Hawaii is a popular vacation destination for families for good reason.
The natural beauty and tropical weather account for a lot of its popularity.
However, there are many more reasons to visit.
Hawaii is very family-focused, so there’s plenty for kids to do, from snorkeling to visiting museums.
Your family can experience Hawaii’s wildlife and culture for an unforgettable experience.
Things to do in Hawaii with Kids
Hawaii offers many family-friendly activities to choose from.
The islands have stunning beaches, but that’s just the beginning.
The best things to do in Hawaii with kids include:
1. Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park is devoted to education and conservation.
Check out the dolphins and wholphins, which are a dolphin and whale hybrid.
Shark Cave features a 300,000-gallon tank with sharks native to Hawaii.
Get an up close-up view of sandbar sharks and black-tipped sharks.
You can visit the Aviary, feed cockatiels and lovebirds, and see the Sea Bird Sanctuary to visit native Hawaiian Seabirds.
Other favorites include the Penguin Habitat and Rocky Shores Reef Fish exhibit.
Kids love the Discovery Touch Pool which has baby sea turtles, sea stars, and urchins that visitors can touch and hold.
They can also explore the Adventure Kids Zone, which offers playgrounds for kids of different age groups.
2. Whale Watching
Whale watching is another great family activity in Hawaii.
You have several options.
The Auʻau Channel is one of the best places to see these majestic creatures.
You can also spot them off the shores of O’ahu.
However, the best way to see them is to go on a whale-watching boat tour.
The Oahu Whale Watching tour takes small groups from Waikiki Beach on a 2-hour tour.
You can see the whales breach the water, play, feed, and potentially breed.
You’ll also learn more about Humpback whales and their migration patterns.
Best of all, if you don’t see any whales, you can take the tour on another day for free.
3. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is considered a family affair in Hawaii.
There are great snorkeling locations on every island, but we recommend Poipu Beach.
The shallow and calm waters make it a great location for little ones and beginners.
Keep an eye out for blue parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and the Hawaii state fish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa.
You can also spot monk seals on the shore.
If you need some gear, Boss Frog’s has everything from scuba masks to beach chairs.
4. Attend a Luau
When you are in Hawaii. you must attend a luau with your family.
Luaus in Hawaii are 100s of years old, and the dances they are known for date back much further.
The movements of the dances are designed to tell a story through the movements.
In addition to Hawaiian dances, modern Luaus often include dances from other Polynesian cultures as well.
During a Luau, you’ll also enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
You’ll find luaus at many resorts in Hawaii, so you may be able to participate in one at your accommodations.
If you are spending time in Maui, we recommend Old Lāhainā Lūʻau.
The traditional Hawaiian Luau occurs every day at sunset. However, there is a waiting list, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
5. Hike Oahu
Oahu offers many excellent hikes for people of all ages and skill levels.
If you want a relatively easy hike with a stunning view, you should choose Diamond Head Trail, known as Le’ahi in Hawaiian.
The trail is a bit less than a mile one way, and you’ll be well rewarded when you reach the top.
The Diamond Head Crater provides an incredible view of Honolulu and Waikiki.
Reservations are required before heading out.
The Kaneohe Bay Pillbox trail is on the windward side of the island.
You can park at the Koolau Shopping Center and follow the guardrail to the trailhead.
The trail is a little over 2 miles long round trip.
The trail is mostly forested.
However, there are a few lookout points that offer a great view.
In fact, the pillbox at the end of the trail gives a beautiful view of the bay.
6. Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s natural and cultural history museum.
There’s a lot for the entire family to enjoy.
Kids love the Backyard exhibit, which shows you the world from the perspective of a bee, and focuses on wildlife you may find in your own backyard.
The Science Adventure Center is also geared towards children.
It focuses on Hawaii’s environment.
The exhibits are immersive and often hands-on and include volcanology, oceanography, and biodiversity.
Signature Galleries provides information about Hawaii’s history and culture.
Hawaiian Hall focuses on the Gods of Hawaii, while the Pacific Hall focuses on the Pacific Ocean and its impact on Hawaiian culture.
The picture gallery features historic paintings, art, rare books, and collectibles.
The Kāhili Room showcases the Hawaiian monarchy, including portraits and personal items of Hawaiian royalty.
7. Waterfall Walk in Maui
You should also consider taking your family on a waterfall walk, especially if you are in Maui.
Hike Maui offers a few tours that are family-friendly.
Families with young children that are at least 4 years old should consider the Waterfall Walk and Swim.
You’ll enjoy an easy walk, and the trail brings you to two different waterfalls.
The walk takes a total of 3 hours and includes a snack and swimming.
If you have children who are six or older, consider the Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure.
The trail is near Hana Highway and features several waterfalls.
You can swim at the base of the falls.
In fact, you can even jump from the cliffs into the pools.
You’ll also see magical rainforests and streams.
This hiking adventure takes 5 hours, and lunch is included.
8. Visit Kualoa Hawaii
Kualoa Hawaii is a 400-acre nature preserve and cattle ranch.
It’s located in Oahu.
You’ll find lots to do at the preserve, including a movie tour and zipline.
It’s been the location of many movies, including Jurassic Park and Godzilla, and popular TV shows like LOST.
You can book a movie tour to see many filming locations.
If you want an in-depth Jurassic experience, the Jurassic Adventure Tour is the way to go.
You’ll ride in a custom open-air vehicle and visit sites from the Jurassic movies, including the Indominus Rex paddock.
You can also tour the area on a raptor ATV, e-bike, or horseback.
You can also book an Ocean Voyage, or visit the Secret Beach.
Older children and adventurous adults can take the Jurassic Zipline.
The course features 7 tandem sections, 2 suspension bridges, and 5 short hiking nature trails.
The ziplines can be 1/4 mile long.
9. See the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
It’s not as large or ancient as its stateside counterpart, but it’s certainly stunning.
It’s located in the Waimea Canyon State Park in Kauaʻi.
The canyon is 14 miles long, and 1 mile long.
It plummets to a depth of 3,600 feet.
You’ll find breathtaking views of buttes, deep gorges, and rugged cliffs and crags.
You can drive to a lookout point.
You can also choose one of the many hiking trails that bring you around the rim of the canyon.
10. Visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park features 2 very active volcanoes and a unique geological environment.
In addition to being the home of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, it’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
There are a few ways to explore the park.
You can choose to go on a family-friendly day hike.
Hike across historic lava fields, see petroglyphs, and check out Sulfur Banks, where the volcanic gases have created colorful crystals.
The park has 123,000 acres of wilderness, so there’s plenty to explore.
If you have an adventurous family, consider a backcountry hiking expedition.
If traveling on foot isn’t your style, you can also explore the park by car.
You can take the Crater Rim Drive tour or the Chain of Craters Road Tour.
Hawaii Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Hawaii Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring my family to Hawaii on vacation?
Hawaii is a great place for a family vacation.
Each of the main islands has its own culture and benefits.
There are many things to do for adults and kids alike.
You can also enjoy the luxurious resorts, which make it easy to relax during your stay.
How old should kids be to travel to Hawaii?
Kids can go to Hawaii at any age.
However, some activities are limited to kids 3 to 4 years old or older.
There’s still plenty for infants to enjoy, including playing in the sand and surfing at the beach.
When is the best time to go to Hawaii?
Hawaii has great weather year-round.
However, the ocean is calmer during the summer months.
On the other hand, January, February, September, and October are the least crowded times to visit.
You may encounter rough seas, but you’ll avoid the crowds.
Which Hawaiian island is best for kids?
Any island in Hawaii is a great place for a family vacation.
However, Oahu is considered the best island for kids and families.
It’s less expensive than the other islands and more family-friendly.
Maui is also a great choice.
Hawaii is a fantastic vacation destination for families with plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from, including visiting Sea Life Park, going whale watching, snorkeling at Poipu Beach, attending a luau, hiking Oahu’s Diamond Head Trail and Kaneohe Bay Pillbox trail, exploring the Bishop Museum and Waterfall Walk in Maui.