Exploring Hawaii with Kids: A Guide to Fun Things to Do

Hawaii is a family-friendly destination with plenty of fun activities for kids and parents alike. Whether you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained while exploring the islands or just want to make sure you all get the most out of your vacation, this guide will show you the best family-friendly activities in Hawaii. From snorkeling and kayaking to visiting historical sites and wildlife sanctuaries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Hawaii.

Visit a Volcano

Nothing says Hawaii quite like a visit to a volcano. The islands of Hawaii are home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Kilauea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala. Visiting a volcano is a great way to teach your kids about geology and the power of nature. You can take a guided tour of the volcano, or even hike to the top for an unforgettable experience.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a helicopter ride over the volcano for the ultimate bird’s eye view. Just make sure to check the safety regulations before you go. It’s also important to be aware of the risks of volcanic eruptions, so be sure to check with the local authorities before visiting.

No matter which way you choose to explore the volcano, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Explore Nature

Hawaii is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, so it’s no surprise that exploring nature is a popular activity. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day spent strolling along the beach or an adventure-filled day of hiking and kayaking, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike, you can’t go wrong with the Manoa Falls Trail. It’s a short and easy hike that will take you to a breathtaking waterfall. Other popular nature spots include the Waimea Valley and the Wailua River State Park, both of which offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

For a truly unique experience, you can also explore the marine life of Hawaii by snorkeling or scuba diving. There are plenty of coral reefs to explore, as well as a variety of fish and other sea creatures. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary

Hawaii is home to a variety of wildlife, and visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a great way to get up close and personal with some of the island’s most unique creatures. The Hawaii Wildlife Center is a great place to start, as it’s a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the Hawaiian green sea turtle.

You can also visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of seabirds and other creatures. This sanctuary is a great place to take the kids as it offers plenty of activities, such as bird watching or hiking along the nature trails.

No matter which wildlife sanctuary you choose to visit, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Visit a Beach

Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and visiting one is a must for any family vacation. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the sun, or a more active beach with plenty of activities to enjoy, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, you can’t go wrong with Waikiki Beach. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and even learning to surf. Other popular beaches include Kaanapali Beach and Hanauma Bay, both of which offer plenty of activities for the whole family.

No matter which beach you choose to visit, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Visit a Historical Site

Hawaii is home to a variety of historical sites, so it’s a great place to explore and learn about the island’s past. The USS Arizona Memorial is a popular site, which commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor and is a great way to teach your kids about the importance of honoring those who have served our country.

You can also visit Iolani Palace, which was the former home of the Hawaiian monarchy. It’s a great place to explore and learn about Hawaiian history and culture. Other popular historical sites include the Bishop Museum and the Polynesian Cultural Center, both of which offer plenty of activities for the whole family.

No matter which historical site you choose to visit, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Shop at a Local Market

Hawaii is home to a variety of local markets, so it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs or find unique gifts. The Honolulu Flea Market is a popular spot, where you can find a variety of local vendors selling everything from jewelry to artwork. You can also visit the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, which is a great spot for bargain hunters looking for local products.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, you can visit the International Market Place in Waikiki. Here you’ll find an array of shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs for the whole family.

No matter which market you choose to visit, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Attend a Luau

Attending a luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture and cuisine. A luau typically includes a traditional feast, live music and entertainment, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular spot for luaus, as it offers a variety of different luaus to choose from.

The Old Lahaina Luau is another popular spot, which offers a variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes as well as entertainment such as hula dancing and fire shows. You can also attend the Royal Luau at the King Kamehameha Golf Course, which is a great place to learn about Hawaiian culture while enjoying a delicious dinner.

No matter which luau you choose to attend, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Explore a Museum

Hawaii is home to a variety of museums, so it’s a great place to explore and learn about the island’s history and culture. The Bishop Museum is a popular spot for families, as it offers a variety of exhibits and activities for the whole family. You can also visit the Hawaii State Art Museum, which is a great place to explore the island’s vibrant art scene.

For a truly unique experience, you can also visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. Here you can explore a real submarine and learn about the history of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Other popular museums include the Pacific Aviation Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art, both of which offer plenty of activities for the whole family.

No matter which museum you choose to visit, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Take a Helicopter Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, you can’t go wrong with a helicopter tour of Hawaii. A helicopter tour will give you a bird’s eye view of the island, allowing you to see some of the most stunning sights in the world. You can take a tour of the active volcanoes, explore the lush jungles, or even take a tour of the island’s famous beaches.

Just make sure to check the safety regulations before you go, as some helicopter tours require a minimum number of passengers. It’s also important to be aware of the risks of flying, so be sure to check with the local authorities before taking a tour.

No matter which helicopter tour you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Experience Hawaiian Culture

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing the island’s unique culture. You can take a hula class to learn the traditional Hawaiian dance, or learn how to make a lei. You can also visit a local luau to experience traditional Hawaiian cuisine, or take a tour of a Hawaiian plantation to learn about the island’s history and culture.

Other popular cultural activities include attending a Polynesian show or taking a tour of a traditional Hawaiian village. No matter which activity you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Go Whale Watching

Hawaii is home to a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and other creatures. Going whale watching is a great way to experience the beauty of the ocean up close. You can book a tour with a local company, or even take a kayak out on your own for an unforgettable experience.

Just make sure to check the safety regulations before you go, as some whale watching tours require a minimum number of passengers. It’s also important to be aware of the risks of being in the ocean, so be sure to check with the local authorities before taking a tour.

No matter which whale watching tour you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Conclusion

Hawaii is a great destination for families, and there’s plenty of fun activities for kids and parents alike. From visiting volcanoes and exploring nature to attending luaus and going whale watching, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable vacation in paradise!