Family-friendly holidays in Hawaii
Hawaii
Explore Hawaiʻi with your family
The relaxed atmosphere and welcoming spirit of Hawaiʻi make it a unique destination ideal for unforgettable family holidays. It may officially be the 50th US state, but it’s Polynesian heritage and culture that looms large in this South Pacific island paradise. Combined with a spectacularly beautiful landscape, visitors quickly appreciate that Hawaiʻi is truly blessed!
The landscape of Hawaiʻi is made up of thousands of volcanic islands; the most popular with families are Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi and, for the more adventurous, the islands of Hawaiʻi (known as The Big Island), Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi .
All Hawaii Stories
Your Hawaiʻi family holiday guide
The Hawaiian Islands are unlike any other place on earth. Around the world, when people hear the word Aloha! – the joyful Hawaiian greeting – alluring mental images of sun-kissed beaches, pacific palms, surfers, ukulele players and hula dancers are instantly evoked.
Even if you haven’t (yet!) holidayed in Hawaiʻi, it’s a safe bet you know this picture well! Whilst palm trees, luminous sunsets and hula performances are a given throughout, each island of Hawaiʻi has its own distinct personality.
How to get there
Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas each operate regular services from Sydney to Honolulu. Flight time from Sydney is approximately 9 to 10 hours. Island-hopping flights from Oʻahu to other islands are serviced by Hawaiian Airlines.
To celebrate the release of the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, families flying from Sydney on Hawaiian Airlines may even score an escort from the adorable star himself! The colourful livery on this A330 aircraft is one of three unique designs entering the fleet in 2025.
Hawaiian Airlines has also welcomed Stitch to their ‘ohana in the role of Travel Pono ambassador – a program encouraging guests to explore Hawaiʻi with care. Kids will love seeing the mischievous alien learn to be a mindful visitor in the airline’s in-flight video. Families can also purchase exclusive merchandise onboard and take part in the Searching for Stitch AR experience during their Hawaiian holiday.
Oʻahu
As flights from Australia arrive in Oʻahu, it makes sense to start your Hawaiian holiday here. The most populated island, and home to the capital city of Honolulu, Oʻahu blends all of the excitement and buzz of a modern city with the best of island living.
From world-famous Waikīkī Beach to the relaxed Turtle Bay on the North Shore, Oʻahu has something to suit every family. With calm waves and soft currents, Waikīkī is an ideal place for kids to learn to surf, and has an abundance of family-friendly resort accommodation.
On Oʻahu you can go ATV-ing through the set of Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch & Private Nature Reserve, learn about history at Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center, splash out at Wet’n’Wild, visit Honolulu Zoo, discover an underwater world on a submarine tour with Atlantis Adventures, and ride a train among the pineapples at Dole Plantation.
Maui
Its colourful old plantation towns and surf vibe make Maui an attractive option. The island has more than 50km of beautiful beaches, with white, black and red sand! Ka’anapali Beach is the most popular place for families to stay as it has resorts for every budget, and it’s just a free shuttle bus ride to Lahaina’s shops and restaurants.
Book a cruise to go whale watching (December to May) or snorkelling at Molokini Crater, see the world’s largest collection of Pacific corals at Maui Ocean Center or brave the twists and turns on the scenic Road to Hāna, stopping to see rainforests, waterfalls and natural pools en route. In Upcountry Maui, kids can try milking a goat at Surfing Goat Dairy and play among the perfumed flowers at Ali‘i Lavendar Farm.
Hawaiʻi Island
Adventurous families flock to the Island of Hawaiʻi, so called because it is nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes; swim in waterfalls on the Kohala Coast, see the monument to explorer Captain Cook on a cruise to Kealakekua Bay, go horse riding at a cattle ranch, and snorkel with manta rays.
Discover Hawaiian history and culture at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, an important ceremonial site that was once the home of royalty and a place of refuge for lawbreakers in ancient times, and find out more about the remote Hawaiian Islands at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. Hilo town and Puna are the best places to stay for budget-friendly accommodation options.
Kauaʻi
Known for its natural beauty, Kauaʻi has provided the set for more than 60 films and TV shows. Take a scenic helicopter flight to see where movies including Jurassic Park were filmed and visit the historic town that inspired Lilo & Stitch, Hanapēpē.
Swim with the ‘locals’ (the resident colony of green sea turtles) at Po‘ipū Beach Park, go hiking or biking in Waimea Canyon, known as ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, zipline over green valleys and streams, and ride the old plantation railway at Kilohana Plantation. Kauaʻi is also the only Hawaiian island where you can go mountain tubing, which is suitable for kids aged five and over.
Lānaʻi
The smallest Hawaiian island accessible to the public, Lānaʻi is a 354km² island with sun-soaked beaches and a huge variety of family activities to keep everyone happy. Stay at either the Four Seasons Resort Lanai overlooking Hulopoe Bay, or one of ten rooms at the boutique Hotel Lānaʻi.
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Opening image: Hula dancers at the ‘Onipa‘a Lū‘au at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O‘ahu.