For most of us, a family vacation to Hawaii is the ultimate splurge, so we want it to be absolutely worth it. This means making core memories, planning lots of quality time, and having adventures the entire family can enjoy. Luckily, there are so many fun things to do in Hawaii with kids!
Even better: you don’t have to spend a ton of money!
We’ve gathered our favorite kid-friendly activities in Hawaii. Some are paid experiences, but others are completely free. And there’s something for every type of kid and all ages!
So read on and discover our favorite things to do in Hawaii with kids. We can’t wait to see your entire family on the islands!
The Dos and Don’ts of a Kid-Friendly Hawaii Vacation
Planning your vacation to Hawaii with kids? We’ve helped countless families have a fantastic trip here, and we’ve got lots of tips to make sure you are set up for success!
- DO Get Help Booking Your Hotel – Hawaii Aloha Travel can help reserve a hotel or condo based on your unique needs, budget, and vision.
- DON’T Overdo Your Itinerary – Plan for lots of downtime. Kids need rest and will probably love recharging by the pool.
- DON’T Pay for Everything – Sure, lots of things to do in Hawaii with kids cost money, but there are also lots of free activities. If you’re on a budget, plan a few must-do paid excursions and then fill your schedule with unbeatable free adventures.
- DO Plan Ahead – Many parks and hiking trails require reservations, so plan your adventures far in advance to make sure you’re ready to book those experiences. Many top restaurants also get booked up well in advance, especially during peak times.
- DON’T Eat Out Every Meal – Restaurants can add up, and smaller kids will tire of sitting through endless nice dinners. Consider booking a condo with a kitchen to make dining in easy. Or, if you’re in a hotel, consider getting easy take-out meals from local grocery stores. And a pizza night in Hawaii is always fun for kids.
- DO Listen to What Your Kids Want – Want to talk to the best travel advisors? Definitely give us a call, but don’t miss out on the ones you have with you right now: your own kids! You’ll be surprised by the adventures you discover when you let your kids take the lead (at least for some of the vacation!).
DID YOU KNOW? In Hawaii, kids are called keiki. You’ll probably see this word often as you find fun things to do with your kids here!
Things to Do in Hawaii With Kids
We love seeing kids visit Hawaii. This is such a family-oriented destination with so many things to do. And now it’s time for us to reveal our expert-created list of the top things to do in Hawaii with kids!
Have a Beach Day
Of course this tops our list! It’s easy to have a fun beach day in Hawaii. You’ll likely have a shoreline near your hotel, but you can also drive to more residential areas of the island to discover large, gorgeous beaches with fewer crowds. For example, check out Kailua Beach on Oahu, or Baldwin Beach on Maui.
Take a Hike
Here is a fun thing to do in Hawaii with kids that is free and available on every island! Hiking is such a valuable activity for all ages. After all, this is their chance to get active, get close to nature, and have a completely screen-free adventure with their parents. There are many kid-friendly hiking trails across the islands: Manoa Falls on Oahu, Akaka Falls on the Big Island, Maui’s Kapalua Coastal Trail, and Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail on Kauai.
Learn to Surf
It was my ultimate daydream as a kid: surfing in Hawaii. Lots of little ones (and not-so-little ones) picture themselves riding a wave in our beautiful waters. And thanks to Hawaii’s surf schools, they can! You’ll find that all ages take surf lessons here, so it’s a fun activity for the entire family.
Swim Under a Waterfall
There are so many unique things to do in Hawaii, but most can be divided into two categories: jungle/mountain adventures and beach/shoreline adventures. One of the top things to do off of the beach? Swim in a waterfall. Waimea Falls on Oahu has lifeguards posted and life jackets – we think it’s worth the added cost to have a more safe experience.
Zipline Through the Jungle
Here’s another jungle adventure in Hawaii that’s perfect for kids: Ziplining. This is a popular activity in the state, and there are lots of places you can book a tour. Some zipline tours are more suitable for younger kids, while others have larger-than-life thrills for older guests. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you decide which tour is best for your family.
Go Whale Watching
Are you visiting Hawaii during the winter months? If so you’ll likely see some Humpback Whales. And kids love spotting these majestic creatures! Find a vantage point from shore to whale watch for free, or join a boat tour to see them closer up. Whale season in Hawaii runs from November through March, so a winter break trip is the best time to see them with your kids. There may still be some in the water during kids’ spring breaks.
Snorkel
Hawaii has excellent conditions for snorkeling, and this is a fun activity for kids who are old enough to swim. Find calm waters and wade in from a beach, or book a snorkel excursion to take a boat to one of Hawaii’s top snorkel spots.
Go Stargazing
Hawaii is home to some of the best stargazing conditions in the world, and it’s fun for kids to join in on the astronomical fun. Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island both have fantastic stargazing, so consider driving partway up those volcanoes at night.
See a Blowhole
Bursting blowholes are a sight to behold! Here are some of the ones you can find in Hawaii:
- Nakalele Blowhole in Maui
- Halona on Oahu
- Spouting Horn on Kauai
- Waianapanapa State Park on Maui
Search for Nene
The Nene is a rare goose and Hawaii’s state bird. This native species is a bit elusive, so searching for them is a lot of fun. Here’s where you can learn about Nene in Hawaii and discover the best spots to find them.
Tour a Tropical Farm
Hawaii’s warm, sunny climate makes it an ideal spot for many crops, including coffee, chocolate, tropical fruits, pineapples, and sugar. Every island has some kind of farm tour that’s fun for kids. Check out the free coffee farm tours on Kona, or pay to visit Kahuku Farms on Oahu. The pineapple tour on Maui is fascinating, and Kauai is home to Lydgate Farms, where you can learn about honey and chocolate.
Visit the Zoo
My family loves visiting zoos when we’re on vacation. Honolulu has a nice little zoo with a range of animals. Will it be the most impressive zoo your kids have ever seen? No way. But it’s a nice way to spend some time in Hawaii’s wonderful weather. And, if you’re on the Big Island, you can go to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens for free!
Plan a Photo Scavenger Hunt
There are many exciting things for kids to do in Hawaii, but some adventures may be slower-paced. Road trips, museum tours, and sightseeing may bore some young travelers, so here’s a travel hack to keep them entertained: give your kids an old digital camera and a list of photos to snap. While you’re reading informational placards or sitting in Honolulu traffic, your kids can try to take pictures of various things, from street signs and cars to sweeping ocean views and unique plants.
Explore a Museum
Museums are a great way to sneak some education into a family vacation. Here are some museums to visit in Hawaii:
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Oahu
- Bishop Museum on Oahu
- Iolani Palace on Oahu
- Honolulu Museum of Art on Oahu
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Oahu
- Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House on Maui
- Hui No’eau on Maui
- Whalers Village Museum on Maui
- ʻImiloa Astronomy Center on the Big Island
- Huliheʻe Palace on the Big Island
- Pacific Tsunami Museum on the Big Island
- Kauaʻi Museum on Kauai
- Waiʻoli Mission House on Kauai
- Koke’e Natural History Museum on Kauai
Walk Through Waikiki
One of the most iconic places in all of Hawaii is Waikiki. This is a hub of shopping, surfing, dining, people-watching, and sunbathing. What more could a teen want? But even younger kids will love the sights and sounds of Waikiki, where there is soft sand, fun souvenir stores, and snack shops.
Try New Foods
Hawaii has so many unique foods, many of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. And best of all, trying Hawaii’s food doesn’t have to be expensive. Pick up some raw fish at a grocery store Poke counter, grab a musubi from the 7-Eleven, stop at a food truck for a famous Hawaii plate lunch, or go to a Honolulu crack-seed store for bags of local candy.
Play in the Pool
Okay, this one is simple, but it’s what kids really want to do when they’re in Hawaii: play at the hotel pool. Of course, you don’t want to spend your entire vacation poolside, but give the kids some of what they want. Whether you’ve got a big resort pool with waterslides and lazy rivers or a simple pool that’s perfect for splashing around, your kids will love the quality time they get just by swimming around.
Explore a Botanical Garden
Bright, beautiful flowers flourish in Hawaii year-round, and lush plants fill the landscapes. The best place to see these native and tropical plants is a Hawaii botanical garden. Even kids can enjoy these quiet, lovely places. Pathways are great for stretching their legs, and shady spots keep them out of the sun.
Traveling to Hawaii With Kids
What will your kids want to do while they’re in Hawaii? Maybe they want to spend all day at the beach, or find waterfalls deep in the jungle. Maybe they like to shop, or stargaze, or learn about local culture. No matter what your kids are into, Hawaii will fill them with adventure and wonder.
And Hawaii Aloha Travel can help. We can’t wait to listen to your vision for your Hawaii vacation and help make custom plans that are perfect for you. See you (and your kids!) in the islands soon!
