The air is sweet, the people kind and welcoming, and the natural wonders just don’t stop.
On Oahu, even the littlest keiki – child – can learn to surf on Waikiki’s friendly waves; surf schools are right on the beach. Once you’ve sampled the tame waves, drive up to the North Shore and watch the surfing stars ride the towering combers. Kids will also love the dark display of pulsing jellyfish and tiny seahorses at the Waikiki aquarium. Nearby, hike up Diamond Head for a spectacular view, or get up close and personal with a dolphin at Sea Life Park. Later, descend into history on the U.S.S. Bowfin submarine at Pearl Harbor. A snorkeling trip to clear, calm Hanauma Bay is an Oahu must-do. This ancient crater is crowded with colorful fish. (Watch for the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish!)
On Kauai, in addition to fabulous hiking, beach-going (don’t miss the green sand at Lumahai Beach), breathtaking helicopter tours, and the boat ride at Fern Grotto, be sure to make a visit to the interactive Children’s Discovery Museum in Kapa’a.
On Maui, rise and shine for the sunrise atop 10,013-foot Haleakala. One of the best ways to see the island is on horseback; just choose your views. The state-of-the-art Maui Ocean Center gives visitors a scuba diver’s view of Hawaiian marine life and the nearby Ocean Activities Center is the place to begin fishing, snorkeling and whale watching adventures. Head to Puukolii Station in Kaanapali for a sunset ride on a traditional sugar cane train, topped off with a delicious all-you-can-eat Hawaiian barbecue, music, and hula lessons for the whole family!
On Hawaii’s Big Island, with an active volcano changing the landscape every day, see geology in action. Hawaii also has great camping, waterfalls, sunset cruises, glass bottom boat rides, and more. Kids 10 and older can learn to ride, rope, and herd cattle at Dahana Ranch. And those 16 and over can roar off on guided adventures on Yamaha 125 ATV’s. For a slower pace, try a draft horse-drawn wagon tour or take a guided “flume” tour in a 5-person kayak through pristine rainforests.
Whether you’ll be visiting one island or several, you’ll discover that Hawaii is rewarding for everyone in the family. You’ll return home refreshed and inspired, with wonderful photos and treasured memories. Aloha!
Top 10 Hits for the Kids
- Wind your way through the amazing pineapple maze at the Dole Plantation, Wahiawa, Oahu.
- Explore the scores of cultural tours, movie sets, rides and adventure activities at scenic 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch, Windward, Oahu.
- Pay a visit to the noisy Spouting Horn, a famous and much-photographed lava-formed blowhole, Poipu, Kauai.
- Kayak and hike the sacred Valley of the Kings along the tranquil waters of the Wailua River into the interior of Kauai’s most beautiful state park.
- The moon-like landscape of Maui’s Haleakala Crater is big enough to hold Manhattan and even gets snowfall in the winter!
- Test your nerves on the famous drive to Hana on Maui, with 54 bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns.
- Cruise the “ditch” on the Big Island through former plantation lands, caves, under waterfalls, and through rainforests.
- Visit Kilauea Caldera and then drive down the Chain of Craters Road to see the volcano’s latest lava creations.
- Snorkel or kayak over the crystal-clear reef-encrusted waters of Hawaii’s Kealakekua Bay.
- Take a family cruise along the shore of any of the islands. It’s fun, relaxing, and beautiful.
America’s diverse destinations offer extraordinary travel experiences for every type of traveler. Our advisors’ Bucket List Worthy Destinations guide highlights the US experiences that truly belong on a bucket list.
