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From sunsets on the seaside to hikes up a dormant volcano, there are tons of bonding experiences available on a household trip to Hawaii.
We spent three weeks hopping across the Hawaiian islands with our two daughters, embarking on street journeys, climbing jungle trails, snorkeling the coral reefs and entering into the true Aloha spirit.
Ohana (household) is deeply essential within the Hawaiian tradition making it an ideal household journey vacation spot.
It’s a various and laid-back vacation spot, with ample instructional alternatives for our ladies, and tons of reminiscence making experiences that we nonetheless speak about to at the present time.
If you’re considering of a household journey to Hawaii, however unsure the place to go or what to do, right here is our urged 3 week Hawaii itinerary for households that ticks off the highlights!
The Ultimate 3-Week Hawaii Itinerary For Families
Before we share the itinerary, it’s essential to notice there are six main islands in Hawaii you possibly can go to: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island.
The most accessible island to get to is Oahu, which is dwelling to the capital, Honolulu, and is serviced by direct flights from most main cities within the USA.
Delta Airlines fly from cities akin to Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, whereas Hawaiian Airlines fly from Boston. Outside of the U.S., you’ll find direct flights from Auckland NZ, Japan, Fiji, and South Korea.
So, we start our itinerary from Oahu. When it involves travelling between islands, we share extra details about that as we go on.
For now, let’s get began!
Stop 1: Oahu (4 days)
- How to get there: get a direct flight from the U.S. to Daniel Ok. Inouye International Airport
- How many days to spend: 4-7 days
Although dwelling to the capital, Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii, and gives just a little little bit of the whole lot you’ll need from a vacation spot – from bustling metropolis life to laid again surf cities.
Think leisure, journey, seashores, pure wonders, world-class eating (loads of meals choices for fussy eaters) and buying.
Some common issues to do on Oahu are studying to surf at Waikiki Beach, one of the best spot to take browsing classes, visiting the Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona Memorial, and reenacting Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch.
Be positive to go to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to snorkel with turtles and different marine life, take the children to have a wild encounter at Sea Life Park, Waikiki Aquarium, or Honolulu Zoo, or find out about Hawaiian tradition at The Polynesian Cultural Center.
Our youngsters loved navigating an enormous backyard maze on the Dole Plantation.
Stop 2: Kauai (3 days)
- How to get there: get a direct flight with Island Air from Oahu to Kauai
- How many days to spend: 4-7 days
The fourth largest island is Kauai, and is famous for laid-back ambiance and wealthy tradition present in its small cities.
Kauai the place to get away from all of it.
Draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires, and jagged cliffs with tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Some common issues to do listed below are play within the tide swimming pools at Poipu Beach Park, kayak the Wailua River, snorkel from Poipu Beach, get pleasure from a sundown from Hanalei Bay, zipline above Kauai’s lush valleys, discover Waimea Canyon, be taught to hula dance at one of many many Luauas, and experience on the Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana Estate.
If funds permits, get pleasure from a helicopter experience over the Garden Isle, and picture you’re in a scene from Jurassic Park!
Stop 3: Maui (3 days)
- How to get there: get a direct flight from Island Air, who’re the one service to supply a continuous between Maui to Kauai. It could be costly, so chances are you’ll want to vary in Oahu for a extra funds pleasant possibility.
- How many days to spend: 3-5 days
If it’s your first time in Hawaii, Maui might be one of the best island for households because it has a lot range to discover.
Maui has been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” on quite a few events and is legendary for lovely white sand seashores, leisure, unbelievable sunrises and sunsets, nice meals, sea turtles, humpback whales (November via April), and the Haleakala Volcano.
As the second largest island in Hawaii, you need to spend a superb period of time right here. We advocate visiting for no less than three days, ideally 5 days, however for those who can prolong to every week, you wouldn’t run out of issues to do.
Some common issues to do in Maui are snorkel with sea turtles at Black Sand Beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park, take a SUP out at Kaanapali Beach, and drive the street to Hana, a scenic drive.
If you get pleasure from climbing as a household, hike as much as the summit of Haleakala National Park for dawn, have a seaside day on the Na Pali Coast, or go on a whale watching tour.
Stop 4: Lanai (2 days)
- How to get there: get a ferry with Lana’i Expeditions, which takes roughly one hour and 10 minutes. Look up ferry instances right here.
- How many days to spend: 2 days
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai, is just 9 miles from Maui but a world away on the subject of tradition.
Known for luxurious resorts and bouncing alongside the island’s rugged again roads in a 4-wheel-drive car. A spot to seek out serenity and journey!
Some common issues to do listed below are loosen up within the tide swimming pools at Hulopoe Bay, go horseback using, have a household picnic at Dole Park, or simply have pool time at considered one of Lanai’s high-quality resorts.
Stop 5: Molokai (2-3 days)
- How to get there: experience the ferry to Maui, after which catch the Molokai Princess ferry from Maui to Molokai from the identical dock which takes about 90 minutes. See instances for the Maui to Molokai ferry right here.
- How many days to spend: 2-3 days
Molokai is the fifth largest island and is dwelling to the best sea cliffs on the earth and the longest steady fringing reef.
A excessive share of its inhabitants is of Native Hawaiian ancestry, and Molokai is actually an island of outside journey the place Hawaii’s previous comes alive!
Some of the most well-liked issues to do listed below are tour a macadamia nut farm, play on Papohaku Beach (considered one of Hawaii’s largest white-sand seashores), go to Big Wind Kite Factory, and ship an actual coconut from Hoolehua Post Office.
Stop 6: Hawaii Island/The Big Island (5 days)
- How to get there: get a direct flight from Molokai Airport (MKK) to Kona International Airport (KOA).
- How many days to spend: 5-7 days
The largest island, and possibly one of the best island for households that love journey and academic experiences, is Hawaii Island – often known as The Big Island.
It has received volcanic wonders and energetic volcanoes, black sand seashores, sea turtles, manta rays, waterfalls, rainforests and luxurious valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts.
Don’t miss an opportunity to discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see inexperienced turtles on Punalu’u (Black Sand Beach), swim in manta rays at Keauhou in Kona, sip on an area Kona espresso, go snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay, and see Akaka Falls.
Family-friendly locations to remain in Hawaii
Now you realize the place to go and methods to get from island to island, it’s time to have a look at the logistics of planning your itinerary.
Starting with lodging! Below are our high locations to remain on every island, detailed methods to get across the island, and shared our high suggestions akin to when is one of the best time to go to and why.
It’s really helpful you e book your lodging as far upfront as you possibly can, as you usually tend to get a deal.
Hot Tip: When evaluating costs and Hawaii household resorts to remain in, remember that the dreaded resort price will not be sometimes included in marketed room charges. Those Resort charges can add $15 to $30 plus tax to your each day invoice. Read the high-quality print to see what options the resort price contains! Does it embrace free Wi-Fi, self-parking, bottled water, health club entry and many others?
We stayed at a couple of child pleasant resorts in Hawaii, so we’ve shared the locations we’ve stayed at under so you possibly can determine on one which’s best for you.
These lodges and resorts supply kid-friendly amenities and actions like water parks and water slides, lazy rivers, household rooms, hula classes, snorkeling, and beachfront entry.
Also, many of those supply day camps for teenagers that give dad and mom some much-needed day out. And reap the benefits of keiki (kids’s) applications that vary from lei-making to scuba classes.
Where to Stay in Oahu
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort is without doubt one of the finest child pleasant resorts in Hawaii. Located on 5 miles of beachfront on Oahu’s North Shore, it gives:
- Kids keep free! Children keep free when utilizing current bedding
- Family rooms
- 2 outside swimming pools
- Water slide
- Snorkeling and get up paddle boarding on website
- Babysitting or childcare accessible
- Horse using/rental on website
- The Polynesian Cultural Center is 4 miles away
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is positioned on the shores of Waikiki Beach and on 22-acres. It options over 20 eating places and lounges, 90 outlets and boutiques, and a 5,000-square foot household exercise pool.
- 5,000-square foot household exercise pool
- 5 glowing swimming pools with waterfalls
- Longest water slide in Waikiki
- Kids membership
- Family-friendly lagoon
- Friday evening fireworks
- Quieter finish of Waikiki Beach (protected by a sea wall and a pure reef so swimming within the ocean is completely doable)
Sheraton Waikiki
Located only one minute stroll to Waikiki Beach and 4 miles from the Diamond Head Crater is Sheraton Waikiki.
It has two oceanfront swimming pools, an adult-only infinity pool and Helumoa Playground that includes two contemporary water swimming swimming pools, and a 70 foot lengthy water slide.
- Children beneath 17 keep without cost
- 2 outside swimming pools (youngsters pool)
- Close to common sights, Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium
- Kids camp
- Waikiki Shopping Centre is simply 2 minutes’ stroll away.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
The Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is the place to remain for an lodging that immerses you in native tradition via Disney magic. It comes as no shock that Disney delivers on the subject of Hawaii household resorts.
- Gorgeous pool space
- Lazy river
- 2 water slides
- Characters wander the grounds
- Dance events on the pool
- Kids menus at each restaurant
- Spa remedies even for toddlers
Where to remain on Maui
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Recognized by the Waiaha Foundation as “Hawaii’s Most Hotel,” Kaanapali Beach Hotel sits on lovely Kaanapali Beach and gives cultural actions and cozy guestrooms.
- Daily hula reveals
- Lei making
- 3 minute stroll to Whalers Village
- Easy entry to whale watching, get up paddle boarding and snorkeling.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Another of one of the best lodges for teenagers in Hawaii is the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Located on Maui’s west coast with flamingos, cranes, parrots, and penguins on website.
It gives a water park that features swimming pools with a rope bridge and a lava tube waterslide, infinity-edge leisure pool, household pool, and a kids’s zero-entry pool.
- 6 outside swimming pools
- 150 foot waterslide
- Kids keep free! Up to 2 kids 17 years previous and youthful keep free when utilizing current bedding.
- Lei making courses
- Hula demonstrations
- Wildlife excursions
- Stargazing via the rooftop telescope
Montage Kapalua Bay
Set in picturesque Kapalua Bay, Montage Kapalua Bay seaside resort condominium caters to everybody and the whole lot. Spacious suites and full kitchens, an outside pool, restaurant and spa and wellness heart.
An important selection for households considering snorkeling, sandy seashores and surroundings.
- Children’s pool
- Kids membership
- Family rooms
- Soundproof rooms
- Each condominium offers a kitchen with a fridge
- Entertainment workers
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is positioned on Ka’anapali and options an on-site luau and courses on hula dancing and lei making.
Spend the day stress-free on the seaside, by the pool, or pampering your self on the full-service spa.
- Kids keep free! Up to 2 kids keep free when utilizing current bedding.
- Adjacent to Whalers’ Village
- 5 swimming pools
- Waterslide
- Kids membership
Where to remain on Kauai
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Set amidst river swimming pools and tropical gardens, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa boasts 7 eating places, and the Luau Show on Wednesdays and Sundays gives a Hawaiian buffet and showcases conventional Polynesian dance and tradition.
- 24-hour swimming pool advanced with waterfalls, waterslides and volleyball web
- Adults-only swimming space
Where to remain on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Located on 62 oceanfront acres on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hilton Waikoloa Village boasts a personal white sand seaside and sprawling saltwater lagoon with dolphin encounters accessible, a full-service spa, and the World-famous Kings Golf Course.
- 3 swimming pools (kids’s pool)
- 150 foot waterslide
- Family rooms
- Private seaside
- 13 eating places
Four Seasons Hualalai
Located in Kailua-Kona, the Four Seasons Hualalai is close to the airport and on the seaside. Featuring seven swimming areas, 5 eating choices, and ocean views.
- Saltwater pool
- Private white sand seaside
- Family rooms
- Volcanoes National Park is 2 hours’ drive from the property
Where to remain on Molokai
Hotel Moloka’i
Molokai doesn’t have an enormous vary of lodging choices, however that doesn’t matter, as Hotel Moloka’i gives the whole lot you want.
Located immediately on Kamiloloa Beach, it has oceanfront rooms styled in conventional Polynesian village model. Some standout options embrace:
- an outside swimming pool with shallow finish
- an oceanfront restaurant, Hiro’s Ohana Grill,
- scuba diving and snorkeling gear for lease
- BBQ amenities
Where to remain on Lanai
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i
A lush resort close to Hulopoʻe Beach, Four Seasons Resort has scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and has tons of family-friendly facilities. Including:
- Two swimming swimming pools with views of the ocean
- In-room eating
- A personal terrace with suites
- Twice-daily housekeeping service
- Eleven totally different therapeutic massage rooms for mother and pa
- A golf course
- Three tennis courts
- An observatory to gaze up on the stars
- Onsite restaurant, One Forty.
- A cocktail bar for mother and pa
- A sushi bar
- A personal lounge at Honolulu International Airport
When is one of the best time to go to Hawaii?
Anytime is an effective time to go to Hawaii, which is why most individuals go to within the winter to flee the chilly temperatures within the U.S.
The common temperature 12 months spherical is between 75˚–85˚ F (24˚-29˚ C) with summer season (between April and November) being just a little hotter and drier, and winter (between December and March) a bit cooler – however nothing like over on mainland USA!
Of course crowds play an essential position once you plan your journey.
If you’ll be able to be versatile in when you possibly can take your Hawaii trip, good for you! Travelling off peak means much less folks and decrease costs.
For lodging and flights, usually the most costly instances to go to Hawaii are:
- Peak Season (Dec 22 – January 3)
- High Season (January, February, March)
- Summer (June, July, August)
Keep in thoughts the most important vacation intervals within the U.S., as these are additionally busy and costly instances to go to.
Your finest probability of getting a superb deal for Hawaii could be in Spring (mid-April to mid-June) and Fall (September to mid-December).
Driving in Hawaii
When planning a visit to Hawaii, it’s essential to think about your transportation choices.
I extremely advocate renting a automotive and driving, as public transport is gradual. You may drive your self to 4-5 sights in someday, whereas you’d solely have time for 1-2 utilizing a bus.
If you want a rental automotive, e book on-line upfront and you’ll nearly all the time get a greater deal than for those who simply present up on the counter. This is as a result of the smaller, cheaper vehicles get booked up early.
The final thing you need to do after an extended flight to Hawaii is cope with rental automotive corporations on the airport and negotiate a deal.
The quickest method to evaluate rental automotive costs is to make use of an aggregator website like Discover Cars that searches all the most important automotive manufacturers without delay and checks which provider gives one of the best costs on your chosen dates and site.
It can prevent time and cash.
When staying in locations like Waikiki, you don’t want a automotive as you possibly can stroll from attraction to attraction, so take into account renting a automotive just for the day you need to discover different components of every island.
This means you’ll save large bucks in in a single day parking bills at lodges (on common $25 per day).
What to pack for a household journey to Hawaii
Just fascinated by packing for a household journey could be traumatic. But one of the best factor to do is pack the naked minimal as a result of you possibly can all the time purchase it there!
Encourage your youngsters to decide on and pack their very own garments to reduce complaints and to show journey planning abilities.
Pack versatile, comfy and unfastened becoming garments and impartial colours that may be worn in a number of combos so if one thing will get soiled you solely have to vary a part of the outfit.
For toddlers, pack a change of garments for dinner, pajamas, or what is required throughout the day in case of accidents.
Our high 5 packing suggestions embrace:
- Know the anticipated climate, which helps scale back over-packing.
- When flying to Hawaii with youngsters take a change of garments in your carry-on simply in case your checked-in baggage doesn’t arrive with you.
- Know the actions you may be doing so you possibly can pack appropriately.
- Know the forms of lodging you may be staying at. If you might be staying in lodges you received’t have to take issues like towels, hair dryers or linen.
- Charge your electronics and cargo up all of your tablets and transportable gadgets with issues to learn, play, watch.
Final Thoughts
With a tropical local weather and beautiful seashores, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful surroundings, and journey actions, Hawaii is what many individuals take into account paradise.
The Hawaiian Islands are a pure playground with infinite snorkeling, kayaking, get up paddle boarding, zip lining, and volcano exploration. Plus wildlife encounters with sea turtles, manta rays, whales and dolphins.
And then there are the cultural actions like studying to hula dance, attending a luau, and visiting essential museums like at Pearl Harbor.
If you didn’t know methods to plan a visit to Hawaii, we hope you do now.
That’s it. You at the moment are in your method to an unforgettable Hawaii trip with youngsters!
More Hawaii Travel Tips
Need extra inspiration for a visit to Hawaii? Check out these different guides…
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