Are you planning your family vacation to Hawaii? Hawaii is a dream destination for family vacations, with beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
And while it may be tempting to spend your entire Hawaii vacation lounging on the beach, there’s a lot more to do than just soaking up the sun. From hiking to biking to exploring Hawaii’s rich culture, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
With a little planning, you can make sure that your family trip is truly unforgettable.
Plan your vacation in advance
The best way to ensure that your Hawaii family vacation is a success is to start planning well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to choose the right island for your family and find a great place to stay.
Hawaii is a popular destination for family vacations, but it can be tricky to find the right balance of activities and relaxation. By starting your planning early, you can make sure that everyone in your family enjoys their time in Hawaii.
Book your flight early
Booking your flight early will give you the chance to find the best deals on airfare and accommodations.
It’s also a good idea to avoid traveling during the peak season, which runs from June to August. Not only will you find better deals during the off-season, but you’ll also avoid the crowds.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May or September to October. You’ll find lower prices and smaller crowds during these months.
Choose the right Hawaiian island for your family vacation
Hawaii is a family-friendly vacation destination that offers something for everyone. The eight main islands each have their unique personality, fun activities, and attractions.
Maui
Maui is one of the most popular choices for family vacations. This island is known for its dramatic coastline, with towering cliffs and hidden coves. Nature lovers can explore the island’s many hiking trails or take a drive along the Road to Hana. For those interested in history and culture, Maui offers a number of historic sites and museums, as well as opportunities to experience traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts. And of course, no visit to Maui would be complete without spending some time on its world-famous beaches!
Big Island of Hawaii
If you’re looking for an island with a laid-back atmosphere, consider the Big Island of Hawaii. This island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can take a guided tour of an active volcano. The Big Island also boasts beautiful black sand beaches, such as Punaluu Beach Park. Whether you want to experience the culture, go hiking, or just relax on the beach, you can do it all on the big island. Hawaii’s Big Island is the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands. The island is home to 8 of the world’s 13 climate zones, making it a great destination for tourists seeking a variety of experiences.
Oahu
Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. The island is full of natural beauty, with mountains and volcanoes, tropical rain forests, and stunning beaches. It’s also home to a wide variety of cultural attractions, including ancient temples, historic places, and lively nightlife and entertainment districts. Oahu is a great place to visit for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and exciting nightlife.
Kauai
Kauai is a small, lush island in the Hawaiian chain. It’s often called “The Garden Isle” because of its dramatic and diverse landscape. The Na Pali Coast, with its soaring cliffs and pristine beaches, is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Kauai is also home to Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Kauai is a popular tourist destination for its many natural attractions. Visitors can hike through rainforests, enjoy the beaches, or take a helicopter tour of the island. There are also several golf courses and several resorts.
Molokai
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, then Molokai is the perfect destination for you. The island has many different types of beaches, including white sand beaches and black sand beaches. There are also many different types of activities that people can do on the island, such as swimming, hiking, and fishing. Molokai is a great place to visit if you want to see its natural beauty and enjoy beaches not crowded by resorts.
Lanai
Lanai is a small, secluded island located in the Hawaiian archipelago. With only 3,300 residents, Lanai is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The island’s economy is based mainly on tourism and agriculture, with pineapple being the primary crop. Even though the island is smaller than the others in Maui County there are great accommodations and restaurants to enjoy. Lanai also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Lanai has something for everyone.
Niihau and Kahoolawe
Niihau
Niihau is a small, privately-owned island located in the Hawaiian Islands about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. It is considered to be the “Forbidden Island” because visitors are prohibited from visiting. The island is home to a Native Hawaiian community that maintains a traditional way of life. The preferred language of the island is Hawaiian but English is still taught. Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland bought the island from King Kamehameha IV for $10,000 in 1863. Her descendants, the Robinson family, still live on the island and are trying to preserve the Native Hawaiian culture. Tourism to the Island is prohibited unless personally invited by the owners of Niihau.
Kaho’olawe
Kaho’olawe is the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The island is also known as “The Target Isle” because it was used as a bombing range by the United States military from World War II until 1990. Kaho’olawe was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and in 1992 it was designated as a Traditional Cultural Property by the State of Hawai’i. The island and its surrounding waters are restricted to visitors while the reserve is being restored by the KIRC (Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission).
No matter which island you choose, you’re sure to create lasting memories on your vacation.
Find a great place to stay
Once you’ve chosen an island, it’s time to start looking for a place to stay. There are plenty of great options for all budgets, from beachfront resorts to charming bed and breakfasts.
If you’re looking for a family vacation in Hawaii that won’t break the bank, consider booking a vacation rental. You’ll have plenty of space for everyone to spread out and multiple bedrooms. Plus, you can save on meals by being able to prepare your own in a fully equipped kitchen.
Most vacation rentals come with a washer and dryer, so you can pack light and avoid costly luggage fees. And if you’re traveling with young children, look for a rental that has a pool or hot tub—it’s worth the splurge!
You may check out our best deals and affordable vacation rentals and hotel condos.
Pack light
With so much to see and do in Hawaii, you won’t want to waste time lugging around heavy suitcases. Pack light and comfortable clothing that you can easily layer.
Just pack essentials like mineral-based sunscreen, swimsuits, sandals, t-shirts, shorts or skirts, sunglasses, hats, and some necessary beach accessories, and leave the rest at home.
And, if you’re traveling with young children, you won’t have to worry about lugging around a lot of heavy bags.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need for your family vacation in Hawaii. But don’t overpack—you’ll be grateful that you didn’t once you arrive.
This way, you’ll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Explore the sights and sounds of Hawaii
Once you’ve arrived in Hawaii, it’s time to explore and do outdoor adventures! The islands offer something for everyone, from stunning beaches and lush jungles to amazing culture or cultural activities and delicious food.
Make sure to take advantage of all that Hawaii has to offer and have some fun with your family along the way.
There’s no shortage of things to do when exploring the sights and sounds of Hawaii. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Visit the beaches
With over 750 miles of coastline, Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the world. From black sand and sandy beaches to secluded coves, there’s a beach for everyone.
And, if you’re looking for not just a family-friendly beach but also offers different beach activities, Hawaii has plenty of those too. Poipu Beach Park on Kauai, for example, has a playground and lifeguards on duty.
Hike through a jungle
In Hawaii, you can find jungles full of towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flowers. Hiking through one of these lush jungles is a must-do when visiting Hawaii and experiencing its natural beauty.
And, if you want to get up close and personal with some of Hawaii’s wildlife, consider taking a hike through the Kilauea Iki Crater on the Big Island. This crater is home to several native bird species, as well as Hawaiian honeycreepers.
Take a drive along the Road to Hana
One of the best ways to see all that Hawaii has to offer is by taking a drive along the Road to Hana. This winding road takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Maui, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.
Make sure to take your time on this drive and make plenty of stops along the way. You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture all the breathtaking views.
Visit a volcano
Hawaii has five volcanoes, four of which are still active. While you can’t go hiking to the top of a fiery volcano, you may still get up close and personal with these natural wonders.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is a great place to start. Here, you can see the lava flows from the Kilauea volcano and learn about the history of Hawaii’s volcanoes.
Taste the local cuisine
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without trying the local cuisine. From fresh seafood to hearty stews, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to try some of Hawaii’s signature dishes, such as poi (a type of taro root dish), Lomi salmon (salmon that is cured in lime juice), and kalua pig (pork that is cooked in an underground oven).
And, of course, you’ll want to wash it all down with a delicious Hawaiian cocktail. The mai tai, made with rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice, is a must-try.
Have fun with your family
A family vacation is an opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Relax, have fun, and enjoy quality time together.
Some of the best family activities in Hawaii include swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the different islands. And, don’t forget to take plenty of photos to document your trip!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great time on your Hawaii family vacation. So, start planning your trip today and get ready to explore all that this beautiful island state has to offer!If you’re looking for more tips on how to make the most of your Hawaii family vacation, contact us today. We can help you plan the perfect trip for your family, choosing the right and great place to stay. So, don’t wait any longer, call us today and let us help you plan the perfect Hawaiian vacation!
