Waikīkī Seaside on Oʻahu is likely one of the many seashores in Hawaiʻi protected for youths to swim. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photograph by Ben Ono.
Planning a household trip to Hawaiʻi with the youngsters is an journey in itself. Dad and mom dream of stress-free seashores, scrumptious meals and cultural experiences, whereas children need pleasure, play and loads of room to discover. The excellent news? Hawaiʻi is likely one of the finest locations to maintain each generations smiling. With its mix of pure magnificence, hands-on actions and heat hospitality, Hawaiʻi makes it simple to stability enjoyable for the entire household.
From Oʻahu’s vibrant points of interest to Maui’s underwater wonders, Kauaʻi’s laid-back allure, and Hawaiʻi Island’s epic landscapes, listed here are a number of the finest kid-friendly actions throughout the Hawaiian Islands that folks will love too.
Oʻahu: Large Enjoyable on the Gathering Place
Oʻahu is commonly the primary cease for households, because of Honolulu’s worldwide airport and all kinds of actions. Past Waikīkī Seaside, the island is full of experiences designed for youths and adults to get pleasure from collectively.
Magic Show at the Hilton
Children love just a little magic, and fogeys admire leisure that retains everybody engaged. The 60-seat theater is intimate and stroller-friendly. The high-energy efficiency combines traditional illusions with loads of viewers interplay, making it a kind of uncommon occasions the place keiki are simply as enthralled as their mother and father.
With near 2000 5-star critiques on TripAdvisor, you understand it’s a well-vetted exercise. One latest evaluation states, “I nonetheless don’t perceive how he did all of these tips, but it surely was superb!!!! I like to recommend it for each age! So humorous and light-weight hearted.”
Wai Kai’s AquaPeakz Floating Playground
For households who love burning off vitality whereas getting soaked, Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort in ʻEwa Seaside is a must-visit. The not too long ago launched AquaPeakz growth to their AquaVenture floating playground provides sky-high slides, wobbly bridges and delicate water play zones designed for all ages. Children and teenagers can be taught to surf within the Wai Kai Wave. The web site explains, “No paddling, no pop-ups–simply slide in and trip! It’s the excellent match for first-timers and aspiring surfers. Helmets and soft-top boards are obligatory on your first three waves for a protected and easy begin.” New options just like the Leeward Launcherz impediment course and the hovering Ewa Slider ship thrills, whereas the ʻOhana Splash Pad and Children Circuit cater to youthful children. Dad and mom can take part or loosen up onshore whereas watching their keiki burn off vitality in a protected, thrilling setting.
Sea Life Park
Positioned on Oʻahu’s rugged windward shoreline is a spot the place keiki can watch, contact and even dance hula with dolphins swimming proper in entrance of them. Sea Life Park provides up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions and native Hawaiian marine species whereas being energetic and accountable stewards of the ocean. Company will learn the way shield our oceans so its ecosystems can thrive. You’ll be able to even snorkel with a shark.
The LineUp, one of many many points of interest at Wai Kai, provides a deep-water wave simulator for youths to surf. Photograph by Sarah Burchard.
Maui: Ocean Wonders and Cultural Rhythms
Maui blends pure magnificence with immersive cultural experiences, making it the most effective islands for households touring with youngsters.
Maui Ocean Center
Generally known as “The Aquarium of Hawaii,” Maui Ocean Heart is a world-class marine park showcasing native Hawaiian sea life in 60 displays. Children can marvel at glowing jellyfish, colourful reef fish, and inexperienced sea turtles, whereas mother and father acquire a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems. The spotlight for a lot of households is the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, the place sharks and rays glide gracefully overhead in a walk-through tunnel.
Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience
After a day exploring the ocean heart, households can return for a one-of-a-kind night present. Mele: The Hawaiian Music Expertise brings songs and tales to life within the heart’s Sphere Theater each Tuesday and Saturday night. Led by award-winning performer Eric Gilliom, the efficiency blends dwell music, hula, and beautiful visuals that transport audiences from Haleakalā’s volcanic slopes to the depths of the Pacific. Keiki love the music and dance, whereas mother and father get pleasure from complimentary appetizers, mushy drinks, and the choice of a cocktail from Seascape restaurant.
Migrations Dinner Show
Additionally taking part in now at Maui Ocean Heart is “Migrations,” created and co-produced by Maui native and President of Oni Basis Cultural Heart Keoni Manuel. The multicultural tune, dance and culinary expertise is a tribute to the various ethnicities that make up the Hawaiian islands and “a present to Maui and all who name Hawaiʻi dwelling.” Accompanying the present is a global buffet ready by onsite chef Henry Tariga of the award-winning Seascape Restaurant.
The Open Ocean Exhibit at Maui Ocean Heart options over 50 totally different species of fish, together with sharks and manta rays. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photograph by Daeja Fallas.
Kauaʻi: Outside Journey and Easy Joys
Generally known as the Backyard Isle, Kauaʻi is ideal for households preferring a slower tempo and outside enjoyable.
Kilohana Plantation Railway
Hop aboard the vintage-style Kilohana Plantation Railway for a journey via 105 acres of tropical farmland. Children can feed pigs, goats, and horses, whereas mother and father benefit from the scenic views of sugarcane fields and orchards. It’s each instructional and entertaining, providing a glimpse into Kauaʻi’s agricultural previous.
Lydgate Beach Park
When it’s time for some sand and surf, Lydgate Seaside Park is right for households. The seaside options protected swimming areas enclosed by rock partitions, creating calm, shallow lagoons the place keiki can snorkel safely. There are picnic tables, loos, and a lifeguard on obligation. There’s additionally a sprawling playground close by, so children can change from water play to climbing and swinging whereas mother and father loosen up below the shade of coconut bushes.
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour & Tasting
Discover acres of lush edible panorama at Lydgate Farms. Tour via orchards of each tropical fruit we develop in Hawaiʻi. There are additionally spices, vanilla and, after all, cacao bushes…all able to pattern. The tour additionally features a tropical fruit tasting and chocolate tasting. This 12 months, the farm additionally launched a brand new immersive Honey Farm and Tasting Tour – a two-hour journey that features donning full bee fits and studying concerning the bees’ journey from hive to honey. Guests will get pleasure from fresh-from-the-hive honeycomb tastings and a close-up take a look at the bees’ very important position in nature. Each excursions are appropriate for keiki 7 years and older.
The Lydgate Chocolate Farm Tour on Kauaʻi is a chance to pattern many several types of bean-to-bar chocolate in addition to tropical fruit grown on the farm. Photograph courtesy of Lydgate Farms.
Hawaiʻi Island (The Large Island): Nature’s Playground
Because the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, The Large Island lives as much as its identify. With 10 out of the world’s 14 local weather zones and a assorted panorama that goes from lava fields to snow-capped mountains you’ll discover experiences that can captivate all ages group.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Few locations are as awe-inspiring as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Nationwide Park. Households can hike brief trails via lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and be taught concerning the island’s ever-changing geology on the customer heart. Junior Ranger packages interact children with enjoyable actions, whereas adults admire the park’s world-class pure magnificence. Tours are available from multiple providers.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Positioned in Hilo, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Heart blends science, tradition, and storytelling. Children can discover interactive displays about house and Hawaiian wayfinding, whereas mother and father acquire new perception into Polynesian navigation and astronomy. The planetarium exhibits are a success with all ages.
Household-Pleasant Snorkeling
Alongside the Kona Coast, calm bays like Kahaluʻu Beach Park make snorkeling accessible for newcomers. Children enjoyment of recognizing colourful fish near shore, whereas mother and father can loosen up understanding lifeguards are sometimes on obligation. For adventurous households with older keiki, evening manta ray snorkels are an unforgettable reminiscence — although loads of boat operators additionally supply family-friendly viewing from the deck.
Households can hike brief trails via lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and be taught concerning the island’s ever-changing geology at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Nationwide Park. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Photograph by Kirk Aeder.
Lānaʻi: Quiet Escape
Although much less visited, the smaller island of Lānaʻi provides peaceable experiences for households searching for one thing totally different.
Lānaʻi Seashores
Households can discover Hulopoʻe Beach, considered one of Hawaii’s most pristine shorelines, the place tide swimming pools teem with marine life excellent for curious keiki. Dolphin sightings are frequent, and the island’s small-town vibe offers mother and father peace of thoughts.
Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
When you have animal-loving youngsters, don’t miss the chance to have interaction with over 700 cats on the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is open each day from 10 am to three pm and no appointment is required. You’re welcome to deliver a picnic, since there is no such thing as a retailer on-site for meals or drinks.
Keiki (children) are welcome and endeared in Hawaiʻi. Via them traditions dwell on. Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photograph by Denis Moskvinov.
Ideas for Touring with Children in Hawaii
- Plan a Steadiness: Alternate high-energy days (like snorkeling or journey parks) with slower ones (seaside time or cultural exhibits) to maintain everybody completely satisfied.
- Pack Sensible: Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and light-weight rash guards hold children protected and cozy.
- E-book in Advance: Widespread actions like AquaPeakz, Maui Ocean Heart exhibits, and Volcanoes Nationwide Park excursions usually promote out. Reserve early to keep away from disappointment.
- Embrace Tradition: Encourage keiki to be taught just a few Hawaiian phrases like aloha (whats up) and mahalo (thanks). Dad and mom will get pleasure from sharing the that means behind these traditions.
Creating Lasting Household Recollections
Touring to Hawaiʻi with children isn’t nearly retaining little ones entertained — it’s about creating shared experiences that your loved ones will treasure endlessly. Whether or not it’s marveling at sea turtles in Maui, splashing down slides in Oʻahu, or gazing on the stars in Hilo, Hawaiʻi provides one thing magical for each age.
From keiki-friendly playgrounds to adult-approved cultural occasions, the islands make it simple to attach, loosen up and uncover collectively. So pack your luggage, collect your ʻohana and prepare for a Hawaiian journey the place each children and adults will fall in love with the Aloha State.
