Family Fun
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Family Activities in Hawaii
Hawaii is literally swimming with water-based activities. Kids can pet a sea lion at Sea Life Park, learn to surf from a pro on Waikiki Beach, and see massive humpback whales splashing around during a whale-watching tour on Maui, Molokai or Lanai. Snorkeling is a kid-approved activity all year long; popular spots include the shallow, protected tide pools of Poipu Beach on Kauai and the island of Hawaii’s Kona coast, where you can even swim with dolphins and manta rays.
Beyond the beach, our amazing museums and natural attractions will bring you closer to Hawaii’s fascinating culture – and each other. Learn to dance the hula at the Smith Family Garden Luau, Polynesian Cultural Center and many other authentic luau on every island. Kids can watch planetarium shows and participate in lava demonstrations at the Bishop Museum, or learn how Hawaii’s early explorers navigated to our shores by the stars at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Or, let the little ones burn off some energy at our national and state parks, lush gardens and green spaces – from hikes through the clouds at Iao Valley State Park to zipline adventures at Kualoa Ranch, a filming location of Jurassic Park.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, take advantage of keiki (children's) programs that range from lei-making to scuba lessons. Aulani Resort brings Disney magic to Oahu, with daily activities and pool parties with appearances by Mickey and his friends. On the island of Hawaii, Hilton Waikoloa Village boasts a lazy river and sprawling saltwater lagoon that’s home to several dolphins; kids can even shadow a dolphin trainer during their stay! More great family-friendly Hawaiian hotels include Turtle Bay on Oahu, Grand Wailea and Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui and Hilton Garden Inn Kauai. Best of all, many resorts offer day camps for kids that give parents some much-needed solo time.
Check our calendar to see what fun events and festivals are happening during your visit. You don’t have to be a kid to love the Big Island Chocolate Festival, and daily farmers markets throughout the islands offer more exotic fruits and sweet treats than a candy store. Bust a move to hula grooves during the Slack Key Guitar Festival or Ukulele Festival Hawaii. And if you’re visiting during the holidays, lighting festivals, canoeing santas and brightly colored boat parades are just a few of the ways we celebrate.
Family Fun by Island
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Classes & Lessons
With a range of fun and educational classes and lessons, your kids will bring home more than just a souvenir.
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Family Fun in Hawaii
With a focus on conservation and education, this East Oahu attraction is a great place to meet dolphins, sea lions, green sea turtles, rays, native fish and more. It's small enough to enjoy on foot, yet diverse enough to be a full-day attraction, and is also home to the top rated luau on Oahu.
Budget to deluxe no frill accommodations and tours. Camping, dorm, deluxe, 1BR and 2BR suites to suit groups and families. Our adventure to the summit of Mauna Kea are rated among world's best along with other eco-adventures such as Volcano National Park, Puna and Valleys and Waterfall Adventures.
Hawaii Pacific Parks is a non-profit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaii and in American Samoa. Proceeds from our bookstores support interpretive and educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms Zipline Tour consists of eight world class dual ziplines, two rapels and four sky bridges making it the longest and most unique zipline on Oahu. The 3-hour guided tour also includes an ATV ride, tastes of local fruits and panoramic ocean and mountain views of the North Shore.
Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel extends their ho‘okipa by presenting The Legends of Kā‘anapali Lū‘au every Monday night in the heart of the hotel‘s Tiki Courtyard. You’ll be greeted with warm smiles by the friendly staff of the hotel, leading you to a scrumptious feast prepared by island-born chefs.
Enjoy a tranquil moment during your busy sightseeing schedule. Enjoy the lush gardens on the Laie Hawaii Temple grounds, then come inside the visitors' center to learn more about Jesus Christ and the purpose of temples. We also invite you to visit the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center.
A Maui culinary experience. Plantation food and craft drinks served mountainside; amidst Hawaii's sugarcane past. An innovative approach and local ingredients in dishes that honor the cultures of those who emigrated from distant lands to work in Maui’s sugarcane industry a century and more ago.
Generations of families have made Mauna Kea Beach Hotel their home. Children have forged lifetime friendships here while building sandcastles or exploring the shoreline. Program available seasonally or for three or more with prior arrangements.
Still & Moving Center is the most comprehensive mind body movement center in Honolulu. An international training facility, we offer corporate or private, wellness & Hawaiian cultural packages and retreats, movement classes/workshops/performers, personalized coaching and bodywork services.
An incredible luau experience on Oahu's beautiful east shore! Award-winning entertainment, food, and admission to iconic Sea Life Park included!