Family Fun

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best family-friendly activities in Hawaiʻi? 

Hawaiʻi offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including snorkeling, beach play, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Families can enjoy tide pools, whale watching, surf lessons and visits to museums or cultural centers. Other popular options include exploring volcanoes, attending a traditional lūʻau and participating in hands-on educational exhibits. 

What are the best things to do in Hawaiʻi with young children? 

Young children can enjoy calm beaches, tide pools, animal encounters and interactive museums. Activities like sandcastle building, snorkeling in shallow waters and visiting educational centers make Hawaiʻi especially suitable for younger kids. 

What family-friendly events and festivals happen in Hawaiʻi? 

Hawaiʻi hosts a variety of family-friendly events year-round, including cultural festivals, music events, food festivals and holiday celebrations. Some highlights include Honolulu Festival, Aloha Festivals, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and King Kamehameha Day celebrations. 

Are there kid-friendly beaches in Hawaiʻi? 

Yes, many Hawaiian beaches are ideal for families. Look for beaches with calm waters and lifeguards, such as Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu, Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi, ʻŌhaiʻula (Spencer Beach Park) on Hawaiʻi Island and Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui. These locations often feature gentle waves, picnic areas and nearby amenities. Families may encounter, at a safe distance, beloved marine animals like sea turtles, tropical fish, monk seals and humpback whales (seasonally) at beaches across the islands.

Are there all-inclusive or family resorts in Hawaiʻi? 

While traditional all-inclusive resorts are limited, many Hawaiian resorts offer family-focused amenities such as pools with waterslides, kids’ programs, cultural activities and babysitting services. Some properties also provide guided excursions and educational activities for children. 

Are there free or low-cost things to do in Hawaiʻi for families? 

Yes, many family activities in Hawaiʻi are free or affordable. Beyond enjoying public beaches, hiking trails, botanical gardens, scenic overlook and city plazas, families can experience Hawaiʻi's culture through complimentary hula performances in resort and shopping areas, Hawaiian music concerts, cultural demonstrations, farmers markets, community festivals, historic walking tours and educational programs at cultural sites. These experiences offer meaningful ways to explore the islands without significantly increasing vacation costs. 

What are some accessible and sensory-friendly attractions in Hawaiʻi? 

The Honolulu Zoo is Sensory Inclusive certified, offering free KultureCity sensory kits, as well as having accessible pathways and restrooms. Complimentary wheelchair rentals are available at the ADA compliant Maui Ocean Center, while the Kamalani Inclusive Playground provides accessible fun for kids in Kauaʻi. ASL interpreters are available with advanced notice at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation provides free all-terrain beach wheelchairs at select parks. 

What are popular attractions for rainy days in Hawaiʻi? 

Popular rainy-day attractions in Hawaiʻi include aquariums, museums, science centers and cultural attractions. Families on Oʻahu can visit Bishop Museum, Children’s Discovery Center or the Honolulu Museum of Art. Head indoors at the Maui Ocean Center on Maui, while the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center on Hawaiʻi Island feature more educational experiences. Learn local history inside at the Kauaʻi Museum, Moloka‘i Museum & Cultural Center and the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center.