Top 10 Coolest Things To Do With Kids in Hawaii

Top 10 Coolest Things to Do with Your Kids in Hawaii

You’re planning a family vacation and you want to make sure that Hawaii is a place your kids will enjoy and remember forever. The great thing about Hawaii is that no matter which island you visit, there are so many amazing things that kids (and adults) will love to do. This list of the top 10 tips for coolest things to do will focus on three of the Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

1. Go Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Flickr by: SnorkelingDives.com

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is by far one of the best snorkelling spots in Hawaii as well as a popular place just to visit. It’s a cove formed from a volcanic crater that now houses vibrant reefs with colorful fish in the clearest waters. You can rent snorkelling gear for 20$ if you don’t have any. You’ll want to go early in the day because it can get quite busy and the water visibility is better in the morning.

2. Hike Up Diamond Head, Oahu

Flickr by: Daniel Ramirez

This hike is the most famous hike in Waikiki, and probably all of Oahu. It’s 1.8 miles roundtrip and it starts in the middle of an old volcanic crater named Diamond Head. It goes up about 500 feet to the top of the rim and hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Waikiki. This hike is best done early in the morning before the majority of the crowds arrive and the heat kicks in.

3. Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Oahu

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If you want to add some history and educational experience to your vacation, you can’t miss a visit to Pearl Harbor. Megan Hanson, a lifestyle blogger at 1Day2Write and Next Coursework, explains that “it’s a very moving and beautiful memorial and your kids stand to learn a lot about American history. You can visit the grounds and the museum then cross to the Arizona Memorial, a sunken ship.”

4. Learn About Polynesian Culture, Oahu

Wikimedia Commons by: Daniel Ramirez

It’s important going to Hawaii to learn about the Polynesian heritage of many on the islands. Although there are a lot of over-the-top Luau shows in Hawaii, you can find some good ones that highlight the culture and story of different Polynesian islands. You can also head to the Polynesian Cultural Centre which will teach you a lot about their culture and traditions and then catch the evening luau.

5. Visit Volcano National Park, Big Island

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Going to Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii, the Big Island, is a surreal, amazing experience for people of all ages. Start at the Visitors Centre to learn about volcanoes then head to see the bubbling lava in the crater of Kilauea Volcano. You can even see lava pouring into the ocean, a sight you’ll never forget. The best way to explore this park is to drive through and stop to view huge fields of lava rock.

6. Spot the Green Turtles at Black Sand Beach, Big Island

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Your kids will love the opportunity to see some green turtles, and the best place to see them is Punalu’u, the Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beach itself is neat because it’s formed of black sand from active volcanoes, but even better is spotting some Hawaiian Green Turtles coming ashore

7. Swim with Giant Manta Rays, Big Island

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An unforgettable experience is to swim with manta rays near Kona on the Big Island. You head out at sunset, and then get into the water, holding on to a floating surfboard and put your head underwater while wearing a snorkelling mask. Then, you’re surrounded by dozens of manta rays that come out to feed on the plankton, and you just float and enjoy the show. It’s completely safe, these mantas are gentle giants, and your kids are sure to love it too!

8. Visit Akaka Falls, Big Island

Theresa Klein, a travel writer at Brit Student and Write My X, says that “Akaka Falls is the most famous waterfall on the Big Island, a 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a gorge in Akaka Falls State Park. You can do a short walk to see it, and the best time to go is in the morning – in the afternoon, the sun is directly behind the falls, making them more difficult to enjoy.”

9. Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board, Maui

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There’s a great place to learn to Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Maui, and it’s Kaanapali Beach, once voted as America’s most beautiful beach. The islands of Lanai and Molokai are a stunning backdrop when playing in the water on this three-mile long beach.

10. Nakalele Blowhole, Maui

Flickr by: Dan

Nakalele Blowhole is a cool site where you can see water jet out up to 100 feet high. The coastline here is gorgeous and you can walk around quite a bit, keeping a safe distance from the blowhole. Your kids are sure to love it and you can throw in a science lesson to explain how it works.

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About The Author:  Michael Dehoyos, a travel blogger and editor at PhD Kingdom and Academic Brits, shares his top travel suggestions with his readers. He has been to over 50 countries with his wife and two children and loves to help his readers find the best off-the-beaten path destinations with kids. He also writes for Case Study Help.