Most famous for its beaches and laidback lifestyle, there’s so much for families to love about Hawaii. Nicola McClean reveals why you should say ‘Aloha’ to an island-hopping holiday.
Go more than 30 metres under water in a submarine to explore the depths of Hawaii’s ocean, discovering sunken ships, reef sharks and tropical sea life. It offers a great option for families with young kids or those who aren’t great swimmers to explore and learn about the underwater life of Kona, Maui and Oahu
After a day spent snorkelling with marine life, head to Ho’okipa Beach Park in Paia to unwind with the turtles as you watch them swim ashore to rest. As the sun sets, little ones will love watching the green sea turtles (honu) cluster together to sleep, and have their questions about the endangered turtles answered by one of the park volunteers.
A not-so-typical Hawaiian activity, Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, located in Maui’s Haleakala Crater, allows you to feed goats, take a look at the milking machines, see the cheese-making process and taste one of 30 or so varieties of cheeses and quark. In Evening Chores & Milking Tours, you can even take a cheesy snap of the kids as they get hands-on milking a goat.
No trip to Maui is complete without driving the picturesque Hana Highway between Kahului and Hana. With waterfalls, beaches, bamboo forests, quaint towns and a massive lava tube all dotted along the highway, kids and adults will feel like they are on an adventure through paradise. Be sure to drop into a typical Hawaiian shack to get a real taste of culture.
A must for families who enjoy big thrills mixed with a little serenity. This Maui rafting tour allows you to soar across the ocean to the islet of Molokini. Here, jump into the picturesque waters and snorkel this volcanic crater to see some of Hawaii’s most abundant coral and colourful marine life.
Watch the sunrise, take in the panoramic views, enjoy the a short walk to the crater and discover unique flora and fauna.
For fun-fuelled action on the water, the crystalline waters off the coast of Maui make for incomparably beautiful kayaking. Maui Kayak Adventures is one of the best eco-tour operators in the area, placing a firm focus on the traditional Hawaiian concept of malama aima or caring for both land and sea.
If you’re visiting from December to May make sure to put whale watching on the island of Kauai at the very top of your list. The kids will love the experience of getting up close to these gentle giants of the deep.
PacWhale Eco- Adventures offers whale-watching with all profits going towards protecting the beautiful sea creatures. Kids will love seeing whales swim up close to the boat, watching mothers and calves interact and hearing the distinct sound of the whale call.
Stop off at the historic former whaling village of Lahaina to stroll the shopfronts and enjoy the sunshine, activities and entertainment. Be sure to get tickets to a seaside luau where the family can enjoy a local feast and enjoy the traditional dances of Polynesia. Every Friday night is Art Night, with gallery openings, artistic demonstrations and entertainment.
Enjoy an evening SUP off the coast of Waikiki with Nocturnal Adventures. Lights fixed underneath your paddleboard illuminate the sea life below, even the tropical fish and turtles that appear underneath. As the sun sets, watch the sky light up with a spectacular fireworks display, an experience that will never be forgotten.
Snap a photo of the kids with the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha. One of the most photographed locations in Waikiki, the Duke stands with open arms draped with leis from visitors. While in the area, take a historic tour at the Moana Surfrider hotel and indulge in Dole Whip pineapple ice-cream.
For the adrenaline-loving family, is anything more thrilling than jumping in a cage surrounded by sharks? North Shore Shark Adventures is the original Oahu shark tour company and takes kids as young as three out to sea to swim in the secure cage. Sharks can range up to 4.5 metres, so even if you don’t jump in you’ll see them swimming under the boat.
Need a break from the sand? Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is the only water park in the state of Hawaii includes more than 25 attractions, including slides, wave pools and a tubing river guaranteed to entertain your whole crew. Book a cabana and relax in the shade while the kids have fun splashing away on the rides, including the funnel-like Tornado and the Volcano Express raceway.
Home to the world’s largest maze, The Pineapple Garden Maze, the Dole Plantation offers everyone the “Pineapple Experience”. With activities for all ages, the family can ride the Pineapple Express, enjoy the Plantation Garden Tour, get lost in the maze and enjoy a handpicked treat at the end of the day for a true taste of tropical Hawaii.
Known for its surf culture, Oahu is the perfect place for learning how to hit the waves. Want to take it one step further? How about surfing with dogs? Pro surfer Rocky Canon teaches kids and adults how to surf or SUP with man’s best friend. The Hawaii Surf Dogs experience is one of a kind as the dogs, Hina and Kahuna, help you paddle your way to catching the perfect wave.
Take a journey through Hawaiian history in the magical way that only Disney can offer. The evening begins at 5pm with VIP seating and pre-show activities. Throughout the night your family can feast on a lavish island buffet while being entertained with songs, narratives and performances bringing ancient tales to life.
Unmissable and unforgettable, the Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the North Shore of Oahu. With realistic, interactive villages from all of Polynesia – Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji and Tahiti – kids can learn lei making, hula and Maori games, making this a must for families.
A gentle hike down Ka’ena Point Trail will lead you to Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve, where sea birds and sunbaking seals are plentiful. The moderate-rated walk is relatively flat, making it the perfect choice for active kids, who are sure to love wandering alongside the wildlife.
For a taste of traditional Hawaii, visit Germaine’s Luau, a celebration of traditional music, dance and food. Located on the west side of Oahu, a fantastic journey of dance and song awaits you with performances including a Samoan Fire-Knife dance and hula, and a Hawaiian feast.
Take a ride in a traditional outrigger canoe. This fun journey allows you to experience the thrill of surfing within the safety of a canoe steered by a licensed captain. Enjoy the captain’s stories about Waikiki, then hold tight to catch the waves back into shore.
Drive along the North Shore at your own pace. Take a detour to admire the view from Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Pause for morning tea in Haleiwa, a relaxed retro village, and stop by legendary surf spot Waimea Bay. On the drive you’ll be surrounded by pineapple plantations, mountain ranges and beaches.
Perfect for kids of all ages, Sea Life Park allows the family to get as close as possible to all forms of sea life in exhibits modelled after their natural habitats. Dolphins, sea lions, turtles and sharks can all be found here. Educational talks and tours make this a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike.
This interactive, hands-on museum is geared towards children 13 and younger. They will love exploring five themed exhibit galleries: Rainforest Adventures, Fantastic You!, Your Town, Hawaiian Rainbows and Your Rainbow World.
The calm, blue waters of Hanauma Bay are dotted with bright coral and tropical fish, making it a great option for families. Set up along the sand with snacks of your own or from the local café, then cool off in the calm water with the kids or hire some snorkelling equipment for the day.
One of Hawaii’s most significant sites, the pilgrimage to Pearl Harbor is a must. Take a fascinating boat ride past wartime shipwrecks out to the floating USS Arizona Memorial, board the battleship USS Missouri and squeeze into real-life submarine USS Bowfin. Back on land, walk through the hangars of the Pacific Aviation Museum, complete with WWII aircraft.
If a regal lifestyle agrees with you, make sure you visit Waikiki’s Iolani Palace, the beautifully restored royal residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the palace’s halls and ornate dining rooms were the site of grand balls and public hula performances until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.
Suitable for all ages, Hi5 Tours Hawaii connects travellers with the heart of Oahu through its food, scenery and wonderful people. There’s no need to navigate or tackle driving on the other side of the road and with proper car seats supplied, the safety of little travellers is assured.
At the Dean & DeLuca Hawaii stores at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach or Royal Hawaiian Center, you’ll find gourmet goodies highlighting local Hawaiian ingredients to eat in, as well as gourmet foods from all over the world. At The Ritz-Carlton Residences store you’ll also find fresh breads and decadent desserts to enjoy in the market’s wine bar or to take away. Plus there are ingredients available for those families staying in apartments who want to cook in.
Head to Paradise Cove Luau in Kapolei, where visitors can stroll through an authentic Hawaiian Village to test their skills at Hawaiian games and learn traditional arts and crafts, the net-fishing techniques of old Hawaii and the time-honoured techniques of underground oven cooking. Then enjoy a feast truly fit for a king while award-winning performers entertain with traditional songs and dances.
A historical hotspot, this temple of peace and prosperity was built to honor Lono, the god of fertility, by King Kamehameha the Great, who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. Beautifully restored after being destroyed by a tsunami, the temple holds an extensive history of Hawaiian politics, culture and religion, and is free to visit.
Considered one of the best in the US, Hilo Farmers Markets has something for everyone. Along with 200 vendors selling local produce, cheap eats and baked goods, you’ll find tarot card readings, local art projects and free kids’ art activities on the first and third Saturday of each month.
This is likely the closest you will ever get to lava. Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has currently been erupting since January 1983. A Volcano Boat Tour gives you the chance to see the eruption (conditions pending) or you can explore black sand beaches, lava tubes and areas where lava has touched the sea.
Referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is the perfect day trip for the adventurous family visiting the stunning island of Kauai. Filled with hikes, sightseeing and breathtaking canyon views, the kids will be awed. There are plenty of picnicking areas to rest and waterfalls may be plunging off surrounding mountain tops if you visit after some rain.
Lydgate Beach Park is found on the East Side of Kauai and is a family hotspot due to its safe beach and play area. The lava rock wall encloses the waters to keep conditions safe, while the playground area is perfect for picnics. The beach is found along the Kapa’a Bike Path so families can burn some energy cycling the 12-kilometre route on a rental bike.
Placing an important segment of Hawaii’s multifaceted history on display, Kilohana – is perhaps the finest example of plantation-era architecture in Hawaii. When sugar baron Gaylord Wilcox built the estate in 1935 it was the most expensive ever built on the island. Since opening its doors as a visitor destination in 1985, it has grown to include an agricultural park, Plantation Railway, restaurant and more.
No trip to Hawaii is complete without trying its two most popular dishes: poke and shave ice. Almost every food supplier in Hawaii will have these specialities to reinforce that “ono grinds”, or good food, is everywhere. Adults will appreciate the freshness of the raw fish in poke, while the kids will love the rainbow syrup drizzled over snow-like shaved ice.
This article appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
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