The Best Family-Friendly Experiences in Hawaii

Hawaii is a location on almost everyone’s bucket list. Hiking volcanoes, snorkeling, and relaxing all day by the beach sounds like a dream!

For families, traveling can feel overwhelming and stressful, but the memories you will form are well worth it. Plus, it can help bring you out of your comfort zone and find the kid inyou.

Thankfully, there are tons of family-friendly activities on Hawaii’s islands that are perfect for kids and adults. From soaring through the air with ziplines to life under the sea, there’s a little something for everyone.

Travel and Leisure put together the perfect list of family-friendly experiences in Hawaii. Here are our favorites!

Underwater adventures

Atlantis Adventuresoffers submarine rides where you can dive 100 feet under the ocean in Wakiki and see where sharks, eels, and sea turtles call home. You can also see sunken ships, remnants of hurricane-swept airliners, pyramid structures, and other objects hiding under your nose!

Go back in history

Ever wondered why Hawaii was like in the early 20th century? You can experience the life of the island’s coffee growers at the Kona Coffee Living History Museum. You can stroll through coffee trees, visit original 1920s farmhouses, and sip some delicious coffee.

Learn about sea life

The Maui Ocean Center has five different species of sharks turtles. You can learn about Humpback whales inside their virtual whale encounter and the history and culture of early Hawaiian villages. They also have a new exhibit called Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing to raise further awareness of the culture, geography, history, and restoration of the island.

Go to a luau

Head to Old Lahaina Luau to feast on Pua’a Kalua, tuna poke, and chicken long rice at this celebration that has nearly 500 guests per week. Indulge in delicious desserts like guava cake and Hawaiian chocolate brownies, then learn about the area’s history through their performance.

Get going

Head to the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation on this 40-minute train ride. Relax inside one of their mahogany passenger cars and listen to the history of the plantation as you see more than 50 varieties of fruit trees and vegetable gardens, then hop off the train in time to feed the wild pigs, goats, and sheep.

 Admire the views

Take in the scenery of Hawaii’s coastline from Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks, known for it’s hiking trails, coastal views, and history. Diamond Head was formed 300,000 years ago during an explosive volcanic eruption. If you go in the winter, you might even spot humpback whales below!

Ride the Pineapple Express Train

Love pineapple? Then head to the Dole Plantation, which started as a fruit stand and has since grown into the experience it is today! Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Board the Pineapple Express Train for a 20-minute tour that discusses everything pineapple from Hawaii.

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