No question: Hawaii is one of the world’s great dream destinations. And so travel blogger Elena Paschinger set off with her family to explore it. Here, she shows how two of the six Hawaiian islands accessible to visitors can be easily explored with small children.
Flight to Hawaii and arrival in Hawaii
As part of a longer world trip, my husband, our two preschool-aged children, and I spent a total of four weeks in Hawaii. The long-haul flight with a stopover on the U.S. mainland is quite manageable. Our children spent the long flight sleeping or watching kids’ movies.
The subtropical climate with pleasant year-round temperatures makes arrival and acclimatization easy.
Child-friendly beaches on Oahu
When you think of Hawaii, you probably picture beautiful beaches and lush nature on the volcanic slopes of the islands! These postcard-perfect scenes are found all over Hawaii, and for traveling with children, certain places on Oahu are especially recommended.
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, one of the most famous beaches in the world, is completely accessible despite the towering hotel buildings nearby. About an hour’s drive northwest, the beaches near Ka’ena Point offer seclusion and perfect “sunset moments.” Waimea Beach Park is also ideal: a natural bay protects against large waves, making this beach especially suitable for visits with small children.
Hawaiian cultural experiences that are fun for kids
Two destinations on Oahu are particularly worthwhile with children: First, Waimea Valley in the northwest of the island, about a 90-minute drive from Honolulu. Hiking through the valley toward a sacred waterfall, Hawaii’s cultural history is presented in an engaging and child-friendly way through several interactive stations.
Second, at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lai’e, in northeastern Oahu, you can take a full-day journey through the island cultures of the Pacific. The grand finale is a spectacular evening show with dance and music performances that captivate children as well.
Exploring Big Island with children
By far the largest of the Hawaiian islands is also the most volcanically active. A visit to Volcanoes National Park is a must. Children love exploring lava tubes, giant tree ferns, and the many steaming vents in the ground. Don’t worry: all paths are well secured. Friendly rangers at the park center also hand out puzzle booklets and Junior Park Ranger stickers!
Also fascinating is the Black Sands Beach south of the national park. At this pitch-black sand beach, sea turtles come ashore, which both children and adults can observe up close.
A top beach for visiting with children is Ho’okena Beach Park, south of Kailua-Kona on the west side of Big Island. If you like, you can combine the beach visit with shopping and cultural experiences in the small town.
Travel insurance for a worry-free family vacation
If you're planning a family vacation to Hawaii, be sure to consider travel insurance. Whether you're traveling with young or older children, travel insurance provides the protection and peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your family holiday. With our CompleteCover insurance, you're covered before and during your Hawaii trip in case of unexpected cancellations. We also cover the costs of medical services abroad in the event of illness or accident, including repatriation, search, and rescue. This way, you can relax during your trip preparations and look forward to your Hawaiian adventure.
This article was created in collaboration with “Creativelena”. Creativelena is a travel blog focused on cultural travel, family travel, and travel tips from around the world.