Plan perfect family vacations in Hawaii. Discover top family-friendly beaches, adventures and cultural attractions and see how a Royal Caribbean cruise completes the experience. Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own brand of Aloha to visiting ohanas. Unpack once and discover them all!
1. Maui — The Valley Isle Is The Peak Of Amazing Adventures
“Maui nō ka ʻoi!” This beloved phrase boasts that “Maui is the best.” Although I am admittedly biased, having called this paradise home for five years, the unforgettable experiences that the island offers make it hard to argue otherwise. Plan one of the best family vacations in Hawaii by adding more Maui.
Swim With Kaanapali’s Black Rock Sea Turtles
Sea turtles abound in this popular beach spot with calm seas for little sailors. Watch brave divers leap from craggy Black Rock into the sea, or take a few jumps yourself. A nightly “lele kawa” sunset ritual includes a Hawaiian torch bearer running to light fiery lamps before scrambling up to the rock’s edge, blowing a conch, honoring the island and then leaping into the water.
Cafes and tiki bars line this stretch of beautiful beach. Hula Grill, Leilani’s and Monkeypod offer live Hawaiian music for aloha hour and are known for their lava flows — a pina colada and strawberry daiquiri combo that is equally tasty as a mocktail for your jealous kids. Cliff Dive Grill has a perfect view of the Black Rock ceremony and sunset over Lanai.
Bike Down A Volcano At Haleakala
Venturing up the steep slopes of the volcano in the wee hours for sunrise is a long-held local tradition (and surprisingly chilly!). What goes up must come down. Adventurous teens and cycling fans will love feeling the wind through their hair as they enjoy a downhill ride from dormant Haleakala’s peak — an unforgettable family adventure you’ll talk about for years to come.
Snorkel In Molokini Crater
This half sunken volcanic crater sits as an oasis in the deep sea, with shallow snorkeling in crystal aqua water for tropical fish and other marine life. The sail or motor over to Molokini is the perfect opportunity to view humpbacks en route, from December to May.
If you missed seeing any favorite fish, stop at Maui Ocean Center, the Aquarium of Hawaii, next to the boat dock. Shark dives and behind-the-scenes tours of the coral propagation lab are unique highlights.
Paddle An Authentic Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe
Experience the sea like a local and learn about the amazing history of this island and its royal families, while paddling in a classic outrigger across the waves. Your Hawaiian guide shares stories of the land’s history and legends told through the generations, while pointing out sites of interest and environmental aspects of the West Maui mountains.
Take A Hana Rainforest Hike With Waterfall Jumps
Flowers, tropical birds, lush green trees and colorful plants flourish in a variety even Seuss would be impressed by. Top off the half-mile hike up the Hana hillside by leaping down a series of waterfalls emptying into the Seven Sacred Pools. Smaller jumps lie above the lowest view pools closer to the ocean’s edge. The popular “Road to Hana” is an impressive collection of hairpin turns, narrow cliff-side passes punctuated by roadside waterfalls and breathtaking ocean views — busy times can mean an endless line of cars slowly snaking through the beauty.
ROYGI-Beach On Colorful Maui Shores
Pink, green, black, red, white, golden — there’s a whole crayon box full of unique sandy shores in Maui. Often tucked away from public view, ask a local tourism authority or hotel concierge for tips on current conditions and directions.
2. Hawaii — The Big Island Offers Big Fun
Although it bears the name of the state and term for the entire group of islands, locals refer to this as “The Big Island.” Both sides are very different: Kona has craggy lava fields, Puako Petroglyph Park and ocean activities like the famous manta ray snorkel and dive; meanwhile, Hilo is known for its proximity to the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and lush waterfall-filled parks and gardens.
Visit A Hawaiian Marketplace In Kona
Visit the Kona Farmers and Crafts Market in Kailua Kona. Admire local artisans’ work and taste a broad variety of locally grown fruits, macadamia nuts, freshly roasted coffee from local plantations and, best of all, the classic shaved ice dessert. Often, local musicians or hula dancers provide entertainment as shoppers look through the gift and locally made souvenir stalls.
Snorkel Safari With Sea Turtles In Kona
Sea turtles, tropical fish, even the resident manta rays and humpbacks might make an appearance in this watery wonderland. A breezy sail leads to a shallow water turtle cleaning station. The massive shelled creatures circle and form a marine car wash line, waiting for their turn to placidly hover over a chunk of coral reef where cleaner shrimp and wrasse emerge to nibble off debris and parasites.
Take An Open-Door Helicopter Trip Over Hilo Lava Fields
Need to amp up the excitement of a helicopter? Take off the doors. Not adrenaline boosting enough? Whir over an active volcano and its glowing red lava fields. It’s an Instaworthy Hawaiian vacation idea for even the most jaded teen.
Fish For Your Dinner In Kona — It’s Reel’y Fun!
Try your hand at hooking dinner in one of the world’s best sport fishing territories. Bottom fish for snapper, opakapaka or small grouper off the reef or hit the swells to go big. Lure in mahi mahi, wahoo, ono and maybe even a marlin in this region known for 1000lb’ers. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales as you fish — this area is rich with sea life and home to my first-ever humpback whale sighting during a dive.
Learn To Play (And Say!) The Ukulele At A Luau
Sure, the point of a Luau is the amazing “ono” food — but seeing your dad get pulled up on stage to hula a number is pretty tough to beat. Hawaiian culture is fascinating — check out language, ukulele and hula lessons from Hawaiians who love sharing their world. This signature food, dance and culture celebration makes the list for every best family vacation in Hawaii.
3. Kauai — The Garden Isle Makes Family Cruises Bloom
Kauai is a study in contrast, with lush greenery carpeting the ridges of every mountain on one side and the desert-like Waimea Canyon, “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” on the other. Often considered the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is all about nature and endless flower-filled chances to explore it.
Idyllic family-owned rafts glide along a scenic river tour before a short hike through lush rainforest to a fern-covered grotto where Hawaiian ballads serenade guests. The return trip is filled with more music and hula dancing, with guests welcome to join.
I did this excursion on my last Hawaiian cruise to revisit this special spot where my grandparents had spent their 50th wedding anniversary, complete with matching purple aloha shirts. The same auntie of the family who serenaded them during their celebration was the guide-performer on our visit and performed an extra song in their honor as a little act of aloha.
Adventurous or experienced kayakers might opt for the dramatic and rough Na Pali coast. Families can put the paddle to the water in this scenic river that’s calm enough for beginners to manage, with lush rainforest banks dripping with flowers to enjoy along the way.
Discover Hollywood Movie Sites On An Ocean Zodiac
Take an exhilarating zodiac ride around the coastline to explore the scenic Na Pali coast, complete with a seabird’s eye view of a famous Honopu Arch and sea cave hollow recognized in many Hawaiian-filmed flicks. See if you can spot backdrops from:
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● “Jurassic Park.”
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● “King Kong.”
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● “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
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● “Six Days Seven Nights on the Garden Isle.”
4. Oahu — The Gathering Place Offers Wow Moments For All
The most populated of the Hawaiian islands also offers endless entertainment for families. This island is the historic cultural hub of the other islands and home to Pearl Harbor and the North Shore giant-wave surfing oasis.
Visit The Polynesian Cultural Center
Oahu is home to many people from the Pacific Rim, so it is a fitting location for a center celebrating their unique heritage. Incredible displays by a variety of South Pacific Nations include interactive dance, music, food, habitat and cultural exhibits led by inhabitants from the different islands.
Catamaran Sail Around Diamond Head
Some might like to challenge themselves to an adventurous hike up to the famous Diamond Head’s peak, but smaller sailors might prefer the sunny, sea breeze view from down below.
Learn To Hang Ten, Waikiki Style
Depending on the season, learning to surf here can mean serious bragging rights. Don’t worry — these lessons are held on the small-wave Waikiki side of the island and offer some serious sandcastle time after the swells.
Take The Pineapple Express At Dole Plantation
Little ones will love the ride — and the snacks — on a two-mile adventure along one of four historic vintage trains on Oahu’s North Shore. Learn about the history of Dole and enjoy a garden tour or pineapple maze experience. Taste the flavor of the islands (and don’t miss the famous Dole soft serve).
Learn To SCUBA Dive In Oahu
Warm, crystal clear seas filled with tropical fish are the perfect aquarium environment for young water lovers (and their parents) to learn to dive. Choose a PADI Five Star shop for the best experience. Try Waikiki Dive Center in the heart of Honolulu, which uses a convenient marina; it’s an easy Uber or even walk from the cruise port and hotel zone. They even offer a “Mermaid Specialty” course. The best part of any Hawaiian dive from mid-December to mid-April is the opportunity to be serenaded by humpback whale song as you bubble.
Learn About Pearl Harbor’s Poignant History
A favorite among multi-gen families, this excellently designed memorial and museum brings history to life. While respect is shown to the tragic event, there are also Junior Ranger programs, flight simulators, a boat ride and exploring the USS Bowfin submarine for kid-friendly experiences.
Why Royal Caribbean Offers The Best Family Cruise To Hawaii
Part of every Hawaiian cruise is the sea days snuck in between amazing island adventures. With an onboard experience like Royal Caribbean offers, your crew will be begging for a balance of time on the ship to enjoy it all.
A few highlights to include in your next Hawaiian vacation:
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● Family Activities: Game shows, sport courts, escape rooms, waterparks, SeaPlex bumper cars and roller skating.
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● Family Entertainment: Broadway-style musicals, immersive tech multimedia shows, parades and live music.
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● Family Dining: Favorites across ships include Izumi’s hibachi, Wonderland’s molecular gastronomy and classic Johnny Rockets for dinner and a show.
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● Kids and Teen Clubs — Royal Babies and Tots℠ Nursery, Adventure OceanSM Youth Program and Living Room teen lounge keep kids of every age engaged with new friends and fun through art, sport, theater, science, gaming and more.
Book Your Best Family Vacation Yet Cruising The Aloha Islands
Whether you are a family who loves to beach, surf, hike through nature, kayak sea caves and scenic rivers, learn about new cultures or just chill — beautiful, tropical Hawaii has your next favorite memory. Bring your Ohana to the land of Aloha for your most memorable family vacation yet on a Royal Caribbean Hawaiian cruise.
Explore Hawaii cruises to find your island escape.
