The Hawai’ian Islands for Families

It’s easy to make memories that will fill countless scrapbooks and last a lifetime when your family visits the Hawai’ian Islands, with six main islands from which to choose for your family’s visit. Here, we look at four of the islands and how they differ from each other, so you can choose which to visit, or which to visit first.

Oahu

The island of Oahu is considered the “Heart of Hawai’i,” and with good reason. With most of the state’s population living on the island, it is here you will find Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach, not to mention Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Surfers have long ridden the waves of the North Shore, and you can ride an ATV through the landscapes of Kualoa Ranch, where scenes of Jurassic World were filmed. Novice and experienced snorkelers will want to don masks and snorkels at the aquarium-like Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — it is where this writer learned to snorkel when she was in kindergarten!

Maui

Another popular Hawai’ian Island destination is Maui, or The Valley Isle. The second-largest of all the Hawai’ian islands, Maui’s diverse offerings make it a terrific option for families. From golden beaches to stunning sunrises and sunsets at Haleakalā National Park (keep in mind reservations are needed for sunrise at the park), there is plenty to do to keep your family busy for days or weeks.

Island of Hawai’i

The Island of Hawai’i is the youngest of all the Hawai’ian Islands, yet the biggest, as is evident in its nickname, the Big Island. In addition to the popular Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, just reopened last month after being closed since May due to volcanic activity, the island is home to lush rainforest, towering waterfalls, sweeping lava fields and snorkeling spots.

Kauai

Some of the most dramatic scenery in all of the South Pacific is found on Kauai, or the Garden Isle. The oldest of the islands features deep valleys, skyward-reaching mountains, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. It is on Kauai, too, you will find Waimea Canyon State Park; Waimea is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Adventure awaits on Kauai, from kayaking to zip lining to hiking and snorkeling. Or, just relax and settle into the magic and laid-back vibe of the island.