Have you traveled with teens? The cliché of eye-rolling, moody, perpetually starving, self and phone-obsessed mini-human rings true. As we have learned from interesting exposés featured in National Geographic magazine — amongst many other scientific journals — the teenage brain is doing its best to be reasonable, but at any given moment the surge of hormones can and will overwhelm.
That said, here are some activities that even the pickiest adolescents will enjoy.
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Get High!
Hawaiian Parasail — Top Oahu Parasailing Tour & Adventure from Waikiki Beach
Location: Ala Wai Boat Harbor
Take the thrill ride of your life on this Oahu parasailing experience. Soar through the air on lines up to 1,000 ft. and enjoy views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the Koolau Mountains. Kids as young as 5 years old are allowed, so bring the whole family.
North Shore's Best Zipline Tour by CLIMB Works — Oahu’s Longest Zip
Location: Keana Farms
Make your way to the best zipline on Oahu with CLIMB Works at Keana Farms. Enjoy panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu’s North Shore. This 3-hour adventure features 8 zip lines, 2 rappels, 3 sky bridges, and an ATV adventure to the ridge top.
Honolulu Flyboarding Adventure with Hydroflight Aqua Jet Propulsion Technology
Location: Keehi Lagoon
Experience the thrill of Oahu’s most extreme water activity on a Hawaii Flyboard adventure. Fly high over and zoom under the warm water at Keehi Lagoon is this unique and must-try tour.
Paradise Helicopters Oahu Scenic Doors Off Flights from Turtle Bay Resort
Location: Turtle Bay
Experience the natural beauty of Oahu’s North Shore from the sky. Paradise Helicopter offers 6 different doors off flight packages departing from Turtle Bay Resort.
Private Hawaii Volcano and Helicopter Tour from Oahu
Location: Honolulu
For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an active volcano up close, this helicopter tour takes you to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Volcano.
Beats TV!
Ko Olina Ocean Adventures Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Sail
Location: Ko Olina Marina
Sail along Oahu’s West Coast with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures. A family-friendly dolphin watch and snorkel cruise great for all ages. Snorkel at two different spots, swim with turtles, reef fish, and tropical corals. SNUBA diving upgrade recommended.
Haleiwa Shark Tours — Best Shark Cage Dive in Hawaii
Location: Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor
See sharks up close and personal in their natural habitat. This North Shore shark cage adventure is limited to small groups, which means less time waiting for your turn and more time in the cage.
Jurassic Valley Horseback Riding Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Location: Kualoa Ranch
Experience the scenic natural beauty of Kualoa Ranch on a guided horseback ride tour. Expert horse wranglers will ensure you a safe and fun ride through the iconic Ka’a’awa Jurassic Valley. Morning and afternoon tours available daily.
SUP or Kayak River & Turtle Tour
Location: Anahulu River, North Shore
Step away from technology and be more in tune with nature during this 90 minute tour on the water. Choose to embark on the journey either on a standup paddleboard or in a kayak. There’s a good chance you’ll see creatures, like Green Sea Turtles, along the way.
Snorkel Tour
Location: Haleiwa
Visit one of Oahu’s marine sanctuaries for the chance to see plenty of fascinating wildlife and underwater ecosystems like coral reefs with turtles, octopi and more.
Front Row Seat to Queens Waikiki Luau
Location: Waikiki
Get a front row seat to this popular luau – an experience that will be rich in culture, entertaining and paired with a delicious meal.
Cage-Fee Shark Tour
Location: Haleiwa
For the daring teens, this diving tour will allow you to swim with sharks and witness them in their natural habitat. Proper safety protocol is maintained.
Better Than A Book!
E Noa Pearl Harbor Tour with Reserved Tickets to Arizona Memorial & USS Missouri
Location: Pearl Harbor
Dive deep into the history of World War II and reserve tickets to experience Pearl Harbor. Visit the USS Missouri and Arizona Memorial and explore the historic downtown of Honolulu.
Polynesian Cultural Center All-Day Pass Experience with Dinner & Show
Location: Laei
Take a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center with an all-inclusive full-day package that includes interactive activities, canoe rides, a dinner buffet, and an evening luau show.
Historical Honolulu Tour
Location: Honolulu
Hop on a bike and follow a tour guide as they show you the best spots in Honolulu to learn its history, see popular landmarks and destinations and learn the best spots to eat, all while getting exercise under the island sun.
Aloha Cultural Tour
Location: Honolulu
This tour covers lots of bases and certainly caters to the history buffs. Visit the Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum and end the day with a visit to the zoo.
Be a Star! (Movie Tours)
Kualoa Ranch Experience - Movie Tour, Jungle Jeep Expedition & Farm Tour
Location: Kualoa Ranch
Experience a full-day of tours through one of Hollywood’s most popular filming destinations for movies and TV shows including Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, and King Kong.
Hawaii Five-0 Tour with Lunch at McGarrett's House with Cast Member!
Location: The Bayer Estate
If your teen is a fan of the hit TV show Hawaii Five-0, this behind the scenes tour takes you to see film locations featured in the show and a lunch at Steve McGarret’s house.