Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
The protected bay is ideal for family snorkeling — shallow, calm, and teeming with 400+ fish species. The required educational video teaches children about reef conservation.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Walking through volcanic craters, lava tubes, and steam vents is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime geological adventure that captivates children of all ages. The Junior Ranger program earns a badge.
Polynesian Cultural Center
A living museum of Pacific island cultures across 42 acres with separate village sections representing Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Maori, Tahiti, Fiji, and Marquesas. Interactive demonstrations, an evening show, and luau dinner.
Kualoa Ranch
A working 4,000-acre cattle ranch used as Jurassic Park filming location. Activities include ATV tours, ziplines, horseback riding, and movie location tours through the dramatic Ko'olau valleys.
Learning to Surf in Waikiki
Waikiki's gentle, consistent waves are the world's best learn-to-surf conditions. Group lessons for children and families run 90 minutes. Most kids stand up within 20 minutes.
Maui Ocean Center Aquarium
Hawaii's premier aquarium with a massive 750,000-gallon open ocean tank featuring sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles visible from a walk-through acrylic tunnel. Interactive touch pools and sea turtle feeding.
Manoa Falls Rainforest Hike
A short, lush rainforest walk through Honolulu's Manoa Valley to a 150-foot waterfall — close to Waikiki and manageable for small children. The tropical flora and bird sounds make it feel like a real jungle adventure.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
All-suite format provides separate living and sleeping areas that families genuinely need. Complimentary cooked breakfast each morning is a significant cost saver for a family of four. Two-minute walk from Waikiki Beach.
Where: Honolulu
Hilton Waikoloa Village
A self-contained 62-acre resort destination with a dolphin lagoon (Dolphin Quest interaction program), canal boats and trams for getting around, multiple pools, and the ocean. A destination in itself.
Where: Waikoloa
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa
Maui's most spectacular family resort with a Wailea Canyon Activity Pool — an elaborate nine-pool swimming complex with a river ride, waterslides, waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. Huge and feature-packed.
Where: Wailea
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Hawaii restaurants are family-friendly. Casual attire is the norm everywhere except fine dining restaurants.
Grocery stores (Foodland, Times Supermarket, Safeway) on all islands allow families to prepare breakfasts and lunches in condo kitchens — this significantly reduces trip costs.
Plate lunch spots are excellent for families: generous portions, simple food kids enjoy (rice, chicken katsu), and very reasonable prices.
The Cheesecake Factory and other familiar chains are available in Hawaii for picky eaters — Ala Moana Center has most major US chain restaurants.
Many resorts offer children's menus at their restaurants with simpler, smaller portions at reduced prices.
Shave ice is a Hawaii staple that children universally love. Matsumoto's (North Shore, Oahu) and Ululani's (Maui) are the most celebrated.
Food trucks and farmers markets engage children with the experience of choosing and sampling — make market visits a family activity, not just errands.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.