Planning a family vacation to Hawaii can be difficult, with finding an island suitable for each age and interest being essential to its success. When selecting an island as part of your travel itinerary, keep age and interests top of mind when making decisions about where best to visit.
Oahu and Maui offer plenty of activities suitable for family vacations with children of all ages, making these two islands excellent choices for family travel.
Oahu
Oahu is one of the top Hawaiian islands for families, offering bustling Honolulu and picturesque Waikiki beaches that provide perfect locations for exploring, relaxing and learning history. Explore Diamond Head crater; relax at Waikiki shores; learn at Pearl Harbor; attend a luau; or simply experience it all!
To discover Hawaii’s natural world, head to one of its nature preserves. Kualoa Nature Preserve features one of Oahu’s iconic jungles while taking guided tours to Waimea Falls and Gardens offers more remote experiences of Hawaii’s beauty.
If you’re ready for some sun-kissed fun, Oahu’s beaches offer endless entertainment. Create sand castles or simply splash around in the warm surf – Oahu offers attractions suitable for children of all ages.
Oahu can become quite busy during the summer months, so be sure to pack sunscreen and beach towels as part of a vacation essentials kit. Most hotels and resorts also provide family-oriented activities.
Explore one of Oahu’s many kid-friendly beaches like Turtle Bay on its North Shore for an enjoyable ocean experience, home to green sea turtles. Take the opportunity to swim among these graceful marine animals!
Oahu Island offers plenty of photo opportunites suitable for family visits, with its scenic lookouts and picturesque spots providing ideal locations to capture family snapshots and Instagram-worthy shots. Not to mention its famous beaches known for vibrant sunsets and warm, tropical waters – making Oahu a must visit destination!
Oahu offers plenty of exciting cultural events and activities suitable for family vacationers, with its vibrant arts and music scene providing many options. Don’t miss a trip to Polynesian Cultural Center; golf at Oahu Golf Club may also prove enjoyable!
Make this year an unforgettable one by attending a Hawaiian luau! These events offer something truly unforgettable; your entire family can get involved while learning about traditional Hawaiian culture while dancing the night away!
Maui
Maui is an ideal island destination for families searching for kid-friendly activities to keep everyone occupied! No matter whether traveling with toddlers or teens, Maui will meet all your needs while creating incredible family memories!
Island residents know it for its stunning beaches, wide variety of resorts, and impressive keiki (kid) programs. Hilton Waikoloa Village is a top family spot with a lazy river and saltwater lagoon housing dolphins; kids can even shadow one of their trainers during their visit!
Aulani, a Disney property offering daily activities and pool parties featuring Mickey and his pals is another popular option, while it also provides kid-friendly activities like lei-making and scuba lessons for kiddos.
Kauai stands out as an ideal destination for family travel in Hawaii! Offering an abundance of outdoor activities and spectacular hiking trails, as well as some of the top snorkeling in the nation.
Hawaii offers idyllic beaches and scenic drives that are ideal for family vacations, including Waimea Canyon and Hamakua Coast – among many others.
No matter if it’s to relax on the beach, explore a rainforest, or marvel at a volcano, this island has something for every family to enjoy. Furthermore, Hawaii culture and history can be discovered!
Maui offers many fantastic resorts that specialize in family travel, such as Turtle Bay, Grand Wailea and Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Each features amenities, activities and dining options designed specifically to bring joy and satisfaction for every member of the group.
Hawaii is best visited with children in the fall when temperatures are mild and crowds have dissipated, though winter and spring can also provide ideal conditions. At these times, beaches will likely be less crowded and less tourists are visiting Hawaii’s beaches.
Hawaii boasts many different climates, making it easy to find something suitable for every member of your family! Each island features white sand beaches and coconut palm trees swaying in the breeze, stunning waterfalls and active volcanoes for you to explore!
Kauai
Kauai is an ideal Hawaiian island to visit with children and your family, offering beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a relaxed ambience – the ideal combination for discovering Hawaii’s nature and culture!
Landscape of Canada includes waterfalls, beautiful cliffs and breathtaking ocean views; additionally it is home to some of the world’s finest beaches.
Families will find an abundance of activities on this island for everyone to enjoy together, from horseback riding and whale watching to surfing and hiking. Plus, visit some of Hawaii’s iconic landmarks – Waimea Canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific while Mauna Kea Mountain stands as its highest point.
Kauai boasts many popular activities for families to enjoy together, while there are also some hidden treasures worth showing your children. Discover some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches as well as vibrant local culture that will create lifelong memories for everyone in your group.
Kauai’s best time of year to visit with kids is April, when rainy season concludes and temperatures begin to increase. But be warned: April can still be quite wet so prepare for showers or storms during your visit.
As such, February is often the wettest month on Kauai; however, weather-wise it tends to be much drier compared to other times of the year. Therefore, February can be considered one of the best times to visit if you want a quieter stay on Kauai; if beach time is what matters to you then avoid booking during this month.
When planning a family trip to Kauai, it’s smart to book their vacation well in advance. Once school starts and families return to work, busy season in Hawaii should begin dwindling down, leaving more freedom for you and the children to explore and soak up some sun!
The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the best islands for kids because it provides them with so much to do from hiking through a volcano to enjoying a day on the beach. Plus, with great weather, charming small-town charm and friendly locals who love sharing information about their island’s history and culture; visitors are sure to have plenty of memories from visiting here!
Planning your Big Island trip wisely involves allotting at least a week to explore all it has to offer, with activities tailored specifically for families on offer on the Big Island. When selecting these activities, choose those which resonate most with your children’s interests and select them accordingly.
Some of the top activities on the Big Island include hikes through Volcanoes National Park, exploring its coast line, taking an unforgettable snorkeling or whale watching cruise and UTV tours – activities which provide lasting family memories! These adventures offer something for every traveler on this wonderful adventure island!
Other exciting activities on the Big Island include sightseeing in Hilo, visiting waterfalls or taking an easy and scenic hike on the coast near Hawi. For those feeling daring enough, night swimming with manta rays should also not be missed!
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is another must-see historical site and UNESCO World Heritage Site that will teach you about Hawaii’s rich past and those who lived here prior to European colonization.
To reach the Big Island from mainland Hawaii, travelers will need to fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo International Airport (ITO), both located on its western side and close to many popular tourist spots.
Visitors who fly into Kona Airport often spend their stay in one of the area’s resorts or hotels. Hilton Waikoloa Village, for instance, features multiple pools with waterfalls, an on-site luau experience with swim with dolphins experience as well as extensive shopping opportunities.
If you’re visiting the Big Island with children, make sure you book accommodations of a high standard. Paniolo Greens Resort or Holua Resort offer luxurious villas that provide ample room for families with young ones; each comes equipped with outdoor pools, kitchen facilities and all other necessary amenities to make for a fun-filled trip.
