Hawaii Family Vacation

The Big Island offers a range of activities and experiences for a fun getaway. Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where the entire family will marvel at the otherworldly landscapes. Check out the green-coloured sand at Papakōlea Beach, or Punalu’u Beach's sugary black sands, where you can view green sea turtles as they bask in the shallow warm waters along the shoreline.

The Garden Island provides everything from kid-friendly beaches such as Salt Pond Park in Eleele or Poipu Beach Park in Koloa, to towering seaside cliffs in Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Enjoy a short hike along the Iliau Nature Loop & Kukui Trail, amongst lush gorges in Waimea Canyon State Park. Take a narrated train tour through the historic 105-acre Kilohana Plantation to see tropical foliage, orchards, and farm animals.

Dress warmly and get up early to experience the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakalā National Park, or go for the amazing sunsets. View the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration from December through May, either from the shoreline or on a guided boat tour. The Maui Ocean Center in Wailuku offers a behind the scenes turtle and shark experience, as well as interactive educational exhibits about stingrays and ocean fish.

Fun things to do on Hawaii's most populous island include visiting the legendary North Shore to check out world-class surfing along the Banzai Pipeline. Afterwards, stop for refreshing island treats at the classic Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa. For a colourful cultural encounter, the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie offers everything from lively dancing to an authentic luau dinner experience.

Even though both islands are smaller than their neighbours, there’s still plenty of family fun to be had. The natural tide pools at Hulopo‘e Bay Beach Park on Lana'i are perfect for snorkelling, even for first-timers. An easy hike to the Pu‘u Pehe overlook provides expansive Pacific Ocean views and photo ops. Molokaʻi is also known for its fantastic humpback whale-watching opportunities during the winter months, plus a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for some quality family time.