FAMILY FUN ABOUNDS IN HAWAII
Ohana (family) is deeply rooted in the Hawaiian Islands, making it a welcoming destination for families with kids of all ages.
From snorkelling and sandcastle building on sun-soaked beaches to exploring volcanoes and sacred cultural sites, the Hawaiian Islands are a natural playground in which to play.
Maui Nui is home to off-the-beaten path adventures and living history that allows families to learn, bond and inspire each other.
For kids interested in marine life, the annual Great Whale Count on March 28 allows volunteers to become citizen scientists for the day, helping to count humpback whales from sites along the shoreline of Maui. This event is one of the world’s longest-running citizen scientist projects and offers families a chance to explore the island, whilst supporting important research.
A Haleakala Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience offers families a view of the sunset from the summit, followed by dinner and an evening of stargazing via telescope. Children and adults alike can learn about the night sky, the history of Maui, native Hawaiian culture and local legends passed down for generations.
The legendary Banyan Tree of Lahaina celebrates its birthday on April 18 with a free event including cake, live music, silent auction, Maui artists, and more. Originally from India, the tree was planted in 1873 and has grown from eight feet to a behemoth structure with over a dozen main trunks spread out over two-thirds of an acre.
The Island of Hawaii offers an incredible amount of family fun, from thrilling adventures to authentic Hawaiian culture – with lots of nature and bio-diversity in between.
The whole family will be in awe of mother nature when visiting the Thurston Lava Tubes, a 500-year-old lava cave located high up in the Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Formed when lava flow stops, the Thurston cave is a great example of lava tube geology with 20-foot-high ceilings in some areas. The solidified flow of the once-liquid lava rock shows the power of the molten forces that created the caves.
For daring kids and parents, the feeling of soaring 250 feet over waterfalls and ravines by zip-line will be a treasured vacation moment.
A day at the beach is a must, and the beaches of south Kona are a great place to go for a postcard-worthy dip in the Pacific ocean with the entire family. The waters are calm and clear, ideal for paddle boarding and snorkelling opportunities.
Kauai is home to extraordinary natural wonders, welcoming small towns and pristine beaches, perfect for families looking to reset and rejuvenate in nature.
The Garden Isle, as Kauai is described, is a hiking paradise. Active families will be eager to lace up their walking boots and explore Waimea Canyon which stretched 14 miles long, one mile across and 3,600 feet deep. Hawaii’s answer to the Grand Canyon, the panoramic views of rugged crags and valley gorges seem never-ending.
A variety of trails cater to beginners and seasoned hikers, so families can take their pick.
Spread out over 104 acres, the Kilohana plantation is a historic landmark, botanical garden and orchard property and the finest example of plantation architecture on Kauai.
In late September, visitors can enjoy the Kaua’I Mokihana Festival, a series of events in celebration of Hawaiian culture. Families can try their hand at coconut (Ka niu) weaving during a cultural workshop, while learning about why the niu was foundational to a thriving early Hawaiian society. Music and hula competitions are also held.
Oahu presents a variety of action-packed activities for families, from historical sites and cultural learning to zoological marvels.
The world-renowned surf town of Haleiwa welcomes visitors with epic surf breaks, food trucks and delicious shaved ice stands (the Hawaiian version of a snow cone). Active kids can take to the water with the help of a local surf school, while adults can take some time out and explore the boutique stores, diverse eateries and laid-back country ambiance.
www.hawaiitourismauthority.org
