Out of the eight islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago, only six are open for tourism. Each of the six – Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii Island, and Kauai – are popular tourist destinations, and boast their unique customs, food, culture, and ambiance. But what is the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids?
We highlight the two best islands to visit for families, Maui and Oahu, to give you some inspiration for your next vacation.
Is Maui the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids?
When you think of Maui, you probably think of romantic getaways and honeymoons – this is not wrong, as the island is still a very popular spot for couples. However, being the second biggest island in the archipelago, Maui also boasts a range of activities that is suitable for families with kids. Maui is, therefore, one of the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids.
Maui beaches
The island features a good mix of quiet beaches, from Kapalua Bay to Changs Beach, to more lively shores, such as Ho’okipa Beach Park and Makena Beach. The latter is bursting with family-friendly activities, including canoeing, snorkeling, and even parasailing.
Fancy an adventure? Maui is very near to the small islet of Lanai, which can be easily accessed via ferry. This island is where your find stretches of golden beaches, including such hidden gems as Huawai Bay Beach and Hulopoe Bay Beach, with far fewer tourists than mainland Maui.
Maui activities and culture
Maui is one of the best Hawaiian Islands to visit with kids because it’s bursting with culture and family-friendly entertainment, with nightly Luaus taking place. These evening Hawaiian celebrations are full of traditional food, song, and dance, and are great for families looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
The Maui Ocean Center and the Haleakalā National Park are also great for family-orientated days out in Maui.
Maui’s family-friendly accommodation
Maui is one of the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids as there are three parts of the island that features hotels that can accommodate any size of family. If you’re looking for great accommodation that is not couples-orientated, check out the areas of Kihei, Wailea, and Ka’anapali.
Amongst the great resorts in these regions, the best include Grand Wailea Resort, with its boundless waterpark and pool complex. Another great resort on Maui is Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, with its onsite tropical birds, from parrots to flamingos. Other full-time residents include a colony of penguins, that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained.
When not marveling at the on-site animals, kids can enjoy frolicking under one of the hotel’s many waterfalls, splashing around in the site’s expansive pool complex, or racing down a waterslide.
More than just a romantic hotspot, Maui has plenty to offer family vacationers.
Is Oahu the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids?
Oahu is the most densely populated of the prominent Hawaiian Islands and is bustling with family-friendly activities. Home to the archipelagos most prominent cities, including the capital, Honolulu, Oahu can offer everything from a busy city break to a tranquil beachside vacation. Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian Islands to visit with kids because it offers the best variety of activities.
Oahu beaches
Many of Oahu’s best-visited beaches are within a close locality to Honolulu, each of which offers a different experience.
Hanauma Bay State Park boasts one of the most vibrant and lively marines in Hawaii, with tropical fish, spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles frequently being spotted. This is an ideal spot for a first-time snorkeling or diving experience for older kids.
Under the shadow of Diamond Head Crater lies Waikiki Beach, by far the island’s most renowned. Popularized by avid surfers due to its challenging waves, the beach is also a hotbed for canoeing, paddle boarding, and other sea-based activity. The luscious coastline also offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you’ve got younger kids, Ala Moana Beach Park is the place to go. Although still within a very short distance from Honolulu, the coast is far more placid at this beach, which deters a lot of the crowds that other beaches attract. This means it’s a far more tranquil setting for a more relaxed beach day. The shallowness makes it perfect for your kids’ first time in the water.
Oahu activities and culture
Oahu has much more than just beaches to offer, with a wide variety of popular day trips as well.
Ascending the Diamond Head volcanic crater is mildly challenging but is worth it for the birds-eye view of Oahu and the surrounding Pacific Ocean afforded. The surrounding national park features light forestry dotted with picnic benches throughout, making Diamond Head a well-rounded day-out idea for the whole family.
Honolulu itself features several cultural points of interest that make for exciting days out. The Honolulu Zoo showcases the wide array of native Hawaiian animals, teaching kids all about the local natural world. It also features plenty of animals they may recognize from other corners of the world.
Alternatively, the Waikiki Aquarium allows kids to get up close and personal with the marine life of Waikiki beach.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Bishop Museum, and the Byodo-In Temple, each offer culturally rich and educational excursions. Each of which will likely fascinate and amaze children of all ages.
Oahu family accommodation
Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids as it boasts a wide range of family accommodations throughout the island, appealing to different age groups and tastes.
One of the biggest family-friendly accommodations on the island is Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Kids will feel fully immersed in Hawaiian culture thanks to the 5,200-square-foot kids club that centers on activity-based around Hawaiian tradition, song, and dance. The resort’s lazy river slowly takes guests around the hotel, towards the pool and manmade stream. There’s also rapids and waterslides for those looking for a little more speed!
Turtle Bay Resort, located on the north shore of the island, is another popular accommodation due to the long list of onsite activities offered. From kayaking to golf, horse-riding to hiking, this large resort has it all!
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort is where to go for a bit of nighttime vibrancy. Traditional Hawaiian music is performed live every night, that kids can dance and socialize to. Dance moves can be picked up during the day at one of the hotel’s onsite hula dance classes. This resort is well linked to local museums and landmarks, allowing for great daily excursions to take place for the kids. Its kitchen also serves up some of the most delicious traditional food on the whole island!
Conclusion
Both Maui and Oahu are great Hawaiian Islands to visit with the kids. Both have vibrant cultures, gorgeous beaches, and plenty to see and do. Oahu is the traditional Hawaiian island to visit with kids, with its limitless number of beaches, bustling city centers, and cultural landmarks. However, Maui, on the other hand, offers a quiet alternative, with just as many fun things to do, and great accommodations to stay at.