Pristine beaches that go on for miles, water as colorful as turquoise, active volcanoes, lively luaus – no wonder Hawaii makes the ideal vacation for a family.
Traveling with children can be both joyous and stressful. Planning ahead may make your vacation to this piece of heaven on earth, a trip with memories that last a lifetime. Just one of the things LVH offers is itinerary planning. Have a look at these 11 family-friendly experiences in Hawaii and if any or all appeal to you, we will get you there:
Atlantis Submarines, Maui
Get your Captain Nemo hat on and prepare to dive into the depths aboard a state-of-the-art submarine. This is one deep-sea adventure the whole family will love. Board the sub off the coast of Maui and get ready to submerge to 100 feet below the water to see all kinds of amazing sea creatures like green turtles, eels, sharks, and tropical reefs. You’ll even have the chance to see sunken ships.
The Road to Hana, Maui
It has often been said about road trips that it’s not the destination, it’s the getting there. Nothing could be truer of a road trip to Hana. Climb into your luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) arranged for you by LVH and take the long and winding road to get to this remote town in east Maui. Along the way, you will find a myriad of things to do and see such as breathtaking waterfalls or take in a scenic hike or two and stop at the many roadside stands selling fresh fruit and other local items.
Waimea Canyon, Kauai
The most famous place to visit on Kauai is Waimea Canyon. Also known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea is indeed the Grand Canyon’s baby sibling. Kauai travel is easy on this beautiful, scenic winding road. On the way, you can stop to pick up some fresh fruit snacks. Waimea Canyon also presents a number of hiking trails. After a leisurely hike, you can continue to drive up the road to the impressive Kalalau lookout.
Dole Plantation, Oahu
Pineapple is one of the most sweet, juicy tropical fruits on the planet and you can learn all about it with a visit to the Dole Plantation. What started as a small fruit stand in the 1950s has burgeoned into a huge corporation and one of the top stops for visitors in Hawaii. There are many family-friendly activities at the plantation, including a Pineapple Express train tour, a plantation garden tour, and a pineapple maze – one of the world’s largest mazes. Oahu family vacations aren’t complete without getting up close and personal with pineapples. Take some of the island’s sweetest fruit back to your island home of Villa Ariadne where you can enjoy it on your outdoor patio or terrace or right on the beach, since this is where this stunning property is located.
Dolphin Quest, Oahu
Dolphins are one of the smartest mammals on the planet. Swimming and playing with them will never leave a child’s memory. Dolphin Quest, at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Oahu, is an interactive experience ideal for children. The Wee Family, Fins, and Fun program is the perfect option for younger children. The Kids’ Aquatic Adventure is intended for children between the ages of five and nine, while the Family Swim Program is a private experience for the whole family. For the most time with the dolphins, consider the Dolphin Adventure program. Children can also learn how to train marine mammals in one of the Marine Mammal Trainer programs.
Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden, Kauai
While you’re having a great time walking through all the fragrant florals in the garden, your children can be having a blast in a dedicated children’s garden. This is such a great place for kids to immerse themselves in Hawaii’s natural habitat and have fun doing so. Their garden is complete with awesome bridges, tunnels, slides, a train, log cabins, a covered wagon, a maze and more! A most remarkable place to stay while you’re in Hawaii and you’re thinking about Kauai as the place you’d like to put down vacation roots, is Villa Athena. This astounding Balinese-inspired masterpiece sits on 15 acres of secluded terrain.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
A visit to Volcanoes National Park is a must on your Big Island family holiday. There are very few places on earth you can experience an active volcano. Park rangers are on hand to tell you about daily programs and they can also clue you in on the best kid-friendly hikes with the chance of seeing flowing lava. You can also take a scenic drive around this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stargazing at Maua Kea, Big Island
Most children love all things outer space, so getting an amazing perspective of the heavens at Maua Kea will be a far out experience. Start off by watching what is arguably the most mind-blowing sunset in all of Hawaii. When the sun sets, stay for the stars. Mauna Kea is actually the tallest mountain in the world – 33,496 feet from the peak all the way down to the ocean floor. That’s what makes it so great for astronomy. Plus, there’s the International Astronomy Visitor Information Station where you can learn a bit more and stay for nightly stargazing experiences. When the sun rises, you’re sure to get some rest when you get back to Villa Ezmy with its lush gardens, utmost privacy and views of both the water and mountains.
Whale Watching, Maui
If your family vacation takes place between mid-December and mid-May, you will be guaranteed to see Humpback whales if you go whale watching. Maui provides some of the best whale watching in the world. Children will be mesmerized when a whale hoists itself out of the ocean to wave hello. These creatures are magical and when they perform their dances for you, you can’t help but be moved.
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau, Oahu
The award-winning Ali’I Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center blends a delicious array of island and mainland fare with the excitement of authentic island entertainment from across Polynesia. You’ll finish your adventure with the power of Ha: Breath of Life, an action-packed evening show with fire, song and dance featuring more than 100 Polynesian performers.
Helicopter Tour, Kauai
Your whole family will be in awe of the spectacular view of the islands through the windows of a helicopter. Most children love the ride – flying high like a bird. These tours take you around the islands, one island at a time, giving you a unique perspective of one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. You will see famous sights like Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast and the filming location of the movie, Jurassic Park – what child wouldn’t love that?
