Hawaii is a tropical archipelago that offers families a unique blend of American convenience and distinct Polynesian culture. Geographically, it consists of eight major islands, each with a unique personality, formed by volcanic activity. The weather is consistently warm and humid, with trade winds providing a cooling breeze. For families, the ocean is the playground; the water is warm year-round, and the coral reefs are accessible even to beginner snorkelers. Beyond the beaches, the islands feature lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and high-altitude observatories.
Oahu is the most visited island and offers a mix of city and surf. Waikiki Beach is famous for its gentle rollers, making it the perfect place for kids to take their first surfing lesson. History comes alive at Pearl Harbor, where the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial provides a somber but accessible history lesson for school-aged children. On the North Shore, families can watch professional surfers tackle massive waves in winter or snorkel in the calm Shark's Cove during summer.
Maui and the Big Island (Hawaii Island) offer more nature-centric adventures. On the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit. Walking through the Thurston Lava Tube feels like exploring a secret cave, and seeing steam vents imparts a real sense of the earth's power. Maui’s Haleakalā National Park offers the chance to watch the sunrise from above the clouds (reservations required), a magical experience for older kids. Snorkeling trips to the Molokini crater often include sightings of green sea turtles, which captivate children.
Cultural education is woven into the experience. Many hotels and cultural centers offer lei-making classes, ukulele lessons, and hula workshops. Attending a luau is a standard but enjoyable family activity, combining buffet-style food (often including roast pig) with fire-knife dancing that keeps kids mesmerized. When dining, families will find a fusion of flavors; 'plate lunches' with rice and macaroni salad are filling and affordable, and shave ice is the ultimate treat after a day in the sun.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers a world-class concentration of volcanic landscapes and tropical ecosystems, exemplified by major sites like Kualoa Ranch and the Haleakala volcano. Peak accessibility is during the driest months, whereas significant winter rainfall can lead to muddy trails and reduced visibility.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Hawaii's beaches (Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Lanikai, Kaanapali) are globally iconic and compete with the Caribbean and Maldives. By international standards, this merits 'excellent'.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Honolulu provides a sophisticated urban experience with premier institutions like the Honolulu Museum of Art and unique Polynesian heritage. The drier summer months are ideal for exploring outdoor botanical gardens and historical neighborhoods, avoiding the frequent winter downpours.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features internationally significant learning sites including Pearl Harbor and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. These facilities offer profound historical and scientific value, best experienced when the weather is drier for outdoor memorials and site transit.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Provides exceptional active infrastructure ranging from the Kalalau Trail to professional-grade ziplining centers. Stable, dry weather in May and June offers the best conditions for high-intensity physical activity compared to the humid and wet winter months.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Host to world-famous events like the Ironman World Championship in October and professional surfing competitions in winter. Peak timing is tied to specific event windows, though the high tropical rainfall in shoulder months can impact outdoor celebrations.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Boasts legendary scenic routes like the Road to Hana and Waimea Canyon Drive that attract global travelers. Driving conditions are safest and most scenic during the drier periods, as winter rain can cause landslides and poor visibility on steep coastal roads.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Natural thermal sites like Isaac Hale Beach Park offer unique restorative experiences, though dedicated wellness infrastructure is more concentrated within commercial resorts. Optimal for wellness during the more stable, drier summer window.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii serves as a significant regional entertainment venue, though it lacks the scale of global destination theme parks. Conditions are most pleasant during the lower-rainfall months of May and June.
Attractions (79 total)
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Allerton Garden
Koloa
A masterpiece of garden design known for its iconic giant fig trees and elegant water features.
Visit website →Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Papaikou
A world-renowned nature preserve showcasing over 2,000 species of tropical plants on a scenic coastal drive.
Visit website →Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Kaneohe
A peaceful rainforest garden featuring a stunning lake and dramatic views of the Ko'olau Range.
Visit website →Foster Botanical Garden
Honolulu
A historic urban oasis featuring rare tropical plants and a prehistoric glen in the heart of the city.
Visit website →Garden of Eden Arboretum
Haiku
An expansive arboretum offering breathtaking coastal vistas and diverse plant life along the Road to Hana.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Honolulu
Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history museum featuring interactive dinosaur exhibits, a planetarium, and vast Pacific collections.
Visit website →Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Honolulu
An immersive technology and history museum located in historic hangars featuring dozens of aircraft, flight simulators, and aviation science.
Visit website →Hawaii Children's Discovery Center
Honolulu
A hands-on discovery center for families with interactive exhibits exploring global cultures, the human body, and mechanics.
Visit website →KokeȐe Natural History Museum
Kekaha
A small but informative museum detailing the unique geology, botany, and wildlife of Kauai's high-altitude rainforests and canyons.
Visit website →Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo
A specialized science museum educating visitors on the geological causes of tsunamis through survivor stories and interactive scientific models.
Visit website →Ȑmiloa Astronomy Center
Hilo
A world-class science center showcasing the intersection of Hawaiian culture and modern astronomy with interactive displays and a 3D planetarium.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu
An iconic volcanic tuff cone offering a popular hiking trail with panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Haleakala National Park
Kula
Home to Maui's highest peak, this park offers a surreal volcanic crater landscape and world-famous sunrise views above the clouds.
Visit website →Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano
A world-renowned site where families can witness active volcanoes, walk through lava tubes, and see the dynamic landscape of the Big Island.
Visit website →Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Hanalei
A breathtaking stretch of coastline featuring 4,000-foot tall emerald cliffs and secluded beaches accessible by boat, helicopter, or trail.
Visit website →Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, it features dramatic red soil gorges and spectacular waterfalls perfect for family sightseeing.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Diamond Head Summit Trail
Honolulu
2.6km moderate 1.5-to-2-hour hike with 171m elevation gain. This iconic trail leads to the summit of a volcanic tuff cone offering panoramic views of Waikiki. Reservations are required for out-of-state visitors.
Visit website →Ironman World Championship Bike Course
Kailua-Kona
180km challenging 5-to-8-hour cycling route with 1,768m elevation gain. Famous road cycling route along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway through lava fields. Bike rental: Bike Works Kona (bikeworkskona.com)
Kalalau Trail
Hanalei
35.4km challenging 2-to-3-day trek with 1,884m elevation gain. Traversing the Na Pali Coast, it is one of the world's most scenic coastal hikes. Requires permits. Equipment rental: Kayak Kauai (kayakkauai.com)
Visit website →Skyline Trail
Kula
13.5km expert 2-hour mountain bike descent with 1,707m elevation loss. A rugged high-altitude gravel route from the Haleakala summit through cinder fields. Bike rental: Maui Sunriders (mauisunriders.com)
Visit website →Kilauea Iki Trail
Volcano
5.1km moderate 2-to-3-hour loop with 122m elevation gain. Hikers descend through a rainforest to cross the floor of a solidified lava lake that erupted in 1959.
Visit website →Pipiwai Trail
Hana
6.4km moderate 2-to-3-hour hike with 244m elevation gain. The trail features a massive banyan tree, a dense bamboo forest, and culminates at the 122-meter Waimoku Falls.
Visit website →Sliding Sands (Keonehe'ehe'e) Trail
Kula
17.7km challenging 6-to-8-hour out-and-back hike with 853m elevation gain. Descends into the Haleakala crater through a desert-like landscape of cinder cones and rare silversword plants.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Dole Plantation
Wahiawa
Hawaii's 'Pineapple Experience' featuring a narrow-gauge train ride, a massive garden maze, and educational displays about island agriculture.
Visit website →Greenwell Farms
Kealakekua
One of the oldest and largest Kona coffee farms, offering guided walks through the orchards and processing facilities.
Visit website →Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Kailua-Kona
An interactive marine farm dedicated to seahorse conservation where visitors can see and occasionally hold these unique creatures.
Visit website →Maui Tropical Plantation
Wailuku
A 60-acre working plantation that offers tram tours through tropical crops like coffee, macadamia nuts, and exotic fruits.
Visit website →Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Hilo
The only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, featuring a popular petting zoo on Saturdays and lush botanical displays.
Visit website →Surfing Goat Dairy
Kula
An award-winning dairy farm on the slopes of Haleakala where families can pet goats, assist with evening chores, and taste artisanal cheeses.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Haena State Park
Hanalei
The gateway to the Napali Coast, featuring the pristine Kee Beach and dramatic coastal views at the end of the island's road.
Visit website →Hanalei Bay
Hanalei
A breathtaking two-mile crescent of white sand surrounded by majestic emerald-green mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Honolulu
A protected marine life conservation area located in a volcanic cone, offering world-class snorkeling in shallow turquoise waters.
Visit website →Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Puako
One of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, consistently ranked among the best in the world for swimming and bodyboarding.
Visit website →Poipu Beach Park
Koloa
A family-favorite destination featuring a naturally sheltered swimming area, frequent monk seal sightings, and excellent snorkeling conditions.
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu
An iconic world-famous shoreline offering gentle waves and stunning views of Diamond Head for families and surfers.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Pahala
Hawaii's most famous black sand beach where visitors can see unique volcanic sand and frequently spot basking green sea turtles.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Haleakala Highway
Kahului
60km paved mountain road (2 hours). One of the steepest climbs in the world, ascending from sea level to the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala volcano. Highlights include silverword plants and the volcanic crater landscape.
Visit website →Hana Highway (Road to Hana)
Paia
103km paved coastal route (3-5 hours one way) featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges. Highlights include Twin Falls, Wai'anapanapa State Park's black sand beach, and the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe'o Gulch).
Visit website →Waimea Canyon Drive and Kokee Road
Waimea
29km paved mountain ascent (1-2 hours). Climbs from sea level to over 4,000 feet, passing the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' and ending with spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout.
Visit website →Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250)
Waimea
32km paved scenic route (45 minutes). Passes through high-elevation ranch lands and rolling green hills. Offers panoramic vistas of the Kohala coastline and the blue waters of the Pacific from a unique elevation.
Visit website →Tantalus and Round Top Drive
Circular
13km paved loop (30-45 minutes). A historic, winding forest road through the mountains behind Honolulu. Features multiple overlooks with views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the city skyline.
Visit website →Chain of Craters Road
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
30km paved volcanic descent (1 hour). Descends 3,700 feet through historic lava flows from various eruptions. Highlights include the Holei Sea Arch, ancient petroglyphs, and vast fields of hardened pahoehoe lava.
Visit website →Oahu North Shore Drive
Haleiwa
48km paved coastal highway (1-2 hours). Follows the iconic surf coast of Oahu. Highlights include Waimea Bay, the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and views of the rugged Koolau Mountains.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Volcano
Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, offering families a unique look at volcanic landscapes, steam vents, and lava tubes.
Visit website →Akaka Falls State Park
Honomu
A lush tropical park featuring a 442-foot towering waterfall accessible via an easy paved loop trail through rainforest vegetation.
Visit website →Waiʻanapanapa State Park
Hana
A stunning coastal park on the Road to Hana featuring a unique black sand beach, sea caves, and natural volcanic rock arches.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu
Hawaii's largest fine arts museum featuring a world-class collection ranging from ancient Asian artifacts to modern European masterpieces in a beautiful open-air setting.
Visit website →Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
Makawao
A historic Upcountry Maui estate-turned-art center that offers rotating gallery exhibitions and public workshops in a stunning architectural and natural setting.
Visit website →Isaac’s Art Center
Kamuela
Housed in a meticulously restored 1915 schoolhouse on the Big Island, this center features a premier collection of paintings by Hawaii’s most acclaimed historical artists.
Visit website →Schaefer International Gallery
Kahului
Located within the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, this museum-standard gallery hosts high-quality traveling exhibitions and contemporary local art shows.
Visit website →Capitol Modern
Honolulu
Formerly the Hawaii State Art Museum, this venue showcases the diverse artistic heritage and contemporary works of artists specifically from the Hawaiian Islands.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Honolulu Zoo
Honolulu
A 42-acre tropical zoo in Waikiki featuring over 900 animals from the tropics and an interactive Keiki Zoo for children.
Visit website →Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea
A dramatic coastal sanctuary where families can spot nesting seabirds and Hawaiian monk seals near a historic lighthouse.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Iolani Palace
Honolulu
The only official royal palace in the United States, offering a grand look into the lives of Hawaii's final monarchs.
Visit website →Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Honolulu
A deeply significant historic site where families can learn about the 1941 attack and honor those lost on the USS Arizona.
Visit website →Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Honaunau
Explore a sacred sanctuary where ancient Hawaiians sought refuge, featuring massive stone walls and tall wooden idols.
Visit website →Huliheʻe Palace
Kailua-Kona
A former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, this historic site showcases Victorian-era furniture and royal artifacts.
Visit website →Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Kawaihae
A massive, dry-stone temple platform built by King Kamehameha I that played a crucial role in the unification of Hawaii.
Visit website →Queen Emma Summer Palace
Honolulu
The secluded mountain retreat of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, offering a peaceful look at royal 19th-century life.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Ironman World Championship
Kailua-Kona
October, 1-day world championship, over 2,000 elite athletes and 30,000 spectators, includes a family-friendly expo, ironkids race, and parade of nations.
Pipeline Pro (WSL Championship Tour)
Haleiwa
January to February, 10-day competition window, the peak of professional surfing's championship tour attracting tens of thousands of beach spectators, free and family-friendly beach viewing.
Merrie Monarch Festival
Hilo
April, 7-day festival, the most prestigious international hula competition attracting thousands of global visitors, includes a free grand royal parade and Hawaiian arts fairs suitable for families.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Kualoa Ranch
Kaneohe
A massive nature reserve and activity hub offering ATV tours, ziplining, and movie site explorations across lush tropical valleys.
Visit website →Skyline Hawaii Haleakala
Kula
The site of America's first commercial zipline course, located on the slopes of Haleakala and offering high-speed lines through eucalyptus forests.
Visit website →CLIMB Works Keana Farms
Kahuku
A top-rated zipline park on Oahu's North Shore featuring side-by-side lines with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.
Visit website →Coral Crater Adventure Park
Kapolei
A modern outdoor center featuring a 60-foot adventure tower, aerial challenge courses, ziplines, and off-road ATV tracks.
Visit website →Umauma Falls & Zipline Experience
Hakalau
A premier Big Island adventure park offering multi-line zipline tours that cross over the stunning triple-tier Umauma Falls.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Maui Ocean Center
Maalaea
An impressive aquarium showcasing the diverse marine life of Hawaii through a walk-through tunnel and interactive coral reef exhibits.
Visit website →Sea Life Park Hawaii
Waimanalo
A marine mammal park and sanctuary offering educational shows, turtle feedings, and interactive experiences with ocean life.
Visit website →Waikiki Aquarium
Honolulu
A historic and educational facility on the edge of a living reef, focusing on the unique aquatic species of the South Pacific.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Polynesian Cultural Center
Laie
Families can explore six authentic Pacific island villages through interactive cultural demonstrations and traditional performances.
Visit website →Old Koloa Town
Koloa
Stroll through Kauai's first sugar plantation town, now a charming district of restored 19th-century buildings and historic shops.
Byodo-In Temple
Kaneohe
This stunning non-denominational Buddhist temple is a scale replica of a 950-year-old Japanese site set against dramatic mountain cliffs.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii
Kapolei
A premier water park featuring over 25 high-energy slides and attractions set amidst lush tropical scenery.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Aloha Tower
Honolulu
A historic waterfront clock tower that has served as a welcoming landmark for ships arriving in Honolulu Harbor since 1926.
King Kamehameha I Statue
Honolulu
An iconic bronze monument honoring the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands, located in front of the historic Aliʻiōlani Hale.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Honolulu
A massive historic battleship and monument where the Surrender of Japan took place, ending World War II.
Visit website →Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Captain Cook
A sacred cultural landmark and place of refuge featuring ancient stone walls and carved wooden images along the Kona coast.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki Warm Springs)
Pahoa
Geothermally heated natural pools situated along the coastline of the Big Island. The water temperature typically ranges from 32°C to 35°C, heated by subterranean volcanic activity from the Kilauea East Rift Zone. These brackish pools are nestled within a landscape of volcanic rock and black sand created during the 2018 eruption.
Visit website →