Best of HONOLULU Family 2026
It’s time to celebrate the family-friendly winners of our annual readers’ choice awards, with a few editors’ picks to round them out. Discover the best brownies ever, local stores for keiki books, play spaces, golf activities, party rentals and more!
FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | HEALTH & WELLNESS
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE | SERVICES | BEAUTY & SELF CARE | FAMILY
Photo: Courtesy of Wai Kai
PLAY
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Reader pick
Play Space/Attraction: Outdoor
Active kids can burn pent-up energy at Wai Kai in ‘Ewa Beach. The water sports and entertainment complex boasts a 52-acre lagoon with a floating obstacle course perfect for wannabe ninjas, a splash pad for little tots and watercraft rentals. Highlights are the ‘Ewa Slider, a thrilling 20-foot waterslide, and a jumbo rope swing: Each ends with a big splash. There’s also an area where kids can learn to surf on artificial waves. During school breaks, Wai Kai offers youth programs and camps. —LD
91-1621 Keone‘ula Blvd., (808) 515-7873, waikai.com, @waikaiexperience
Photo: Courtesy of Bayview Mini-Putt & Zipline
Reader pick
Golf Activity
With 36 holes of mini golf, Bay View Mini-Putt & Zipline in Kāne‘ohe keeps families entertained for hours. The Pali and LikeLike courses each bring their own twists, with steep hills, quirky obstacles and even a cave to putt through, so every round feels like a new challenge. Keiki can keep scorecard bragging rights while trying to hit par, then level up the adventure on the 400-foot dual zipline. After all that action, nothing beats Bay View’s famous ube soft serve. For parties, easy setups are offered on two private lānai, complete with catering and bento options. —LD
45-285 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, (808) 247-6464, bayviewminiputt.com, @bayviewminiputt
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Editor pick
Setting for a Family Scavenger Hunt
We love how the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor flips the script on history by adding a dose of fun. This year, the celebrated warship-turned-museum launched Chuck’s Quest, a scavenger hunt guided by mascot Chuck the Iguana, transforming family visits from boring to booyah. As you explore the 887-foot-long ship (that’s three football fields!), search for hidden signal flags to decode a secret message. Chuck’s footprints lead you through sailor mess halls, tight sleeping quarters and jumbo gun turret decks. At the end, you’ll be sworn in as an honorary Mighty Mo crew member and receive a special souvenir. —LD
Ford Island, (808) 455-1600, ussmissouri.org, @chucktheiguana
SHOP
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Photo: Courtesy of SoHa Keiki
Reader pick
Place to Buy Baby Gifts
SoHa Keiki boutiques are packed with irresistible island cuteness. Co-founders and sisters Brooke Watson and Shyrah Maurer come from a family with local design flair. (Their grandfather, Leo Israel, was a key figure in the development of the original aloha shirt.) That same creative spirit is reflected at their stores, from the ruffled swimsuits to the tiny trucker hats, pineapple teething toys and playful waterproof bibs. Customers love the mix of practical and gift-worthy finds, whether it’s an oh-so-soft muslin blanket or a mahimahi plushie. It’s the kind of place where every item feels both fun and thoughtfully useful. —LD
Multiple locations, sohaliving.com, @sohakeiki
Graphic: Getty Images
Editor pick
Place for Secondhand Children’s Clothes
When we’re hunting for deals, we head to The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center in Kailua. Kids outgrow their clothes so fast that many of the items are in pretty good condition. And you’ll find it all here, from jeans and tops to overalls, dresses and pajamas typically costing $2.99 to $6.99. The biggest score we found recently was a 4T insulated Columbia jacket for only $6.99. Many of the women’s tops would be good for teens, too. Every Wednesday, a different color tag is 50% off, with other sales popping up regularly.—KV
638 Kailua Road, (808) 261-1756, honoluluarc.salvationarmy.org
Photo and Illustration: James Nakamura
Editor pick
Place to Design Your Own Shirts and Bags
Ever come up with something genius and think, that’d go great on a shirt? At Uniqlo’s Ala Moana store, you can upload your own design or choose from an existing one that can be customized with text, frames, stickers and more, then print it on a shirt or tote within minutes. Prices range from $19.90 to $29.90 depending on the product. Here’s how it works: Go to the Uniqlo Hawai‘i UTme! kiosk at the back of the first floor and tap the iPad to start. Choose a white T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt, tote or mini tote; scan the QR code to agree to the terms (no AI or copyrighted artwork, nothing political or offensive) and then upload your image within the square borders. Position it how you want, decorate it, then tell the staffer when you’re ready. You can watch the image get printed on the large machine (our mini tote was in and out in 20 seconds) before it gets heat-pressed for about 30 seconds. Head to checkout and you’re all set. —KV
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., #2730, (855) 486-4756, uniqlo.com, @uniqlo_hawaii
Photo: Andrea Lee
Editor pick
Place to Get Your Cute On
Riding the wave of trinket madness, Kawaii Kingdom arrived at the perfect time to sate our collective cravings for blind boxes, bag charms, stationery and all things cute. What started as a pop-up has grown exponentially into two stores, one at Ala Moana Center and another at Pearlridge. With a frequently rotating inventory, there’s new merch from Sanrio, Miffy, Disney, Labubu and more beloved brands every time we visit. —AL
Multiple locations, @kawaiikingdom808
Image: Getty Images
Reader pick
Local Store for Keiki Books
Used classics, beloved youth series, new works by local authors and more fill the shelves at BookEnds, a treasure trove for all ages. Owner Pat Benning opened the Kailua shop 28 years ago with a simple goal of creating a welcoming, friendly space that “looks like fun” and feels inviting for every child. Today, families cozy up in comfy chairs, read together under playful animal decorations and browse stacks full of discoveries. Parents also love the book buy-back program, which encourages sustainability and helps keep their homes clutter-free. —LD
600 Kailua Road, (808) 261-1996, bookendskailua.com, @bookendskailua
EAT
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Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Editor pick
Cookies for Kids and Parents
It can be tough to pick a family treat if you all have varying preferences, but the rotating menu of Asian-inspired cookies at Lovejoy’s Bakery offers a wide variety of unique flavors that are just a touch sweet yet satisfying. Our must-try recommendations: the miso soba cookie—crunchy with toasted cacao nibs and chewy with slightly salty sweetness and white chocolate deposits—and the chai sugar cookie sandwich, made of spiced and springy cookies filled with a rich, fluffy brown butter maple crème. —AL
Pop-ups, @lovejoysbakery
Photo: Courtesy of Brug Bakery
Reader pick
Bakery for Keiki Treats
Brug Bakery’s ovens fire up at 4 a.m. daily to bake German-influenced Japanese-style pastries from scratch. Using flour sourced from Hokkaido, Japan, the bakery turns out some 70 sweet and savory treats each day. Parents love the individually wrapped goodies for easy after-school or postgame snacks and kids can’t get enough of the adorable animal-shaped pastries. Favorites include the Kuma Choco Custard, a bear-shaped bun filled with rich chocolate custard, and the Neko Pan stuffed with strawberry buttercream. Seasonal specials, like the Halloween mummy and Hawaiian Monk Seal pastries, add even more playful surprises throughout the year. —LD
Multiple locations, brugbakery.com, @brugbakery
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Editor pick
Drinkable Frozen Treat
What do you get when you mash up a smoothie, snow ice and boba? A Snowthie, the specialty dessert drink found at Milky Way Hawai‘i, a pop-up truck and Kalihi shop. With a foundation of snow ice shaved thin, flavors are added with fresh fruit juice, milk, azuki bean slush or taro, then the drink is finished with toppings and extra snow ice. Mix it all up and slurp away. The combo of delicate snow ice melting on your tongue as you soak up fresh yet not too sweet flavors and the extra chew of boba or jelly makes for an ultra-refreshing and filling treat on a hot day. —AL
2130 N. King St., #9, and pop-ups, @milkyway_hawaii
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Editor pick
Best Brownies Ever
My heart drops when I hear the customer in front of me at Kīlani Bakery in Wahiawā ask for the rest of the brownies. It’s only 11:45 a.m. “Best brownies in the world,” she says. Thankfully, she just wanted the bagged ones, and plenty of containers remain, harboring thin pieces of chocolatey goodness generously studded with walnuts and blanketed in a layer of powdered sugar. (Brownies without walnuts are available too.)
These highly coveted treats have shown up at potlucks and as thank-you gifts across the island, and the enduring legacy of the small local business that serves them deserves celebration. The Takara family opened Kīlani Bakery 67 years ago. Now, Gavin Takara, grandson of the founders, is the keeper of the brownie recipe, and he’s managed to retain that sweet balance of firm and fudgy, keeping loyal customers satiated. —KV
704 Kīlani Ave., (808) 621-5662, @kilanibakery
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Reader pick
Breakfast Restaurant
The wide selection of diner-style dishes, plus breakfast all day, means everyone in the family can find a favorite at Café Kaila in Kapahulu. Kids go ga-ga over the pancakes (which won Best Pancakes in this year’s Best of HONOLULU Awards) and French toast piled high with berries and dusted generously with powdered sugar. Other popular menu items are the Meatloaf Loco Moco and Kālua Pork Eggs Benedict. At $10 including a drink, the keiki meals are a great value—especially when you have multiple mouths to feed. Plus, families keep coming back to try the rotating, limited-time waffle specials, like Lemon Crunch, Cookies & Cream and ‘Uala, which eat more like dessert than breakfast. —LD
2919 Kapi‘olani Blvd., (808) 732-3330, cafe-kaila-hawaii.com, @cafekaila
Photo: Courtesy of Prime Martial Arts Hawai‘i
Reader pick
Martial Arts Program
Taekwondo is not just about kicks and punches. At Prime Martial Arts Hawai‘i, owner Martin Day uses martial arts to build confidence and teach kids about respect, discipline, goal setting and the importance of having a strong work ethic. Toddlers as young as 2-and-a-half can join the Tiny Tiger Cubs class—designed specifically for short attention spans—with quick, energetic 30-minute sessions. Kids stay motivated as they level up, learn how to break boards and celebrate other milestones. —LD
Multiple locations, primemartialartshawaii.com, @primemartialartshawaii
Photo: Courtesy of My Treehouse Club
Reader pick
Language Lessons
At My Treehouse Club, learning Japanese feels more like playtime than homework. Japan-born Mina Akamu started her business during the pandemic as a virtual operation, then opened in Kaka‘ako in 2022. Known lovingly as “Ms. Mina,” she has a gift for making even the shyest keiki feel comfortable. Instead of repeat-after-me drills, she incorporates songs, dance, games and crafts to teach children about Japanese culture and the language. My Treehouse Club also offers fitness, gymnastics, art and kindergarten prep classes and hosts birthday parties. —LD
600 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 585-0508, mytreehouseclub808.com, @mytreehouseclub
SERVICES
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Image: Getty Images
Reader pick
Party Rentals
There’s just something about bounce houses that sends keiki into full-on happy mode. Alaka‘i Inflatables & Party Rentals brings the fun with the island’s coolest selection of inflatables, waterslides, themed bounce houses, carnival games and concession rentals. Big kids can race through the 100-foot Eternal Odyssey Obstacle Course or cool off on the Jurassic Rush Slip N Slide Combo, and smaller bounce houses are thoughtfully designed for toddlers with clear visibility, protective walls and easy parent access. Customers rent from Alaka‘i Inflatables & Party Rentals year after year because of its clean equipment, reliable deliveries and simple online booking process that makes even last-minute party planning feel stress-free. —LD
(808) 291-3123, alakaipartyrents.com, @alakaipartyrentals
PLAY
Best Amusement Center
WINNER:
Keiki Kingdom
Multiple locations, @keikikingdom
FINALIST:
Wai Kai
‘Ewa Beach, @waikaiexperience
Best Annual Pass Value
WINNER:
Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i
Kapolei, @wetnwildhawaii
FINALIST:
Honolulu Zoo
Waikīkī, @thehonoluluzoo
Best Family-Affordable Getaway
WINNER:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Kapolei, @disneyaulani
FINALIST:
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort
Waikīkī, @hiltonhawaiianvillage
Best Farm Tour
WINNER:
Keiki and Plow
Hawai‘i Kai, @keikiandplow
FINALIST:
Sweet Land Farm
Waialua, @sweetlandfarmhawaii
Best Golf Activity
WINNER:
Bay View Mini-Putt & Zipline
Kāne‘ohe, @bayviewminiputt
FINALIST:
Glow Putt
Multiple locations, @glowputtminigolf
Best Museum Tour
WINNER:
Bishop Museum
Kalihi-Pālama, @bishopmuseum
FINALIST:
Honolulu Museum of Art
Makiki, @honolulumuseum
Best Place to Experience Cultural Activities
WINNER:
Polynesian Cultural Center
Lā‘ie, @polynesianculturalctr
FINALIST:
Bishop Museum
Kalihi-Pālama, @bishopmuseum
Best Play Space/Attraction: Indoor
WINNER:
Kids City
Multiple locations, @kidscityhawaii
FINALIST:
Keiki Kingdom
Multiple locations, @keikikingdom
Best Play Space/Attraction: Outdoor
WINNER:
Wai Kai
‘Ewa Beach, @waikaiexperience
FINALIST:
Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i
Kapolei, @wetnwildhawaii
Best Setting for Family Scavenger Hunt
EDITOR PICK:
Chuck’s Quest at The Battleship Missouri Memorial
Pearl Harbor, @chucktheiguana
SHOP
Best Local Brand for Baby Clothes
WINNER:
Coco Moon Hawai‘i
Multiple retailers, @coco_moon_hawaii
FINALIST:
The Keiki Dept
Multiple retailers, @thekeikidept
Best Local Brand for Coordinating Family Fashions
WINNER:
Fighting Eel
Multiple locations, @fightingeel
FINALIST:
Manuheali‘i
Multiple locations, @manuhealii
Best Local Store for Family/Beachwear
WINNER:
Fighting Eel
Multiple locations, @fightingeel
FINALIST:
T&C Surf Designs
Multiple locations, @tandcsurf
Best Local Store for Keiki Books
WINNER:
BookEnds
Kailua, @bookendskailua
FINALIST:
Da Shop Books + Curiosities
Kaimukī, @dashophnl
Best Place for Secondhand Children’s Clothes
EDITOR PICK:
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
Kailua, honoluluarc.salvationarmy.org
Best Place to Buy Baby Gifts
WINNER:
SoHa Keiki
Multiple locations, @sohakeiki
FINALIST:
The Keiki Dept
Multiple retailers, @thekeikidept
Best Place to Buy Toys
WINNER:
Thinker Toys
Multiple locations, @thinkercircle
FINALIST:
Target
Multiple locations, @target
Best Place to Design Your Own Shirts and Bags
EDITOR PICK:
Uniqlo Hawai‘i UTme!
Ala Moana, @uniqlo_hawaii
Best Place to Get Your Cute On
EDITOR PICK:
Kawaii Kingdom
Multiple locations, @kawaiikingdom808
Best Shopping Center for Families
WINNER:
Windward Mall
Kāne‘ohe, @windwardmall
FINALIST:
Kāhala Mall
Kāhala, @kahalamall
EAT
Best Bakery for Keiki Treats
WINNER:
Brug Bakery
Multiple locations, @brugbakery
FINALIST:
Liliha Bakery
Multiple locations, @lilihabakery
Best Bento
WINNER:
Higoto Japanese Eatery
Kaimukī, @higoto_japanese_eatery
FINALIST:
Kokoro-Tei
McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili, @kokoroteihawaii
Best Boba Shop
WINNER:
S7 Icy Bubble
Multiple locations, @s7_icybubble
FINALIST:
Shaka Shaka Tea Express
Multiple locations, @shakashakatea
Best Breakfast Restaurant
WINNER:
Café Kaila
Kapahulu, @cafekaila
FINALIST:
Cinnamon’s
Kailua, @cinnamonskailua
Best Brownies Ever
Editor Pick:
Kīlani Bakery
Wahiawā, @kilanibakery
Best Cookies for Kids and Parents
EDITOR PICK:
Lovejoy’s Bakery
Pop-ups, @lovejoysbakery
Best Drinkable Frozen Treat
EDITOR PICK:
Milky Way Hawai‘i
Pop-up truck and Kalihi shop, @milkyway_hawaii
Best Grab-and-Go Musubi
WINNER:
7-Eleven Hawai‘i
Multiple locations, @7elevenhi
FINALIST:
Musubi Café Iyasume
Multiple locations, @musubi_cafe_iyasume
Best Ice Cream/Soft Serve Shop
WINNER:
Please Come Again
Kailua, @pleasecomeagainhawaii
FINALIST:
Baskin-Robbins
Multiple locations, @baskinrobbins
Best Kids-Eat-Free Deal
WINNER:
Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants
Multiple locations, @gyotakuhawaii
FINALIST:
Big City Diner
Multiple locations, @bigcitydiner
Best Kid-Friendly Brunch
WINNER:
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Downtown, @oldspaghettifactory
FINALIST:
California Pizza Kitchen
Multiple locations, @cpk
Best Shave Ice
WINNER:
Waiola Shave Ice
Multiple locations, @waiolashaveice
FINALIST:
Shimazu Shave Ice
Kapahulu, @shimazu_shave_ice
Best Store for Locally Made Snacks
WINNER:
Wholesale Unlimited
Multiple locations, @wholesaleunlimitedhi
FINALIST:
Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
Kaka‘ako, @linshawaiiansnacks
LEARN
Best Afterschool/Enrichment Program
WINNER:
‘Ohana Arts
Various locations, @ohanaarts
FINALIST:
My Treehouse Club
Kaka‘ako, @mytreehouseclub
Best Art Lessons
WINNER:
Da Dream Lab
Kailua, @kidzarthawaii
FINALIST:
My Treehouse Club
Kaka‘ako, @mytreehouseclub
Best Dance Lessons
WINNER:
Hawai‘i Dance Bomb
Multiple locations, @hawaii_dance_bomb
FINALIST:
Kailua Dance Academy
Kailua, @kailuadanceacademy
Best Individual Sports Training
WINNER:
Beyond Ball Hawai‘i
Kailua, @beyondballhawaii
FINALIST:
Hawaiianhardball
McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili, @hawaiianhardball
Best Language Lessons
WINNER:
My Treehouse Club
Kaka‘ako, @mytreehouseclub
FINALIST:
Chinese Language Learning Center Hawai‘i
Pālolo, cllchi.com
Best Martial Arts Program
WINNER:
Prime Martial Arts Hawai‘i
Multiple locations, @primemartialartshawaii
FINALIST:
Capoeira Besouro Hawai‘i
Kāne‘ohe, @capoeirabesourohawaii
Best Music Lessons
WINNER:
Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios
Multiple locations, @roysakumaukulelehawaii
FINALIST:
Kailua Music School
Kailua, @kailuamusicschool
Best Sports Program
WINNER:
i9 Sports
Various locations, @i9sportsis125
FINALIST:
Keiki Kicks
Various locations, @keikikickshawaii
Best Summer Program
WINNER:
‘Ohana Arts
Various locations, @ohanaarts
FINALIST:
Da Dream Lab
Kailua, @kidzarthawaii
Best Swimming Lessons
WINNER:
YMCA
Multiple locations, @ymcahonolulu
FINALIST:
Lē‘ahi Swim School
Multiple locations, @leahiswimschool
Best Tutoring
WINNER:
My Treehouse Club
Kaka‘ako, @mytreehouseclub
FINALIST:
Kumon
Multiple locations, kumon.com
SERVICES
Best Party Rentals
WINNER:
Alaka‘i Inflatables & Party Rentals
alakaipartyrents.com, @alakaipartyrentals
FINALIST:
O‘ahu Party Rentals
Closed
Best Pediatric Allergist
WINNER:
Dr. Matthew S. Lau
Retired
FINALIST:
Dr. Jeffrey Kam
Straub Benioff Medical Center, (808) 522-4310
Best Pediatric Doctor
WINNER:
Dr. Corinne Chan-Nishina
Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, (808) 955-5485
FINALIST:
Reis Pediatrics
Multiple locations, reispediatrics.com
Best Pediatric General Dentist
WINNER:
Uchida Pediatric Dentistry
Kāhala, uchidapediatricdds.com
FINALIST:
Pediatric Dental Group
Multiple locations, pdghawaii.com
Best Pediatric Orthodontist
WINNER:
Caswell Orthodontics
Multiple locations, caswellorthodontics.com
FINALIST:
Holliday Ortho
Multiple locations, hollidayortho.com
Best Speech Therapist
WINNER:
Cove Child Development
Kailua, covechilddevelopment.com
FINALIST:
Mary Marasovich
Makiki, oahuspeech.com
