Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Hawaii with Kids
Aloha! Are you planning a family vacation to Hawaii? Visiting Hawaii with kids can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be prepared to ensure tantrum-free travel. From stunning beaches to lush green mountains, Hawaii is a perfect family destination. Hawaii has six major islands that can be visited, but the most family-friendly ones are: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the island of Hawaii (the Big Island) and Lanai. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do and where to go. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you plan the perfect family trip to Hawaii. So, pack your bags, grab your little ones, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in paradise.
How to Get to Hawaii with Kids
The most common airports to fly into are Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui. Some airlines also fly directly to Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai.
How to Get Around Hawaii with Kids
The most common ways to get around the islands are by rental car, public transportation, or taxi/Uber/Lyft.
Rental car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around the islands, especially if you’re travelling with kids. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and make stops whenever you need to.
Public transportation: Most of the islands have bus systems that are affordable and reliable.
Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available on the islands, but they can be quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling long distances.
The Best Time to Visit Hawaii with Kids
Hawaii has a year-round tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from the 23 to 29 degrees Celsius. While the peak tourist season is from December to March, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and score some deals, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November. These months still offer plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Plus, you’ll have more space to spread out on the beaches and in the parks.
Must Dos in Hawaii with Kids
- Explore the beaches
- Take a hike
- Attend a luau
- Take a submarine tour
- Visit Pearl Harbor
LOCATION
Where to Stay in Hawaii With Kids
When looking for a place to stay in Hawaii with kids, make sure to look out for hotels or resorts that offer keiki. This is a kid’s program.
Best Kid-Friendly Resorts on Oahu
- Aulani Resort – A Disney resort and spa.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
- Turtle Bay Resort
Best Kid-Friendly Resorts On Kauai
Best Kid-Friendly Resorts On Maui
- The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
- Four Seasons Resort at Wailea
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel
- Grand Wailea Maui
Best Kid-Friendly Resorts On The Big Island
Best Kid-Friendly Resorts on Lanai
ITINERARY
Visiting Oahu Hawaii with Kids
Oahu is known as the heart of Hawaii and the gathering place.
Here are some things you can do when visiting Oahu Hawaii with kids:
Explore a submarine at Pearl Harbor.
Make your way around the garden maze at Dole Plantation which is a pineapple plantation.
Encounter wildlife at Sea Life Park, Waikiki Aquarium or Honolulu Zoo.
Play authentic Hawaiian games at the Polynesian Cultural Centre.
Get crafty – There are lots of chances to learn a cool traditional craft from a local while you’re exploring the islands. And the best part? You get to take home your own special souvenir! If you’re staying at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach, you can even create a keepsake with a super skilled woodcarver.
Hike to the Diamond Head.
Tour the island and see waterfalls.
Kualoa Ranch – For some zipline adventures. This was the filming location of Jurassic Park.
Spend a beach day in Kailua or Lanikai.
Visit the Bishop’s Museum, which has interactive exhibits about Hawaii’s history and culture. There is also a planetarium and a science center. Children have the opportunity to witness stunning planetarium shows and get involved in exciting lava demonstrations at the Bishop Museum.
ITINERARY
Visit Kauai in Hawaii With Kids
Kauai is known as the Garden Island for its lush green landscapes and beautiful natural scenery.
Here are some activities that you can do in Kauai Hawaii with kids:
Visit Waimea Canyon State Park.
Beaches – Snorkel at Poipu beach. Soak up the sun in Papohaku beach, or at Lydgate Beach Park. This is a beautiful white sandy beach. Have a family beach day at Lydgate beach or in Hanalei. Hanalei is one of the best beaches in Hawaii for families.
Hikes – Hike at: Iliau Nature Loop Trail, Kuilau Ridge Trail, Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail.
Visit Lydgate Farms – A chocolate farm with educational tours.
Visit Hanapepe town and see the swinging bridge.
Visit Kilauea Lighthouse.
Smith Family Garden Luau – A beautiful botanical garden.
Fern Grotto Tour and kayaking.
Discover the Na Pali Coast By Boat.
Visit Wailua Falls.
Koloa Ziplines – great for kids ages 7+ who love adventure.
Spot the dolphins with Captain Andy’s Boat Tour.
Learn to dance the hula.
Ride on the Kauai plantation railway at Kilohana Estate.
ITINERARY
Visit Maui Hawaii with Kids
Muai is a popular destination for its stunning beaches, picturesque sunsets and world-renowned surfing spots. Maui may be ranked as the best Hawaiian island for families.
Here are some activities you can do in Maui Hawaii with kids:
Visit the Maui Ocean Centre.
Get hands on at Hawaii Nature Centre in Wailulu.
Hike in Iao Valley.
Enjoy a snorkelling day in Kapalua. Kapalua is one of the best Hawaiian beaches for families and a great spot to see sea turtles. Or spend a beach day in Kaanapali.
Drive through the scenic road to Hana and stop at the many waterfalls along the way.
Visit Hana Lava Tube – There you can explore a lava tube that was formed by an ancient lava flow.
ITINERARY
Visit The Big Island of Hawaii With Kids
The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its diverse range of landscapes, including black sand beaches, volcanic craters, and lush rain forests.
Here are some activities you can do in Big Island, Hawaii with kids:
Head to Hapuna Beach State Park, which has beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, or visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
Watch the dolphins – The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a fantastic experience with a lazy river and a large saltwater lagoon that is home to several dolphins. Children can also have the exciting opportunity to shadow a dolphin trainer during their stay!
Visit Akaka Falls State Park.
Tour a macademia nut farm.
Visit Imiloa Astronomy Center– Learn how Hawaii’s early explorers navigated to the shores by the stars.
ITINERARY
Visit Lanai Hawaii with Kids
Lanai, is a great place to relax and unwind with its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views.
Here are some of the best things to do in Lanai, Hawaii with kids:
Spend some time at the beaches.
Explore the tide pools of Hulopoe Bay.
Enjoy a family picnic at Dole Park.
Splash in the pool at Lanai’s fine resorts.
Visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds in Hawaii
There are various parks and playgrounds around Hawaii for kids.
Ala Moana Beach Park – Oahu – It has a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as plenty of grassy areas for picnics and games.
Magic Island Playground – Oahu – You’ll find a large jungle gym, a sand play area, and even a splash pad to cool off on hot days. Plus, the views of Diamond Head and the ocean are stunning.
Kapiolani Park – Oahu – This park is located right next to the Honolulu Zoo.
Kalama Beach Park – Maui – Located in Kihei, Kalama Beach Park is a great place for families to spend the day.
Hanalei Bay Beach Park – Kauai – This park has a playground, picnic tables, and plenty of space for kids to run around.
Dole Park – Lanai – A charming public park with lush greenery, a playground, and a variety of local shops and restaurants nearby.
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Hawaii
When in Hawaii with kids, make sure to check out some of the best family-friendly cafes and restaurants there.
Kid-friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Oahu:
- Leonard’s Bakery
- Cinnamon’s – Breakfast spot
- Makahiki – Disney themed breakfast buffets
- Leonard’s Food Truck
- Duke’s Waikiki
- Island Vintage Shave Ice
Kid-friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Kauai:
Kid-friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Muai:
Kid-friendly Cafes & Restaurants on Big Island:
Insider Tips
Exotic Fruits & Sweet Treats
The Big Island Chocolate Festival, and the daily farmers markets throughout the islands offer more exotic fruits and sweet treats than a candy store.
Festivals
Dance along the rhythmic music at the Slack Key Guitar Festival or Ukulele Festival in Hawaii.