Oahu is Hawaii’s hub, packed with family-friendly activities. As home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and famous North Shore surf towns – Oahu must be included on any visit with children!
However, if you prefer more intimate vacation experiences without crowds or congestion, Lanai may be your perfect Hawaiian island choice. Boasting breathtaking cliffs and rainforests as well as an unparalleled cultural experience and plenty of peaceful tranquility – Lanai makes an excellent dream destination.
1. Maui
Which island is ideal for your family depends on the ages and activities that your children wish to participate in during your vacation. All islands offer child-friendly hotels and resorts as well as attractions specifically designed to engage children.
Maui is an exquisite island, boasting plenty of exciting activities and stunning beaches, making it a top pick among vacation destinations for families with children. Plus, with less congestion on Oahu than its counterpart, Maui provides more cost-efficient accommodations to visitors on budget.
Maui offers many fun things for families to do with kids, including visiting waterfalls and hiking, swimming at beautiful beaches and watching world-famous fireworks shows on Waikiki Beach. Additionally, visit Maui Ocean Center where children can learn about Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.
Experience breathtaking green sea turtles at their most unique on Maui while taking in stunning scenery along the Road to Hana – one of the top activities with kids on Maui!
Take the boat out to Napili Coast, an incredible stretch of coast only accessible by boat or helicopter, to witness stunning cliffside views or snorkel. There you can enjoy incredible snorkeling opportunities!
Kauai is another ideal family travel destination, known for its rolling green landscapes and scenic Napali Coast which offers plenty of family-oriented water activities such as kayaking, surfing and beach paddle boarding.
The Big Island is an amazing place for children and families to experience nature at first hand, featuring an active volcano and diverse terrain – ideal for experiencing its splendor first-hand! Come explore and witness its magnificent wonder!
Molokai Island offers visitors who prefer more seclusion and solitude a fantastic beach destination with incredible facilities, making it the fifth-largest Hawaiian Island and providing plenty of amenities without too many crowds or hassle.
Molokai Island offers the ideal destination for families with older children interested in history and culture, offering plenty of landmarks to see. Some major draws on Molokai include Kalaupapa National Historic Park – once home to leper colonists – as well as stunning Kalaupapa Falls. Molokai is also famed for its ancient carvings etched into its sandy soil known as petroglyphs.
2. Kauai
Kauai, commonly referred to as “The Garden Isle,” has earned itself the reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii due to its beautiful foliage and lush greenery. Boasting stunning waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, and spectacular coastline views make Kauai an ideal island to explore whether for family travel or romantic exploration.
Summertime on the island offers ideal temperatures without becoming unbearably hot, typically peaking around mid-80s but often dropping lower during evening hours. This period also makes an excellent opportunity to go snorkeling as popular diving sites will not be overcrowded during this timeframe.
Waimea Canyon (considered the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) makes for an idyllic family destination, boasting lush and windswept Na Pali Coast as well as numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness – both of which make Waimea an irresistibly charming island experience! Families visiting Waimea should set aside enough time for hiking. Younger kids can still have plenty of fun here! Hiking in Waimea Canyon should not be missed either – whether on its stunning trails or among its beautiful coastal environment
Rent a car and explore various parts of the island by driving, such as Manini’owali Beach or Boiling Pots. Not to be missed during your visit are also the stunning mountain peaks and beaches located on the western side of the island – these will certainly add another dimension to your experience!
If traveling with kids, two of the most recommended beaches to visit on Maui are Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay. Hanalei Bay features plenty of activities for youngsters such as surfing and boogie-boarding; furthermore there is lifeguard coverage as well as an on-duty lifeguard and playground available for use daily.
Visit Kauai with your family and experience its Queen’s Bath, an expansive sinkhole surrounded by large rocks that is great for kids to play in, as well as its world-renowned waterfalls and breathtaking beaches.
There is plenty of family-friendly entertainment on the island, from attending a luau and viewing a show to camping out under a full moon and attending an eclipse watch party. Luaus are traditional ceremonies dating back centuries that provide visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture.
3. Oahu
No matter your travel goals – from family adventures to beachside relaxation – Hawaii offers something special. Every island offers different adventures that allow visitors to experience Aloha.
Oahu is one of the most beloved Hawaiian Islands and an ideal family getaway, boasting everything from beaches to activities for all ages. Plus, with so much history and culture to discover here. Oahu offers something for all visitors–beaches for swimming or sunbathing to exploring its rich cultural history–perfectly.
One of the best activities on Oahu for families with young children is visiting Waikiki Aquarium. Here you’ll find sharks, rays and turtles as well as whale watching tours for all ages – great fun!
Oahu offers another exciting activity to experience: snorkeling! Discover numerous species of fish such as Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles; you may even catch sight of whales and seabirds!
Lanikai Beach and other Oahu beaches also feature calmer waters that make them suitable for infants and toddlers, including Lanikai. While Lanikai is perhaps best-known among these, other beaches also deserve consideration as potential baby- and toddler-friendly destinations.
Oahu offers many attractions perfect for families, such as Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center and Honolulu Zoo. Furthermore, with many family-oriented hotels and resorts to choose from, planning the ideal trip will be easy!
Attractions near Diamond Head lighthouse include stunning sunset views. Don’t miss this iconic destination.
Oahu is an ideal location for families, yet can have its fair share of traffic issues. Heavy congestion in and around Waikiki can often occur so it is important to plan your visit carefully.
4. Molokai
Molokai, Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, offers families an ideal escape to reconnect with nature while learning about Hawaiian culture and tradition.
Molokai stands out as an island that remains relatively untouched and free from large-scale tourism infrastructure, its population being comprised predominantly of Native Hawaiians who embodied the true spirit of Hawaii.
Due to limited tourism and industry on the island, its natural landscape remains relatively unspoiled – as seen through lush valleys, dramatic sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Experience the island through unique activities, which you won’t find on other islands. For instance, visit Kamakou preserve to find an array of plant life and wildlife.
Another excellent way to explore the island is with a helicopter tour, providing an aerial perspective of stunning landscapes that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access on foot or by car.
Molokai offers more than stunning landscapes; you will also be amazed to discover its abundance of wildlife – perfect for families. There are various kinds of birds as well as plants and animals you will come across here, making this island paradise truly amazing to explore.
Molokai offers many beautiful taro fields that you should see when visiting, which are an essential staple crop for Hawaiians and are an absolute must when visiting this island.
As you explore this region of the island, you will gain a greater insight into Hawaiian history and how they farmed taro. Furthermore, you will be able to witness the fully restored late-19th-century sugar factory that once stood here.
Take advantage of Kapukahehu Beach, with its calm waters and picnic tables, or One Ali’i Beach Park – two popular options on the island for visitors and locals alike.
