Planning your family trip to Hawaii: Tips and ideas

Hawaii is a dream destination for families, offering a mix of outdoor activities and cultural attractions that cater to all ages. The beaches alone are reason enough to book a trip to Hawaii. 

Planning ahead can help you make the most of family vacation to Hawaii, from islands to flights, accommodation and activities that keep everyone entertained.

Best Hawaiian islands for family holidays

Oahu

Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands, and Honolulu, the state’s capital, is on the southeast coast of the island. 

Waikiki is a popular district in Honolulu that you may have heard of before, known for its gorgeous beaches and high-rise hotels that line its shore. 

Pros

• There’s no shortage of things to do in Oahu, from designer shopping and surfing to hiking, swimming, and exploring cultural and historical landmarks like Pearl Harbor and the Bishop Museum, where you can learn more about Hawaii’s art and history
• International flights are often more affordable to Oahu, as Honolulu International Airport serves as Hawaii’s main entry point.
• Lots of family-friendly beaches to visit, with Waikiki Beach, Kailua Beach and Ala Moana Beach particularly great for kids.
• Oahu is home to some of the best family resorts in Hawaii, with programs and activities catering to children, including the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (complete with water slides) and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (allowing you to combine the magic of both Hawaii and Disney into your family holiday).
• Iconic Hawaiian experiences await, from hiking Diamond Head to watching surfers take on the waves at the North Shore.
• A well-rounded balance of amenities like shopping and medical facilities, as well as historical activities and natural attractions.

Cons

• Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most popular islands, so it tends to draw big crowds. Expect heavier traffic and busier attractions during peak travel periods.
• Oahu, and Hawaii overall, can be expensive, with higher prices for food, accommodation and activities. 

Maui

Maui is another incredibly popular Hawaiian island that is often frequented by honeymooners, but is also very family-friendly.  

Pros

• Maui is home to numerous natural attractions, including beaches, rainforests and waterfalls. Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s black-sand beach and the Road to Hana are particular highlights and great for families.
• Maui tends to be quieter than Oahu, offering a more laid-back atmosphere and less of the big-city energy.
• It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see.

Cons

• Maui’s reputation as a honeymoon hotspot means many resorts and activities cater to couples, with several adults-only accommodation options across the island.

Kauai

Known for its scenery and nature, Kauai is the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands and has been the backdrop of many movies, including Jurassic Park.

Pros 

• For families who thrive on outdoor adventure, Kauai is ideal. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel the waters of Poʻipū Beach, explore scenic trails in Kōkeʻe State Park, or soar over the island’s valleys on a zipline.
• Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai is often hailed as Hawaii’s most beautiful island, thanks to its green landscapes and natural charm.
• It’s often less busy and expensive compared to other major islands.

Cons

• Given that Kauai is less populated and quieter, it has fewer restaurants and activities than Oahu and Maui. 
• Kauai is the wettest Hawaiian island and receives the most frequent rainfall, meaning you’ll have to prepare for some potential rainy days (which may not be the best for kids). 

Big Island

The Island of Hawaii, nicknamed the Big Island, is the youngest and biggest of the Hawaiian islands. 

Pros

• The Big Island has lots of diversity, from hiking, waterfalls and the active volcano Kīlauea, making it a great spot for families to explore.
• There are several ways to immerse yourself into history and local culture, with a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park or a walk through the Hilo Farmer's Market.
• Accommodation on the Big Island can be more affordable than some of the smaller islands.

Cons

• On the Big Island, you’ll find more natural and outdoor experiences than traditional, man-made activities, which may not be what you’re looking for in your holiday. 
• Given the size of the island, you’ll definitely need a car to get around and it can mean more time in the car.

Where to stay in Hawaii

Once you’ve settled on the island you’d like to visit for your family trip to Hawaii, it’s time to think about accommodation. Hawaii is a thriving tourist destination, so there are an abundance of options to choose from, depending on your budget and the experience you want to have. 

Resorts and hotels

There are several high-end to mid-range hotels and resorts in Hawaii, many of them catering to families. Waikiki, on the island of Oahu, has several popular options.

A big plus of staying at a resort is access to amenities like kids’ clubs and pools, keeping children entertained throughout your stay. 

However, resorts and hotels can be pricier, so this is something to consider. If you’re seeking a more luxurious stay, they’re worth considering.

Home rentals

If you’d like extra space and amenities like a kitchen, consider vacation rentals in Hawaii. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to find options on your island of choice, letting you maintain a home-like routine while away.

Bed and breakfasts

For a cosier stay, consider a bed and breakfast. You’ll find plenty of welcoming options scattered across the Hawaiian islands.

When is the best time to travel to Hawaii?

For sunny, warm weather, the best time for a Hawaiian vacation is in the dry season, from April to September. However, shoulder seasons like late spring and fall often have nice weather, fewer crowds and can be more affordable.

The busiest and, in turn, most expensive times to holiday in Hawaii are during the summer months and over the Christmas and New Year period. School holidays also usually bring higher prices and more crowds, though they’re often the most practical time for families to travel.

Cost considerations for a family trip to Hawaii

The cost of a trip to Hawaii will differ from family to family, depending on your priorities and what you choose to spend and save on. However, here are the main things to consider for your vacation budget. 

Season and timing

Prices in Hawaii can vary greatly depending on when you visit. As mentioned earlier, school holidays, summer, and festive periods like Christmas are typically the most expensive times, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget.

Accommodation

Resorts and hotels in Hawaii often cost more than Airbnb or vacation rentals, especially those located near the beach. Fortunately, Hawaii offers a wide range of accommodation options, so you’re sure to find something that suits your family’s needs and budget.

Flights

Flight prices will depend on where you’re travelling from and which island you’re visiting; flying to Oahu, for example, may cost less than flying to Maui. 

Be sure to include extras like airport transfers in your budget. For the best chance at affordable fares, aim to book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead and international flights at least 3 months in advance.

If forking out for flights isn’t in your budget right now, you might like to consider Paylater Travel, which gives you the freedom to book when you need and want to.

Our innovative layaway model allows you to lock in great travel deals today, with a small deposit, and pay the remainder off in weekly instalments. Secure the best flight deals before they’re gone and enjoy flexible payment plans. 

By locking in your fare now, you spread the cost of your ticket over weeks, making each payment lighter on your wallet. And instead of worrying about when to buy your tickets, you can use this time to plan your upcoming trip.

Transport

Once you’re at your destination, you’ll also need to factor in transport around the island. For somewhere like Oahu, you may be fine to get around via bus or with ride sharing and taxis, however, you’d probably need your own vehicle on the Big Island. 

Having your own rental car is generally easier when travelling with kids, so we’d recommend exploring this before you arrive. 

Food

Food is generally more expensive in Hawaii compared to mainland America, about 30-50% more. This is for both groceries and eating out. To keep food costs under control, consider eating breakfast at your accommodation and bringing lunch with you while exploring. 

This might make staying at a vacation rental with a kitchen more appealing, allowing you to prepare and cook at home versus eating out for every meal.  

Activities 

One of the best parts about Hawaii is that many of its outdoor adventures come at little to no cost. From hiking and swimming to sightseeing, there’s plenty to enjoy without stretching your budget. Some sites charge a small fee; for instance, entry to Diamond Head on Oahu is just $5 per car.

From choosing the right island to finding family-friendly stays and activities, Hawaii allows you to plan a holiday that suits your family’s needs and wants. Start planning now and make your Hawaii family holiday one to remember.