Oahu is the ideal Hawaiian island for families that love city living, top-tier shopping and exciting excursions. Transportation enthusiasts will especially love staying at Aulani Disney Resort on Oahu where they can ride canal boats and trams while learning ukulele or hula as well as enjoying character breakfasts and water slides!
Hawaii
Hawaii offers stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes and fascinating culture to meet every family vacation need. From thrilling adventures like snorkeling with vibrant sea life or educational tours that explore Polynesian history – Hawaii will have something to spark their interest – but which island should you choose? We’ve taken out all the guesswork by providing this guide of Hawaii islands suitable for families.
Oahu, commonly referred to as the Gathering Place, offers the ideal Hawaiian island vacation for children looking for an enjoyable family experience. Here, luxury resorts with kid-friendly amenities such as pools with water slides and dining experiences for even picky eaters can be found. Additionally, Oahu features many top attractions, including Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor for even more family fun activities!
Maui offers the ideal tropical retreat. Here, you will discover world-class hotels designed specifically to appeal to families such as Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – located just minutes away from some of Maui’s best beachfronts, these properties make Maui accessible and unforgettable for everyone in your party.
Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” boasts some of Hawaii’s most stunning attractions. Take an unforgettable hike up Mount Waialae for breathtaking panoramic views across this verdant island; or catch some of the biggest waves ever recorded on Kauai’s legendary surf beaches.
Kauai may be one of the four major islands, but it still offers plenty of exciting activities for kids. Bring them to Kauai Lagoons to cool off in or explore its magical rainforest on a guided tour. Don’t forget shave ice! This classic Hawaiian snack can be found across most islands and will satisfy both children and parents’ sweet tooths!
Oahu
Oahu Island boasts Hawaii’s finest zoo and aquarium, and also offers family-friendly activities like Iolani Palace tours, Polynesian Cultural Center experiences and Pearl Harbor visits – enough for an entire year’s worth of activities!
Oahu is the perfect Hawaiian island for families looking for both urban and outdoor travel experiences, while Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay beaches stand out as ideal spots for relaxing beach vacations. No wonder so many visitors flock here year after year for unforgettable beachside vacations!
North Shore beaches boast less-crowded and calmer waters than their southern counterparts, making them an excellent place for children who may not yet be used to rougher surf. Furthermore, you might just spot some fascinating tidal pools or small creatures!
Oahu offers plenty of family-friendly shopping, dining and nightlife experiences. Explore Waikiki Shopping District; dine out at one of its numerous local restaurants; or take the kids on an after-dinner stroll through Aloha Tower.
And for a trip packed with culture, stop at Iolani Palace or one of the excellent museums on Oahu. After touring these institutions, grab a pint at Kona Brewing Company where the kids can indulge in kid-friendly menu items while adults can explore more unique brew offerings.
Kauai, commonly referred to as the Garden Isle, is an essential destination for families looking for adventure beyond beaches. Makalawena Beach provides ideal family photos, and Poipu’s Spouting Horn blowhole offers breathtaking views as waves crash nearby. Take an exciting Kauai Hiking Tour through beautiful natural scenery; or discover local farms such as coffee or macadamia nut plantations (where kids can earn Junior Ranger badges!).
Decidng which Hawaii island destination will best suit your family depends on their interests and ages, but no matter which island you select – you are sure to experience an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure!
Maui
Maui is an ideal island for families seeking the ideal balance between touristy fun and more rural activities that promote relaxation. You’ll find world-class beaches, cascading waterfalls and plenty of authentic Luau experiences here – not forgetting Maui Ocean Center which boasts touch tanks and an immersive tunnel where tropical fish swim around you! Kids especially will appreciate visiting this family-friendly aquarium with touch tanks and an immersive tunnel filled with tropical fish swimming around in every direction!
The North Shore of Maui is known for its rustic charm and laidback atmosphere, known for its legendary surf beaches and sea turtles. There’s also Dole Plantation Pineapple Express Train which allows children to see this famous farm while tasting Hawaii’s popular dessert – and families can hike Manoa Falls Trail and Lanikai Pillbox Hike for unforgettable views and nature-focused adventures.
If your brood enjoys food and beverage, don’t miss a trip to Kona Brewing Company where they can experience local flavors while you take part in kid-friendly brewery tours. Plus, why not sample some shave ice at one of their various Hawaiian locations across the islands!
The Big Island offers three national parks that are great places for kids to earn their Junior Ranger badges, like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with its lava tubes and ancient petroglyphs and Haleakala National Park with stunning views of Kilauea Crater.
Kauai is an ideal island destination for families who like to do things a bit more adventurously, providing opportunities like hiking the Road to Hana and witnessing breathtaking coastal views. Additionally, this destination hosts the iconic Kauai Botanical Gardens where visitors can learn more about exotic plant species while discovering island history through interactive exhibits. And finally, at Royal Lahaina Resort guests can indulge in delicious luaus featuring actors and musicians for unforgettable performances at Royal Lahaina Resort luaus!
Kauai
Trying to decide which of the four inhabited Hawaiian Islands is the ideal family destination is ultimately determined by what kind of trip you want – young kids may enjoy riding their cowabunga dreams on an Oahu surfing tour while older kids might appreciate snorkeling off Maui’s Molokini reefs for tropical fish sightings. Every island provides something special and all four embody the spirit of ohana (family).
Kauai, known as “the Garden Isle,” boasts natural beauty that appeals to both young and old alike. Additionally, this Hawaii island features luxurious resorts such as Hilton Waikoloa Village and Four Seasons Hualalai that make it perfect for families traveling with children – like exploring lagoons on sea kayak tours or hiking up waterfalls! Families will discover an abundance of activities on Kauai that offer plenty of entertainment – whether its kayak tours of lagoons or hiking up waterfalls!
Kauai’s most family-friendly activity may just be mountain tubing on a sugar cane canal, similar to lazy river floating but with headlamps worn and travel through old irrigation tunnels. Kilohana Plantation also features an historic train ride around fruit trees and lush grounds for added fun!
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors can explore Hawaii’s active volcanoes as part of an immersive experience, or take your kids on one of many family-friendly hikes from Ho’opi Falls Hike to Nounou Mountain Sleeping Giant Trail.
The Big Island boasts an array of outstanding dining establishments. Here, visitors can sample locally-crafted beer like Kona Brewing Company’s offerings as well as classic Hawaiian shave ice.
Lanai is one of the smallest and least developed of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, making it an oasis of peace and serenity. One of its key benefits is accessibility; just a quick ferry ride from Maui will get you here, providing access to its beautiful beaches, world’s largest banyan tree, and other landmarks – providing the ideal opportunity to slow down and take in old Hawaii!
