If you've considered a family trip to Hawaii, this blog is for you. We cover family essentials, so you can feel more prepared about visiting these paradisiac islands. From cost information to family activity ideas, we've got you covered. Read on, and start planning your dream Hawaii family vacation.
Why Hawaii?
Discover all that Hawaii has to offer on your family trip, Photo by Jake Houglum from Unsplash
- Beautiful beaches: Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches and idyllic paradise settings, making it the perfect spot to relax, catch some sun, and swim with your family.
- Rich ecosystem: Hawaii is so much more than beautiful beaches. Its diverse geography includes rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and coral reefs, making it the perfect spot to educate kids about fauna and flora.
- Delicious food: Discover a wide variety of food, including poke, kalua pork, and fresh grilled fish. Children and teenagers alike will love shave ice.
- Wide array of activities: Hawaii's rich ecosystem and culture lead to many interesting activities. From family-friendly hikes to visiting museums, there's something for everyone.
Tip: You'll want to research each island, as they offer different experiences.
You can get general Hawaii trip information in some of our other blogs:
- Hawaii Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- The Best Time To Visit Hawaii
- What To Pack: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
If you want more specific family information, keep on reading.
Picking the Right Accommodation
Choose a resort that meets you and your family's needs, Photo by Alan Rodriguez from Unsplash
First, you'll want to pick the right accommodation for you and your family. There are a few factors to consider, from the desired environment for your trip to cost considerations.
Desired Environment
Before digging into accommodations, sit down and envision the type of vacation you're looking for. Are you more of an adventure family that's out and about? Or do you prefer to relax at a resort? Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, you'll also want to consider:
- Distance from key spots: Check the distance to the airport and to your bucket list items. Convenience is key, especially with younger kids in tow.
- Define your budget: You should also set a budget before you start your research so you don't get tempted to book something outside of it.
- Research: Make the most of online resources. From family blogs to TripAdvisor or Google reviews, reading about other families' experiences can give you more peace of mind.
- Family-friendly features: The features you look for depend significantly on your children's age. Good Wi-Fi might be more important to teenagers, while shallow pools will be best for younger kids.
Note: If your phone plan doesn't cover Hawaii, you can download an Airalo eSIM to use when you don't have access to Wi-Fi.
Cost Considerations
Cost will also be a factor for many when picking out an accommodation. Here are a few ways to save money on your family trip to Hawaii:
- Pick the right island and season: Some islands and seasons are cheaper than others. Oahu is usually the cheapest, and Maui is the most expensive. The shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November) are generally the most affordable.
- Look into package deals: Hawaii family vacation packages can help you save by grouping resorts, airfare, and more.
- Use flight tricks: Learn more about the best days to book a flight. Tools like Skyscanner or setting price alerts can also help you get cheaper tickets.
- Save on food: Hawaii's food costs are elevated, as much of the food has to be shipped in. Although you'll want to enjoy local food and support local businesses, balancing that with grocery store meals can help even the spending.
- Budget activities: The budget for activities can vary greatly depending on your choice. You can get away with a smaller budget by simply enjoying beaches and nature, but activities for older kids and adults, like surfing or scuba diving, will cost more.
Family Activities
Enjoy a family beach day and much more, Photo by Winston Chen from Unsplash
We're making your life easier with a checklist of top activities for a Hawaii family vacation.
Family Trip to Hawaii - Top Activities
✅Visit the Volcanoes National Park
✅Explore tide pools
✅Enjoy a beach day together
✅Watch a sunset at Haleakalā
✅Join a whale watching excursion
✅Drive the Road to Hana
✅Take a surfing lesson together
✅Go on a family-friendly hike
✅Visit historical sites or museums
✅Check out a stargazing tour
✅Take a dip by waterfalls
Note: Not all activities listed here are suitable for all kids. Some, like surfing or scuba diving, are better for older kids. It's also best to avoid overscheduling activities. Pace yourself and enjoy downtime with everyone.
Safety Considerations
Keep your kids and the wildlife safe on your trip, Photo by Sandy Jiang from Unsplash
Safety considerations are an essential part of planning a family vacation. Here are some tips to keep the entire family safe while enjoying your time off:
- Ocean safety: Hawaii's beaches are gorgeous, but can be unpredictable. Choose lifeguarded beaches like Waikiki, and check current conditions daily.
- Sun Protection: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, hats, and sunglasses for everyone.
- Hiking safety: Stay on marked trails and ensure everyone wears sturdy hiking shoes.
- Volcano safety: If you visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, read up on current alerts. Volcanic gases and eruption areas can be dangerous.
- Wildlife awareness: Keep your kids and Hawaii's precious wildlife safe. Don't let kids touch or feed sea turtles; keep your distance.
Ready to take your Hawaii trip? If you don't have a mobile plan covering the area, Airalo offers easily downloadable eSIM plans to stay connected on your journey. Post your beach pictures and check online reviews for activities without the stress of roaming fees. You can even hotspot your connection and let family members enjoy it.
FAQs
What is the cost of a trip to Hawaii for a family of 4?
The cost of a trip to Hawaii for a family of 4 will depend on many factors, such as the island choice and lodging type, but estimates are generally around USD $5,000-15,000 for a 7 to 10 day trip.
What should you do in Hawaii with kids?
There are many activities you can do in Hawaii with kids. Popular activities include enjoying a beach day together, going on a family-friendly hike, or going whale-watching.
Which Hawaiian island is best for families?
The best Hawaiian island for families will be very personal and depend on your priorities. Many families recommend Oahu for its family-friendly beaches and the Big Island for its educational opportunities.
Do all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii for families exist?
There are no typical all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii. However, you can look into vacation packages to try to save.
