Beautiful Lanikai, Kailua Sunrise in Hawaii Photo

How To Plan The Best Hawaii Family Vacation

There's a Hawaiian Island for Every Family — Find Yours

By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on June 6, 2025

A Hawaii family vacation has something for everyone: Children will find a natural wonderland that will inspire curiosity, creativity and boldness, while parents can soak up the delightfully warm weather. Together, the whole family will enjoy the island culture and history, along with bountiful wildlife. A cruise adventure will expand your crew's horizons and understanding of what paradise really means.

From exploring iconic spots such as Waikiki Beach and Waimea Valley on Oahu to spotting marine life along Maui’s shores, this blog will dive into why many consider these islands to have the best place for a Hawaii family vacation. Welcome to island time, Hawaiian style. Let’s look at how to plan the best family vacation in Hawaii and what islands to consider traveling to on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Witness a magical sunrise from Lanikai beach.

What To Do Once You’re In Hawaii: Connect With Hawaii's Beauty

Island time is a concept you will find on many islands around the world. It basically means living at a slower pace, leaving worries behind and enjoying the moment. In Hawaii, it also means spending your time doing something you love, something that feeds the spirit and connects you to "“Aloha ʻĀina,"” which means "“love of the land."” Mainlanders usually take some time to get used to the proverbial island time, but they tend to be happier once they go with the Hawaiian flow.

If this is your first time taking a family vacation to Hawaii, you’ll quickly learn how easy it is to embrace this relaxed atmosphere.

As you plan a Hawaiian family vacation, focus on outdoor activities that the whole group will enjoy and think about it when you are packing and planning. Bring swimsuits, reef-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, sneakers, hats and backpacks for when you'reyou’re out on the road and might experience different activities on the same day. You can give your family different options and then vote to decide which adventure you’ll all undertake together.

Remember to investigate family-friendly activities like hiking to scenic waterfalls, snorkeling to see marine life, or experiencing authentic Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center — all are excellent ways to immerse your family trip in true island life. Once you have your outdoor adventure visualized, you can make any necessary reservations and plan your day ahead of time.

Aerial view of the sandy beach and curved asphalt road on the west coast of Maui Hawaii

A road trip in Hawaii is a must. The roads lead to other-worldly beaches.

Everywhere you look, Hawaii offers dramatic views and adventures in nature. One of my favorite things to do and one of the best vacation spots in Hawaii for families is the Lyon Arboretum, found in the rainforests of Mānoa Valley in Honolulu, Oahu (arguably the best Hawaiian island for family vacation). It’s a dramatic destination nestled in nearly 200 acres of tropical botanical gardens with abundant bird life. The kids will love immersing themselves in the forest and doing what some locals call “forest bathing” — a wellness practice with roots in Japan that is believed to be a form of therapy.

Nature is all around you in Hawaii, and the backdrops are all photogenic.

Another great way of connecting during your Hawaii family vacation is, of course, with a day at the beach. Hawaii is famous for its beautiful beaches and coastal views. In Oahu, you can choose among Waikiki Beach, Waimānalo, Ala Moana and Yokohama Bay, or pop over to Kauai to dig your toes into the sand at Poipu, Hanalei or Nā Pali. If you'reyou’re in Maui, there’s also Lahaina, Kihei and Wailea Beach. Your options for family-friendly beaches in the Hawaiian Islands are nearly endless. All are picture-perfect and offer just about everything. Think: flat water ideal for snorkeling, small swells perfect for learning to surf, beachside bites to quell beach day hunger and more.

Here’s a sample itinerary for outdoor exploration, especially if you only have a few hours available during your family vacation to Hawaii.

Take a road trip from Honolulu via Road 72.
Make stops at Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach and the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. All three spots are celebrated for being stunning and immersive.
Drive back to Honolulu via the H3 highway and take in the majestic scenery of the Koʻolau Range.

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Book the best family vacation to Hawaii today.

How Much Is A Family Vacation To Hawaii?

Wondering what month is cheapest to visit Hawaii and how much the typical Hawaiian vacation costs? Look no further! Typically, the least expensive month to travel to Hawaii is either November or March, since they are during the off seasons. As for the average price, it varies based on the time of year, accommodation type and activities chosen, but it generally falls between $4,000 to $10,000.

Hawaii Lahaina Drum of the Pacific Fire Performers

Learn about Hawaii's history and culture with hula dancing.

The best Hawaiian island for families depends a lot on what your group enjoys.

Don’t Forget To Immerse Yourself In The Culture

The Hawaiian Islands are a hub of different cultures and histories. It’s home to descendants of Polynesia, Japan, America and more. During your family vacation in Hawaii, you will notice this diversity as it manifests all around, and you’ll see it in the beautiful multicultural festivals, music, food and even sports events. The history and culture run deep here, and you’d be remiss not to learn all about it firsthand. If you have time, visiting Sea Life Park on Oahu or the Honolulu Zoo can be excellent ways for everyone to gain better insight into local wildlife and conservation efforts while enjoying family-friendly activities.

Learning to hula is about much more than just dancing to beautiful Hawaiian beats; it’s also a way to connect with Hawaiian culture through storytelling. The goal of this visual dance is to dramatize the words of a song, which tells an important story. It incorporates six steps, moving the hips and making gestures to explain mythological characters, history and nature. A Hawaii vacation for family is the perfect opportunity to learn how to do something together in a new place and move the body. You can take lessons together or attend a luau that includes a short class. Most dancing lessons are interactive and typically open to all ages. You may be able to hire a private hula teacher if you prefer, too.

Visit the pristine waters of Wailua Falls in Kauai.

What’s The Best Island In Hawaii For A Family Vacation?

If you’re curious which part of Hawaii is best for a family vacation, it depends a lot on what your group enjoys. Get together and discuss the different activities available on each island and make a list of the ones that pique your interest. That way, you can all visualize your preferences and make an informed decision. Once you have an idea of what your family wants from this adventure, everything else will be much easier to plan. Pay close attention to departure cities — many choose to fly from San Diego or Los Angeles — and look for a convenient vacation package that might help with accommodations. You can also check for cruises or flights that depart from the West Coast to help you plan a Hawaiian family vacation more seamlessly. Arrive at least a day before embarkation, so you can enjoy your departure city and adjust to island time more easily.

Waipio Valley Lookout view on Big Island, Hawaii

See the impressive Waipi'o Valley lookout in Big Island, also known as Hawaii island.

One of the best things to do during your Hawaii family vacation is to paddle like the locals do. You get to venture into the ocean in a traditional outrigger canoe, the ancient method of transportation of the Polynesians, and experience the island in a different way as you witness its beauty from the water. You will understand how the Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii and settled there and get a glimpse of their way of life, which was strongly influenced by the sea. You can book an outrigger canoe tour in Maui, Oahu and Kauai. If you want to add a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center while on Oahu, you’ll deepen your understanding of the wider Polynesian heritage.

Aerial view of Lanai Hawaii featuring Hulopo'e Bay and beach Sweetheart Rock Pu'u Pehe Shark's Bay and the mountains of Maui in the background

An aerial view of beautiful Hulopoe Bay in Lanai in Maui

There are many islands in Hawaii, but the most popular and accessible for visitors are Kauai, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), Maui and Oahu. Kauai is where you’ll find Poipu Beach, famous for the amazing snorkeling because of how accessible the snorkeling areas are from the beach. You can also go ziplining and attend impressive luaus, and if anyone in the family enjoys surfing, you’ll be happy to know Kauai has some perfect waves. Hawaii Island is famously home to a lava lake, but it’s also home to secluded beaches, ancient petroglyphs, a magical valley known as Waipi‘o and some of the most delicious coffee made on the island.

Bring your camera to snap a photo of the iconic entrance to Ho'omaluhia Botanical Park in Oahu.

Is Hawaii Worth It With Kids?

The short answer is yes, of course! With countless activities and excursions to choose from, you and your kids will have endless opportunities for fun that’s both family-friendly and exciting. And you can do so on some of the other popular islands in Hawaii, like Maui and Oahu.

Maui is synonymous with gorgeous beaches, and for many, it’s the best Hawaiian island for a family vacation. Why? The iconic drive to Hana, the view from Haleakala National Park and swimming in Kaanapali Beach are just a few examples. Surfers, windsurfers and snorkelers will also love this destination. Plus, if you’re looking for Hawaii family vacations, Maui style, many resorts like the Grand Wailea offer fun-filled pool areas, and you can easily arrange whale watching excursions or other outdoor adventures.

Oahu is by far the most popular of all the islands, with iconic sites such as Waikiki Beach, the Ala Moana Regional Park, Lanikai Beach, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Arizona Memorial and the Waimea Bay Beach Park. Oahu beams with island life that includes the celebrated hula dance, the sounds of the ukulele and the salty air. This is also where you can find world-class dining and shopping. For all these reasons, Oahu might be the best place for a Hawaii family vacation. If you’re looking for accommodations that cater to a family trip, check out Hilton Hawaiian Village or other well-known resorts in the area. For an alternative island stay, consider Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. Or, if you’re looking for Hawaii family vacations in Maui, you could explore Wailea Beach or Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast.

Start Planning Your Dream Hawaii Family Vacation

Ready to take your family on an unforgettable trip? Plan a Hawaiian family vacation that everyone will love, whether it’s your first time taking a family vacation to Hawaii or you’ve been there countless times. Explore Royal Caribbean’s Hawaiian cruises today.

Written By
MELISSA ALVARADO SIERRA

Melissa Alvarado Sierra is a journalist, author and sailor. She's been exploring coastal destinations around the world for more than a decade, always searching for authentic experiences to share with her adventurous readers. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Orion Magazine, AFAR, USA Today and others.

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