Hawaii is one of the great family destinations on Earth, not because of theme parks but because the islands themselves are full of wonder for children: turtles that glide past in the shallows, tide pools full of crabs, lava tubes to walk through by torchlight, waves gentle enough for a first ride on a surfboard. Here are the best things to do with kids, island by island.
The best things to do with kids
1. Swim in the Ko Olina lagoons (Oʻahu)
Four calm, man-made lagoons with lifeguards on Oʻahu's sunny west coast are ideal for toddlers and young swimmers.
2. Take a first surf lesson in Waikīkī (Oʻahu)
Waikīkī's small, slow waves are perfect for children from about five or six. Group lessons are short and most children stand up on the first day.
3. Snorkel with turtles
Calm bays such as Hanauma Bay (Oʻahu), Nāpili and Kapalua (Maui), Kahaluʻu (Big Island) and Poʻipū (Kauaʻi) are good first snorkels. Children under 12 enter Hanauma Bay free.
4. Explore tide pools
At low tide, rock pools fill with crabs, fish, sea urchins and sometimes octopuses. Go with water shoes and watch the waves.
5. Visit an aquarium
The Waikīkī Aquarium, one of the oldest public aquariums in the US, and the Maui Ocean Center, with its walk-through shark tunnel, are perfect rainy-day trips.
6. Walk through a lava tube (Big Island)
The Nāhuku (Thurston) lava tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a tunnel left by flowing lava. Children love it.
7. See an active volcano (Big Island)
A view into Kīlauea's caldera, steaming vents and black lava fields fascinates children. Check closures: some summit areas have been closed since October 2026.
8. Go whale watching (December to April)
Maui's whale-watching boats often see mothers with calves. Choose a morning trip, when the sea is calmest.
9. Ride a boogie board
A cheap foam board from a supermarket gives hours of fun on gentle shorebreak at lifeguarded beaches.
10. Go to a luau
Children love the feast, the music and the fire-knife finale. The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu also has villages, canoe rides and games.
11. Visit Pearl Harbor
For older children, the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri bring history to life.
12. Eat shave ice
Every child should try Hawaii's favourite treat, with rainbow syrups and a scoop of ice cream underneath.
Keeping kids safe
- Swim at lifeguarded beaches and ask about conditions.
- Avoid north shores in winter, when big waves and currents arrive.
- Use rash guards and mineral sunscreen; the sun is strong.
- Never touch turtles or monk seals: it is illegal, and a great lesson in respect.
- Stay out of streams after rain: flash floods and leptospirosis are real risks.
For more family planning, see the best island for kids, our family itinerary and the safest family beaches.
Island by island for families
Oʻahu has the most for children: calm lagoons at Ko Olina, the aquarium and zoo in Waikīkī, surf schools, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center and plenty for rainy days. Maui is the best for gentle resort beaches, snorkeling with turtles at Nāpili and Kapalua, and winter whale watching. The Big Island suits adventurous older children with lava tubes, black-sand beaches and the volcano. Kauaʻi is for nature-loving families, with the sheltered pool at Poʻipū Beach Park and boat trips along the Nā Pali Coast; in autumn 2026 several of its parks remain closed after Hurricane Lowell.
Whichever you choose, one island is better than two with young children; see which island is best with kids.
When to go with kids
Summer holidays bring calm seas on north shores and long, sunny days, but also the most families and higher prices. Winter brings whales and big waves to watch, with calmer water on south and west coasts. Christmas and spring break are the most expensive weeks. If your children are not in school yet, late April to early June and September to October are quieter and cheaper. Mornings are almost always the best time for beaches and snorkeling, before the trade winds pick up.
Quick answers
What is there for kids to do in Hawaii?
Snorkeling with turtles, boogie boarding, surf lessons, tide pooling, aquariums, lava tubes, whale watching, luaus and calm lagoon swimming. Most of the best things are free.
What age is best for Hawaii with kids?
Any age works, but from about five years old children can snorkel, take a surf lesson and enjoy boat trips. Toddlers love calm lagoons and tide pools.
Which Hawaiian island has the most to do for kids?
Oʻahu, with Ko Olina's lagoons, the Waikīkī Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor, surf schools and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Are luaus good for kids?
Yes. Most luaus welcome children, with lower child prices, games and a dramatic fire-knife dance at the end.
Keep exploring: Oʻahu with kids, things to do in Hawaii, where to stay with kids.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.
