Even though Hawaii may seem like a romantic honeymoon getaway or a place to spend lazy days on the beach, the state is a great destination for the “keiki.” Whether you want your kids to have fun while experience something educational or just kick back, we have a few suggestions for each island. There’s always going to the beach, luaus, surf lessons, and hiking trips, alongside this list, which can be found on each island.
Oahu
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation in Wahiawa offers fun for all ages. Ride the Pineapple Express Train Tour or take the Plantation Garden Tour and have a blast while learning about the history of pineapples in Hawaii. Get lost in the world’s largest maze, The Pineapple Garden Maze and afterward, celebrate your escape with the ever-popular Dole Whip (pineapple flavored soft-serve).
Polynesian Cultural Center
You’ll never find a more interesting way to learn about Polynesian culture than on a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. Kids of all ages will love the games, presentations, cooking demonstrations, canoe races, and talks from locals from each “village,” representing the major islands in the Pacific.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
Make history come alive with a tour of the Pearl Harbor and visit the location that led to the United States entering World War II. Visitors can upgrade their tours to include the USS Bowfin, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and/or the USS Missouri (no children under 10 are allowed for the “Mighty Mo” tours). Visiting with slightly older children is recommended since bags are not allowed onsite and strollers are only allowed in some places due to security measures.
Big Island
Horseback Rides
Explore Waimea and the lush surrounding areas on a horseback ride, much like the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys, did over a century ago. There are many horseback tours that are offered in this area which accommodate kids of all ages and of all experience levels. The views of the rivers and waterfalls are spectacular and cannot be seen by car.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
See Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Drive up to the summit or explore the park on foot with a day or wilderness hike. With park activities for all ages, a trip here will end up being a memorable experience.
Festivals
There are so many different festivals throughout the year that are dedicated to Hawaiian culture and local foods like Kona coffee, cacao, and avocados. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival (Apr) and the Big Island Chocolate Festival (May) are extremely popular. Check out our Hawaii.com calendar for the next event!
Kauai
The Kilohana Estate
The plantation on the Kilohana Estate is one of the best places for family fun on Kauai. Take a trip on the Kauai Plantation railway, feed the animals, take a leisurely hike around the grounds and pick fruits off of the trees.
Movie Tours
Due to Kauai’s beautiful scenery, the island has been used by Hollywood as a backdrop in films. Take a movie tour and visit locations from famous movies like “Jurassic Park,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Blue Hawaii.” Once you see these locations in person, you’ll never look at your favorite films in the same way ever again.
Maui
Maui Ocean Center
Come face to face with marine life like sharks, turtles, sea urchins, and even live coral. All of the animals here can be found in Hawaiian waters and are kept in a realistic environment at the Maui Ocean Center. Aside from learning about the cool wildlife, children will also love their presentations, story time, and even overnight camping on special days.
Whale Watching
Come face to face with marine life like sharks, turtles, sea urchins, and even live coral. All of the animals here can be found in Hawaiian waters and are kept in a realistic environment at the Maui Ocean Center. Aside from learning about the cool wildlife, children will also love their presentations, story time, and even overnight camping on special days.
Whale Watching
Winter (Nov to Apr) on Maui can mean only one thing: peak Humpback whale watching season as they migrate to warmer waters around the island. To see these majestic creatures, take a boat tour to view and hear them up close and personal in open water. It will be a truly unforgettable tour for both you and your children.
Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm
Take a tour of the only lavender farm on Maui and see the unique purple blooms that thrive on the local climate year round. Kids will love the daily lavender treasure hunt, which covers less-traveled sections of the farm and Ali’i Kula’s crafting classes. Parents, don’t forget to stop at the shop for homemade lavender bath & body and culinary products.
