Best Hawaiian island for families with kids

Which is the best Hawaiian island for families? There’s no general answer here but we’re determined to help you find out which island in Hawaii is the perfect fit for your family.

If time is not an issue then you could go island hopping in Hawaii. But for many families, a two or three week long trip is not an option. And that’s okay because one week is plenty to visit one Hawaiian island with kids.

But exactly which is the best Hawaiian island for your family? It all depends on the age af your kids and your family’s main interests. Which is the best Hawaiian island for toddlers? And which is the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids that love to explore? What about teens? And which is the best Hawaiian island to visit for when you travel to Hawaii for the first time? Plus, what are some fun things to do in Hawaii with kids?

Continue reading to find out! Soon you’ll be all set to start planning your Hawaiian vacation whether you choose to stay in Maui, Oahu, Kauai or Big Island.

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Imagine the perfect family travel destination, one with waving palms, a stable tropical climate, the best beaches, fragrant flowers, sparkling waterfalls, lush rainforest, epic volcanoes, mesmerizing national parks, the most amazing family resorts and unique Airbnbs. If that’s the kind of holiday you’re dreaming of, then Hawaii holidays for families are what you’re looking for. There’s no better destination to unplug and discover nature’s wonders.

There are over 100 islands in Hawaii, 6 of which can be visited. Most tourists, however, only visit the 4 largest Hawaiian islands – Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Big Island and/or Kauai – so, we’ll zoom in on each of these destinations.

No matter where you’ll spend your Hawaiian family vacation, don’t forget that only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed on Hawaii. Raw Elements, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen and Kokua Sun Care are all excellent reef-safe choices for adults. For kids, we love Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Lotion SPF 40, Badger Baby Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30 and Sun Bum Mineral Lotion SPF 50.

The best island in Hawaii for families with young kids: Maui

If you’re traveling to Hawaii with kids aged 0 to 6, we’d certainly recommend to spend your family vacation on Maui. Why? Because Maui is home to some amazing kid friendly resorts, has some cute little towns and offers plenty of options for little explorers.

It’s perfect for a Hawaiian vacation with toddlers because you can enjoy the island to the fullest without compromising on comfort. That’s exactly what makes Maui the best Hawaiian island for families with young kids. If that’s music to your ears, then get ready to whip out your beach vacation packing list.

Fun things to do on Maui with kids

Are you ready to find out what makes Maui the best island in Hawaii for families with young kids? We dedicated an entire post to the best things to do in Maui with kids with detailed information and plenty of pictures. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities on the island:

• Go boogie-boarding at Ka’anapali beach.
• Explore the first stops along the Road to Hana, such as Twin Falls. Don’t push it. Halfway to Hana is just as fun for the kids.
• Join a lei-making class in your Maui resort.
• Go snorkeling at Black Rock or Kapalua Bay. Better yet, go on a snorkeling trip to the Molokini crater. Make sure to pack a rash guard and a reef-safe sunscreen approved for Hawaii.
• Hug the giant Maui banyan tree in Lahaina.
• Attend a Maui luau.
• Visit mystic ‘Iao Valley State Park.
• Watch the sunrise from the volcano summit at Haleakala National Park, a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Optionally, book a tour that includes zip-lining or a volcano bike tour.
• Take a kid friendly Maui hike such as the Kapalua Coastal hike.
• Join a whale-watching cruise: The whale-watch sail standard tour or whale-watch sail deluxe tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation include the company of a marine biologist. For that extra dose of adventure, go whale-watching by kayak.
• Explore Maui’s verdant nature at the Maui Tropical Plantation.
• Visit the Maui Ocean Center.
• Learn how to surf as a family.
• Try the local delicacy, a shave’ ice. (And no, that’s not a spelling mistake. Check out our article on the Hawaiian language to find out why it’s written this way.)
• Take a day trip to the remote island of Lanai.
• Shop for made-in-Hawaii gifts and souvenirs in Lahaina, Whalers Village or The Shops at Wailea.
• Explore the island’s east coast while driving the Road to Hana. Do note that, in our experience, the Road to Hana is worth visiting only when your kids are somewhat older and when the weather is not too bad.

Best Maui resorts for families

Now that we’ve laid out why Maui is the best Hawaiian island for families with young kids and had a look at the best activities, it’s time to zoom in on where to stay. Basically, you’ll want to best family-friendly accommodations in Maui in either Kaanapali (West Maui) or Wailea (South Maui). That’s where you’ll find the best Maui resorts for families. For more information on the first location, check out our guide on the best things to do in Kaanapali.

Upscale resorts in Maui for families:

The Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, with its beachfront location and amazing pool complete with waterslides, a lazy river and a swinging rope.

An alternative is the Four Seasons Resort Maui, which is pricey but smaller in size, yet offering the same child-friendly amenities.

Mid-range resorts in Maui for families:

The kid friendly Westin Maui Resort & Spa with beachfront access, a fabulous pool with waterslides, resident flamingos and koi’s to feed. It’s located at Kaanapali beach, known for its perfect boogie boarding conditions, next to Whaler’s Village, where you can find plenty of shops and restaurants.

Affordable resorts in Maui for families:

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with its lagoon pool, lazy river and, again, beachfront access. This Maui resort is located at Black rock, known for its perfect snorkeling conditions, and next to Whaler’s village.

Family-friendly vacation rentals and condos on Maui

“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” by Leigh Hunt is one of our all-time favorite family travel quotes. So, let’s find you and your family a home away from home.

Upscale vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

This fabulous Naapali estate is the epitome of Maui luxury. With its tasteful interior, chef’s kitchen, spacious backyard and a golden sand beach at your doorstep, it’s the ultimate luxury vacation rental in Maui. The highlight is the spectacular pool with its twisting water slide and natural rock waterfall. No less than 7 bedrooms and 7 baths offer plenty of space.

This Wailea beach villa is a tropical dream for every Hawaii-loving family thanks to its enchanting outdoor space, meticulously appointed interior and spacious lay-out with 3 beds and 3 baths. Service at Wailea Beach Villas is top-notch, with gated security, concierge catering and beach and poolside personal attendants.

Mid-range vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

Steps from Baldwin Beach in Paia, you’ll find this amazing two-story house with its lovely yard and wide lanai. part of a small-scale development. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms it offers plenty of space for families. Its proximity to two of Maui’s best beaches makes this Maui rental house a wonderful haven for families.

This oceanfront condo enjoys a privileged location in Puamana, South-Lahaina and has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. There’s a private yard for the kids and Dolphine pool access. The ocean is just steps away. The lanai is a great place to watch whales in winter or to enjoy a romantic Maui sunset. Lahaina is a lively whaler’s town just south of Kaanapali but close enough to this number one Maui beach.

Prefer a livelier atmosphere? Enjoy the amenities of Kaanapali’s Hyatt Residence Club from the comfort of your spacious oceanfront residence.

Affordable vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

A cute, clean and kid friendly condo at Waipuilani Beach in Kihei with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. It’s easy on the wallet without compromising on comfort and style. Shops and restaurants at walking distance. Kihei is centrally located and perfect for a more laid back family holiday.

Psst… We have a separate website entirely dedicated to accommodations in Maui. From fabulous Maui hotels to cozy Maui condos, it’s a curated selection of the best places to stay in Maui. All Maui regions and budget categories are represented. Plus, all accommodations are organized in bite-size lists. Check out some of our top articles:

Downsides of this Hawaii island for kids

While Maui is the best place in Hawaii for families with young kids, there are some things to take into account to make your vacation a success.

• You need to rent a car to discover Maui’s highlights. We highly recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental for hassle-free booking and highly competitive rates (based on personal experience on several Hawaiian islands).

• All resorts charge resort fees so it’s recommended to compare which ones offer the most added value to your travel style.

• Several kid-friendly activities in Maui require advance reservations. Much to our regret, we missed out on the Haleakala National Park sunrise because we didn’t book beforehand.

The best island in Hawaii for families looking for a carefree holiday and tour services: Oahu

If you’re traveling to Hawaii with kids and look forward to a mix of city life, world-class shopping, exciting excursions, and some of the best beaches then we’d recommend spending your family trip to Hawaii on Oahu. This is the only Hawaiian island where you can visit many tourist sites without having to rent a car, thanks to a variety of excursion options and public transport. Your Oahu hotel concierge can assist you in selecting the most family-friendly tours and routes.

Fun things to do on Oahu with kids

Let’s have a look at what makes Oahu the best Hawaiian island for kids who love an action-packed program without compromising on comfort. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities on the island.

• Interact with the animals at the Honolulu Zoo.
• Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Make sure to pack a rash guard and a reef-friendly sunscreen approved for Hawaii.
• Visit Pearl Harbour with transportation.
• Take a dip in Waimea Falls or try one of the more challenging waterfall hikes.
• Take a family surfing lesson at Waikiki beach.
• Get your dose of pineapple at the Dole Plantation.
• Explore the breathtaking Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens.
• Discover the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat.
• Build a sand-castle at Lanikai Beach and explore Kailua Bay by kayak.
• Discover the amazing performances while learning all about Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
• Go horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch.
• Visit the Japanese Buddhist temple Byodo-In.
• Watch an Oahu Luau.
• Hike to the Diamond Head crater.
• Have a shave’ ice at Matsumoto’s.

Tip: The Go Oahu Card might be interesting if you plan to explore the island and its many must-sees during your family trip. It’s an all-inclusive pass that allows you to visit as many attractions on the island as you wish within a certain number of days (choose between 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days).

Best Oahu resorts for families

Honolulu hotels and resorts come in all shapes and sizes but you’ll find some amazing kid-friendly resorts on other locations as well so don’t limit yourself to Waikiki.

Upscale Oahu resorts for families:

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, with its enchanting vibe, meet and greet with Disney characters, amazing pool with waterslides and snorkelling reef, private marina and family pool parties. This fabulous Oahu family resort is located in tranquil Ko Olina, away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

Midrange Oahu resorts for families:

This category is very well represented in Honolulu. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is known to be the most popular choice for families but it’s super-big, making it too crowded for our taste.

We loved our stay in the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, with its small but elegant pool area, lei-making classes, hula lessons, giant aquarium with tropical fish and amazing food choices (the breakfast buffet was just fabulous). Check out our review of the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach to learn more.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds all-together, then the North Shore is where you want to be. The Turtle Bay Resort is a family favorite thanks to horseback riding, outrigger canoe trips, ukelele lessons, windsurfing and the wonderful pool with waterfall and slide.

Affordable Oahu resorts for families:

If you’re not necessarily looking for the best-equipped pool but prefer a convenient location and easy beach access, then the Hotel LaCroix and The Surfjack Hotel are solid and fresh options.

Family-friendly vacation rentals and condos on Oahu

Now that we’ve established why Oahu could be the best Hawaiian island for you family, let’s have a look at some kid-friendly accommodation rentals on the island. Chances are that you’ll be renting a car during your Oahu family vacation. If you plan on staying in a Honolulu airbnb, then look for one that includes parking. Parking spots are really scarce in Waikiki, especially in the evening.

Upscale vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

Steps away from the crystal-clear waters of one of the Ko Olina lagoons, you’ll find the Hale Nani Ikena Kai beach villa. The 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and beachfront lanai offer plenty of space for an Oahu family vacation. The villa is set amidst a tropical garden with koi ponds and includes access to a lagoon style pool and a lap pool.

North Shore living at its finest in this stylish home in Mokuleia. This Oahu beach house is bright and spacious, designed and equipped with families in mind. Unlike other north Shore beaches, this beach is sheltered by large reef, making it perfect for a family trip to Hawaii. Beach chairs, snorkel gear, boogie boards and more provided.

Mid-range vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

The cute Cottage @HaleOahu is located just steps from the most beloved Oahu beach. While most rental homes in Kailua are not permitted to offer rentals shorter than 30 days, this one does. With its one bedroom and sleeper sofa, it’s the perfect place for a shorter stay in Hawaii with kids. If it’s a bit on the small side for your family, then you’ll be happy to learn that the Villa @HaleOahu is available for rent too.

Should you prefer to spend your Oahu family vacation in the center of the action, then this well-appointed Waikiki condo is for you. It has everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible: 2 bedrooms, air-con, stroller, beach cart and beach toys. Plus, this Oahu condo comes with free parking which is a real bonus in Waikiki.

Affordable vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

This bright and modern top-floor condo is located in the iconic Ilikai Hotel and offers lateral views of the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s lagoon. It’s a modern and bright condo with two spacious bedrooms.

If your family trip to Hawaii is more about surfing than shopping, then this Turtle Bay resort condo might be for you. The gated community where it’s located is a safe haven that offers three pools, plenty of sports facilities and parking. Two comfortable bedrooms and two baths offer plenty of space for action-loving families.

Downsides of this Hawaii island for kids

• Traffic on Oahu can get bad, especially during rush hour.

• This is the most popular island and you can tell from the lines at some of the must-see spots in Oahu.

• Several family-friendly activities on Oahu require advance reservations.

• Honolulu is a city so it comes with the typical city problems. We noticed homeless people hanging around at Waikiki, especially near Kapiolani park, but never felt unsafe.

The best island in Hawaii for families with older kids: Big Island

If you’re traveling to Hawaii with kids and look forward to explore the real Hawaii, then we’d recommend spending your Hawaii family vacation on the Big Island. It’s the place to be for exciting adventures and unique experiences with kids aged 7 and up.

This island sure brought out our inner adventurer. Don’t expect the same style as you’ll find on the previous Hawaiian islands, though. It’s all-natural, lush and wild. Thanks to the variety of outdoor activities on Big Island, you’ll get to discover all its beauty.

Fun things to do on Big Island with kids

Are you ready to find out what makes the Big Island the best Hawaiian island to visit with kids who are looking for an adventure? Here are some of the best family-friendly outdoor activities on the island:

• This island is home to 6 volcanoes, including the Mauna Loa, the Mauna Kea and the Kilauea. Check out more record-breaking features about this volcano in our list of  facts about Hawaii volcanoes. No better place to start your Big Island adventure than in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can even explore the crater of the world’s most active volcano. We hiked the Kilauea Iki trail and it was an epic experience. 
• Explore the unique Papakolea green sand beach.
• Dip you toes in sparkling black sand beaches and meet the sea turtles who love to bask on the warm black sand.
• Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Carlsmith Beach Park.
• Chase the wonderful waterfalls of the Big Island, such as Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.
• Feel on top of the world by taking one of the amazing Big Island hiking trails.
• Learn about Hawaiian culture at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park.
• See the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay.
• Join a Manta Ray Night Dive.
• Go star-gazing at the top of the Mauna Kea.
• Dance the night away during a Big Island luau.
• See the lava clash with the ocean on a helicopter tour by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
• Go on a horseback tour in of the seven valleys along the Kohala coast, such as Waipio Valley a.k.a. The Valley of the Kings. (Update: Waipio Valley access has been closed indefinitely.)

Best Big Island Hawaii hotels for families

Now that we’ve laid out why Big Island is the best Hawaiian island for kids who love adventure and had a look at the best outdoor activities, it’s time to zoom in on where to stay.

We dedicated an entire article on the best places to stay on Big Island. Basically, you’ll want to split your time between the windward coast near Hilo and the leeward coast in Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. You won’t find any family resorts on the windward side, though, just one decent hotel and that’s the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton.

Here are our favorite Big Island resorts for families on the leeward side:

Affordable resorts on Hawaii Island for families:

The most popular family resort in Hawaii is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Enjoy the sprawling grounds complete airconditioned trams, resort gondolas, waterfall pools, a Dolphin Quest lagoon and a suspension bridge.

Midrange resorts on Hawaii Island for families:

For a less theme-park like atmosphere, head to the The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, with its enviable location along the island’s most popular white sand beach, or the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, with its massive oceanfront pool.

Upscale resorts on Hawaii Island for families:

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a haven of tranquility, located between some of the most mesmerizing bays of the Big Island. This luxurious resort has plenty to offer for kids of all ages, such as a snorkeling pond, cultural classes and tennis courts.

Guests of this little gem enjoy a wonderful garden with a pool and the most amazing ocean views, a sumptuous breakfast and spacious rooms. This is one of the most romantic retreats in Hawaii for families with teenage kids.

Family-friendly vacation rentals and condos on Big Island

We’ve selected some true little gems that we’d love to try out for ourselves one day. It’s amazing how affordable it is to stay on this Hawaiian island for families with kids. Especially the windward side near Hilo has a lot to offer for a modest price.

Affordable vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

This lovely condo is located in the luxurious Kolea complex in the heart of the Waikoloa Beach Resort. With 2 well-appointed bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a cosy lanai with barbecue grill, it’s perfect for traveling families. Guests enjoy direct beach access to A’Bay with its many watersports activities.

Kai Malolo is the name of this eco-friendly oceanfront house in Pahoa, just south of Hilo. Kids will love the pool with its fountain and waterfall as well as the boat helm on the lanai. Three spacious bedrooms offer plenty of space. Guests are also invited to use the front suspension mountain bikes for a scenic cycling trip in the nearby mango forest.

Midrange vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

Looking for the perfect family vacation rental on Hawaii Island? Then check out this wonderful house, located in a tranquil cul de sac yet just a 5-minute driver from the Kona farmer’s market. Floor to ceiling windows give access to a wonderful lanai with salt-water pool and tropical fruit trees. Snorkel equipment, boogie boards, beach towels, portable beach chairs, coolers and an umbrella are available for guests.

This enchanting cabin in the woods is a great place to stay in Volcano, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The ferns and trees create an intimate setting, complemented by the hot tub and fire pit. No better place to unplug after a full day of exploration.

Upscale vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

Beach House at the Bluffs is the ultimate vacation home on Big Island Hawaii for families. It’s located at the sweet spot between Mauna Kea and Hapuna beach. The house is equipped with a chef’s kitchen, home theater and 4 exceptionally appointed bedrooms, 3 of which give out to the lanai. The outdoor space is sensational thanks to the heated, infinity-edge saltwater pool await, jacuzzi spa, wading pool and sand boxes. A personal concierge is at your service to help you plan that ultimate family vacation in Hawaii.

A truly unique estate can be found along the spectacular Hamakua coast on the windward side of the island. The Waterfalling Estate is what dreams are made of. This magnificent property includes a lap pool, two-story waterslide, olympic pool, tennis court, basketball court, 9 tee golf course, home gym, game room, helipad and so much more. A mesmerizing private waterfall seals the deal.

Downsides of this Hawaii island for family vacations

• If you want to make the most of your visit, we’d recommend splitting up your stay. There are no resorts in the Hilo area, simply because you won’t find any sandy beaches there and this area gets quite a bit of rain.

• This island is called Big for a reason. Highlights are spread out over the island, resulting in long drives. Traffic at Kailua-Kona is really bad, even outside of rush hour. Be prepared to spend quite some time in the car. Look for a comfortable one here.

• The windward coast is known for its unpredictable weather and frequent showers. Then again, this is exactly what creates the lush nature and waterfalls you’ll find on this side of the island.

• Just like in Maui, all resorts charge resort fees so it’s recommended to compare which ones offer most added value to your travel style.

The best island in Hawaii for outdoorsy families: Kauai

If you’re traveling to Hawaii with kids and look for a more off-the-grid experience, then we’d recommend spending your Hawaii family vacation on Kauai.

It’s the place to be for long and challenging hikes, thrilling adventures and secluded beaches hidden in between rugged cliffs. Kauai, the oldest and northernmost of Hawaiian islands, is just as all-natural as the Big Island but even more lush and untamed.

Fun things to do on Kauai with kids

Let’s have a look at what makes Kauai the best Hawaii island for kids who love the outdoors. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities on the island:

• Take a boat ride along the jaw-dropping cliffs of Na Pali Coast State Park.
• Explore the quaint surfer’s town of Hanalei on the North shore.
• Go river tubing on the grounds of an old sugar plantation.
• Take a helicopter tour above Waimea Canyon State Park or, for a more active experience, try one of the spectacular Waimea Canyon hiking trails.
• Explore Wailua River State Park with its fern-lined grotto and sparkling waterfalls.
• Go snorkelling in the Tunnels a.k.a. Makua Beach.
• Explore the Kilohana plantation by train.
• Discover the tropical flowers in the Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden.
• Attend a Kauai luau performance.
• Take in the Waimea Canyon views from the Kalalau lookout.

Best Kauai resorts for families

Now that we’ve laid out why the Garden Isle is the best island in Hawaii for families who love the outdoors and had a look at the top activities, it’s time to zoom in on where to stay. Kauai is the only island in this list that we haven’t visited ourselves. But, since we did consider it for our family vacation in Hawaii and hope to visit soon, we actually did quite some research on this amazing island.

Affordable resorts on Kauai for families:

The ISO (Island – Sky – Ocean) with its gorgeous views and central location.

Midrange resorts on Kauai for families:

The renovated Sheraton Kauai at Coconut Beach with its wonderful pool area which is entirely torch lit at night.

Upscale resorts on Kauai for families:

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort with its spacious rooms, beachfront location and massive pool complex complete with waterfalls and slides.

Family-friendly vacation rentals and condos on Kauai

Just like all other Hawaiian islands, Kauai has a windward and a leeward side. Princeville and Hanalei Bay, on the north-side of the island, get most rain. It’s also the lushest part of the Garden Isle. Weather on the east-side, near Kapa’a and Lihue, is a bit drier. The southernmost city of Poipu and the western coastline near Waimea are the sunniest parts of the island.

Midrange vacation rentals on this Hawaiian island for kids:

Looking for an affordable condo near some of the best North Shore beaches? This ground-level Ali’i Kai unit comes with resort pool access and plenty of beach gear. The neutral tones of the interior form the perfect canvas for the lush, green landscape views. The condo enjoys a tranquil yet central South Coast location.

This clean and tastefully-decorated cottage is located near Waimea Pier, away from the island’s tourist hotspots. Grocery stores and restaurants can be found at walking distance. It’s the perfect getaway home for families looking to explore Waimea Canyon or Koke’e State Park.

The stylishly bright interior of this modern island home will get you in vacation-mood in no time. With 3 lanai to choose from, there’s a postcard view for every time of day. This wonderful home is located in the heart of Princeville and within close proximity of some of the finest Kauai beaches, restaurants and shops.

Families will love the sight of this enchanting cottage near Poipu, near Baby Beach and Whalers Cove. The house, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, is located amidst a tropical garden with fragrant flowers. It’s a great place for a family bbq.

Make your Kauai family vacation dreams come true at the fabulous Waiohai Beach House. The 4 well-appointed bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, gorgeous pool and direct beach access make this house the ultimate hideout for family travel to Hawaii.

This gorgeously appointed golf course home is located near Hanalei Bay. You’ll find some of the best beaches and restaurants in the direct area. The sunset views from the lanai are nothing short of spectacular. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and an amazing pool, this is the perfect place to spend your family vacation on Kauai.

Downsides of this Hawaii island for families

• Depending on the seasons (and your mindset), the weather can be somewhat of a dealbreaker. Kauai is so tropically lush thanks to the rainfall. This Hawaiian island is even home to the wettest place on earth: Mount Waialeale. May to September are usually the driest months and Poipu and Lihue the drier areas.

• Driving times add up on Kauai, even for short distances, because the lay-out of the land only allows a limited number of roads. Parking space is limited for most attractions around the island and parking spots are notoriously small. We’d strongly recommend renting a smaller car in Kauai. You’ll find plenty of options on Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

• Only a handful of beaches are suited for swimming. dangerous currents, rip tides, and hammering surf.

How about Molokai and Lanai?

Two other Hawaiian islands that are open to tourists are Lanai and Molokai. Since these are rather small and very off-grid, we don’t recommend them for Hawaii vacations with kids. But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit these Hawaiian islands on a full day trip.

• Lanai makes for an excellent day trip from Maui. You can get there by ferry from Lahaina.
• Molokai can be reached by plane from Honolulu but you need a permit to access the highlight: Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Which island in Hawaii will you choose for your next family vacation?

Well, that’s it for this article on the best Hawaiian islands for kids. if you have been on a family trip to one of the Hawaiian islands then we’d love to hear all about it. And if you’re yet to visit, we can’t wait to find out which is the best Hawaiian island for you and your family. The comment box is all yours.

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