Families travel from around the world to reconnect and rejuvenate in the islands of Hawai`i.

In Hawai`i, parents can relax on pristine sandy beaches while kids can build sandcastles on the shore. Find an escape from the mundane day-to-day routines and build lifelong memories with your family while exploring Hawai`i’s majestic natural landscapes.

O`ahu

O`ahu has something for everyone in your `ohana (family). Whether you’re toting along a gaggle of young kids or a couple of laidback teenagers, you’ll find something to please everyone on O`ahu.

For the young keiki (kids), O`ahu is a perfect tropical playground. The Honolulu Zoo houses over one thousand different mammals, reptiles, and birds. Say hello to Rusti the Orangutan, the Komodo dragons and the beautiful endangered tropical birds of the Pacific. At the petting zoo, you can get up close and personal with a llama, pot-bellied pig, donkey, Bantam chicken and more. If you can’t make it to the zoo until the evening hours, take part in the zoo’s new stargazing program. You’ll get to see the animals as they unwind for the evening during an after-dark tour of the zoo. Astronomers will help you explore the tropical night sky that comes alive with thousands of stars.

Make sure to take the scenic drive along the east coast of the island and stop off at Sea Life Park. On the way you’ll drive past landmarks that shouldn’t be missed. The Blow Hole, a natural water geyser is a popular stop as parents and children alike are amazed at the water geysers that are formed as swells crash into the shore and sends water shooting high up into the air. Sandy Beach and Makapu´u Beach are miles down the road from The Blow Hole. Step out of the car and watch the body surfers or boogie boarders entertain you with their talents.

Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction that features sea lion shows, a sea turtle feeding pool, and a fun hands-on touch tank. Sea Life Park is home to a 300,000 gallon aquarium that displays many fish that inhabit the Hawaiian reefs. For an extra special adventure, sign the family up for the Dolphin Royal Swim. The entire family will be able to jump into a pool to play and swim with the dolphins. To cap it off, you’ll be able to take a ride on two dolphins as they you hold on to their fins and soar above the water as these powerful animals propel you with an exhilarating foot-push maneuver. Be sure to bring your camera as you won’t want to forget this once in a life time experience.

Don’t miss out on the great beach activities that will be fun for all ages. Take the family for a fun day on O`ahu’s famous Waikīkī beach and try your hand at surfing. This ancient sport is great for all ages and local beach boys will provide surfboards to rent and surf lessons for the whole family. Make sure to capture some great shots of your kids hanging loose on one of Hawai`i’s famous waves. After trying your hand at surfing, rent a set of snorkels and explore the ocean life under the surface. At the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on the eastern side of O`ahu you can snorkel among hundreds of colorful tropical fish and learn about Hawai`i’s unique marine ecosystems and the beautiful sea life that inhabit the ocean.

To cap off your family vacation on O`ahu, take the family out to a lū`au. Paradise Cove on the Leeward coast of the island hosts a nightly dinner show. Not only will the family be able to experience the unique Hawaiian foods such poi (taro), haupia (coconut desert), kālua pig and lomi lomi salmon, but also will be entertained by traditional Hawaiian song and dance. Polynesian Cultural Center in La`ie is another venue that hosts the Ali`i Luau (closed on Sundays). All the song, dance, activities and entertainment at the Polynesian Cultural Center are representative of the eight different Polynesian cultures.

After an exciting night of great food and entertainment you won’t want to leave paradise just yet—so stop on over to one of Hawai`i’s neighbor isles.

The Neighbor Isles

The neighbor isles of Maui, Kaua`i, Hawai`i, Moloka`i and Lāna`i are great spots for families looking to truly escape the hectic pace of city life. Here, life moves at a slower pace and your family will be able to breathe in the fresh air as you take your time exploring all the beautiful natural wonders of the neighbor isles.

Maui

On Maui, take the family to the Hawai`i Nature Center in `Īao Valley to learn about Hawai`i’s unique environment. Here the kids will be able to enjoy 30 hands-on exhibits that emphasize the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. While at the nature center, get outdoors and take the nature center’s Rainforest Walk—while on this guided hike through `Īao Valley your family will enjoy learning about the unique Hawaiian plants in the valley and the ancient legends of the historic `Īao Valley.

To learn a bit about Maui’s rich sugar history, take a ride on Maui’s Sugar Cane Train from Lahaina to Kā`anapali. As the locomotive chugs along the six mile stretch, you’ll be able to relax in open air coaches as your conductor draws your attention to points of interest along the way. If you happen to be in Maui before May, you should also be on the look out for humpback whales off the coast. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the islands every year to mate and give birth to their young and often can be seen off the shores of Lahaina and Kā`anapali.

The family will also enjoy Maui’s premier aquarium—the Maui Ocean Center. This state-of-the-art marine park houses spectacular coral displays, graceful green sea turtles, and menacing sharks. Make sure to check out the newest exhibit—the Marine Mammal Discovery Center. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about Hawai`i’s marine mammals through interactive displays, videos and life-sized models of monk seals, dolphins and whales.

Kaua`i

Kaua`i offers families boundless adventure.

Take the family to Salt Pond Beach to enjoy a relaxing day of fun in the sun. The crescent shaped beach is calm and protected by a reef. Kids will enjoy playing in the sand, splashing in the water, and exploring the little fish and sea creatures found in the beach’s great tide pools.

For a truly exhilarating adventure, try a zipline tour. Several companies such as Kauai Backcountry Adventures and Princeville Ranch Adventures offer this unique activity. Space is limited so be sure to call ahead to make reservations. Once on the zipline, high above the ground, in the canopy of the lush Kaua`i rainforests, you and your family will “fly” through the trees and be able to take in the beautiful scenery.

Continue the fun with a family ATV adventure. ATV tours will take you deep into Kaua`i’s largely untouched landscape and you’ll be able to see backdrops straight from movies like Jurassic Park and The Raiders of the Lost Ark. Children who aren’t old enough to drive an ATV can still enjoy all the bumps and fun of the ATV ride in special two-man vehicles driven by a parent. The kids will not stop smiling long after they get down and dirty roaring through the Kaua`i landscape.

Hawai`i

On the island of Hawai`i, explore the beautiful Waipi`o Valley. This sacred historic valley, known as “The Valley of the Kings” will take your breath away with its dramatic natural beauty. For a relaxing day exploring the valley, take a mule drawn wagon tour offer by Waipi`o Valley Wagon Tours. This narrated tour will highlight Waipi`o Valley’s historic and cultural significance while taking you past majestic waterfalls, taro patches and lush tropical foliage. Your family can also explore Waipi`o Valley on horseback with Na`alapa Stables. Saddle up as experienced and friendly guides take you on a relaxing tour through the spectacular valley.

You can’t visit the island of Hawai`i without exploring the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea, an actively erupting volcano. Stop off at the Kīlauea Visitors Center to plan your day, as the park offers a variety of activities from star gazing and nature walks to hiking trails. To get a great view of Kīlauea’s newest lava flows, pile the family into a helicopter for a tour above the ground. The helicopters will hover above the red hot lava while spectators can get great shots of the island landscape and Kīlauea’s grandeur. If the heights of the helicopter ride make you queasy, take a customized walking or hiking tour with Vavoom Volcano Tours. Whatever your family’s skill level or interests, tour guides can help make your visit to Kīlauea Volcano special and memorable.

Moloka`i & LÀna`i

On Moloka`i, it seems as though you’re transported back to a simpler and easier time. Kids will enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding and the island’s beaches are beautiful and largely deserted. Papohaku Beach, located in West Moloka`i is a three mile long stretch of sandy beach that offers swimming and snorkeling. (Be sure to always check posted signs for ocean conditions). In May, the annual Ka Hula Piko Festival takes place at the beach park that includes a concert and ono (delicious) local food. For a fun family outing, visit Moloka`i’s famous Big Wind Kite Factory. You can take a free tour of the factory, talk with kite makers, and get advice on the best parts of the island to try your hand at flying one of their unique highflying creations.

Lāna`i is also a quiet island where your family can find time to reconnect and relax. Pack a picnic basket and a Frisbee and head to Dole Park. This large grassy park in Lanai city offers a great place to kick back for a nice family afternoon of fun. Or take the kids down to Hulopo`e Bay to explore the vibrant tide pools where they will marvel at the fascinating marine life in the small pockets of water along the coastline.

So pack up the family for the adventure of a lifetime! You and your `ohana will find everything you’re looking for in the islands of Hawai`i.

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O`ahu

Maui

Big Island