All About Hawaii For Kids

All About Hawaii For Kids
Hawaii Aloha Travel > Blog > All About Hawaii For Kids

Today we’re talking all about Hawaii for kids! Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, we love family vacations and want yours to be fun for everyone. So, we’re giving you the best info on kid-friendly hotels, activities, and islands. Read on to learn more!

Planning a Family Vacation

I was reflecting recently about how much my vacations have changed over the years. Once upon a time, I’d choose a pretty destination, pick a nice hotel, pack a single suitcase, and head out. 

But ever since having kids, vacations have gotten a little… complicated. And it’s just not the kid-wrangling that makes my travels challenging. It’s the planning, too. After all, I don’t want to tote my tots to a place that doesn’t welcome children. Or be stuck in a locale with no activities for little ones. 

One place where you don’t have to worry about that? Hawaii. Any time I plan a family vacation to Hawaii, I know it can be all about the kids (with plenty for grown-ups to do!). And after many trips to the Aloha State – and plenty of time living here as well – I’ve got a lot of fun tips and tricks for kids in Hawaii. And I’m excited to share it with you today!

Is Hawaii Kid Friendly?

kids in a series of tide pools

As local Hawaii travel agents, we get this question a lot. Hawaii is very kid-friendly. For locals and residents, family is everything, and most places in Hawaii welcome children (keiki)

Whether you want a resort that doesn’t mind kids running around, a nicer restaurant that accepts children, or fun activities that are perfect for your younger ones, there is no shortage of things for kids to do in Hawaii.

In fact, on Today’s list of best 2025 family vacation spots, Hawaii had two places on its top list: Waikiki and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

But there are plenty of areas of Hawaii that are all about kids. So even if traveling with small children isn’t easy, you’ll be in a destination that supports your family and offers endless things for keiki to do. 

Best Hawaii Islands for Kids

The good news? Any Hawaii island is excellent for kids. After all, your kids’ favorite thing will likely be the beach, and you can get that on any of the Hawaiian islands. Still, your ideal island may depend on what you want out of your vacation. 

If your kids love water slides and pool days, you’ll find the biggest, splashiest resorts on Maui and Oahu (we’ll talk more about kid-friendly resorts below). 

If you want your kids to really learn while on vacation, you may like the natural wonders of Hawaii Island (home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and incredible stargazing on Mauna Kea).  Or, you might enjoy all the museums available on Oahu!

So, here’s a rundown of how to choose the best islands for your kids:

Oahu

Oahu is home to Waikiki and the pristine Ko Olina resort area – the latter is where you’ll find the Disney Aulani Resort. But even beyond Disney’s expanse (or… should we say expense?), you’ll find lots of kid-friendly hotels on Oahu, complete with waterslides and beach access. Oahu also has a range of kid-friendly hikes and adventures. Plus, there’s a zoo, aquarium, and several museums for older kids. 

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island (The Big Island) has a few kid-friendly resorts in Kona, but the island’s real draw is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There’s a lot of driving to see everything on Hawaii Island (there’s a reason why it’s called the Big Island), so this might not be the best island for kids who don’t enjoy road trips. 

Maui

Maui has lots of kid-friendly resorts with sprawling pools and calm beaches. It’s an excellent place to visit if you’re drawn to resort bubbles and endless pool days. But there is plenty to do around the island, like kid-friendly ziplining, hiking, and dining. 

Kauai

Kauai is a relatively quiet island, and there are fewer resorts. Still, you can find a good place to stay with water slides and enjoy some kid-friendly activities like hikes and farm tours. Beach days will be your main activity on Kauai, perfect for water babies and young ones who can’t get enough ocean fun. 

All About Hawaii Resorts for Kids

Which kind of family are you: the one who just needs a hotel to sleep, or one who wants all the bells-and-whistles onsite? If you just need a place to lay your head after a long day exploring, you’ll have no trouble finding a kid-friendly Hawaii hotel. There are just a couple of adults-only hotels, and nearly all resorts understand that Hawaii is a kid-friendly destination and welcome young ones to their property. 

But… if you want an immersive resort where your kids can have a big adventure right outside your door, you’ll need a little bit of help. That’s what Hawaii Aloha Travel is here for! We’re local travel agents who can help you pick a perfect resort for your crew. Be sure to get in touch with us if you want a custom selection of kid-friendly Hawaii resorts. 

Here are a few of our favorites:

GRAND WAILEA

Grand Wailea Waterslide

This Maui resort is a kid’s paradise. The epic pool complex includes multiple slides, a Tarzan Swing, a lazy river, and a sandy baby area. The hotel also features Hawaii cultural experiences that are all about kids, like hula lessons and jewelry making. There are multiple restaurants on-site, including a luau. 

Maui’s Wailea community is super walkable, so you’ll be steps away from shopping and dining. And, if you want a Hawaii-style date night, the Grand Wailea can set up in-room child care. 

AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA

Aulani Resort 032

Many families travel to Hawaii just to stay at the Disney Aulani Resort. After all, this is a Hawaii hotel that is all about kids. There’s a massive pool complex, character meet-and-greets, kid-friendly restaurants, cultural experiences, an incredibly calm beach, and lots of space to simply be a kid. 

The Aulani is located in Oahu’s upscale Ko Olina resort area, and there is a little bit of shopping and dining nearby. But you’ll likely want to venture beyond the hotel during your vacation here. There is a lot to do on Oahu, Hawaii, with kids, and you’ll miss out on some incredible experiences if you don’t go beyond the Disney resort bubble. 

Our favorite part of the Aulani? Aunty’s Beach House, which provides childcare for keiki ages 4-12. Get a little R&R at the adults-only pool while your kids are totally entertained, Disney-style. 

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT

Waikiki is possibly Hawaii’s most famous area, and many families want to stay here during their Hawaii vacation with kids. If you’re looking for a classic Waikiki Vacation with lots of things for kids to do, Hilton Hawaiian Village may be perfect for you. 

There are large pools with waterslides, a saltwater lagoon, fantastic beach access, onsite shopping, Friday fireworks, a kid-friendly luau, onsite cultural activities, and incredible views. Plus, you’ll be right in Waikiki complete with all its iconic sights and sounds. Spend the day shopping, dining, or beach hopping through the vibrant neighborhood. 

GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA

Grand Hyatt Kauai is one of the best Hawaii resorts

Kauai is quiet, but it’s far from boring. And if you want your kids to have an exciting stay, the Grand Hyatt Kauai could be perfect. You’ll love the huge pools, lazy river, long water slide, and calm saltwater lagoon. And, the Grand Hyatt is located in Poipu, an excellent area for kids. This area of Kauai has lots of sunshine, calm beaches, and great sightseeing nearby. 

HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT AND SPA

The Hyatt also has a fantastic resort on Maui. If you’re looking for a hotel that’s all about Hawaii for kids while also catering to grown-ups, this could be just the place for you. The pool complex is tons of fun and has a waterslide and swim-up bar. There are blossoming walking paths that are perfect for feeling like you’ve gone on a Hawaii hike without lugging your tots to a remote locale. There are also penguins and swans staying on the property!

The Hyatt Regency Maui is located in Kaanapali. The beach can be rough, but there is a lovely coastal walk that leads to neighboring hotels and restaurants. 

FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI

You don’t have to splurge for a kid-friendly stay on Hawaii Island. There are lots of resorts with nice pools, beach access, and fun activities. But, if you do want a splurge-worthy Hawaii vacation that’s all for kids, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai could be perfect. 

This Big Island resort has eight pools – including a swimmable aquarium – environmental programs, watersport excursions, and an onsite cultural center. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is located a little north of Kona, so you’ll have a bit of a drive to access Kilauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But for a luxurious stay that kids and adults will love, it’s likely worth the drive. 

CONDOS IN HAWAII FOR FAMILIES

You don’t have to stay in a pricey resort if you’re traveling to Hawaii with kids. There are lots of benefits to staying at a condo rental instead. 

First of all is price: condos typically cost less, especially when you consider the amount of space you’ll have. Condos also have kitchens, so you don’t have to eat out at every meal (a lifesaver if you’re vacationing with really small children). Plus, you likely won’t have to walk through a vast resort to get to your room. On some islands, condo complexes are spread out with parking throughout, making it much easier to head out on your Hawaii adventures with all the kids. 

All About Hawaii For Kids: Top Things to Do

So now you know where to stay. But what do you do once you’re in Hawaii? There are so many fun things for kids to do in Hawaii, and most of them are available on every single island! Read on to discover our favorite Hawaii activities for kids. 

Top Hawaii Activities for Babies

All About Hawaii With Kids Activities with Babies

Should you bring a baby to Hawaii? Sure! Lots of people love vacationing with their tiniest family members. And if you long for the days when your little one took long naps and didn’t beg for each and every souvenir, you get why! 

If you’re visiting Hawaii with your baby, plan to go to calm, shady beaches where you can dip your toes in the water and then relax out of the sun. You may also enjoy taking road trips while your baby naps. 

Consider booking a hotel or condo with in-room amenities, like room service or kitchens and scenic sitting areas, as you’ll spend extra time in your room while the baby rests. 

Hawaii for Toddlers

Your kids are walking… and into everything! Hawaii has many open beaches and parks for toddlers to explore. To make your days as relaxing as possible, choose a hotel with a zero-entry pool and direct beach access. 


Toddlers may like strapping in for a stroll around Hawaii botanical gardens or zoos, or bring your carrier to tote them along on an easy hike. 

All About Hawaii for Kids: Preschool & Elementary Age

Finally, your kids are old enough to come along on your fun Hawaii adventures. Now, the islands are yours to explore! Go for hikes, explore museums, swim at the beach, and try fun foods. 

Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Hawaii:

  • Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Spend the day at the beach (bring along snorkels or bodyboards!)
  • Visit some of Honolulu’s museums and cultural centers
  • Hike to a waterfall or scenic lookout
  • Soak up the sun at your hotel’s pool

Top Hawaii Activities for Teens

Hawaii with Teens

Vacationing with teens is a lot of fun, as long as you know the best things to do with them. In Hawaii, lots of activities are perfect for your tweens and teens. 

Book a snorkel excursion, take an Instagram-worthy hike, take surf lessons, shop at Ala Moana Center or through the streets of Waikiki, visit museums or the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, splurge on a nice dinner, go ziplining, or simply sunbathe at the beach. 

Our Top Tips for A Hawaii Vacation That Is All About Kids

While traveling with kids can be challenging, it’s totally worth it as you create family memories and give them unparalleled experiences. And to make your family vacation as worry-free as possible, you’ll want to follow these expert travel tips:

  • Choose a destination that welcomes children and has lots of kids to do (Hawaii is perfect for this!). 
  • Work with a local travel agency that can help simplify the planning by choosing the perfect places to stay and the best kid-friendly activities in Hawaii. 
  • Go at a slower pace. Kids need lots of downtime and freedom to explore, so don’t plan a jam-packed itinerary. 
  • Try to see Hawaii through your kids’ eyes! You won’t believe all you’ll learn and experience when you vacation with them. 
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