The Best Family Experiences Across the Hawaiian Islands (by age)
Ohana (family) is deeply important in Hawaiian culture, which makes our islands a welcoming destination for kids of all ages. From snorkeling and sandcastle building on sun-soaked beaches to exploring volcanoes and sacred cultural sites, the Hawaiian Islands are a natural playground you never outgrow.
To help you plan the best possible itinerary for your clients, we’ve put together a list of the best experiences across the islands for families with children of all ages.
Best for young children
Visit the beach
Many of Hawaiʻi’s beaches provide the perfect playground for little ones - with shallow, warm water, protected tide pools and no nasty sea creatures to worry about. Our top picks for your clients to explore are Kuhio and Ko Olina Lagoons on Oʻahu, Lydgate Beach Park and Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi, La’aloa Beach Park on the Island of Hawaiʻi and Baby Beach, Lahaina on Maui.
Aquariums and Ocean Centers
Little ones will love looking at the marine life at the Maui Ocean Center, Waikiki Aquarium and Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm on the Island of Hawaiʻi where they’ll see everything from colourful coral to gigantic manta rays.
Farm Tours
Visiting one of Hawaiʻi’s many farms gives little ones the opportunity to run around in nature and interact with farm animals, while the grown-ups sample an array of Hawaiʻi-grown products. Check out Hawaiʻi Farm Project, Leilani Farm Sanctuary and Kauai Plantation Railway.
Best for tweens
Polynesian Cultural Center
A must-visit for any family staying on O‘ahu, The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a range of activities and package options. Your clients can spend the day visiting the Island Villages, watching performances and taking part in activities. Then, in the evening, enjoy the lūʻau and dinner, followed by the spectacular HĀ: Breath of Life show.
'Auana - Cirque du Soleil
This spectacular show celebrates the essence of the islands through breathtaking artistry and awe-inspiring athleticism. Kids will love learning the mo‘olelo (stories) of Hawai‘I from the Polynesian migration, to the “golden age of tourism”.
Lūʻau
With its combination of delicious food and unforgettable entertainment, a luau is a great option for families. Some of our favourite lūʻau are Nā Lei Aloha on Oʻahu and Lūʻau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation on Kauaʻi.
Best for teenages
Snorkelling
Getting out on the water is an activity the whole family can enjoy and Hawaiʻi’s pristine ocean provides the perfect opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. On the Island of Hawaiʻi, your clients can take an eco-friendly snorkelling trip with Fairwind Cruises and then head out on an outrigger canoe with Anelakai Adventures to swim with manta rays.
ATV/Offroad Adventures
Teenagers will love exploring Hawaiʻi’s many ranches and backcountry by ATV, e-bike, or even segway! Kipu Ranch on Kauaʻi, Maui Off-Road Adventures and Aloha Adventure Farms on the Island of Hawaiʻi are some of our favourites.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve explorer’s paradise. On offer are ATV and Raptor UTV, zipline, e-mountain bike, trolley, bus, horseback, kayak, Jeep and catamaran tours!