Best of HONOLULU Family 2025

BEST OF HONOLULU 2025

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EDITOR PICK

Best New Ice Cream

She so flirty. She so fresh. Shiso mint chip! The verdant aroma of shiso, also known as perilla, draws me to Kailua’s Please Come Again, again and again. Although the shop is always creating new flavors, it’s the whimsical pairing of semisweet Mānoa Chocolate chips with mint and shiso leaves (blended into luscious 15% butterfat cream) that leads me to say, “I will!” If you’re not up for a drive over the Pali, Potluck Hawai‘i at Ward Centre offers prepackaged ice cream cups, pints, ice cream pops and even pup cups. —TO

322 Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua, pleasecomeagainhawaii.com, @pleasecomeagainhawaii 

EDITOR PICK

Best Keiki Bento

You can now get Sugoi Bento and Catering’s mouthwatering eats in a pint-sized plate made for kiddos. Known for its bomb Japanese and local-style dishes, Sugoi recently revamped its grab-and-go menu to include a keiki bento ($8.95) loaded with a grilled hot dog; Spam; furikake rice; and a choice of garlic, Korean or mochiko chicken. For the extra-hungry, upgrade to the deluxe version ($12.35), which includes an extra piece of chicken. You can also place group orders for 20 bento or more—perfect for parties, team meals or field trips. —BT

1286 Kalani St., #B-106, Kalihi-Pālama, (808) 841-7984, sugoihawaii.com, @sugoibento

EDITOR PICK

Best Keiki Sushi Platter

Even the pickiest eaters can find something to love in Uproll Café’s keiki platter. Featuring 12 half-size Japanese-style hand rolls, it’s a quick and easy option that also happens to be healthy. The rolls are individually wrapped, making the platter a perfectly portable option for beach days, game days, potlucks, parties or even long car rides. Filling options include sweet corn, avocado, tofu, chicken teriyaki, Spam, mentai and even natto. —JC

Multiple locations, @uprollcafe_honolulu, @uprollcafe_pearl

EDITOR PICK

Best Slushie

Shave ice is great, but Wicked HI Honey Slush hits different. This warm-weather treat has no added sugar—just simple quality ingredients, including raw locally harvested honey, local fruits and ice, all blended to perfection. Flavors rotate seasonally, but favorites include piña colada (fresh-pressed pineapple and coconut milk), dragon fruit lemonade, liliko‘i, matcha and mango. Find it at farmers markets and the Wicked HI Sourdough Truck in Hale‘iwa. The team also caters if you’re looking for a sweet something for a birthday party, baby shower or other special occasion. —JC

Multiple locations, @wicked.hi

EDITOR PICK

Best Family-Friendly Gift Shop

For great gifts, pop into Sugarcane, an oh-so-adorable boutique that reflects the small-town charm of its Kaimukī setting. Tucked away from street view and a bit off the beaten path, the place is brimming with local brands and Island-inspired items, including stationery, accessories, homewares and beach essentials. Owner Kennedy Kramlick is proud to support Hawai‘i businesses, a legacy that her mom, Jill Hatch-Fong, started when she opened the charming boutique nearly 15 years ago. With its thoughtfully curated mix of colorful, artsy, practical goods, it’s nearly certain you’ll find something good here. —JC

1137 11th Ave., Kaimukī, (808) 739-2263, sugarcanekaimuki.com, @sugarcanehawaii

EDITOR PICK

Best Pop-Up Market for Keiki Finds

Mom Made Market Hawai‘i (run by HONOLULU marketing director Christy Davis) is a weekend pop-up that showcases more than 40 local mama-led businesses, offering everything from apparel and accessories to home goods and baby finds. Look for your favorite labels or discover new-to-you brands and feel good knowing you’re supporting a fellow parent. The event also provides a chance to network and create new friendships with makers and other shoppers. —JC

themommademarket.com, @themommademarkethawaii

EDITOR PICK

Best Kawaii Goodies

I’ve shopped at Sanrio Surprises since I was a kid, and it’s been a fixture at Kāhala Mall for 40 years, drawing both keiki and adults with all kinds of cute merch. As an officially licensed retailer, the shop specializes in Sanrio characters emblazoned on everything from eco-bags and stickers to bento boxes and blankets. The bestselling character by far is Cinnamoroll (pictured)—no surprise to those of us who know our Sanrio. You’ll also find other kawaii brands, like Tokidoki, Peanuts and Miffy. —AL

Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., #2080, Kāhala, (808) 732-1668, @sanriokahala

EDITOR PICK

Best Locally Made Sunstick

As someone who burns and freckles easily, I carry sunscreen with me and reapply frequently. The compact Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick from Little Hands Hawai‘i makes that a breeze with 25% zinc oxide for optimal protection. It glides on smoothly, leaving only a mild white tint that disappears with a swipe of my fingers, and smells soothingly of frankincense. Plus, there are four tinted options in shades to match different skin tones. —AL

(808) 381-4930, littlehandshawaii.com, @littlehandshawaii

EDITOR PICK

Best Matching Family Fashions

Lately, we’ve been loving the twinning opportunities made possible by local label Yireh. Designer and mom Emily Jaime has steadily been expanding her collections to include adorable coordinating girls dresses and aloha shirts for men and boys, all in poppy tropical prints. Plus, her signature breezy fabrics leave keiki comfy and squirm-free, making family photos a snap. —BT

South Shore Market, 1170 Auahi St., Kaka‘ako, shopyireh.com, @yireh_

EDITOR PICK

Best Trinket Lei

Leave it to Small Kine Gift to take something ordinary and crank up the fun. The Kaimukī boutique has been whipping up fantastical trinket lei filled with surprising, kooky and giggle-inducing delights. We’re talking everything from tiny toy hands, fruit-shaped erasers and finger traps to dinosaur figurines, bag charms and flower rings. And let’s not forget the snacks, a mix of local favorites such as Haw Flakes, White Rabbit and Hi-Chew. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can top it all off with a bag of Small Kine Mix, the shop’s insanely good in-house blend of gummy candies, li hing powder and dried lemon peel chunks, or some furikake crunch kettle corn. —BT

3424 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimukī, small.kine.gift, @smallkinegift 

EDITOR PICK

Best Place for Items That Spark Creativity

Chock-full of fun, Selfmade Something transcends the conventional toy shop. Krystal Abucayan, a mom of two, opened the Ward boutique in 2023 to help motivate keiki to explore interests, follow their passions and be inspired through play. You’ll find intentionally designed and well-made games, activity sets, toys and accessories from independent designers—including Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned brands—that focus on everything from animals and athletics to the performing arts and science. —JC

Ward Village, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 41B, Kaka‘ako, selfmadesomething.com, @selfmadesomething

EDITOR PICK

Best Dress-Up Outing

To celebrate a special occasion or switch up your weekend routine, look to Paradise Monarchs’ Butterfly Keiki Tea. Held every second Saturday of the month at Moana Surfrider’s The Veranda, this keiki-focused activity is fantastic for those 12 and under. The tea service includes a children’s tea set, plus a chocolate, strawberry or vanilla milkshake. Little ones can don a set of butterfly wings, get up close and personal with the real thing in the monarch butterfly dome and receive a butterfly chrysalis box to take home. Parents will especially appreciate the oceanfront views and beautiful patio setting overlooking the hotel’s iconic banyan tree. —JC

2365 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, (808) 931-8646, paradisemonarchs.com, @paradisemonarchs

EDITOR PICK

Best Way to Play Flag Football

At i9 Sports Honolulu, keiki can release some energy, learn good sportsmanship and reap the benefits of being part of a team. Designed for girls and boys age 3 and up, the noncontact flag football program prioritizes fun over winning and is perfect for beginners. Moreover, practices are held just before the game, making scheduling a breeze. —JC

i9sports.com/honolulu-youth-sports-leagues, @i9_sports

READER PICK

Best Annual Pass Value

Families get a whole lot of bang for their buck with Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i’s “buy a day and get the rest of the year free” package. For the price of a single-day ticket ($65.99), Hawai‘i residents can score unlimited visits through Dec. 31, 2025. That’s a ton of access to the water park’s 25-plus attractions, including the epic 65-foot Volcanic Wedgeee slide (below) that debuted this summer. Tip: The earlier you snag this pass, the better as it’s valid through the end of the year, not 365 days from purchase. —BT

400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, (808) 674-9283, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii 

READER PICK

Best Art Lessons

Add this to the things that make us wish we were kids again. Da Dream Lab: KidzArt and Club Scientific Hawai‘i offers keiki opportunities to explore art, science and cooking through creative hands-on activities. The art classes are especially wide-ranging, from drawing, painting and sculpting to multimedia projects, murals and more. We love that workshops and extended camps are timed with holidays and school breaks—clutch for parents looking for stimulating screen-free experiences for their kids. —BT

905 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, #3304, Kailua, (808) 201-0913, dadreamlab.com, @kidzarthawaii 

READER PICK

Best Dance Classes

Think you have a future dance star in the family? Let them bust some moves with Hawai‘i Dance Bomb. Founded by Aussie dance instructor Miranda Rudegeair in 2015, the program makes it fun and easy for kiddos to explore different dance styles. Preschoolers can get moving in sensory-focused and princess ballet classes, while older children and teens can take hip-hop and K-pop classes. Moms and dads can get in on the fun too through its family lessons. Hawai‘i Dance Bomb’s Kaimukī studio will close in August, but check its Instagram for a new location. —BT

hawaiidancebomb.com, @hawaii_dance_bomb

READER PICK

Best Place to Get Educational Toys

Watching keiki hit developmental milestones is so rewarding, and Thinker Toys can help with a variety of products that support visual recognition and fine motor and listening skills. Catering to little ones 6 years old and under, this beloved shop has been in business since 1997 and continues to be a reader favorite. Scoop up math and phonics activity workbooks, build-it sets and matching games. Shopping for older kids? Thinker Things, the store’s sister company, is the place to find interesting board and card games, puzzles and science kits. —JC

Multiple locations, thinkertoyshawaii.com, @thinkercircle

EDITOR PICK

Best Stylish Bounce Houses

The white castle-style bounce houses at Bounce of Aloha are aesthetically pleasing choices, and we love that you can customize them to fit any theme. You can choose whimsical balloon garlands, ball pits, even vinyl decals that spell out children’s names or celebratory phrases. We’re also big fans of the company’s exclusive Paradise Globe bounce house, a clear dome-style inflatable filled with colorful balloons that resembles a giant gumball machine. —JC

@bounceofaloha

EDITOR PICK

Best Place to Fix a Bike

Not to be confused with McCully Bicycle & Sporting Goods, this is the store’s mechanic brother. Located in a modest, nondescript garage on Hausten Street, the folks at McCully Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Shop will help you fix a flat, adjust your brakes and switch out tires to get you rolling. It’s known for its efficient and reliable service, and bicyclists in the know attest there is no better place in Honolulu for a quick fix. —DS

932 Hausten St., Mō‘ili‘ili, (808) 946-1192, @mccullybike

READER PICK

Best Family Photographer

When it comes to photos of the ‘ohana, readers trust Lucie XYZ Photography to get the shots. Run by wife-and-husband duo Lucie and Sam Silveira, the studio’s services begin well before the actual shoot day, and include choosing a concept, nailing down a great location and coordinating outfits. The photo shoot includes an hourlong session with photographer Lucie. Afterward, you can check out the studio’s wide variety of print products, easily ordered online. —BT

47-1102 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 744-7574, luciexyz.com, @luciexyz.photography.hawaii

EAT

Best Bakery for Keiki Treats

Winner: Liliha Bakery 
Multiple locations, @lilihabakery

Finalist: Zippy’s 
Multiple locations, @zippys

Best Bento

Winner: Zippy’s 
Multiple locations, @zippys

Finalist: Foodland 
Multiple locations, @foodlandhi

Best Breakfast Restaurant

Winner: Café Kaila 
Kapahulu, @cafekaila

Finalist: Egghead Café 
Kapālama, @egghead_cafe 

Best Family-Style Caterer

Winner: Egghead Café
Kapālama, @egghead_cafe 

Finalist: A Catered Experience 
acateredexperience.com, @acateredexperience

Best Ice Cream Shop

Winner: Dave’s Ice Cream 
Multiple locations, @davesicecream

Finalist: Via Gelato 
Kaimukī, @viagelatohawaii

Best Item to Sell for a Fundraiser

Winner: Zippy’s 
Multiple locations, @zippys 

Finalist: Krispy Kreme 
(808) 893-0883, kremeworks.com 

Best Kid-Friendly Brunch

Winner: Plumeria Beach House 
Kāhala, kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house

Finalist: Duke’s Wakīkī 
Waikīkī, @dukeswaikiki

Best Kid-Friendly Burger

Winner: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 
Multiple locations, @teddysburgers 

Finalist: The Counter 
Kāhala, @thecounterhonolulu

Best Kids-Eat-Free Deal

Winner: Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant 
Multiple locations, @gyotakuhawaii

Finalist: Big City Diner 
Multiple locations, @bigcitydiner 

Best Place for Potluck Pickups

Winner:  Zippy’s 
Multiple locations, @zippys 

Finalist: Foodland 
Multiple locations, @foodlandhi 

Best Place to Buy a Healthy Snack Your Kids Will Love

Winner: Whole Foods Market 
Multiple locations, @wholefoods 

Finalist: Down to Earth 
Multiple locations, @downtoearthhi 

Best Place to Get a Birthday Cake

Winner: Liliha Bakery 
Multiple locations, @lilihabakery

Finalist: Costco 
Multiple locations, @costco 

Best Shave Ice

Winner: Island Snow 
Kailua, @islandsnowhawaii 

Finalist: Waiola Shave Ice 
Multiple locations, @waiolashaveice 

Best Spot for a Parents’ Night Out

Winner: Arden Waikīkī 
Waikīkī, @arden_waikiki 

Finalist: Roy’s 
Multiple locations, @royshawaii 

Best Store for Locally Made Snacks

Winner: Wholesale Unlimited Inc. 
Multiple locations, @wholesaleunlimitedhi 

Finalist: Rainbow Crack Seed 
Kāne‘ohe, @rainbowcrackseed 

SHOP

Best Back-to-School Shopping

Winner: Target 
Multiple locations, @target

Finalist: Fisher Hawai‘i 
Multiple locations, @fisherhawaii 

Best Local Brand for Kids Clothes 

Winner: The Keiki Dept 
thekeikidept.com, @thekeikidept

Finalist: Coco Moon Hawai‘i 
cocomoonhawaii.com, @coco_moon_hawaii 

Best Place for Kids Furniture 

Winner: Flexa Furniture Hawai‘i 
Kaka‘ako, @flexashop_hawaii 

Finalist: Costco 
Multiple locations, @costco 

Best Shopping Center for Families 

Winner: Windward Mall 
Kāne‘ohe, @windwardmall 

Finalist: Kāhala Mall 
Kāhala, @kahalamall

Best Teacher Gifts 

Winner: Classic Waves Boutique 
Kailua, @classicwavesboutique 

Finalist: Kākou Collective 
‘Aiea, @kakoucollective 

PLAY

Best Amusement Center 

Winner: Kids City Hawai‘i 
Multiple locations, @kidscityhawaii

Finalist: Fun Factory 
Multiple locations, @funfactorygames 

Best Annual Pass Value 

Finalist: Honolulu Zoo 
Waikīkī, @thehonoluluzoo 

Best Family-Affordable Getaway 

Winner: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa 
Ko Olina, @disneyaulani 

Finalist: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort 
Waikīkī, @hiltonhawaiianvillage 

Best Mini Golf Course 

Winner: Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline 
Kāne‘ohe, @bayviewminiputt

Finalist: Glow Putt Mini Golf 
Kāne‘ohe, @glowputtminigolf 

Best Pau Hana with Kids 

Winner: Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman 
Multiple locations, @monkeypodkitchen 

Finalist: Dave & Buster’s 
Ala Moana, @dnbhonolulu 

Best Place to Experience Cultural Activities

Winner: Bishop Museum 
Kalihi, @bishopmuseum 

Finalist: Polynesian Cultural Center 
Lā‘ie, @polynesianculturalctr

Best Play Space/Attraction: Indoor

Winner: Keiki Kingdom 
Multiple locations, @keikikingdom 

Finalist: Kids City Hawai‘i 
Multiple locations, @kidscityhawaii 

Best Play Space/Attraction: Outdoor 

Winner: Wai Kai 
‘Ewa Beach, @waikailineup

Finalist: Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i 
Kapolei, @wetnwildhawaii 

LEARN

Best Afterschool/Enrichment Program 

Winner: Kama‘āina Kids 
Multiple locations, @kamaainakids 

Finalist: Hawai‘i Dance Bomb 
@hawaii_dance_bomb 

Best Art Lessons

Finalist: Honolulu Museum of Art School 
Makiki, @honolulumuseum 

Best Dance Lessons 

Finalist: Kailua Dance Academy 
Kailua, @kailuadanceacademy 

Best Music Lessons 

Winner: Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios 
Multiple locations, @roysakumaukulelehawaii 

Finalist: Kailua Music School 
Kailua, @kailuamusicschool 

Best Place to Get Educational Toys  

Finalist: Keiki Kaukau
keikikaukau.com, @keikikaukau

Best Summer Program 

Winner: Kama‘āina Kids 
Multiple locations, @kamaainakids 

Finalist: YMCA of Honolulu 
Multiple locations, @ymcahonolulu 

Best Swimming Lessons 

Winner: YMCA of Honolulu 
Multiple locations, @ymcahonolulu 

Finalist: Lē‘ahi Swim School 
Multiple locations, @leahiswimschool

Best Tutoring 

Winner: Tutor Doctor Hawai‘i 
tutordoctor.com/Hawaii, @tutor_doctor_hi 

Finalist: Sylvan Learning 
Multiple locations, @sylvanlearningcenters 

SERVICES

Best Family Photographer 

Finalist: Kicking Bird Photography 
pekunahong.com, @kickingbirdphotography

Best Family Vehicle 

Winner: Toyota 
Multiple locations, @toyotahi

Finalist: Honda 
Multiple locations, @hawaiihondadealers

Best Pediatric Dentist 

Winner: The Uchida Pediatric Dentists 
Multiple locations, @uchidadental 

Finalist: Pediatric Dental Group 
Multiple locations, @pdghawaii

Best Pediatric Doctor 

Winner: Kāhala Pediatrics 
Diamond Head, @kahalapediatrics 

Finalist: Dr. Jasmine Waipa, Keānuenue Pediatrics 
Ala Moana, @keanuenuepeds