Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu is one of the many beaches in Hawaiʻi safe for kids to swim. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photo by Ben Ono.
Planning a family vacation to Hawaiʻi with the kids is an adventure in itself. Parents dream of relaxing beaches, delicious meals and cultural experiences, while kids want excitement, play and plenty of room to explore. The good news? Hawaiʻi is one of the best destinations to keep both generations smiling. With its blend of natural beauty, hands-on activities and warm hospitality, Hawaiʻi makes it easy to balance fun for the whole family.
From Oʻahu’s vibrant attractions to Maui’s underwater wonders, Kauaʻi’s laid-back charm, and Hawaiʻi Island’s epic landscapes, here are some of the best kid-friendly activities across the Hawaiian Islands that parents will love too.
Oʻahu: Big Fun on the Gathering Place
Oʻahu is often the first stop for families, thanks to Honolulu’s international airport and a wide variety of activities. Beyond Waikīkī Beach, the island is packed with experiences designed for kids and adults to enjoy together.
Magic Show at the Hilton
Kids love a little magic, and parents appreciate entertainment that keeps everyone engaged. The 60-seat theater is intimate and stroller-friendly. The high-energy performance combines classic illusions with plenty of audience interaction, making it one of those rare events where keiki are just as enthralled as their parents.
With close to 2000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, you know it’s a well-vetted activity. One recent review states, “I still don’t understand how he did all of those tricks, but it was amazing!!!! I recommend it for every age! So funny and light hearted.”
Wai Kai’s AquaPeakz Floating Playground
For families who love burning off energy while getting soaked, Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort in ʻEwa Beach is a must-visit. The recently launched AquaPeakz expansion to their AquaVenture floating playground offers sky-high slides, wobbly bridges and gentle water play zones designed for all ages. Kids and teens can learn to surf in the Wai Kai Wave. The website explains, “No paddling, no pop-ups–just slide in and ride! It is the perfect fit for first-timers and aspiring surfers. Helmets and soft-top boards are mandatory for your first 3 waves for a safe and smooth start.” New features like the Leeward Launcherz obstacle course and the soaring Ewa Slider deliver thrills, while the ʻOhana Splash Pad and Kids Circuit cater to younger kids. Parents can join in or relax onshore while watching their keiki burn off energy in a safe, exciting environment.
Sea Life Park
Located on Oʻahu’s rugged windward coastline is a place where keiki can watch, touch and even dance hula with dolphins swimming right in front of them. Sea Life Park offers up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions and native Hawaiian marine species while being active and responsible stewards of the ocean. Guests will learn how protect our oceans so its ecosystems can thrive. You can even snorkel with a shark.
The LineUp, one of the many attractions at Wai Kai, offers a deep-water wave simulator for kids to surf. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Maui: Ocean Wonders and Cultural Rhythms
Maui blends natural beauty with immersive cultural experiences, making it one of the best islands for families traveling with children.
Maui Ocean Center
Known as “The Aquarium of Hawaii,” Maui Ocean Center is a world-class marine park showcasing native Hawaiian sea life in 60 exhibits. Kids can marvel at glowing jellyfish, colorful reef fish, and green sea turtles, while parents gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems. The highlight for many families is the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, where sharks and rays glide gracefully overhead in a walk-through tunnel.
Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience
After a day exploring the ocean center, families can return for a one-of-a-kind evening show. Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience brings songs and stories to life in the center’s Sphere Theater every Tuesday and Saturday evening. Led by award-winning performer Eric Gilliom, the performance blends live music, hula, and stunning visuals that transport audiences from Haleakalā’s volcanic slopes to the depths of the Pacific. Keiki love the music and dance, while parents enjoy complimentary appetizers, soft drinks, and the option of a cocktail from Seascape restaurant.
Migrations Dinner Show
Also playing now at Maui Ocean Center is “Migrations,” created and co-produced by Maui native and President of Oni Foundation Cultural Center Keoni Manuel. The multicultural song, dance and culinary experience is a tribute to the many ethnicities that make up the Hawaiian islands and “a gift to Maui and all who call Hawaiʻi home.” Accompanying the show is an international buffet prepared by onsite chef Henry Tariga of the award-winning Seascape Restaurant.
The Open Ocean Exhibit at Maui Ocean Center features over 50 different species of fish, including sharks and manta rays. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photo by Daeja Fallas.
Kauaʻi: Outdoor Adventure and Simple Joys
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is perfect for families who prefer a slower pace and outdoor fun.
Kilohana Plantation Railway
Hop aboard the vintage-style Kilohana Plantation Railway for a journey through 105 acres of tropical farmland. Kids can feed pigs, goats, and horses, while parents enjoy the scenic views of sugarcane fields and orchards. It’s both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into Kauaʻi’s agricultural past.
Lydgate Beach Park
When it’s time for some sand and surf, Lydgate Beach Park is ideal for families. The beach features protected swimming areas enclosed by rock walls, creating calm, shallow lagoons where keiki can snorkel safely. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and a lifeguard on duty. There’s also a sprawling playground nearby, so kids can switch from water play to climbing and swinging while parents relax under the shade of coconut trees.
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour & Tasting
Explore acres of lush edible landscape at Lydgate Farms. Tour through orchards of every tropical fruit we grow in Hawaiʻi. There are also spices, vanilla and, of course, cacao trees…all ready to sample. The tour also includes a tropical fruit tasting and chocolate tasting. This year, the farm also introduced a new immersive Honey Farm and Tasting Tour – a two-hour adventure that includes donning full bee suits and learning about the bees’ journey from hive to honey. Visitors will enjoy fresh-from-the-hive honeycomb tastings and a close-up look at the bees’ vital role in nature. Both tours are suitable for keiki 7 years and older.
The Lydgate Chocolate Farm Tour on Kauaʻi is an opportunity to sample many different types of bean-to-bar chocolate as well as tropical fruit grown on the farm. Photo courtesy of Lydgate Farms.
Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island): Nature’s Playground
As the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, The Big Island lives up to its name. With 10 out of the world’s 14 climate zones and a varied landscape that goes from lava fields to snow-capped mountains you’ll find experiences that will captivate every age group.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Few places are as awe-inspiring as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Families can hike short trails through lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and learn about the island’s ever-changing geology at the visitor center. Junior Ranger programs engage kids with fun activities, while adults appreciate the park’s world-class natural beauty. Tours are available from multiple providers.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Located in Hilo, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center blends science, culture, and storytelling. Kids can explore interactive exhibits about space and Hawaiian wayfinding, while parents gain new insight into Polynesian navigation and astronomy. The planetarium shows are a hit with all ages.
Family-Friendly Snorkeling
Along the Kona Coast, calm bays like Kahaluʻu Beach Park make snorkeling accessible for beginners. Kids delight in spotting colorful fish close to shore, while parents can relax knowing lifeguards are often on duty. For adventurous families with older keiki, evening manta ray snorkels are an unforgettable memory — though plenty of boat operators also offer family-friendly viewing from the deck.
Families can hike short trails through lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and learn about the island’s ever-changing geology at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Photo by Kirk Aeder.
Lānaʻi: Quiet Escape
Though less visited, the smaller island of Lānaʻi offers peaceful experiences for families seeking something different.
Lānaʻi Beaches
Families can explore Hulopoʻe Beach, one of Hawaii’s most pristine shorelines, where tide pools teem with marine life perfect for curious keiki. Dolphin sightings are common, and the island’s small-town vibe gives parents peace of mind.
Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
If you have animal-loving children, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with over 700 cats at the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm and no appointment is needed. You’re welcome to bring a picnic, since there is no store on-site for food or drinks.
Keiki (kids) are welcome and endeared in Hawaiʻi. Through them traditions live on. Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photo by Denis Moskvinov.
Tips for Traveling with Kids in Hawaii
- Plan a Balance: Alternate high-energy days (like snorkeling or adventure parks) with slower ones (beach time or cultural shows) to keep everyone happy.
- Pack Smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and lightweight rash guards keep kids safe and comfortable.
- Book in Advance: Popular activities like AquaPeakz, Maui Ocean Center shows, and Volcanoes National Park tours often sell out. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.
- Embrace Culture: Encourage keiki to learn a few Hawaiian words like aloha (hello) and mahalo (thank you). Parents will enjoy sharing the meaning behind these traditions.
Creating Lasting Family Memories
Traveling to Hawaiʻi with kids isn’t just about keeping little ones entertained — it’s about creating shared experiences that your family will treasure forever. Whether it’s marveling at sea turtles in Maui, splashing down slides in Oʻahu, or gazing at the stars in Hilo, Hawaiʻi offers something magical for every age.
From keiki-friendly playgrounds to adult-approved cultural events, the islands make it easy to connect, relax and discover together. So pack your bags, gather your ʻohana and get ready for a Hawaiian adventure where both kids and adults will fall in love with the Aloha State.
