bakery
Multiple locations, lilihabakery.com, @lilihabakery
Finalist: Baskin-Robbins
Multiple locations, baskinrobbins.com, @baskinrobbins
Best Shave Ice
Winner: Waiola Shave Ice
Multiple locations, (808) 949-2269, waiola-shave-ice.com, @waiolashaveice
Finalist: Matsumoto Shave Ice
66-111 Kamehameha Highway, #605, Hale‘iwa, (808) 637-4827, matsumotoshaveice.com, @matsumotoshaveice
Best Spot for a Parents’ Night Out
Winner: Moani Island Bistro & Bar
Multiple locations, themoanihawaii.com, @themoanihawaii
Finalist: Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Multiple locations, monkeypodkitchen.com, @monkeypodkitchen
Best Store for Locally Made Snacks
Winner: Wholesale Unlimited Inc.
Multiple locations, wholesaleunlimitedhi.com, @wholesaleunlimitedhi
Finalist: Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
401 Kamake‘e St., (808) 597-8899, linsmarkethawaii.com, @linshawaiiansnacks
Learn
Best Afterschool/Enrichment Program
Winner: My Treehouse Club
600 Ala Moana Blvd., #5A, (808) 585-0508, mytreehouseclub808.com, @mytreehouseclub
Finalist: Hawai‘i Dance Bomb
1059 12th Ave., Unit D, (808) 382-7467, hawaiidancebomb.com, @hawaii_dance_bomb
Best Art Lessons
Winner: KidzArt Hawai‘i
905 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, #3304, Kailua, (808) 354-5905, kidzart.com, @kidzarthawaii
Finalist: Rainbow Art Studio Hawai‘i
4348 Wai‘alae Ave., #200, (808) 497-5718, rainbowartstudiohawaii.com, @rainbowartstudiohawaii
Best Dance Lessons
Winner: Hawai‘i Dance Bomb
1059 12th Ave., Unit D, (808) 382-7467, hawaiidancebomb.com, @hawaii_dance_bomb
Finalist: 24-VII Danceforce Studio
Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 913-4904, 247dance.org, @247danceforce
Best Music Lessons
Winner: Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios
Multiple locations, (808) 732-3739, roysakuma.net, @roysakumaukulelehawaii
Finalist: Masaki School of Music
1347 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite #201, (808) 593-9395, @masakischoolofmusic
Best Summer Program
Winner: Kama‘āina Kids
Multiple locations, (808) 262-4538, kamaainakids.com, @kamaainakids
Finalist: St. Andrew’s Schools Summer Adventure Camp
224 Queen Emma Square, (808) 532–2464, standrewsschools.org, @thinkstandrews
Best Swimming Lessons
Winner: Lē‘ahi Swim School
Multiple locations, leahiswimschool.com, @leahiswimschool
Finalist: YMCA of Honolulu
Multiple locations, ymcahonolulu.org, @ymcahonolulu
Best Tutoring
Finalist: Kumon
Multiple locations, kumon.com, @kumonnorthamerica
Services
Best Family Photographer
Winner: LucieXYZ Photography
47-102 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 744-7574, luciexyz.com, @luciexyz.photography.hawaii
Finalist: Rita Coury Photography
550 Kama‘aha Ave., Unit 806, Kapolei, (808) 744-8989 and (510) 599-6169, ritacouryphotography.com, @ritacoury
Best Family Vehicle
Winner: Toyota
Multiple locations, toyotahawaii.com, @toyotahi
Finalist: Honda
Multiple locations, hawaii.hondadealers.com, @hawaiihondadealers
Best Party Rentals
Winner: Alaka‘i Party Rentals
94-529 Uke‘e St., #109, Waipahu, (808) 291-3123, alakaipartyrents.com, @alakaipartyrentals
Finalist: A&B Party Rentals
91-240 Kūhela St., #9, Kapolei, (808) 688-7707, anbpartyrentals.com, @anbpartyrentalshawaii
Best Pediatric Dentist
Winner: The Uchida Pediatric Dentists
Multiple locations, uchidapediatricdentistry.com, @uchidadental
Finalist: ToothBuds Diamond Head
3150 Monsarrat Ave., #201, (808) 735-5437, tb.dental, @toothbudsdiamondhead
Best Pediatric Doctor
Winner: Kāhala Pediatrics
3150 Monsarrat Ave., #200, (808) 735-5541, kahalapediatrics.com, @kahalapediatrics
Finalist: Dr. Ryan Sumida, M.D.
99-128 ‘Aiea Heights Drive, Suite 211, ‘Aiea, (808) 488-8441, cmaaiea.com
