You want to know the best places to visit in Hawaii for families, and we want you to have the best vacation plans possible. This is the go-to post for families of all shapes and sizes!
If you’ve been following along with our Hawaii travel blog, you may remember our recent post about top spots for couples to visit in Hawaii. This week, we’ve got an awesome follow-up that’s all about the families.
We’re coming at you with an all-new, totally updated list of the best places to visit in Hawaii for families. This is great if you’re traveling with kids, teens, or taking a multi-generational trip that needs to be fun for all ages.
Come along as we travel through the Hawaii islands and share our favorite towns, attractions, and hotels for families.
Best Island for Families
If you’re looking for the best places in Hawaii for families, you need to start with the best island. Of course, every island in Hawaii is great for kids of all ages (read more about that below). No matter where you go, you’ll find beaches, hikes, and hotels with pools.
But what if you can only visit one island? What if you must choose THE island that gives you everything: core memories, quality time, unique activities, space to explore, and nonstop fun for all ages?
Then the best island is… [drum roll, please]
Any of them!
I know, I know. You wanted us to give you one definitive answer. But the truth is that each island is different, and so is every family.
But, if you really want an answer, we’ll give you one:
Oahu.
If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, and you’re bringing a family, and you want a range of accommodation options and lots of things to do, and you want to enjoy some of the most iconic sights in all of Hawaii, you should visit Oahu. It’s arguably the best palace for families to visit in Hawaii.
So keep reading to learn more about what makes Oahu such a great place to visit AND our arguments for each of our other islands too, because you just may discover that Oahu isn’t the best for your family, and maybe you’re looking for something different!
Oahu for Families
Oahu is the most popular island to visit, and its nickname, The Gathering Place, suggests how ideal it is for celebrations and quality time.
Here are some of the reasons why we’re big fans of Oahu vacations for families:
- Oahu is easy to fly to and has lots of direct routes to big cities in the U.S. and abroad.
- There are so many accommodation options, from condos to hotels to high-end resorts, and they come in at relatively good prices too.
- Oahu has lots of sightseeing and good routes for road trips, but you don’t have to drive a ton to do lots of things. It’s a good balance.
- There are many free and cheap things to do in Honolulu and throughout Oahu, so it’s good for budget-minded travelers.
- Waikiki is lively at night, so it’s a great option for families with teens who like to stay up late.
Great Accommodations on Oahu
If you’re planning a family vacation on Oahu, you’ll have many great hotels for families. The Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a top choice for many families who want Disney magic during their Hawaii vacation. In Waikiki, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has several pools and a lagoon, allowing you to have lots of fun on property. This is excellent for anyone with small kids who might not want to get out and about as much.
But if you have an extended stay on Oahu or simply want more space, a condo could be a great choice, as these places will have multiple rooms and kitchens.
Things to Do on Oahu For Families
Looking for ideas of places to visit in Honolulu, Hawaii, with your family? There is so much to do that you could easily pack in a non-stop itinerary. Don’t do that, though. Be sure to leave downtime to simply relax and see where the day takes you.
Still, here are some fun ideas for places you can visit:
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Hanauma Bay
- Waikiki
- Honolulu Zoo
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Manoa Falls
- Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
- Waikiki Aquarium
- Kailua Beach Park
- North Shore Oahu
- Waimea Valley
- Honolulu Crack Seed Stores
- Liliha Bakery
- Bishop Museum
Other Places to Visit In Hawaii for Families
Of course, Oahu isn’t the only choice for your Hawaii family vacation. There is so much to see and do on all the Hawaiian islands. If you’ve already visited Oahu, or if you’re looking for a less busy island, then you might want to consider one of the other destinations in Hawaii. Here’s a rundown of what families can expect on the other Islands.
Maui
Maui is a fantastic destination for families. In fact, we almost put it ahead of Oahu. There are so many spacious beaches, relaxed hikes, fun activities, and modern amenities. Choose a condo or hotel, like the Grand Wailea, which has multiple pools and a fantastic kids club.
But where do you go once you’re on the Valley Isle? Here are some fun places for families to visit in Maui, Hawaii:
- The Road to Hana and its many waterfalls and scenic overlooks
- Maui Ocean Center
- Black Rock and Kaanapali Beach
- Honolua Bay
- Haleakala National Park
- Molokini Crater
- Makena Beach
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Paia Town
Hawaii Island
If your family loves exploring, then Hawaii Island (the Big Island) could be the best place to visit in Hawaii. This is the ultimate island for a Hawaii road trip, as its massive size offers unique winding roads with lots of scenery.
This is also home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, fresh lava fields, and tall mountains.
Kona or Waiakaloa will have the best hotels for families on the Big Island, but you’ll definitely want to rent a car while you’re visiting, because the best sites and experiences are scattered across the island.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Greenwell Farms Coffee
- Hapuna Beach
- Mauna Kea Recreation Area
- Hilo Town
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
- Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Mauna Kea
- Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Kauai
Kauai is considered one of the quieter islands in Hawaii, so it’s perfect if you value quality time over endless activities. Still, there is plenty to do here, and families will have a blast at the many attractions and beaches.
- Poipu Beach
- Wailua River
- Waimea Canyon
- Hanalei Bay
- Napali Coast
- Kilauea Lighthouse
- Kauai Backcountry Tours
- Hanapepe Town
Tips for a Family Vacation in Hawaii
A family vacation in Hawaii isn’t just about the best places to visit. It’s about how you feel when you’re here, and the memories you carry with you. So remember the real reason you’re taking a vacation: to relax, have some new experiences, and reconnect as a family.
Vacations with Small Children:
Take your time. You’ll have a lot to pack, and getting out the door for adventures will be tough. It’s ok to take it easy while you’re here. Remember that one day, you’ll get to come back to Hawaii when your kids are older and ready to see and do it all.
Families with Kids:
Hawaii is a fantastic place to experience a different culture and unique sights, and they’ll have a lot to learn during their vacation. But they’re also ready to have fun. Sure, they’ll want to spend more time at the hotel pool than you can imagine, so just embrace it and enjoy soaking up the sun.
Most activities in Hawaii are catered toward children, so you don’t have to worry about kids getting bored.
Traveling with Teens:
Hawaii is one of the best places for families with teens to visit. They’ll love sunny beach days, surf lessons, IG-worthy scenery, and enough downtime to rest and recharge. You’ll be delighted with how your teen disconnects from the internet and reconnects with the family.
Family Reunion Trips to Hawaii:
If you’re visiting Hawaii as part of a family reunion trip or multi-generational vacation, you’re in for a fantastic time. We recommend you stay in multiple condo units or price out options for full rental homes. A local Hawaii travel agent like Hawaii Aloha Travel can help navigate the complex booking process for a multi-family vacation, and we can help plan a few core activities for the entire group.
Pro Tip: Book a family photo session while you’re in Hawaii with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. You’ll be able to preserve these memories and get photos in a gorgeous locale.
Best Places to Visit in Hawaii for Families: What You Need to Know
So, now you know our top recommendation for a Hawaii family vacation. You know what to do and have ideas for where to stay. We’re excited to see you in the islands.
And be sure to work with Hawaii Aloha Travel for your planning. A family vacation doesn’t have to be stressful to plan. Let us take over the hard work so you can focus on building memories with your family.
