Hawaii is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination of choice for families of all ages.
The Hawaiian word for “children” is “keiki” and many hotels and resorts will offer keiki programs. In Hawaii, fun for your keiki is not hard to find no matter which island you visit. Find out the top activities on the Hawaiian Islands.
KAUAI
Lights, Camera, Action
Experience the island through Hollywood’s eyes on a guided tour of Kauai‘s many famous movie locations (there are more than 60, including ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘King Kong’). The whole family will love it!
Be A Beach Bum
Some of the island’s family favourites include Poipu Beach (south), Salt Pond Beach Park (south-west), Kalapaki Beach (east) and Lydgate Beach Park (east). They’re all picture-perfect spots!
OAHU
Soak Up Military History
Upon entering Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial, children are given a ‘Keiki Ranger’ or ‘Junior Ranger’ activity book to complete. It’s a fantastic and accessible historical journey centred around the fateful events at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.
Discover a History of Cattle and Cowboys
Kualoa Ranch offers a huge range of fun outdoor activities for the whole family, including helicopter rides, horseback riding, All-Terrain-Vehicle tours, ranch and movie set tours and snorkelling tours. There are adventures for everyone.
Explore a Traditional Village
An hour’s drive north of Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a showcase of seven Pacific Island villages in Hawaii, with fantastic hands-on cultural experiences! You can also experience an immersive cinematic journey through majestic mountains, roaring waterfalls, lush forests and imposing volcanoes.
MAUI
Visit a Dormant Volcano
Take a day trip to Maui’s highest peak, Haleakalā Crater, towering some 348 metres above sea level. Children (five to 12 years) can enjoy the park’s Junior Ranger program of activities centred around the fragile ecosystem of this unique area, and physically-active families can make a full day of hiking in and out of the 914-metre-deep crater.
See the Sharks at Maui Ocean Centre
The Center has been expertly designed to give visitors the sensation of walking into Hawaii’s ocean, level by level. Other exhibits include a turtle pool, a manta ray pool, live shark tank, whale displays and a touch pool.
HAWAII ISLAND
Become a Junior Ranger
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers several fantastic and fun Junior Ranger programs for families with kids up to 12 years old.
Sensational Science for Kids
Located in Hilo on east coast, the Imiloa Astronomy Center advances science and Hawaiian culture, and engages families in exciting ways. Imiloa’s exhibits encompass Hawaiian and scientific beliefs, and theories and practices related to Hawai‘i Island’s Maunakea (the tallest sea mountain in the world), the stars and the world around us.
Learn More About our Sea Friends
Located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort, the renowned Dolphin Quest program allows children to meet a dolphin and learn more about these extraordinary creatures, with a marine mammal expert on hand.
Download your copy of Hawaii Tourism’s Family Guide
For more information and to download your copy of Hawaii Tourism’s Family Guide visit http://www.gohawaii.com/au/statewide/family-guide