Hawaii is a top spot for families looking for sunny beaches, green landscapes, and cultural experiences. This guide shows the best places to vacation in Hawaii with family for a memorable trip. You’ll find everything from busy city life to peaceful island spots.
Whether you want a city vibe, a quiet island getaway, or a mix of both, Hawaii has it all. It offers many family-friendly places that suit every taste and need.
PHOTO: Canva
Top Places to Vacation in Hawaii with Family
Planning a family vacation in Hawaii. Its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and many family-friendly activities are perfect for all family members. Families can make memories that last a lifetime in this tropical paradise.
Kids and adults will love the stunning volcanic formations, lush rainforests, vibrant coastal cities, and peaceful beach resorts. It’s a place where every family member can find something exciting to do.
Hawaii Paradise for Vacations
Many resorts offer complimentary cultural activities, such as hula lessons and Hawaiian language classes, providing younger guests with an immersive experience of Hawaiian culture and traditions.
For those seeking high-end accommodations, a luxury hotel in Hawaii offers spacious rooms and villas, pools with water slides, separate dining programs for kids, beachfront locations, and family-friendly activities.
The islands are dedicated to sustainability and preserving their natural beauty. This allows families to enjoy nature and learn about traditions and customs simultaneously.
| “Hawaii is a true paradise, where the beauty of nature and the warmth of the people create an unforgettable family experience. |
for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both? Hawaii is a top destination that will impress everyone in your family. There’s something for every family, from the famous Waikiki Beach to the beautiful Hana rainforests.”
Waikiki Beach and Honolulu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, and its famous Waikiki Beach offer a variety of family resorts with amenities suitable for all ages. These include luxury hotels that provide high-end accommodations and amenities for families, such as spacious rooms, pools with water slides, and multiple dining options.
It’s a place where city life meets beach fun. The North Shore, also on O’ahu, is another family-friendly destination with activities like snorkeling, surfing, and beach exploration.
Exploring Waikiki’s Iconic Attractions
Waikiki Beach is a top family spot, with its beautiful sand and clear waters. Many family resorts in Waikiki offer outdoor pools, providing a fun and relaxing experience for kids and adults.
There’s more to do than just the beach, though. Families can check out the Waikiki Aquarium to see lots of sea creatures. Or visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to learn about World War II history.
Diamond Head State Monument offers great hiking views and trails for the active family.
Dining and Entertainment in Honolulu
Honolulu has a food scene that families will love, with many family-friendly restaurants. You can find everything from local dishes to food from around the world. After eating, there’s lots to do, like live music, hula shows, and cultural festivals.
| Waikiki Beach Attractions | Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Honolulu |
|---|---|
| Waikiki Aquarium | Morimoto |
| USS Arizona Memorial | Duke’s Waikiki |
| Diamond Head State Monument | Hula Grill |
| Liliha Bakery |
The Valley Isle’s Natural Wonders
Maui, known as the “Valley Isle,” is a top spot for families looking for a memorable Hawaiian trip. It boasts stunning sights like Haleakala National Park and the scenic Road to Hana.
Families can dive into Maui’s deep culture, enjoying traditional luaus and seeing humpback whales in winter. Luxury hotels on the island offer high-end accommodations and amenities for families.
Families can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture through activities like hula lessons, lei-making, cooking classes, and cultural programming.
Maui’s mix of serious nature walks and fun spots makes it great for families in Maui, Hawaii. You can trek through rainforests, swim in clear waterfalls, or relax on beautiful beaches. There’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise.
Best of Maui’s Family-Friendly Maui Resorts
Maui’s top resorts offer the best family activities. Many of them offer a complimentary kids’ club with activities and entertainment for children.
They also have pools, water parks for kids, and activities like hula lessons and lei making. These resorts are the perfect spot for your Hawaiian journey. Additionally, you can find a luxury hotel offering high-end accommodations and amenities for families.
- Check out top Maui attractions for kids, like the Hana Rainforest Preserve and the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
- Learn about Maui’s culture at a traditional Hawaiian luau. Enjoy shows and tasty local food.
- Go on a whale-watching trip in winter to see the humpback whales that visit the island.
Maui has beautiful landscapes, many activities, and places just for families. It’s the perfect place for your next Hawaiian family vacation.
Best Family Resorts in Hawaii
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort offers an idyllic escape for families seeking a serene island vacation away from the bustling streets of Honolulu and Waikiki.
Spanning 1,300 acres of pristine beachfront, Turtle Bay Resort invites you to discover its child-friendly shores, like Keiki Cove and Stables Beach, and its four diverse swimming pools. Kids will delight in the water slides at the Keiki and Pool area, while adults can unwind at the exclusive adult-only infinity pool.
Turtle Bay Resort presents an extensive array of activities to enhance your stay. Engage in cultural experiences with ukulele and hula lessons, enjoy a pickleball match on dedicated courts, or meet the resort’s friendly ponies.
Don’t miss the captivating Brave Mermaid Show. For those inspired, the Mermaid Academy offers a chance to swim with fins in the pool.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
PHOTO: Hilton
Hilton Waikoloa Village is a premier destination for family vacations, sprawling over 62 lush acres on the Kohala Coast.
This expansive resort boasts many amenities, including 1,000 guest rooms, three swimming pools, nine dining establishments, and its own saltwater lagoon. The resort is so expansive that a convenient tram service is available to ferry guests across the property.
The resort offers a plethora of activities sure to delight the entire family. Children, in particular, may find themselves drawn to the lagoon for hours of snorkeling, kayaking, surf lessons, and aqua-biking, surrounded by vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional turtle sightings.
Adjacent to this is the Dolphin Quest Lagoon, the only facility on the Big Island where guests can interact with dolphins firsthand.
vacation in Hawaii with family spots
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach on Maui is great for families wanting luxury and fun. Some resorts feature a lazy river, providing a relaxing and fun experience for kids and adults. It has white sand and clear waters, and many resorts are available for families. These resorts offer pools, waterslides, kid-friendly food, and programs for kids.
Hana Scenic Road Trips and Lush Rainforests
Hana on Maui is perfect for nature lovers. The Road to Hana takes you through rainforests and past waterfalls. Families can learn about local culture, hike, and enjoy black sand beaches.
Choose between Kaanapali Beach’s lively vibe or Hana’s calm nature. These family-friendly Hawaii islands have many top family-friendly Hawaii destinations. They make the best places to vacation in Hawaii with family unforgettable.
Kauai The Garden Isle’s Lush Landscapes
Kauai is a paradise for families wanting to explore the island’s stunning nature. It offers many outdoor adventures and activities perfect for all ages. Some resorts in Kauai offer a saltwater lagoon where families can enjoy activities like snorkeling and observing marine life.
It’s a top spot for a family vacation in Kauai, Hawaii. Additionally, families can stay at a luxury hotel offering high-end accommodations and amenities such as spacious rooms, pools with water slides, and multiple dining options.
Na Pali Coast
Exploring the Na Pali Coast is the best family activity on Kauai. This area has dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys. You can hike or take a boat tour to see it all.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort offers spacious accommodations and various family-friendly amenities, including multilevel pools and a kids’ club.
Families can try the famous Kalalau Trail. It offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s greenery.
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Don’t miss Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This natural wonder is a 10-mile-long, 3,600-foot-deep gorge with beautiful colors. It will amaze families.
Scenic drives, hiking trails, national parks, and lookout points offer stunning views of this amazing gorge.
Kauai also has great family-friendly Kauai resorts. They have pools, active kids” clubs, and activities for the whole family. Whether you want to explore or relax, Kauai has it all.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and offers families various outdoor activities. It’s perfect for adventure and relaxation, from active volcanoes to black sand beaches and stargazing. Families can also enjoy staying at a luxury hotel with high-end accommodations and amenities.
For families, visiting the Big Island of Hawaii means exploring Volcanoes National Park. Here, they can see nature’s power up close. They can walk through the steaming calderas and lava flows of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two active volcanoes.
For a calm day, families can enjoy the family-friendly big island resorts. These resorts are along the Kona and Hilo coasts. Families can relax on black sand beaches or snorkel in clear waters.
| Activity | Location | Suitable for Families |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano Viewing | Volcanoes National Park | Yes |
| Stargazing | Mauna Kea Observatory | Yes |
| Black Sand Beach | Punaluu Black Sand Beach | Yes |
| Snorkeling | Kealakekua Bay | Yes |
Visiting Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world, is a special experience. Families can look at stars and planets through the Mauna Kea Observatory telescopes. It’s a chance to learn about the universe.
The Big Island has many top Big Island attractions for families. It’s great for exploring volcanoes, relaxing on beaches, or stargazing. This island makes unforgettable memories for families.
Family-Friendly Resorts and Accommodations in Hawaii
Planning a family trip to Hawaii means looking at many great places for families. You can choose from all-inclusive resorts or condos that are easy on the wallet. Luxury hotels are also an option for families seeking high-end accommodations with amenities like private pools and special dining programs for children.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on O’ahu, is a family-friendly option with various amenities tailored to families. These include character meet-and-greets, Hawaiian cultural and fitness classes, live entertainment, stargazing, and multiple pools and water slides.
All-Inclusive Resorts and Condos
Condos and vacation rentals are also great for families. They have big rooms, living areas, and kitchens, perfect for families who like to cook or want more privacy.
For those seeking a luxury beachfront experience, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers family-friendly activities and upscale amenities.
Budget-Friendly Options for Families
Looking for a budget-friendly stay in Hawaii? You have many choices. Consider mid-range hotels, vacation rentals, or even camping and glamping. These options are affordable and let you uniquely explore all the islands.
For a family-friendly option with pools, a kids club, and nearby beach access, consider the Wailea Beach Resort. These budget-friendly spots might not have as many extras as the pricier resorts. But they still offer comfy places for families to stay. This lets families save money for other fun activities and experiences.
| “Hawaii is the perfect destination for families looking to create lasting memories together. With a wide range of accommodation options, families can find a vacation rental with the perfect fit to suit their needs and budget.” |
Planning Your Hawaiian Family Vacation
Choosing the right time for your Hawaiian trip can make it unforgettable. The best months to visit with kids are from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, and schools are closed. This period lets families enjoy the beautiful beaches, green landscapes, and fun activities without the crowds and high prices of peak season.
Best Times to Visit Hawaii with Kids
Hawaii is great to visit all year, but sometimes it is better for families. Summer has the best weather, with temperatures from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. It’s perfect for beach fun, hiking, and water sports.
Packing Tips and Essential Items
When packing for Hawaii, consider what your family needs for the tropical weather. Include light, breathable clothes, swimwear, and sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Remember to pack medications, bug spray, and water shoes for exploring volcanoes. Also, bring portable chargers, snacks, and activities to keep kids happy during your trip.
