Hawaii Island Family Friendly Vacation

 

It is hard to find a more picturesque, relaxing family friendly vacation destination than Hawaii.

When translated from ancient Hawaiian language, Hawaii simply means “paradise”  

Hawaii offers scores of family vacation activities on both land and water. The tropical, lush landscape furnishes a perfect backdrop for all varieties of fun open-air activities for children, and perhaps even some quiet, romantic moments for Mom and Dad.

So when choosing family friendly destinations, put Hawaii on your top ten list of family friendly tropical playgrounds.

For starters Hawaii’s great beaches are legendary, and draw watersports and beach lovers from around the globe. World famous Waikki Beach, located on Ohau is one of the best family friendly beaches.  Whether you opt for a great tan lounging on the beach, or more active family members  practice their skiils at boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming, and windsurfing – every family member will enjoy their time at this popular beach.

Waikki’s Northern Beaches are famous for world surfing championships. Take a scenic drive over to the North end, then get your camera ready for some outstanding photos, since there’s sure to be lots of surfing activity.

While you might imagine eating out in Hawaii is too pricey, but there are many places to dine that won’t bust a family’s vacation budget.

Honolulu has  typical fast food restaurants you would expect in any major city.  One famous place children will definitely enjoy is a popular eatery Waikiki Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurant. Here little  tikes can get ANY topping they desire on their world renowned burgers. Another favorite is Old Spaghetti Factory with a Just for Kids 12 and under menu. If your children have a fondness for sushi, Hawaii has many restaurants that offer fresh, individually wrapped sushi, Don’t be afraid to sample local eating establishments where you’ll definitely get more value for your money, and learn more about Hawaiian culture.

After lunch, you can opt back to your favorite beach spot, or perhaps take in a little sightseeing. For families, one place on your list should be Honolulu Zoo. Although it’s a smaller scale city zoo compared to many on the mainland, it definitely merits a visit.

A unique and colorful flamingo pond is one of the first zoo attractions visitors see when entering, and children will certainly be delighted to have a unique photo opp with the flamingo’s. Another stimulating family friendly attraction in Hawaii is Waikiki Aquarium, which offers visitor’s a one on one experience with a “touch pond” – and honestly grown ups enjoy this attraction every bit as much as children.

Maui Island Ocean Center houses the largest tropical fish marine museum in the United States. The dolphin statues out front make a great background for a souvenir photo.  Don’t forget to check out the whaling museum located in Lahaina.  If you are visiting during winter months go ahead and book a whale watching tour from Lahaina harbor – it’s sure to please.

And beaches at the resort area of Ka’anapali are entertaining for children also.  Most of these resorts have awesome family friendly pools for little swimmers. Some even have water parks within the hotel themselves. Parents should take advantage of children’s programs at these resorts, and take some quiet time to themselves.

On the big island of Hawaii take a drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here you will be able to view active volcanoes, and perhaps even some lava flow from the comfort and safety of your  rental car.  Next take a ride over to Waimea, where parents and kids can take an enjoyable horseback ride through the lush valley. You could book an all day excursion complete with lunch, or perhaps just a pony ride stop for the younger ones. Either way they will not be ready to leave! Lastly you could go to North Kohala and try kayaking – a great place for beginners.

The Hawaii island of Molokai offers some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. Rent mountain bikes and explore the island together. Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it’s easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island. On this Hawaii island you should consider renting a house, because there aren’t too many hotel options, plus with a house – children have plenty of room to spread out, and play outside.

Every family is different in their habits, hobbies, sports, like and dislikes – so the family vacation planner should take all this into account. Hawaii, and the Hawaiian islands all offer a different experience. Do a little investigating into which particular island or Hawaii islands which will offer each family member an enjoyable and memorable vacation.

Children especially like to feel they know something about where they are going, and look forward with  anticipation to doing and seeing the things they have been talked about with their parents before departing. And many times things we adults take for granted, and don’t think are particularly interesting, are the very things that excite and amuse children – at any rate Hawaii is sure to please the whole family.