Places to Visit

Best Island To Visit In Hawaii For First Time With Family

A beautiful family enjoying their vacation in Hawaii
Source : pexels

Best islands to visit in Hawaii for the first time with family are Maui, Oahu, Big Island & Kauai. These islands are prominent vacation spots for newbies.

Meeting your loved ones for holidays and gatherings is already exciting, but the excitement is doubled when your family plans for a holiday in Hawaii. 

Hawaii is a beautiful place with amazing landscapes and natural wonders. It boasts some exquisite places perfect for relaxing gateway for parents and children alike.

Explore new places, try traditional Hawaiian Cuisines & indulge in activities with your loved ones. There are several family-friendly places to stay that wouldn't cost you a fortune.

Hence, look no further, as we have prepared a list of places to explore in the Aloha state with your loved ones.

Here is the list of islands, best for family travellers in Hawaii.

Maui

Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island is the prettiest Hawaiian island. Famous as “The Valley Isle,” Maui is popular for its sacred Iao Valley, migrating humpback whales, and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakalā.

In addition to watching sea creatures in their natural habitat, Maui is also famous for its beaches. Whether it is a natural black sand beach, a golden sand beach or a white one, this island has a plethora of it.

Watch world famous Maui's sunrise/sunset with your family
Source : facebook

If you are looking for a vacation in Hawaii to unplug from the noisy cities and aim to spend quality time in secluded and quiet, Maui is for you. 

Nothing sets a calmer tone than an afternoon spent on an isolated island with your loved ones, soaking up the calm breeze and soft sand that will set a tone of solitude without a hint of contemporary intrusion.

So what are you waiting for, book a luxury hotel, buy a ticket and pack your bags full of excitement, energy, flip-flops & a lot of sunscreens!!

Nakalele Blowhole - Maui, Hawaii
Source : instagram

Things to do in Maui with your family

  • Visit the famous black sand beaches
  • Attend traditional Luau
  • Watch Sunrise/Sunset from the top of Haleakala National Park
  • See the Dragon's Teeth
  • Snorkel with sea turtles
  • Go Surfing from Lahaina South to Ukumehame Beach Park
  • Watch humpback whales migration
  • Plan a 2-day road trip to Hana
  • Go hiking
  • Taste the famous Hawaiian shave ice
  • Visit the Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Bay Beach
  • Enjoy a tour of national historical places
  • Go rappelling with your family
  • Try ziplining over Hawaii's luscious green jungle
  • Enjoy the view of the rugged shoreline in North Maui

Side Note: Click on the link for detailed information on the best time to visit Hawaii.

Oahu

Enjoy a fire dance at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Source : instagram

Also called the Gathering Place, Oahu is one of the finest islands that answers your question about where to visit Hawaii first time. With the famous Waikiki beach, the island is famous for its pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, delicious food, and long history of the Aloha State.

Oahu, the third largest island of Hawaii boasts the state capital of Honolulu, historic Pearl Harbor, North Shore surfing mecca, and luxury hotels. 

For families looking for a fun place with an abundance of water activities and historical landmarks, Oahu meets the criteria. We have prepared a long list of places to visit and stuff to do with your loved ones during your familycation in Hawaii.

Horseback riding at Hawaii Polo Oceanfront Trail Rides
Source : facebook

Top 20 things to do in Oahu with your family (a great reason to visit Hawaii)

  • Horseback riding
  • Engage in underwater activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, photography & many more
  • Go to Kualoa Ranch 
  • Underwater Photography on Waikiki Beach
  • See native wildlife species such as Colorful fishes, Coral, Urchins, Sea Turtles, albatross birds, Egrets, and Ducks.
  • Hike to Diamond Head
  • Learn about Hawaiian history from the Lolani Palace
  • Tour to Pearl Harbour
  • Snorkel at Kahe Beach Park
  • Skydive on the North Shore
  • Visit Dole Plantation to taste some fresh pineapples
  • Shark diving on the North shore
  • Arrange a picnic at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
  • Attend A Luau At Polynesian Cultural Center
  • A Sunrise Hike On The Stairway To Heaven
  • Experience nature at Lanikai Beach
  • Take a helicopter tour over Oahu
  • Island Hopping
  • Shop at Ala Moana for a bargain price

Side NoteLooking for a place to stay in Oahu with your family and pets?? Click on the link to find out lists of hotels with amazing accommodation that also welcomes your furry friend.

Big Island/Hawaiian Island

The island of Hawaiʻi aka Big Island offers a variety of places to explore, that encompasses Hawaiʻi’s most incredible natural wonders and historic sites. There are no other places in the region that provides you with a place to feed and swim with the famous manta rays.

As the largest island of the Aloha state, the big island is full of natural wonders which you can explore through horseback riding, helicopter tours, or via hikes and automobiles.

Active Volcanoes At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park- Hawaiʻi’s Island of Adventure
Source : instagram

Are you wondering about the things to do on the big island?

For your convenience, we have prepared a list of things you might love doing on the island with your family. They are as follows

  • A picnic at Lava Tree State Monument
  • Sunbathe at the Dolphin Beach
  • Watch the volcanoes at Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park
  • Watch traditional Luau 
  • Shop souvenirs at a local Lahaina
  • Drink Kava at an alcohol-free La Hiki Ola Kava Bar
  • Take your kids to Big Island Bees to watch the honey-making process
  • Go on a private tour from Hilo to Puna
  • Eat Hawaiian cuisine at Punalu'u Bake Shop

In the same manner, this is the only island that lets you see a fiery volcano, cultural treasures, and a beautiful 420-foot waterfall. With so much of picturesque and varied beach landscapes on the island, you will see why the place earned its name as “Hawaiʻi’s Island of Adventure.”

Regarding the variety of beaches, this island possesses black, white, and even golden sand beaches that encircle the island’s 266 miles of coastline.

Apart from these entertaining places, the big island has much more to offer. The island is full of surprises. There are places on the island that you don’t have to spend a single penny to gain access to.

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a down-to-earth outdoor lover, there is something for everyone.

Hawai'i: The Big Island
Source : vacationstravel

Things to do on the big island for free-

  • Akaka Falls State Park
  • Kalapana lava viewing area
  • Mauna Kea Summit
  • Panaewa rainforest zoo & gardens
  • Rainbow Falls at the Wailuku river state park
  • Pololu Valley
  • Puukohala nataional historic site
  • Mokupapapa discovery center
  • Kaumana Caves
  • Coffee plantation tour

Side Note: Looking for a luxury hotel on Big Island? Click on the link to learn about fine accommodations and their amenities.

Kauai

Out of all the islands in Hawaii, Kauai is known for its natural beauty and dramatic sites. Not only the Na Pali coast and white sand beaches, but Kauai also has more to offer.

The island is jam-packed with natural wonders which include gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, white sand beaches, Waimea Canyon, the Coconut Coast, sugarcane fields, and beachside cliffs.

Hapuna Beach is Big Island’s widest stretch of white sand.
Source : hotels

Apart from sceneries, Kauai is also famous for its authentic Hawaiian breakfast. From malasadas to hazelnut pancakes, there are various eateries around the island that fulfils your sweet and savoury cravings.

Kauai things to do

  • Get a glimpse of the glorious Napali Coast and Kalalau Valley 
  • Princeville botanical garden
  • Helicopter tour of Kauai
  • Snorkel with turtles and fishes
  • Indulge in a rafting adventure
  • Luau Ka Hikina
  • Laloa zipline Kauai
  • Poipu beach park
  • Take your kids to Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate
  • Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch
  • Sunset cruise tour

Side Note: Looking forward to spending your honeymoon in Kauai?? If that's the case, click on the link to find out out honeymoon destinations on Kauai.