When we talk about the best family vacations, summer getaways, beach and sun, Hawaii, the 50th U.S. state, located several miles away from the U.S.mainland, floating in the middle of the vast central Pacific Ocean, is normally one of the top choices. It is a paradise of extreme proportions. The volcanic archipelago is a destination formed out of beautiful disasters, as volcanic activities from the world’s most active volcanoes are located in the region. The Aloha state is a destination that is normally one of the top best places where you can enjoy the vibrant vibe of the tropics, nature, culture, wildlife, and city life. All of these aspects come together to create a variety of activities for the family to enjoy. Read more to know more about the fun and excitement that await the family on Hawaii’s six main islands. Embark in an adventure and simply let your Hawaii family vacation take your breath away.
1. Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island is also known as the “Big Island” not just because it’s obviously twice as big as the other islands, but also because it is big in terms of its tropical wonders. It is a summer wonderland all-year-round that offers visitors an extremely unique experience. Due to its distinctly remote location in the middle of the world’s largest ocean, Hawaii Island is home to some amazing flora and fauna, many of them unique to the island. It is laced with exciting sights, including colored beaches of red, black, gold, and even green sand, an active volcano that showcases a lava show that is truly a beautiful disaster, and a plethora of incredible family resorts.
Tracks of molten lava can be seen near the world’s most active volcano, the Kilauea. Since 1983, it has been spewing lava upward and sideward. Other wonderful sites to see on the Big Island are farms, historical sites that are related to Great King Kamehameha, spa resorts, golf courses, observatories, and even ranches. Scuba-diving, surfing, snorkeling, and hiking are the Big Island’s main sports offerings. You can also fly on a helicopter and feast on the amazing view of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A trip to Waipio Valley will also give you breathtaking views of the coast, while a drive to Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest mountain, will bring you to an observatory that many tourists visit.
2. Maui
Considered one of the best islands in the world to visit with the family, the “Valley Isle” or locally known as Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island. With its size of about 728 square miles, there is definitely plenty of room for the young and young at heart to move around and see places, including but not limited to endless beaches of white-, red-, and even black-sand beaches.
You can start your day by traveling around the island’s humble towns, such as Kapalua and Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailea, and Hana. Some of the most exciting activities that this amazing island offers include sea excursion – sailing, scuba diving, island hoping, and more. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is also a must-do.
3. Oahu
Oahu is the third largest island among the cluster of islands that comprises the Hawaiian archipelago. Oahu is Hawaii’s gateway to the world. It is home to not just over 125 beaches, including the world-famous Waikiki beach and infamous Pearl Harbor, but also to Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu.
There is no other place in Hawaii where your family can enjoy a city teeming with skyscrapers overlooking the beautiful blue ocean, streets packed with kid-friendly crowds, vibrant shopping districts, and restaurant-filled alleys than Oahu. Bringing your family here would mean a great chance for the kids to indulge in active sports such as motor cross and biking. There are also carnivals and concerts offering visitors lively music and fun-filled atmosphere.
4. Kaui
Dubbed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island, perfect for the family and kids. The little ones will love the adventure-filled atmosphere that the island brings. You can spend time kayaking on the waters of Wailua River, snorkeling the crystal-clear sea that surrounds the Poipu Beach, or even hiking the trails of Kokee State Park.
For the more adventure-seeking kids, ziplining the island’s lush valley is an option. The family can also explore the local culture, visit museums, check landmarks, or spend time on the pristine waters of the beaches surrounding the island. Regardless of whether the kids want to try inland activities such as hiking and biking, splurge on watersports such as surfing, kayaking and snorkeling, or go up above the sky through helicopter tours, everyone will surely have fun during your Hawaii family vacation in Kaui.
5. Lanai
Lanai – Known as “The Pineapple Island,” is the smallest of the six main islands. A family retreat to Lanai is not like a family vacation in Ouhu where you will see bustling streets and crowded beaches. I suggest taking the family to this island paradise only when you are really ready for some peaceful, relaxing, and a laid-back Hawaii family vacation.
This place is not for those who love big parties and events day and night, but for those who want some quiet time. Among the attractions to catch here are the “Garden of the Gods,” this windswept rocky area offers sweeping views and the Dole Pineapple Plantation that is the world’s largest.
6. Molokai
“The Most Hawaiian Island” that is Malakai is undoubtedly the least touristy but the most Hawaiian of all the islands, since a big chunk of its local population are of Hawaiian decent. This side of the Aloha state is for those who want to slow down and experience the old Hawaii and its culture. One will not find streetlights but fireflies at night, not many cars but wildlife and locals hiking together, and no tall buildings but towering palm trees that sway as the wind blows.
Untouched and detached from the hype and touristy vibe that the other islands have, Molakai offers visitors a true treat of the Hawaii’s best natural resources. Some of the places that the family can visit include the Halawa Valley, Molokai West End Beaches, and Kalaupapa.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
