Hawaii With Kids Ultimate Guide: quick tips, by age (2026)

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We have been fortunate to have lived in Hawaii and traveled to Hawaii with kids for the past six years, and counting! Our daughter was born on Maui, so she feels a connection to the islands.

Our son Henry moved to Maui with us when he was 18 months old. He didn’t like the beach for the first year, so we got creative with things to do. Nowadays, our kids can’t wait to go back to Hawaii every year! They can even pronounce Hawaii the proper, local way.

We are not experts on Hawaii with kids, so take all this advice with a grain of salt. We are figuring it all out, too! Here are some of the lessons learned, observations, and tips that Erica and I have for Hawaii with kids.

We find Hawaii to be a wonderful place to bring kids on vacation! The Hawaiian islands have all the baby supplies, food, and comforts you can find at home. The sidewalks are great for strollers, the resorts are kid-friendly, and every restaurant will have a keiki (kids’) menu.

Once you survive the long-haul flight to Hawaii, you will be able to kick back and relax. I hope this Hawaii with Kids article puts your mind at ease and provides some help with your trip planning.

Here’s what you need to know to make a magical trip to Hawaii with kids. 

Fast Tips for Hawaii with Kids

My pet peeve with articles for kids is that they are not organized by age. This is my attempt to provide tips for Hawaii with kids for all parents.

1. What to pack for Hawaii with kids? We are all about minimalism as we like to go with carry-ons. The weather is warm, and the A/C in buildings isn’t that cold. You don’t need a lot of clothes for them. See our What to Pack in Hawaii for ideas.
2. Bathrooms are easy to find in Hawaii: You can stop into cafes and restaurants to find bathrooms. There are also fast food restaurants that are clean and easy to use. When out on adventures, look for wayside parks and beach parks for toilets. County and State beaches will always have toilet facilities and showers.
3. Washers and dryers can be found in vacation rentals and even fine resorts. Check to see if they are available before you book, if you want the option to do laundry. We plan to do laundry only when staying in Hawaii for 8 days or more.
4. Let your kids run free. Our kids love resorts and vacation rental communities with sprawling lawns. Find a place where they have room to run. We share our favorite places in our Where to Stay Reviews.
5. Strollers and baby carriers are ideal for Hawaii: The sidewalks and boardwalks in the resort areas are suitable for strollers. Bring your travel stroller and enjoy the strolls. We travel with a Babyzen YoYo stroller because it fits overhead on a plane and folds up tightly. It is expensive, but we travel a lot and get many miles on it.
6. We share what we bring for our kids in our Travel Gear. Look here for ideas for travel car seats, bug spray, water bottles, sunscreen, and more.
7. Beach and Pool Safety is Your Biggest Responsibility: The number one cause of death in Hawaii is drowning. Always keep an eye on your children in and near the water. See Hawaii Ocean Safety for guidance on keeping your family safe. Bodyboarding beaches are popular with young kids, but they are also the most dangerous. The shorebreak, by design, can be neckbreaking.
8. Lauas are a great kid-friendly activity! They will love the games before dinner and the dinner show. Some luaus even have kid-friendly food like chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, like the Island Breeze luau on the Big Island. The Polynesian Cultural Center is ideal for kids! Toa Luau on Oahu has a matinee show and is in a botanical garden.
9. Stock up on snacks! Safeway, Foodland, and KTA (Big Island) are ubiquitous on the islands. You can find everything you need at these grocery stores. ABC Stores are everywhere; they are convenience stores with Hawaii souvenirs and snacks. Target, Walmart, and Costco are also available.
10. Consider Hawaiian cultural activities: See our 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience and our Underrated Hawaii.
11. This Polynesian Sailing Experience from Waikiki is our favorite family-friendly activity on Oahu.
12. A family photo shoot is a great idea! Hiring a professional photographer in Hawaii can be pricey, but it’s worth it for a memorable trip. We share some great Hawaii photographers, and here are some of the best beaches for a Hawaii photoshoot.
13. Childcare can be hard to find and expensive. If you’re looking for a romantic night out, check with your hotel for a professional babysitter. They will likely be $50 or more an hour.
14. Red-eye flight days can be tough: See our Spend a Day on Maui Before a Red-Eye Flight for ideas to stay busy!
15. See our Guide to Booking a Last-Minute Trip to Hawaii if you’ve decided on a Hawaii getaway with your family!

Note: We do not have a list of recommended babysitters in Hawaii.

Please email us if you have specific questions for your child’s age or special considerations.

Jet Lag in Hawaii

Being prepared for jet lag is our biggest tip for all parents. Your kids will be up early and ready to play. Get them out of the hotel room to run around the grounds, head to a local coffee shop, go to the beach, or start your itinerary. Hawaii wakes up early, so you can find things to do. See our Waikiki with Jet Lag video below for ideas.

If we land in the afternoon, we make sure to keep our kids awake. No naps. Erica has to keep me awake, too! We go to the pool or the beach to keep them excited and playing. Then, they have a better chance of falling asleep at bedtime.

The second morning is usually the worst. They sleep-in the first morning thanks to exhaustion. The second morning, they are up early, so you need a plan to go do something.

Infant (3 months to 1 Year)

This is a popular age to bring kids to Hawaii, per our experience and observation. While the nap schedule can make exploring the island challenging, it can also be a simpler time to bring your child to Hawaii. Here are some tips for traveling to Hawaii with an infant.

• Bring a car seat if you can. You may already be using it on the plane. Luckily, car seats travel for free. It will be far cheaper than renting a car seat in Hawaii.
• The long-haul flight out to Hawaii can be challenging with kids. Come with a healthy mental outlook, bring games and snacks, and be ready to keep them entertained.
• Bring a stroller and a baby carrier, as these are the most convenient ways to travel with your infant while walking around resorts or town.
• Watch the heat! Hawaii can get hot and humid. While we love the temperature, you want to dress your baby appropriately and make sure the stroller doesn’t get hot.
• Sun-protective clothing and mineral-based sunscreens are important. See our list of favorite sunscreens.
• If your baby likes to nap in the car, then explore the island! Throw your baby on your chest, and enjoy easily accessible waterfalls, short hikes, or all the wayside parks.
• As a new parent, you may want to relax around the resort. Do it! Your baby doesn’t have an opinion yet, so enjoy Hawaii as a new family and be selfish with your time.
• Snorkel tours do allow infants on board. Sail Maui (we have 10% off) and Kai Kanani on Maui welcome infants, and they ride for free! Look to the large catamarans and boats for child-friendly policies.

Toddler (1 to 3 Years Old)

This age is when things can get more challenging with kids in Hawaii. As they start to walk, your anxiety level increases, and you can’t be as chill around the pool.

• Respect the ocean. The Pacific Ocean is mighty and unpredictable. Never turn your back on the sea and keep a hand on it at all times. If the sand is wet, that is a dangerous spot to stand.
• Consider staying in a resort or a vacation rental community. You may want to avoid a busy town like Honolulu and Waikiki. Your toddler can run around the grounds, and you can feel safe.
• Pools at resorts rarely have lifeguards. Keep an eye on your child at all times.
• Boat tours and other tours can be challenging at this age. See our things to do articles below for fresh ideas.
• Whale tours in Hawaii are a great thing to do with toddlers. The minimum age is two years old. The operator trusts the parents to know if their child can be on a boat for two hours without distracting the other passengers.
• A stroller remains your ideal mode of transportation for your toddler. Enjoy the boardwalks in popular resort areas like Wailea and Ka’anapali on Maui and Waikoloa on the Big Island, to name a few.

Preschooler and Older

By the time Henry turned five, we were able to do almost anything with him in Hawaii. Tours, except for more rugged ones like Nāpali Coast Tours, welcome kids five and older.

You are starting to reach the sweet spot where they can be more independent, especially at the pool if they are strong swimmers. Here is Hawaii with kids that are no longer babies!

• Kids’ Clubs at resorts are good but not great. Some, like the Disney Aulani and Four Seasons, offer childcare services for a few hours a day. They will keep them busy with cultural activities and games. Kids’ Clubs are usually found at luxury resorts. Our favorite is the Wailea Beach Resorts on Maui.
• Utilize resort activities! Your $35 to $65 resort fee should include activities. Check the calendar of events to find fun and culturally rich activities to do with your kids.
• Mix up resort and beach days with adventures around the island. A farm tour, snorkel tour, or visiting waterfalls makes for Hawaii memories. See our Wayfinder Itineraries for perfectly planned days out with your family!

Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids

Hawaii with kids might mean, “What activities can I do with kids?” We have lists! And, they are organized by age!

• 65 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 23 Best Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
• 24 Things to Do on Kauai with Kids: from toddler to teenager
• 12 Epic Things to Do in Kona with Kids
• Things to Do in Hilo, Big Island

Kids love waterfalls, so here is our list of our favorites by island:

• Maui Waterfalls
• Big Island Waterfalls
• Kauai Waterfalls
• Oahu Waterfalls

Erica went deep on Kauai with Kids: The Ultimate Guide. Read that article for details on visiting Kauai and where to stay.

Our Maui Trip Planning Guide is also helpful for parents.

Is Hawaii Good For Kids?

Absolutely. If you know where to go and what to do, Hawaii is great for kids.

With this site, we help thousands of people plan their trips, and we occasionally receive emails from people frustrated with planning a trip to Hawaii for their young children. 

Here’s why: many of the great activities you might want to do are intended for kids five and older. So, if you’re going with young kids, it can feel like you can’t accomplish many bucket list items. But there’s still so much to do and see!

That’s why we organize our things to do articles above by age. The pool, beach, and shave ice alone will keep your kids excited about Hawaii.

We meet so many people whose first family vacation memories were spent in Hawaii. We see hundreds of families playing and enjoying themselves when they visit Hawaii with their kids. You will have a great time!

Don’t be worried about a bit of adventure. Hawaii has two incredible national parks. See our Guide to Visiting Haleakala National Park and our Tips for Visiting Hawaii’s National Parks for details.

That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy taking my daughter to Baby Beach. I do! But it’s a different type of vacation experience once the kids get a little older. 

What’s the Best Hawaiian Island for Kids?

Truthfully, we think Maui is the best Hawaiian island for kids for an all-around experience. It’s got a little something for everyone: awesome resorts, spectacular beaches, and the best snorkeling. 

But it’s also the most expensive. 

Every Hawaiian Island has something unique to offer. I realize that sounds like a cliche, but your family is different from ours. Watch our video below as we share details on visiting each Hawaiian island with kids, based on different family priorities!

The Best Time to Visit Hawaii with Kids?

This is a tricky question because we recommend that people visit Hawaii during the shoulder season. We love taking our kids in September, October, and May. That’s because the weather is still beautiful (and mostly dry), the ocean is generally calm, and there are fewer crowds. The prices are better too!

However, school schedules and breaks often dictate your schedule, and you may need to travel during fall, winter, spring, or summer break. Those are excellent times to go as well! You just need to be a bit more diligent with your planning and get reservations made earlier, rather than later. 

I remember one summer we were trying to book a last-minute trip to Kauai, and our first two accommodation options were sold out. We ended up pivoting to a different week because we hadn’t planned early enough. 

So learn this lesson from me: book early when you book during busy months. T

To help you with that, we used data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to examine arrivals to Hawaii by month. You’ll see that the busiest months are June, July, and December. School break time! 

If you’re planning a trip during these months, it’ll still be great, but you’ll need to book ahead. 

If you’re not sure when you want to book your trip, read our article on the best time to visit Hawaii. 

Visiting Hawaii During School Breaks

Erica and I realize you may not be able to take time off from school. We are with you now that the kids are older. Here are helpful resources for planning a trip to Hawaii with kids over Spring Break and the Christmas season.

• Your Guide to the Best Spring Break in Hawaii
• Christmas Magic in Hawaii: 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas

Should You Visit More Than One Hawaiian Island With Kids?

Heading out to Hawaii can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some, so it makes sense to want to see more than one island, especially as each island is so different.

Yes, they all have great beaches, snorkeling, cultural sights, and hotels, but each has its own unique vibe and feel. And there are some things that you can only do on one island — for example, manta ray night snorkeling is only on the Big Island, and if you want to see Pearl Harbor, you have to go to Oahu. (Here’s how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, or check out the best tours.)

Island hopping is simple, but it does take time. We’re not shy about island hopping with our kids. We usually visit at least two islands on a trip.

However, we understand that island hopping is not a quick process. It can take most of the day to pack up, head to the airport, return the rental car, fly over to the new island, pick up a rental car, and check into a new hotel. 

If you’re on a tight timeline of seven to nine days, island hopping probably isn’t worth it. We recommend spending at least five full days on any one island. You can throw Kauai in with a 3-day itinerary.

Consider your kids’ temperament and how easily they travel before committing to a multi-island trip. 

And if you decide to island hop, make sure you use our Hawaii island hopping guide to make it a smooth journey. 

Where to Stay in Hawaii With Kids

Once your family decides on what island(s) to visit, it is time to decide on where to stay in Hawaii with kids. We recommend resort areas, as they offer a range of resources, activities, and comforts ideal for families. These are not tourist-trap areas.

Resort areas in Hawaii offer the best weather, beaches, and family-friendly fun.

If this is your first time in Hawaii, start with our Where to Stay in Hawaii for ways to save, an overview of each resort area, and our favorite hotels.

Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Hawaii with kids, reviews:

• The Best Affordable Family Resorts in Hawaii Your Kids Will Love
• 22 Best Family Resorts in Hawaii
• 9 Best Big Island Resorts for Families
• 7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families
• 10 Best Maui Resorts for Families
• Where to Stay in Hawaii with Points: 31 Top Hotels

Bonus! Yeah, Mom, are you a family of five, and are you visiting Maui?! See our Hotels on Maui for a Family of 5 for a list of resorts and vacation rentals that can accommodate five per room.

The Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Hawaii

Before taking your kids to the beach in Hawaii, it’s essential to know that the season can significantly impact the conditions. The winter brings big waves to the north shores, and the summer can bring big waves to the south shores.

Checking conditions before heading out is always essential. Keeping an eye on your kids is also important. Be out in the water with them and if in doubt, don’t go out.

You will always find us on these beaches with our kids:

• Poipu Beach (Kauai): It’s the number 1 beach on Kauai for a reason. Two connected crescent-shaped beaches, some good kid-friendly snorkeling, tons of turtles, possible monk seal sightings, a lifeguard, and a playground. This is a great spot.  
• Poipu Baby Beach (Kauai): Small and without a bathroom, but if you have very young kids, this is a great option for them to play in the shallow waters. Our preschooler loves it. 
• Airport Beach(Maui): A great place for snorkeling and it has a soft shorebreak. You can also find facilities here and good parking.
• Baby Beach Lahaina (Maui): The neighborhood is rebuilding, which is sad to experience, but we would be remiss not to share this beach with calm and shallow waters.
• Waikiki Beach (Oahu): The famous beach is famous for a reason! The light shorebreak is ideal for learning how to surf. Go to Kuhio Beach or Kahanamoku Lagoon in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village for kid-friendly beaches.

Get more information about each beach, including facilities (restrooms, showers, etc) as well as directions, in our article that details the best kid-friendly beaches on Kauai. 

I share the 14 Calmest Beaches in Hawaii in this article.

And when you’re in Hawaii, make sure you’re using reef-safe sunscreen! 

A Hawaii Itinerary For the Whole Family

We’ve planned excellent trips to Hawaii with kids multiple times. Trips that our entire family loves! And we’ve helped thousands of others plan incredible Hawaii family vacations with our Hawaii Wayfinder itineraries. 

Updated twice a year with great days out, excellent excursions, and fantastic places to eat, this will eliminate most (or all!) of your trip planning worries. 

We landed on Thursday evening   and we are having the most amazing time   Thank you, thank you, thank you.   You have been such a huge part of the success of this trip.   Your recommendations  are solid which has given me the ability to enjoy this trip without the angst of planning it and then hoping for the best.  

I can not say enough good things about your Kauai guide.  

Wendy Hepler